Asuma was accompanying Kurenai as they strolled through Konoha.
Knowing full well what his fate would be, he wanted to spend more time with Hong during this period.
But I just couldn't calm myself down.
Just as Hong was choosing snacks, a ninja passing by handed him a note.
The content was disjointed and incomplete. "Night, after the seal rose."
There was no further explanation, but Asuma instantly understood its meaning.
Is it finally coming?
Many days have passed since the night he met Ren, and during this time Asuma has gone through various stages in his heart.
Regret, determination, more regret, determination again...
I mentally prepared myself again and again, but when the moment actually arrived, I was still filled with mixed feelings.
"Look, Asuma, this Genmochi is so cute!"
Red's words interrupted Asuma's thoughts, and he quickly took a drag of his cigarette to calm himself down.
"Hmm, but why did you buy so much?"
Hong was carrying a cloth bag, which was filled to the brim.
"This is for lunch. I also bought your favorite wagashi (Japanese sweets)."
"It's clearly the only dessert I don't dislike, yet you always say I love it."
Asuma answered absentmindedly, and Red's eyes flickered slightly when she saw this, but she didn't say anything.
The two continued their stroll.
As they approached the residential area, Asuma and Kurenai, both Jonin, overheard a hushed discussion around them.
"Have you heard? Another group of the Sarutobi Clan ninjas are being sent to the border today for making a mistake?"
"The notice is already posted, it's on the wall behind you!"
"I always thought the Sarutobi Clan was fierce, but now that the Third Hokage is no longer the Hokage, they can no longer hide their true nature."
"I have some top-secret information for you. It seems that the Sarutobi Clan is planning a coup because they are unhappy that the Fifth Hokage is not a member of the Sarutobi Clan!"
What! You're telling the truth?
"That's impossible, how could you know such news?"
"I'm not lying to you, listen to me..."
Asuma's face turned extremely pale, while Kurenai was filled with worry, but still managed a sweet smile as she spoke.
"Asuma, let's hurry up, I'm a little hungry!"
"Good."
After the two left, the appearance of the three people who had just been discussing things began to change, and then they quickly disappeared.
Along a small river in Konoha, a number of people sat in twos and threes on the grass.
Hong would occasionally take out various snacks and desserts from her pocket, and put half of them into Asuma's hand.
Asuma mechanically took it, and without even looking at it, stuffed it into his mouth.
When Red saw Asuma stuffing the Kyoga, which he usually hated, into his mouth and chewing it, Red asked a question.
"Is it delicious, Asuma?"
Asuma reacted a beat too slow before quickly speaking.
"Mmm~ It's delicious, Hong, you really know how to choose."
Hong's smile faded, and she spoke seriously.
"Asuma, if you have something to take care of, you can go and deal with it first!"
"No need, it's really nothing. You know I don't hold any official position, and I haven't taken on any missions recently."
Red just stared intently at Asuma's hand.
Asuma followed Red's gaze to what she was holding, her forced smile vanishing, her eyes filled with reluctance and apology.
"Red, I'm sorry, I want to go see my people!"
Hong nodded and said with a smile.
"Go ahead, Asuma. We'll talk after you've dealt with this. We have plenty of time. Patience is an essential quality for a ninja!"
Upon hearing this, Asuma immediately got up and left. As he was about to disappear from Red's sight, Asuma whispered something again.
"Hong, I'm sorry!"
On his way back, Asuma heard people discussing the Sarutobi Clan in various places.
It seemed that after meeting Ren that night, Asuma could hear whispers everywhere he went, as if the entire Konoha knew that the Sarutobi Clan was about to stage a coup.
Upon returning to his tribe's territory, Asuma secretly summoned the tribesmen who wanted to cause trouble.
"Young Master Asuma, you've finally arrived!"
"Asuma, with you on board, our plan is guaranteed to succeed!"
"Have you decided on which plan to take? Should we act directly or secretly rescue the clan leader first?"
"..."
Asuma became the backbone of the group not only because of his status, but also because of his strength.
Surrounded by his tribesmen, Asuma looked at them and strengthened his resolve once more.
The honor of the Sarutobi Clan cannot be tarnished by you.
"The plan has been decided, and it will happen tonight. Just follow my orders!"