Departing for the Land of Lightning Battlefield

Ye Yuexin did not train that afternoon, choosing instead to go shopping with Kurenai Yuhi.

As the saying goes, training requires a balance of tension and relaxation.

The main reason for the outing was that Kurenai Yuhi had run out of face powder.

That was why she had dragged Ye Yuexin out of the house.

Ye Yuexin couldn't fathom why an eight-year-old girl was so fond of makeup.

While strolling through the streets, they unexpectedly ran into Might Guy and Ebisu, who were out purchasing equipment.

Through their conversation, Ye Yuexin learned that they had received another mission.

Furthermore, it was for the battlefield in the Land of Water.

Upon hearing this, Ye Yuexin felt that his turn would likely come soon.

After all, the Third Great Ninja War was already nearing its end.

The village would not let any available combat power go to waste.

During his days of recovery, Ye Yuexin had also gone to look for Itachi Uchiha.

However, he was informed by the Uchiha clan that Itachi Uchiha had already been taken to the battlefield by Fugaku Uchiha.

It seemed to be the Rock Ninja front commanded by Jiraiya, which was likely relatively safe.

Ye Yuexin also estimated that Kakashi and his team were probably preparing to head out as well; in the original plot, they were sent to the Rock Ninja front.

It appeared that Kakashi was about to become a Jonin.

The youngest Jonin in Konoha's history.

By evening, after finishing dinner together outside, Ye Yuexin and Kurenai Yuhi returned home.

Because Ye Yuexin had been injured, Kurenai Yuhi had been staying at his house for the past few days.

Now that Ye Yuexin had recovered, since nothing had been said, Kurenai Yuhi simply hadn't left.

This didn't bother Ye Yuexin at all.

After all, he had lived with Anko in the past.

He was already quite accustomed to living with someone else.

Ye Yuexin's guess proved to be quite accurate.

Shortly after he returned, he encountered an Anbu member who had come to notify him.

"Chunin Ye Yuexin, by order of the Third Hokage: tomorrow, you will depart for the Land of Lightning battlefield alongside Jonin Minato Namikaze, Jonin Akamichi Todō, and Jonin Inuzuka Gaku. The specific details of the mission will be provided by Jonin Minato."

With that, the Anbu handed Ye Yuexin a green flak jacket.

"This is the Chunin vest issued to you by the Third Hokage. According to Jonin Minato's instructions, the meeting place tomorrow is the village gate, at 7 o'clock sharp."

"Mission briefing complete. Farewell."

Having said this, the Anbu vanished using the Body Flicker Technique.

Ye Yuexin felt that this Anbu's attitude was noticeably better than the previous one; it was likely a different person.

However, it didn't really matter to him.

After the Anbu left, Ye Yuexin walked back into the room with Kurenai Yuhi.

Minato Namikaze had returned, just as he had expected.

Minato Namikaze had successfully thwarted the conspiracy of the Rock Ninja assault team.

How could the future Fourth Hokage possibly fail?

However, the information regarding this mission did not seem to have been made public yet.

Otherwise, Ye Yuexin suspected the entire village of Konoha would be talking about him right now.

He also vaguely sensed that the two individuals he had dealt with were no mere run-of-the-mill elite Jonin.

The news was likely being suppressed, which was fine by him; Ye Yuexin had no desire to be too famous.

His dream was not to become the Hokage.

Still, he was quite pleased that this mission would once again be alongside Minato Namikaze.

What's more, his teammates this time included two other Jonin.

Both of them hailed from clans possessing powerful secret techniques.

Ye Yuexin felt that this time, he could definitely just coast along.

The last time had been nothing more than an accident.

With two elite Jonin and Minato Namikaze present, there would surely be nothing for him to do.

He would just be responsible for cleaning up the aftermath, or perhaps cheering them on from the sidelines.

Relieved that he could finally stop taking such risks and safely farm some experience, Ye Yuexin looked forward to this mission.

After returning home, Ye Yuexin took a shower.

By the time he finished, Kurenai Yuhi had already organized some of his frequently used ninja tools.

She was, after all, a genin who had graduated two years before him.

The items didn't look like much, but they were quite comprehensive.

Ye Yuexin had long since sealed the Swift Release scroll and Minato Namikaze's Flying Thunder God Kunai into a small scroll.

He always kept it on his person.

Feeling like there was nothing left to do, he said to Kurenai Yuhi, "I'm going to get some rest. I originally wanted to take you to see a movie today, but it seems that won't be possible now."

It would have been better if he hadn't said that.

Upon hearing this, Kurenai Yuhi immediately pouted her cherry-red lips.

With a slightly emotional tone, she said, "Sigh~ As expected, men are all talk. I've been keeping someone company for five days now, yet I haven't seen any movie. Now you're just making excuses."

"..."

This remark left Ye Yuexin feeling incredibly awkward.

However, Kurenai Yuhi was very understanding and noticed his embarrassment.

She chuckled softly and said, "Alright, go get some rest. I've noted down the movie thing. I'll be waiting for your invitation next time."

With that, she walked into the bathroom to shower, and Ye Yuexin returned to his room.

Ye Yuexin had always slept well and didn't suffer from insomnia just because he was heading to the battlefield tomorrow.

The next day, just as the sky was beginning to brighten, Ye Yuexin woke up.

Upon waking, he heard sounds coming from the kitchen.

Opening the door, he saw that Kurenai Yuhi had already prepared breakfast for him.

The kitchen light was still on; it seemed she had been up for a long time.

Looking at the steaming fried eggs, Ye Yuexin felt a slight touch of emotion.

During the meal, both of them tacitly remained silent.

After finishing, Ye Yuexin prepared to depart.

At the doorway, "Yuexin, you must be careful on the battlefield. Even though your strength is already impressive, don't try to be a hero, otherwise..."

"Alright, Kurenai. I know all of this."

Ye Yuexin interrupted her. Kurenai Yuhi still didn't know about his previous mission, so she didn't have a clear grasp of his true strength.

Ye Yuexin suddenly leaned in close to her.

Just like how she had teased him last time.

"Muah!"

However, Ye Yuexin wasn't just teasing her.

He had planted a seal on Kurenai Yuhi's forehead.

He had seen everything Kurenai Yuhi had done over the past few days.

But the time wasn't right, and he couldn't make any promises yet.

After all, they were still just children.

Who knew if Kurenai Yuhi would change when she grew up?

After all, Ye Yuexin clearly remembered that in the original story, Kurenai Yuhi eventually married Asuma Sarutobi.

"You be careful on your mission, too."

Having said that, Ye Yuexin turned and left, leaving behind Kurenai Yuhi with flushed cheeks at the doorway.

[New book is out... I suggest "adding to library" first... let it grow before reading. I need your support... Thank you everyone.] Are you really just going to "buy soy sauce"? The next chapter is even more exciting. I need your support. Thank you everyone!