Kurenai Yuhi, the Pink Maiden

"It's Asuma. How is the Third Hokage's health?"

Shinku Yuhi, sitting in the living room, caught sight of Asuma Sarutobi through the crack of the open door.

Shinku's cheeks were gaunt, and his red pupils, set beneath high, prominent cheekbones, gave him an air of sternness and rigid discipline, making him appear fastidious.

"The old man is as sturdy as ever. I feel like he'll outlive me; by the time he finally kicks the bucket, I probably won't have many years left myself."

Having grown up at Hiruzen Sarutobi's knee, Asuma knew better than anyone just how formidable the old man was. Proficient in all five elemental nature transformations and knowledgeable in nearly every jutsu within the Hidden Leaf Village, he was the undisputed Professor of Ninjutsu.

Though their father-son relationship was strained, Asuma believed in his heart that Hiruzen was far stronger than the First and Second Hokage he had never met—a true God of Shinobi.

"You young people will surely go much further than we ever did."

Shinku was momentarily choked by Asuma's bluntness. He changed the subject, looking toward his daughter and saying, "The future belongs to you young ones. Kurenai, why don't you go out and walk around a bit?"

Shinku was no fool; he could see the affection Asuma held for Kurenai.

Asuma was the son of the Third Hokage, and a marriage alliance would bring immense benefits to the Yuhi Clan.

However, Shinku's attitude was to let things take their natural course. Young people's affairs should be settled by the young themselves; it was not his place to point fingers or interfere.

"This..."

Kurenai had actually felt a flicker of interest the moment she heard Uchiha Shimizu would be there.

Over the past two years, there had been many times she wanted to seek out Qingshui for a duel, to make a name for the Yuhi Clan's genjutsu.

But Qingshui's requirements were simply too harsh.

They were more than the spirited Kurenai could accept.

She had never worn such girlish clothing before; ever since her mother passed away, she had always viewed herself as a boy.

Qingshui is about to graduate, isn't he? He's already submitted his application, and with his strength, he's a shoo-in. If I don't go now, the gap between us will only grow wider.

Kurenai calculated, her thoughts racing.

In the end, as Qingshui's handsome face flashed before her eyes, she subconsciously clenched her hands.

She had to wash away the shame for the Yuhi Clan's genjutsu and make Uchiha Shimizu acknowledge its power.

Ultimately, the pride of youth won out. Kurenai remained silent for a moment before saying, "Wait for me a moment."

She trotted into her room, leaving Shinku and Asuma to stare at each other in silence.

Ten minutes later.

"Father, I'm leaving."

Kurenai emerged from her bedroom.

Her demeanor was somewhat bashful, the reason being that her usual attire had been replaced by a small, pink skirt, her smooth calves appearing even fairer in the light.

She was filled with the aura of a youthful girl, radiating vitality.

For a fleeting moment, Shinku felt as though he were seeing the shadow of Kurenai's mother.

That year, she had been just as beautiful.

"Kurenai, I am sorry. I have never been able to give you a mother's love, but I believe the person you come to love in the future will fill that void."

After a long silence, Shinku spoke these few words.

He stood up from the sofa and looked at the photograph on the table, lost in memory.

"Let's go, Asuma."

Seeing that her father hadn't scolded her, Kurenai felt a surge of relief.

Her father was usually very strict, almost like a robot.

"Oh... right!"

After a moment of bewilderment, Asuma was overjoyed.

His heart hammered against his ribs, and he felt as if he were floating on air.

He had invited Kurenai, and she had actually changed into such a beautiful outfit.

Anyone could understand the implication.

Asuma indulged in his own fantasies; in his eyes, this was the reward for all his efforts.

After using his Byakugan to conduct a few experiments on the white mouse in his hand, a knock sounded at the door.

"Who is it?"

Qingshui glanced at the sky; it was already seven in the evening, and darkness was falling.

At this hour, who would come looking for him?

Qingshui put away the mouse and pushed open the door, two familiar faces coming into view.

What caught Qingshui's attention most, naturally, was that splash of pink.

"Kurenai Yuhi, you..."

Uchiha Shimizu looked at her with a strange expression.

The deductions within the Simulator had, after all, become reality.

That promise had been made nearly two years ago.

He had originally assumed Kurenai Yuhi had given up, yet here she was, dressed like this to find him.

Kurenai Yuhi noticed the playful glint in Qingshui's eyes, a flush creeping onto her face as she prepared to deliver the excuse she had long since rehearsed.

Asuma Sarutobi, standing to the side, spoke up first:

"Uchiha Shimizu, I heard you're graduating soon. We've been classmates for a few years now, how about we go grab a meal?"

"Sure."

Qingshui nodded in agreement.

Although the Simulator hadn't specified what Asuma Sarutobi might try to pry out of him, it was clear that Hiruzen Sarutobi was pulling the strings from behind the scenes, so he couldn't afford to refuse.

If he refused, who knew what might happen next?

The previous day, he had been summoned to the Hokage Building under the guise of having his Will of Fire recognized; there was definitely something fishy about that.

As for whether he actually possessed the Will of Fire, could he be any clearer on that himself?

"Uh..."

Asuma Sarutobi had originally intended to keep persuading him, as he and Qingshui weren't close and a refusal would have been expected.

He hadn't expected Qingshui to be so easygoing and actually agree.

"Alright, let's go to Yakiniku Q."

Asuma Sarutobi named a shop and turned to lead the way.

That kid Choza Akimichi often ate at this place, and after a brief moment of consideration, Asuma Sarutobi had chosen it as well.

Qingshui nodded and followed behind Asuma Sarutobi.

Kurenai Yuhi walked in the lead, neither walking alongside Asuma Sarutobi nor Qingshui.

"Kurenai, slow down."

Asuma Sarutobi noticed Kurenai walking faster and faster, so he hurriedly quickened his own pace.

The three of them soon exited the Uchiha Settlement and headed toward Yakiniku Q.

What do I do? I got carried away and actually wore this out.

Kurenai Yuhi suddenly regretted changing her clothes; wouldn't she naturally be at a disadvantage now when facing Uchiha Shimizu?

She pretended to look at the streets on either side, stealing glances at Qingshui in the back with the corner of her eye to see what kind of expression he had.

Just as she turned her head, her gaze met Qingshui's, and she hurriedly turned back around.

Asuma Sarutobi, walking in the middle, noticed Kurenai cast a glance toward him before quickly turning away.

He smoothed his hair, took the lollipop out of his mouth, and flashed what he considered to be a dashing smile.

"Qingshui, going out this late?"

Uchiha Inabi walked out of Shueisha with a comic book in hand, happening to spot the trio.

"Yeah, going out to eat."

Qingshui greeted him and kept walking.

Kurenai Yuhi and Asuma Sarutobi were not familiar with Uchiha Inabi, so they just nodded politely.

"Isn't that Asuma Sarutobi? The Third Hokage's son."

A voice came from behind Uchiha Inabi.

Uchiha Tekka walked out holding a comic book as well, his expression one of shock.