There really wasn't time for anything else.
"Asuma, you're strong. I just had the advantage of Fire Release countering Wind Release.
Otherwise, the outcome might have been different.
I think we have a good chance at the Chūnin Exams. Let's all go together....Red's genjutsu is ready too."
Raizen turned to Asuma.
The five elemental natures had mutual generation and overcoming relationships.
Fire Release naturally countered Wind Release.
This was different from the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.
Those were mostly used in sealing techniques in the ninja world.
For example, Orochimaru's "Five Elements Seal" used metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. It was a dual "Four Symbols Seal" (or "Eight Trigrams Seal") placed on Naruto to disrupt Minato's work.
"Participate in the Chūnin Exams?"
Sarutobi Asuma rubbed his slightly swollen hand.
"That's right."
Raizen nodded.
As long as this second prince agreed, their team leader Mizunashi Yūki wouldn't dare hold them back.
"Well…"
Having lost face in front of Kurenai, Asuma now had a way out.
He cleared his throat and said,
"It depends on what Red thinks."
Asuma actually wanted to take the Chūnin Exams early.
He wanted to make a name for himself quickly—prove he was more than just the Hokage's son.
He had his own name: Asuma!
But it depended on whether Kurenai wanted to participate.
If she didn't want to take this exam, he was willing to wait for the next one.
"Since… since Raizen said so too, then let's do it."
Kurenai spoke, her small lips exhaling white mist in the cold winter air.
"Red, why do you agree just because Raizen says so? Do you care that much about his opinion?"
Asuma said, feeling jealous.
He clenched his fists, suddenly feeling exhausted.
He had worked so hard in front of her, yet couldn't even earn a single glance?
Was his childhood friend destined to lose to this newcomer, Raizen?
"N-No, it's not like that…"
Kurenai's red eyes seemed to grow even redder. Even her earlobes flushed slightly.
She was bold and forthright, but she wasn't good at handling situations like this.
Especially when facing the increasingly tall and resolute Raizen.
"Because Raizen looks the strongest. If he agrees, our team's chances of passing are much higher."
"Red, you're absolutely right."
Asuma breathed a sigh of relief.
He had been overthinking it.
His childhood friend still had him in her heart.
Watching their interaction, Raizen's lips curved into an amused smile.
Kurenai wasn't the type to fall easily. She wouldn't simply like him just like that.
But a bit of goodwill? Raizen believed he had that.
Still, this was too plain.
Traditional love stories didn't interest him.
Of course, it wasn't about being cuckolded.
He preferred to cuckold others.
What he enjoyed was the expression of a woman's downfall and the helpless despair of the betrayed party…
Compared to the original story's ending, Asuma and Kurenai's future had already been derailed—heading toward a different path.
Wasn't that a form of cuckolding?
The more he saw Asuma breathe a sigh of relief, shoulders relaxing as he thought he still had a chance, the more Raizen felt a faint heat stirring in both eyes.
His ocular power increased again.
The upper limit of his chakra bottleneck was nudged upward by this slight rise in ocular power.
Yes—this was the taste he craved.
After talking a bit more, the three went to a dango shop for a meal. Raizen excused himself first.
He bought a basket of apples on the bustling street as a small gift.
During this time, he had visited Konoha Hospital frequently.
Yakushi Nonou had dedicated a lot of time to teaching him medical ninjutsu.
A small gesture like this highlighted his innocence and gratitude.
Women loved that kind of thing.
Raizen believed even Yakushi Nonou, who liked children, wasn't immune.
…
Konoha Hospital.
"Teacher Nonou, this is a small gift."
Raizen set down the basket of apples.
"Little Raizen, you didn't have to."
A surprised smile appeared on Yakushi Nonou's saintly face. She hadn't expected Raizen to be so polite.
Especially for an orphan like him—how much effort must he have put into learning these social graces?
Looking at Raizen, Nonou's gaze softened with pity.
What a pitiful child.
"Come, sit. I have something to tell you."
Nonou beckoned him over.
Once Raizen sat beside her, she began to speak.
Elsewhere in Konoha Hospital.
"Rin, well done. How about joining us after graduation?"
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