Are You Still Human??

"Who was that just now? Why do I feel like you don't really like him?"

Yamei looked at Kurenai, who was holding his hand, and asked. He also wondered if activating Magic Hand now would trigger any side effects.

"Just an annoying guy," Kurenai replied curtly, buying two skewers of dango from a nearby stall and handing one to Yamei.

"To get Kurenai to say that, he must really be detestable," Yamei chuckled.

Asuma and Kurenai graduated in Konoha year 46. Asuma was known as a rebellious youth back then and wasn't well-liked.

He even went to the Daimyo's mansion later and joined some Guardian Shinobi. His personality only changed slightly in his middle age, after which he returned to Konoha.

Upon his return, he actually started pursuing Kurenai. But with him around, Asuma's chances of success in this lifetime were slim.

Moreover, in the original timeline, that guy wasn't a good person either. He even got someone pregnant before marriage and ended up dying.

Poor Kurenai, left alone with a child. Fortunately, he was here now.

As they were eating the dango, Asuma caught up to them. He stammered, "Kurenai, uh... you have the day off today too."

Kurenai's gaze fell on Asuma, then on the cigarette he had in his mouth. She frowned slightly and asked, "Mhm, is there something you need?"

Noticing Kurenai's look, Asuma quickly put out his cigarette and scratched his head awkwardly.

"Ahem... it's nothing major. I was just wondering if you have time this afternoon, Kurenai. I'd like to treat you to a meal..."

"Thank you for the offer, but let's skip the meal. I still need to take my little brother out to play," Kurenai said, pulling Yamei, who was watching the scene unfold.

It was only then that Asuma noticed the little boy beside Kurenai.

"Oh, you must be Hyakawa Yamei, the one Kurenai often talks about. You're so cute."

Yamei smiled, extended his hand, and said with a grin, "Hello, it's nice to meet you."

Asuma was taken aback by the outstretched hand and quickly reached out to shake Yamei's.

"Haha, my name is Asuma. You can call me Brother Asuma."

Brother Asuma, how shameless.

Yamei thought to himself, but his expression remained unchanged. At the same time, he silently willed, Magic Hand!

[Materials Acquired: Fire Release Nature Transformation, Wind Release Nature Transformation, Chakra * 1.]
[Petty Theft triggered. Congratulations on obtaining half a box of Asuma's brand of cigarettes...]

Yamei's expression was strange. This was his first time triggering Petty Theft...

But... why cigarettes?!

And half a box at that?

He let go of Asuma's hand, and suddenly half a box of cigarettes appeared in Yamei's hand.

Kurenai, who had been watching them, was stunned. She looked up at Asuma in disbelief.

Seeing Kurenai looking at him, Asuma thought she had changed her mind and was about to accept his invitation. He was feeling happy when Kurenai's angry voice rang out.

"Asuma! Are you even human anymore!?"

"It's bad enough you're a bad influence, but you're trying to corrupt my little brother too!?"

Kurenai snatched the cigarettes from Yamei's hand and threw them forcefully at Asuma.

"Ah!?"

Asuma stared blankly as he caught the half box of cigarettes, completely bewildered.

"I really misjudged you. I thought you had changed a lot after returning to the village, but I never expected you to still be such a scoundrel!"

"Yamei, let's go! Stay away from people like him in the future!"

With that, Kurenai angrily pulled Yamei away.

"Kurenai... you... listen to me, I didn't give these to Yamei!"

Asuma reached out, trying to stop them, but found his efforts futile.

A gloomy atmosphere enveloped Asuma, and the people around him unconsciously moved away.

Looking at the cigarettes in his hand, Asuma's CPU was overloaded. He couldn't understand how the cigarettes he had in his pocket ended up in Yamei's hand.

He bitterly pulled a cigarette from the box and lit it.

After taking just two puffs, he suddenly realized that this box of cigarettes was the reason for his failure! Anger surged within him.

"Tch!"

He angrily threw the cigarette on the ground and stomped on it twice before gloomily walking away.

"Yamei, remember to stay away from that guy in the future. Don't learn bad things from him."

Kurenai advised as they walked.

"Mhm, I'll listen to you, Kurenai."

Yamei smiled and nodded, inwardly delighted. As expected of Asuma, his first use of Magic Hand had provided him with three materials.

The drop rate was so high, it made him want to chase after him again and get to know him better.

"Just be good and listen. Let's go... I'll buy you two new outfits. The ones from this year are getting a bit small."

The two strolled down the street, already carrying several bags of various sizes.

Seeing that it was getting late, they decided to head back.

On the way back, Yamei's eyes lit up. He handed his things to Kurenai. "Kurenai, wait for me here for a moment. I'm going to buy something."

"What do you want to buy? I'll go with you..."

Before Kurenai could finish speaking, she saw Yamei already running off alone.

"This guy! So impulsive!"

Yamei jogged into a flower shop. As soon as he entered, a beautiful woman with red eyes and her hair tied up greeted him. "Welcome to the Yamanaka Flower Shop. Do you have any flowers you like, sir?"

Hearing Mrs. Yamanaka's introduction, Yamei immediately understood that he had come to Yamanaka Ino's family flower shop!

However, it seemed Ino wasn't at the shop.

"Excuse me, ma'am, I'd like a bellflower and a yellow rose."

"Certainly, please wait a moment, sir." Mrs. Yamanaka smiled and went to the back to prepare the order.

"Mom, Mom! I found such a beautiful deep red rose!"

Suddenly, a young, clear voice rang out. Yamei followed the sound and saw a little girl with blond hair run in.

"Huh... Who are you?"

"Hello, my name is Hyakawa Yamei. I'm here to buy some flowers."

Yamei smiled at the young Ino in front of him. Ino hadn't tied her hair in a high ponytail yet, and her dazed expression was so cute.

?(Yamanaka Ino.jpg)

Looking at Yamei's sunny smile, Ino couldn't help but stare, murmuring dreamily, "So handsome... so warm..."

"Hello?" Yamei waved his hand in front of Ino.

"Ah! You... Hello, my name is Yamanaka Ino!"

Ino's face turned slightly red. Shyly, she reached out and shook Yamei's hand.

Magic Hand!

[Acquired Materials: Yin Release Nature Transformation, Secret Technique: Sensory Perception.]

"Two materials... and one of them is a secret technique? Not bad."

Yamei nodded with satisfaction. He then saw Ino holding the rose in front of him. "Nice to meet you. I'll give you this rose."

He reached out and took the rose, smiling. "Ino, do you know what the language of deep red roses is?"

"Huh? Flowers have languages?" Ino didn't quite understand.

"Yes, they do. Every flower has its own language, and the language of deep red roses is: 'I only want to be with you.'"

Ino's face instantly turned bright red. She waved her hands frantically, "I... I didn't mean it like that... I..."

"Hahaha, you're so cute. Thank you for the flower, I really like it." Yamei sniffed the fragrance.

"You... I'm glad you like it."

Ino lowered her head, not daring to look up.

"Sir, your flowers are ready." At this moment, Mrs. Yamanaka came out with two bouquets of flowers.