[Stabbed In!]

Without a doubt, Sarutobi Asuma's words were meant as a confession to one person.

And that "one person" naturally referred to Kurenai Yuhi.

Sarutobi Asuma was clearly very intelligent; he was using this opportunity to make Kurenai Yuhi, with so many classmates present, "forced to comply."

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

Kurenai Yuhi had no trace of romantic love for him.

"Asuma, I need to think about it."

Considering the presence of so many classmates, Kurenai Yuhi didn't refuse him outright, giving Sarutobi Asuma face.

After the party ended tonight, she would proactively explain things to Sarutobi Asuma.

In fact, a while ago, when her parents were urging her, she had occasionally had a fleeting thought: why not try dating Sarutobi Asuma for her parents' sake?

After all, Sarutobi Asuma was a pretty good friend.

But upon hearing the news of Hyuga Bin's return to the village, and after seeing Hyuga Bin, she immediately abandoned such a ridiculous idea.

"If even love can be settled for, then what's the point of life?"

That was a sentence Hyuga Bin had said, and it made her determined to win Hyuga Bin over.

Asuma's confession tonight also solidified her decision to stop harboring a secret crush.

"Alright, Kurenai, I'll wait for your answer." Not receiving a definite reply in front of so many people, Sarutobi Asuma maintained his composure, showing no dissatisfaction.

In this regard, Sarutobi Asuma either had excellent upbringing or was very calculating.

Either way, it meant Sarutobi Asuma was an excellent ninja.

Sarutobi Asuma's confession going unanswered was merely an interlude at the party. About ten minutes later, Kurenai Yuhi switched seats with Uchiha Obito and sat down next to Hyuga Bin.

"Bin, I'll reject Asuma's confession after the party," Kurenai Yuhi said softly, leaning closer to Hyuga Bin. "Also, I have something I want to tell you later. Can you wait for me for a bit?"

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

[Option B: Reject Kurenai Yuhi by claiming you and Hatake Kakashi are forming a team to go to a bathhouse. Completion Reward: Water Release - Great Waterfall Technique (B-rank reward).]

[Option C: Say to Kurenai Yuhi: "Okay." Completion Reward: Random Attribute Points +0.1.]

"Okay." Hyuga Bin nodded, not refusing.

He had no other important matters tonight, and Kurenai Yuhi speaking to him for a bit wouldn't take too long.

[Option Mission Complete. Water Attribute +0.1.]

The party ended around nine in the evening.

As they were bidding farewell, Kurenai Yuhi called out to Sarutobi Asuma and directly gave her pre-considered answer: "Asuma, I'm sorry, it's the same answer as last time. I can't accept your confession. Please don't waste any more time and energy on me in the future."

"Why? Did I not do something well enough?" Hearing Kurenai Yuhi's answer, Sarutobi Asuma's expression instantly fell.

For him at this moment, liking someone but not being able to have them was the most painful thing.

"Asuma, you're a good person, but I've always seen you as a friend. I don't have any romantic feelings for you at all. It's impossible between us," Kurenai Yuhi stated frankly.

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

"Asuma, I like someone else."

As Kurenai Yuhi finished speaking, Sarutobi Asuma's expression became even more dejected. He opened his mouth but couldn't utter a single word.

"Asuma, I'm sorry. Let's have less contact from now on."

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

At only twelve years old, with a stubbled chin, he looked remarkably like a decadent old man.

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

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

He had drunk some alcohol today and wasn't feeling very comfortable; he planned to go home early to shower and sleep.

"Bin, can I trouble you with something?" Kurenai Yuhi didn't answer Hyuga Bin's question, instead looking at him with her large, clear eyes.

"What is it?"

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

Whether it was due to drinking or some other reason, Kurenai Yuhi's small face had a captivating flush.

[Option A: Refuse and mock Kurenai Yuhi, saying it's ridiculous for a grown person to be afraid of the dark. Completion Reward: Wind Release - Wind Slash (C-rank reward).]

[Option B: Refuse and find Sarutobi Asuma, asking him to 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.]

Is the system this generous today?

Facing the system's option mission again, Hyuga Bin was pleasantly surprised.

This was the sixth time Hyuga Bin had triggered a system option mission, and three of those were related to Kurenai Yuhi.

He even suspected that he would trigger another option mission on the way back to Kurenai Yuhi's home.

"Okay, I'll take you home then." Hyuga Bin had chosen option C.

[Option Mission Complete, Stamina +0.1.]

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

On both sides of the street, the occasional sparse chirping of insects and birds could be heard.

On the way home, Kurenai Yuhi was very quiet, fiddling with the corner of her clothes, and occasionally stealing glances at Hyuga Bin.

Until they stopped in front of the gate of Kurenai Yuhi's house, Hyuga Bin stopped walking and turned to look at Kurenai Yuhi:

"We're here..."

Before he could finish speaking, Kurenai Yuhi threw herself into his arms.