A matter of bad manners

"Asuma."

Kurenai Yuhi stared blankly at Asuma, watching as that figure turned and left without looking back.

This time, Kurenai Yuhi had no intention of chasing after him, because Asuma was making her lower her head, her face pale and gloomy.

Yang Xing glanced at Kurenai Yuhi's face, sighed slightly, and took the lead in walking towards a certain place. "Alright, we should go back too. Asuma will definitely go back and report to the teacher."

Looking up, seeing the small figure, a complex expression flashed across Kurenai Yuhi's face. Hearing the words, her eyes lit up as she nodded. "Yes!"

The two left and headed towards the nearby fields.

Little did they know that Asuma, hiding in a corner, was watching the two figures with a furrowed brow and clenched teeth, remaining silent.

The task of eliminating pests in the fields was a complete success. Although there was a small hiccup in the middle, it did not affect the continuation of the task.

After being criticized by Sanada, Asuma and Kurenai Yuhi both looked apologetic.

Now, nearing afternoon, with their tasks completed, everyone was heading home to find their own mothers.

Yang Xing was originally thinking about whether he should go find Rin Nohara that night, or rather, seek help from the Inuzuka Clan to resolve some issues.

Just as he was about to take a step, someone called out to him, "Um, Yang Xing, right? If it's alright, could we talk?"

Sanada Sarutobi, with a calm expression and a faint smile, addressed Yang Xing.

Those words made Kurenai Yuhi and Asuma turn their heads and notice their gazes. Sanada Sarutobi replied, "Of course, Asuma and Kurenai Yuhi, please come too."

"Um..." Kurenai Yuhi glanced at Asuma with a hesitant look.

"I have something to do, I'm going home first." Asuma, quite oblivious to the situation, left first, his departure swift and decisive.

Perhaps it was what Asuma had said to Kurenai Yuhi earlier that made Kurenai Yuhi not follow. She only glanced at Asuma's back, her face filled with sadness, and instead agreed to Sanada Sarutobi's request.

Asuma left alone, Sanada Sarutobi didn't pay much attention. He took Yang Xing and Kurenai Yuhi back to Konoha and found a place to sit down and talk.

Before long, it was evening.

It was dinnertime, Sanada Sarutobi wasn't stingy at all, choosing a nice barbecue restaurant.

The pleasant environment and atmosphere all surrounded the private rooms.

After ordering some dishes, Sanada Sarutobi faced Yang Xing and spoke first, "Don't be shy. We owe a lot to Yang Xing for this incident. Otherwise, Asuma's personality would have definitely led to him being hurt by those Anbu members."

Kurenai Yuhi followed along, also curious about Yang Xing's affairs. In just one day, she found herself quite interested in this younger brother.

Upon hearing Sanada Sarutobi's words, he also turned his gaze and stared intently at Yang Xing.

She couldn't understand why Sanada Sarutobi would say that.

The child in front of her clearly lacked any imposing presence and was so lazy; he didn't seem like a powerful genius at all. In Kurenai Yuhi's mind, geniuses were supposed to be very aloof.

Influenced by her preconceived notions, she certainly couldn't have guessed that Yang Xing was far more terrifying than those geniuses.

"Thank you. I was actually quite hungry, and it's a pleasure to eat with Kurenai-neechan." Her smile was devoid of any coldness, unlike Asuma's, and her words only amused Kurenai Yuhi.

Even Sanada Sarutobi found it amusing and laughed, "Haha, you really are just like the Lord Fourth Hokage said."

"What did the Lord Fourth Hokage say?" Kurenai Yuhi asked, intrigued.

The group chatted as they waited for the meat to cook.

"Yes, Kurenai understands too. He's the Fourth Hokage's disciple, isn't he?"

Yeah, this guy is the Fourth Hokage's disciple. If the Fourth Hokage is so powerful, Yang Xing must be extraordinary. Why didn't she think of that?

Kurenai Yuhi looked at Yang Xing with a face full of curiosity.

"I don't like listening to people keep talking about someone as rigid as Minato-sensei." Yang Xing picked up a piece of grilled meat, eating it with great regret.

That greasy yet tender meat was so juicy and delicious when you bit into it.

Yang Xing had a happy look on his face with his eyes narrowed.

Seeing Yang Xing's expression, Kurenai Yuhi wanted to laugh, but as she laughed, she couldn't help but pick up a tissue from the side and gently wipe Yang Xing's mouth.

"Thanks." Feeling the mature woman's gesture, Yang Xing was very excited. If there weren't any third wheels here, he would have excitedly hugged this mature woman.

Sanada Sarutobi pretended not to see it, and he couldn't care less anyway, as he had other things to say, "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Yang Xing, actually, what I wanted to talk to you about is Asuma."

"That arrogant guy?"

"Yeah, Asuma is indeed arrogant, but he's still the Third Hokage's son."

"Can't even the Third Hokage discipline his own son?" Yang Xing scoffed, his tone tinged with dissatisfaction. "So useless."

If it were an ordinary ninja, Sanada Sarutobi would definitely be furious at such a remark. Not just angry, but possibly enraged. No one in the entire Konoha would dare to insult the Third Hokage like that; the Third Hokage was the spiritual leader of their clan.

But this little guy in front of him was different. Even if this little guy was cursing the Third Hokage now, he could only turn a blind eye. He didn't want to offend Yang Xing, and in turn, offend the Uchiha Clan and the powerful New Anbu, the Starlight Group, a group of strong ninjas.

Therefore, even if he couldn't stand it, he had to endure it.

Moreover, what Yang Xing said wasn't entirely a lie.

Sanada Sarutobi forced a smile, pretending not to hear, and continued, "The Lord Third has important matters to attend to and is busy every day. Asuma's mother is also an important high-ranking member of Konoha, so he rarely has elders by his side, which has shaped Asuma's current personality. However, Asuma isn't really a bad child; he's just a bit mischievous."

"He's not just a little naughty, he's utterly ill-mannered. Even Sister Hong has been scolded by him several times. Who does he think he is? If he weren't the son of the Third Hokage, this kind of person would have been despised by the villagers long ago." Yang Xing felt bad just talking about that guy, and even paused for a moment while picking up meat with his chopsticks.

"Haha, that joke isn't funny at all." Sanada Sarutobi's smile was forced, and his face darkened slightly. "Asuma's personality isn't good, so please bear with him. Also, I actually want to apologize for what happened today. I'm really sorry about what happened with Asuma."

It seems this Jonin understands the situation well and doesn't want to provoke him, lest it implicate the entire clan.

After all, he could bring down the Anbu, so why would he be afraid of a mere Sarutobi Clan?