"Thanks, Beizawa."
Kurenai Yuhi put away the scroll and said, "I'll make sure to study it carefully when I get back."
"Want a lollipop?"
Beizawa casually opened the snack pack and asked.
"Is it really appropriate for someone my age to eat lollipops?"
Kurenai Yuhi could not help but laugh.
"It's a little childish for kids, but just right for adults."
Beizawa unwrapped a lollipop and brought it to her lips.
"You're still as amusing as ever."
Kurenai Yuhi parted her soft lips and bit down on the lollipop.
"How does it taste?"
Beizawa took out a second lollipop and put it into his mouth.
"Very sweet."
Kurenai Yuhi narrowed her eyes and asked, "Why do you carry snacks around with you?"
"They're rewards for the students."
Beizawa explained casually, "That way, it can motivate them to study."
Kurenai Yuhi thought of Yakumo Kurama.
But... there was no need for that, since she was the young lady of the Kurama Clan. She lacked neither money nor snacks.
"What do you want for dinner tonight?"
Kurenai Yuhi licked the lollipop with her pink tongue and said, "It's on me, so don't hold back."
"Then let's have barbecue."
Beizawa gave it some thought before answering.
"Sure."
Kurenai Yuhi nodded, then a nostalgic look appeared on her face. "The last time I had barbecue was during the Chunin Ninja Exams, when everyone was together."
By everyone, she meant Kakashi Hatake, Obito Uchiha, Rin Nohara, Asuma Sarutobi, and the others.
But unfortunately, only a handful of them remained now.
"Why are you suddenly reminiscing about the past?"
Beizawa raised an eyebrow and said, "Reminiscing about the past makes people grow old."
"Are you an idiot?"
Kurenai Yuhi rolled her eyes at him. "Getting old is a topic women cannot even touch."
"Sorry."
Beizawa said with a smile.
He knew Kurenai Yuhi was not angry. This was merely friendly banter.
"Have you seen Kakashi recently? How is he doing?"
Kurenai Yuhi asked as they walked.
"I saw him once last month."
Beizawa replied, "He's still the same, looking lifeless as ever."
It was no exaggeration to say that his class was filled with legendary figures.
Kakashi Hatake, a genius who became a Jonin at only twelve years old.
But he was cursed with a lonely fate. His father died, his teammates died, his teacher died, and in the end, he shut himself away.
Obito Uchiha, whose tears could not be hidden even by Kamui. He fell to darkness for Rin Nohara and sought to create a world with Rin in it.
He killed his teacher, assisted Itachi Uchiha in annihilating his own clan, then later became Madara Uchiha and sought to destroy the shinobi world.
Besides them, there was Might Guy, who nearly kicked the story straight to its ending with one kick, as well as Asuma Sarutobi, the Third Hokage's son, and others.
"I wonder when he'll finally be able to step out of the shadows."
Kurenai Yuhi fell silent for a few seconds before speaking.
"What about Asuma?"
Beizawa changed the subject. "Does he still keep in touch with you?"
"I get a letter from him every few days."
Kurenai Yuhi curled her lips.
Beizawa keenly sensed a trace of impatience.
In the original story, Asuma Sarutobi had always pursued Kurenai Yuhi and finally won her over before the Fourth Shinobi World War.
But that was roughly ten years away, so they were not together yet.
"He's quite persistent."
Beizawa smiled. "Even in the Metropolis of the Land of Fire, he hasn't forgotten about you."
After the Third Shinobi World War ended, Asuma Sarutobi had gone to the Land of Fire out of rebellion and become a Guardian Ninja.
Guardian Ninja were shinobi guards responsible for protecting the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.
Though the original story never stated exactly when he returned to the village, it was most likely the year Naruto Uzumaki and the others graduated.
After returning to the village, he became the team leader for Shikamaru Nara, Choji Akimichi, and Ino Yamanaka.
"Forget it. Let's not talk about that. How many drinks are you planning to have tonight?"
Kurenai Yuhi crossed her hands and stretched out her fair arms as she asked.
"I'll risk my life to keep a beautiful woman company."
Beizawa could not help smiling as he looked at her graceful figure.
He had never had any thoughts about Kurenai Yuhi before. It was not because he was devoted to pure love, but because he had been too weak and only wanted to stay alive.
But now that he had the system, he no longer needed to worry about his strength.
He was a kindhearted person. He could not bear to see Kurenai Yuhi become a widow.
Ahem, ahem.
At present, Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yuhi were merely pursuer and pursued. They were not particularly close.
He was only competing fairly.
"Really?"
Kurenai Yuhi said with a sweet smile, "You still have time to regret it."
"Then please go easy on me."
Beizawa said, following his instincts without hesitation.
"Since you helped me, I'll let you off this time."
Kurenai Yuhi waved her hand and spoke generously.
As they spoke, the two entered the barbecue restaurant.
"Try my cooking today."
After sitting down, Beizawa took the initiative to start grilling the meat.
"There's something I've always wanted to ask you."
Kurenai Yuhi picked up the sake flask, poured two cups, and asked, "Why did you become a teacher?"
In the shinobi world, the most respected profession was naturally that of a ninja, especially powerful ninja.
Being a Ninja Academy teacher was not particularly glorious.
In the minds of many ninja, only mediocre Chunin would become Ninja Academy teachers.
"Just because I felt like it."
Beizawa answered casually.
"Is that so?"
Kurenai Yuhi nodded. "But you really are suited to being a teacher."
"Have you been working as a private tutor this whole time?"
Beizawa flipped the pork belly over, and the rich aroma of meat spread through the air.
"Mm."
Kurenai Yuhi paused before saying, "But if the village has missions, I still have to carry them out."
Other than Ninja Academy teachers, all ninja had to complete missions regularly.
Of course, Konoha's higher-ups had the freedom to choose.
Take Tsunade, for example.
After developing Hemophobia, she had spent all her time wandering the shinobi world and gambling, even taking Shizune with her.
Yet even though she did not return to the village or take missions, Konoha could do nothing about her.
Jiraiya was similar.
"Come find me whenever you have time."
Beizawa chuckled, thinking of Yakumo Kurama's mission. "I can also help teach that student of yours."
According to the original plot, Kurenai Yuhi would only resolve Yakumo Kurama's problem years later with the help of Naruto Uzumaki and the others.
"Then I'll be relying on you, Beizawa."
Kurenai Yuhi did not refuse.
"Then it's settled. Come find me whenever you run into a problem."
Beizawa raised his cup.
Whether he could complete the mission depended on this attempt.
Kurenai Yuhi froze for a moment. Looking at his sincere expression, a strange feeling flashed through her heart.
She felt that Beizawa's attitude toward her today was somewhat different.
Could it be...? Kurenai Yuhi quickly cast the thought aside.
Because it did not fit the Beizawa she knew.
In her eyes, Beizawa was gentle toward everyone, yet despite his looks, he did not have a girlfriend. That meant he had no interest in such things at all.
"Cheers!"
Kurenai Yuhi raised her cup, clinked it against his, and drained it in one gulp.
Before you continue