In Asuma's lounge.
As Anko ate dango, she laughed. "Asuma, don't lose too embarrassingly!"
Asuma immediately complained, "You guys have way too little faith in me!"
Kurenai glanced at Asuma and said evenly, "Don't be nervous. It wouldn't be strange even if you lost. Your opponent is the God Organization's real 'Flame Demon,' after all. No one will laugh at you."
"Hey, do you have to discourage me like this?"
Asuma was speechless.
Hayate hurried forward to smooth things over. "Asuma-senpai, be careful of his genjutsu."
"Don't worry, I've already undergone the appropriate training under the old man's supervision." After a pause, Asuma said confidently, "So I should still have a chance in this match!"
Yugao suddenly asked, "Itachi won't use the Totsuka Blade, will he?"
"Uh..." Asuma, who had been brimming with confidence just moments ago, froze. Worried, he said, "N-No way, right?"
Throwing the skewer in her hand into the trash, Anko chewed on her dango and said, "Relax. If he uses a divine weapon in an occasion like this, wouldn't that be way too shameless?"
"Y-Yeah, you're right!"
Asuma wiped the fine sweat from his forehead.
Anko continued, "But the rules don't prohibit divine weapons or summoning beasts, so we can't rule out the possibility that he'll really use the Totsuka Blade. Anyway... be careful!"
Asuma said with a pained expression, "The old man really gave me a tough problem!"
With that, Asuma gathered his courage and walked up to Kurenai. "Kurenai, no matter what happens, I'll do my best! If... if I win, can you agree to go out with me?"
Hearing Asuma's blunt confession, Anko, Hayate, Yugao, Genma, Ibiki, and the others all began exchanging suggestive looks.
Kurenai glanced at Asuma and nodded.
"Great!"
Asuma clenched his fist, ecstasy spreading across his face.
Just then,