Kazuma lay sprawled on the ground, covered in dirt and utterly disheveled. He desperately tried to push himself up, only to find his limbs completely numb, unable to move even a finger.
Struggling to lift his head, he glared fiercely at Shinji, gritting his teeth as he growled, "You despicable bastard!"
He couldn't accept it.
He had intended to showcase his skills in this match, but instead ended up in such a humiliating state. No matter what, he couldn't come to terms with it.
"Enough, Kazuma."
Chiriku, unable to bear watching any longer, stepped forward to help him up, saying solemnly, "You've already lost."
He lowered his voice to remind him, "He's from the Uchiha Clan, and he didn't even use the Sharingan just now."
"Uchiha."
Kazuma froze abruptly.
He had originally assumed Shinji was just a follower by Asuma's side, never expecting the other to be a member of the Uchiha Clan.
"He didn't even use his full strength?"
He muttered to himself, his face instantly turning pale as he looked blankly at Chiriku beside him.
At that moment, Kazuma felt like nothing more than a clown seeking attention.
Shinji sheathed his short sword behind his back and walked calmly back to Asuma and Kurenai, raising a hand in a relaxed victory gesture.
"I won."
Asuma lightly punched his shoulder, smiling. "You finished it so cleanly. You've gotten stronger again, haven't you?"
Kurenai Yuhi looked at him, her eyes filled with warmth. "I knew you'd win."
On the other side, Chukaku, the head monk of the Fire Temple, wore a face full of remorse as he bowed apologetically to Tsunade. "I'm sorry, Lady Tsunade. For such a thing to happen in our temple is truly embarrassing."
Tsunade casually waved her hand. "It's fine. It was just a spar."
Her gaze fell on Shinji, and she gave a slight nod.
That move earlier was clearly the Chakra Scalpel.
During their first meeting, this kid had mentioned he was studying Medical Ninjutsu. She hadn't believed it at the time—why would someone from the Uchiha Clan delve into Medical Ninjutsu?
Now, it seemed he truly had some skill.
"This Uchiha kid is quite interesting."
Tsunade rubbed her chin, her interest in Shinji growing a bit more.
However, she didn't dwell on it further. They still had to stay at the Fire Temple for the night.
She discreetly patted her pocket, which was stuffed with two million in cash, and couldn't help but curl her lips into a smile.
Once they reached the capital of the Land of Fire, she was definitely going to have a good gambling session.
Oh, and she absolutely couldn't let Shizune find out.
...
Night.
The rear hall of the temple.
"Lady Tsunade, please have some restraint," Shizune pleaded helplessly. "This is a temple. You can't drink here."
But Tsunade simply picked up her cup and downed it in one go. As she moved, the ample curves of her chest swayed with breathtaking intensity.
"Ah—!"
She set the cup down and let out a sigh of utter satisfaction.
"You're so naggy, Shizune. No one will notice."
That nobleman, Enichihiko, was quite considerate, actually sending her alcohol. Tsunade grinned, ready to pour another cup.
Shizune instinctively glanced at Tsunade's figure, then looked down at her own, instantly feeling utterly defeated.
She suddenly slapped her forehead, as if remembering something, and quickly pulled out a prescription from her robe.
"Lady Tsunade, could you take a look at this prescription for me?"
"Hmm?" Tsunade took the prescription, puzzled, and unfolded it. Her expression abruptly stiffened. "This prescription?"
She frowned sharply and looked up at Shizune. "Where did you get this?"
"From Shinji," Shizune replied, confused. "Lady Tsunade, is there something wrong with this prescription?"
"That kid again?"
Tsunade's mind flashed with Shinji's image, and she slowly nodded.
"This prescription has side effects."
"The side effects are..."
Before she could finish, the entire guest room violently shook.
"Boom—!"
Tsunade's eyes sharpened. She casually tucked the prescription into her robe, dashed out in a flash, and called out in a low voice:
"Shizune, let's go! Something's happened at the Fire Temple!"
"Yes!"
Shizune immediately followed.
...
Shinji was assigned to an ordinary guest room.
The room wasn't large, with light gray tatami mats covering the floor. The air carried a faint scent of mugwort and incense, creating a soothing atmosphere.
This was the room he shared with Asuma, but Asuma was nowhere to be found.
Alone, he lay sprawled on the table, bored, and yawned. Deciding to get up, he left the room and knocked on the door next door.
"Who is it?" Kurenai's voice came from inside.
"It's me," Shinji replied. "Kurenai, want to go out for a stroll?"
Footsteps approached, and the wooden door was gently pulled open.
Kurenai Yuhi's cheeks were slightly flushed, her hair still damp. A pleasant, clean scent of soap wafted into Shinji's nostrils.
"You just finished bathing?" Shinji asked with a smile.
Kurenai shot him a reproachful look. "You knew and still asked!"
"Perfect timing, I wanted to go for a walk too."
She stepped forward, gently took Shinji's hand, and led him outside, unable to hide the smile at the corner of her mouth. Clearly, she was delighted by his invitation.
The two left the back hall and quietly climbed onto the nearby rooftop, sitting down side by side.
"So beautiful!"
Kurenai looked up at the night sky.
Tonight was cloudless, with a bright moon hanging high in the sky. Its clear light bathed the ancient temple in a soft, silvery glow. The stars were vivid and bright, scattered across the entire dark expanse.
Shinji quietly reached out and took Kurenai's small hand.
Kurenai gave him a sidelong glance but didn't pull away.
"Kurenai, how's your Genjutsu training been lately?"
"I've made some progress, but I still can't beat you."
"Well, I do have the innate advantage of the Sharingan. Don't rush it."
"Hmph!"
They chatted and laughed until a night breeze swept over them, causing Kurenai to shiver slightly.
Shinji inwardly rejoiced: The opportunity has come.
He opened his arms and said gently, "Kurenai, come sit a little closer. It'll be warmer if we're near each other."
Kurenai's cheeks flushed. She saw right through him. "Shinji, did you plan this all along?"
Shinji quickly shook his head, putting on a serious face. "How could I!"
"Tch." Kurenai scoffed lightly. "I think you did."
She glanced around to make sure no one was nearby, then, blushing, slowly inched closer. As soon as she was near him, warmth enveloped her entire body.
Shinji gently wrapped his arm around her waist, looked down at her, and spoke in a very soft voice:
"This wasn't planned. I just... fell under your Genjutsu."
Kurenai's heart suddenly raced as she gazed into Shinji's eyes.
Shinji slowly raised his hand and gently brushed her soft lips.
The sensation was even finer than the highest quality silk.
He slowly lowered his head, drawing closer bit by bit.
Kurenai tightly clutched her collar, knowing what was about to happen. She didn't shy away, instead slowly closing her eyes.
After all, they had already kissed once. One more time wouldn't be a big deal.
"Boom—!"
Just a little more.
Shinji nearly went mad with frustration in that instant.
Kurenai Yuhi immediately pushed him away, her expression tensing. "Something's happened!"
She looked toward the direction of the loud noise. "It's coming from the main hall!"
Seeing Shinji's furious yet helpless expression, Kurenai couldn't help but blush, secretly thinking that this guy was actually quite cute.
She reached out and gently pinched his waist. "Go check it out. At worst… at worst, we can continue next time…"
Kurenai lowered her head, too embarrassed to finish her sentence, but the meaning was clear enough.
Shinji also understood the urgency of the situation and could only nod gloomily. "Kurenai, you said it yourself!"
Kurenai Yuhi shot him an annoyed yet shy glare.
The two immediately stood up and rushed toward the main hall.
Upon arriving at the main hall, Shinji's pupils slightly contracted.
Standing amidst the ruins was a figure with white hair, red eyes, and bandages wrapped all over its body, cackling wildly.
Shinji froze on the spot, thinking to himself, "Isn't that Hiruko? Why is he here?"
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