She Threw Herself Into His Arms!

Without a doubt, what Sarutobi Asuma wanted to say to someone was a confession.

And that "someone" naturally referred to Kurenai Yuhi.

Sarutobi Asuma was obviously clever. He was using this opportunity to make Kurenai Yuhi take all these classmates into consideration and be "forced to comply."

But this time, he had underestimated Kurenai Yuhi's resolve and misjudged her feelings for him.

Kurenai Yuhi did not have even the slightest romantic feelings for him.

"Asuma, I need to think about it."

With so many classmates around, Kurenai Yuhi did not reject him immediately, sparing Sarutobi Asuma some face.

After tonight's gathering was over, she would take the initiative to make things clear to Sarutobi Asuma.

In fact, some time ago, when faced with her parents' urging, she had occasionally entertained a thought: Why not try dating Sarutobi Asuma for the sake of her parents?

After all, Sarutobi Asuma was quite good as a friend.

But after hearing that Hyuga Bin had returned to the village, and then seeing him, she immediately abandoned such an absurd idea.

"If even love can be settled for, then what meaning does life have?"

Those were words Hyuga Bin had once said, and they had also made her resolve to win him over.

And Sarutobi Asuma's confession tonight made her decide not to keep secretly loving someone any longer.

"Alright, Kurenai. I'll wait for your answer." Despite not receiving an affirmative answer in front of so many people, Sarutobi Asuma remained composed and showed no dissatisfaction whatsoever.

From this alone, Sarutobi Asuma either had exceptional self-restraint or was deeply calculating.

Either way, it meant that Sarutobi Asuma was an outstanding ninja.

Sarutobi Asuma's unanswered confession was merely an interlude in the gathering. More than ten minutes later, Kurenai Yuhi switched seats with Uchiha Obito and sat beside Hyuga Bin.

"Bin, after the gathering ends, I'll reject Asuma's confession." Kurenai Yuhi leaned close to Hyuga Bin and said softly, "Then, I have something I want to tell you later. Could you wait for me for a little while?"

[Option A: Immediately reject Kurenai Yuhi, switch seats with Hatake Kakashi beside you, and keep your distance from Kurenai Yuhi. Completion reward: Genjutsu—Hell Viewing Technique (C-rank reward).]

[Option B: Reject Kurenai Yuhi on the grounds that you are teaming up with Hatake Kakashi for a massage parlor visit. Completion reward: Water Release—Great Waterfall Technique (B-rank reward).]

[Option C: Say to Kurenai Yuhi: "Alright." Completion reward: random Attribute Points +0.1.]

"Alright." Hyuga Bin nodded without refusing.

He had no other important matters tonight anyway. Listening to Kurenai Yuhi say a few words would not delay him for long.

[Option mission completed. Water attribute +0.1.]

The gathering did not end until after nine o'clock that night.

As everyone was saying goodbye, Kurenai Yuhi stopped Sarutobi Asuma and directly gave him the answer she had considered long ago. "Asuma, I'm sorry. My answer is still the same as last time. I can't accept your confession. Please don't waste any more time or effort on me in the future."

"Why? Was there something I didn't do well enough?" Upon hearing Kurenai Yuhi's answer, Sarutobi Asuma's expression instantly collapsed.

For him at that moment, loving someone without being able to have her was the most painful thing.

"Asuma, you're very good. It's just that I've always seen you as a friend. I simply don't have any feelings of love for you. There's no possibility between us." Kurenai Yuhi spoke frankly.

"It's okay. I can keep waiting, until you fall in love with me." Sarutobi Asuma still refused to give up on Kurenai Yuhi.

"Asuma, I already have someone I like."

As Kurenai Yuhi's words fell, Sarutobi Asuma looked even more dejected. His mouth opened, but he could not say another word.

"Asuma, I'm sorry. We should see less of each other from now on."

After saying this, Kurenai Yuhi turned and left, leaving Sarutobi Asuma standing there alone in desolation.

At only twelve years old, with his scruffy beard, he looked exactly like a washed-up middle-aged man.

After rejecting Asuma, Kurenai Yuhi found Hyuga Bin, who was saying goodbye to Hatake Kakashi and the other two.

"Kurenai, you said you had something to tell me. What is it?" Hyuga Bin immediately asked Kurenai Yuhi.

He did not feel very well after drinking today, and he planned to head home early to bathe and sleep.

"Bin, can I ask you for a favor?" Instead of answering Hyuga Bin's question, Kurenai Yuhi looked at him with her big, watery eyes.

"What is it?"

"Can you walk me home? I feel a little scared walking alone at night."

Whether because she was drunk or for some other reason, Kurenai Yuhi's little face carried an intoxicating blush.

[Option A: Refuse, and mock Kurenai Yuhi. She's already so grown up, yet she's still afraid of the dark? How ridiculous. Completion reward: Wind Release—Wind Slash (C-rank reward).]

[Option B: Refuse, find Sarutobi Asuma, and have him escort Kurenai Yuhi home. Completion reward: Konoha Style Taijutsu (B-rank reward).]

[Option C: Agree to Kurenai Yuhi's request. Completion reward: random Attribute Points +0.1.]

The system was being so generous today?

Faced with another option mission from the system, Hyuga Bin was pleasantly surprised.

This was already the sixth time Hyuga Bin had triggered an option mission from the system, and three of those had been related to Kurenai Yuhi.

He even suspected that another option mission would be triggered on the way to escort Kurenai Yuhi home.

"Alright, I'll walk you home." Hyuga Bin chose C.

[Option mission completed. Stamina +0.1.]

On the quiet streets at night, Kurenai Yuhi and Hyuga Bin walked side by side.

From both sides of the street came the occasional sparse chirping of insects and birds.

All the way home, Kurenai Yuhi quietly clutched the hem of her clothes, occasionally stealing glances at Hyuga Bin.

Only when they stopped before Kurenai Yuhi's front door did Hyuga Bin halt, turn sideways, and look at her.

"We're here..."

Before he could finish speaking, Kurenai Yuhi plunged straight into his arms.