"Thanks, Kitazawa." Yuhi Kurenai put away the scroll and said, "I'll study it carefully when I get back."
"Want a lollipop?" Kitazawa asked, opening the snack gift bag.
"Is it appropriate for someone my age to eat a lollipop?" Yuhi Kurenai couldn't help but laugh.
"It might seem childish for kids, but it's perfect for adults." Kitazawa peeled the lollipop and brought it to her mouth.
"You still say the most interesting things." Yuhi Kurenai opened her soft lips and bit the lollipop.
"How is it?" Kitazawa took out a second lollipop and popped it into his own mouth.
"Very sweet." Yuhi Kurenai asked, eyes narrowing slightly, "Why do you carry snacks with you?"
"They're for the students." Kitazawa replied casually, "It helps motivate them."
Yuhi Kurenai thought of Kurama Yakumo. But… she didn't need such things. As the eldest daughter of the Kurama clan, she lacked neither money nor sweets.
"What do you want for dinner?" Yuhi Kurenai licked the lollipop with her pink tongue and said, "My treat, so don't hold back."
"Then let's have a barbecue." Kitazawa thought for a moment and replied.
"Alright." Yuhi Kurenai nodded, her eyes filled with nostalgia. "The last time we had barbecue was during the Chunin Exams—everyone was there."
'Everyone' referred to Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Obito, Nohara Rin, and Sarutobi Asuma. Unfortunately, only a few of them were still around.
"Why the sudden nostalgia?" Kitazawa raised his brows. "You know missing the past only makes you older."
"Are you dumb?" Yuhi Kurenai rolled her eyes at him. "Aging is the last thing a woman wants to talk about."
"Sorry." Kitazawa smiled. He knew she wasn't angry—it was just friendly banter between them.
"Seen Kakashi lately? How is he?" Yuhi Kurenai asked as they walked.
"I saw him once last month." Kitazawa replied, "Still the same—lifeless."
His former class was full of legends. Hatake Kakashi, a genius who became a Jonin at twelve.
But born under a lonely star—his father, teammates, and sensei all died. He eventually closed himself off.
Uchiha Obito, despite his divine power, couldn't contain his grief. For Rin, he turned evil, trying to create a world where she still lived. He killed his own teacher, helped Itachi destroy their clan, and later became Uchiha Madara to threaten the entire ninja world.
Then there was Might Guy, who almost kicked out the series finale, and Asuma Sarutobi, son of the Third Hokage.
"I wonder when he'll get over it..." Yuhi Kurenai fell silent for a few seconds.
"What about Asuma?" Kitazawa changed the subject. "Is he still in touch?"
"He writes every few days." Yuhi Kurenai pouted.
Kitazawa immediately noticed a hint of impatience. In the original story, Asuma persistently pursued Kurenai, and only during the Fourth Ninja War did they become a couple.
But it had been nearly ten years—and still, nothing definitive.
"He's pretty persistent." Kitazawa smiled. "Even in the capital of the Land of Fire, he hasn't forgotten you."
After the Third Ninja War, rebellious Asuma left the village to become a Guardian Ninja—assigned to protect the daimyo of the Land of Fire.
The original timeline doesn't specify when he returned, but it was likely around the time Naruto and his friends graduated. He became the leader of Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji, and Yamanaka Ino.
"Forget it, let's not talk about him. How many drinks are you planning to have tonight?" Kurenai Yuhi crossed her arms and stretched out her pale arms.
"I'll risk my life for a beauty." Kitazawa smiled, eyeing her graceful figure.
He hadn't thought about Kurenai romantically before—not because he was some pure-hearted hero, but because he was weak and focused only on survival.
But now, with the system, strength was no longer an issue. He was too kind to let Kurenai become a widow.
Cough.
At the moment, the relationship between Kurenai and Asuma was still just pursuer and pursued—not too serious. He was simply competing fairly.
"Really?" Kurenai laughed. "You still have time to back out."
"Then go easy on me," Kitazawa replied sincerely.
"Since you helped me today, I'll spare you." Yuhi Kurenai waved generously.
With that, the two entered the barbecue restaurant.
"Try my cooking today," Kitazawa said as he sat down and took charge of the grill.
"I've always had a question for you." Yuhi Kurenai picked up the sake jug, poured two cups, and asked, "Why did you become a teacher?"
In the ninja world, the most respected role is that of a ninja—especially a powerful one. Being a teacher at the Ninja Academy isn't considered glamorous.
To many, it's a fallback for mid-level ninjas without much potential.
"It's just my interest," Kitazawa replied casually.
"Is that so?" Yuhi Kurenai nodded. "But you really are suited for it."
"Still working as a tutor?" Kitazawa flipped the pork belly. A rich aroma filled the air.
"Yeah." Kurenai paused. "But I still take on village missions."
Aside from full-time academy instructors, all ninjas were expected to complete missions. Of course, Konoha's top brass had more freedom.
Take Tsunade, for example. After developing hemophobia, she wandered the world gambling—and dragged Shizune along with her.
She didn't return, didn't take missions, yet Konoha couldn't do a thing. Same with Jiraiya.
"Come see me when you're free." Kitazawa grinned, thinking of Kurama Yakumo. "I can help teach that student too."
In the original plot, it took years—and Naruto's help—for Kurenai to resolve Yakumo's issue.
"That's kind of you, Kitazawa." Kurenai didn't refuse.
"Then it's settled. Come to me if you run into problems." Kitazawa raised his glass. Whether or not he could complete the task hinged on this.
Kurenai blinked, watching his sincere expression. A strange feeling stirred in her heart. Something about Kitazawa seemed different today.
Could it be...? She quickly dismissed the thought. That didn't match her impression of him.
Kitazawa was always gentle with everyone. And with his looks, if he didn't have a girlfriend, it probably meant he wasn't interested in relationships.
"Cheers!" Yuhi Kurenai picked up her glass, clinked it with his, and downed it in one go.