Cherishing Her Because She Was a Delicate Flower

Uchiha Shu left without hesitation. As he turned, he gave Kurenai Yuhi an almost imperceptible nod.

Looking at the eight-pointed star in his eyes, Kurenai seemed to understand something.

Uchiha Shu patted his butt and left, while she still had to stay behind to give her mission report.

She had previously promised Xiu that she would not reveal his Mangekyo, yet he had taken the initiative to display it. Clearly, he had considered her predicament to some extent.

Realizing this, a ripple stirred in Kurenai's heart.

Ever since she had promised Xiu that she would get him an explanation and keep the Mangekyo's existence secret, she could clearly feel that, in his eyes... she could at least be considered human now.

For the time being, it seemed her campaign to bring them closer had achieved some success!

With that thought, Kurenai suppressed her inner feelings and began her mission report.

Hiruzen Sarutobi listened with his pipe in his mouth, his brow tightly furrowed. "Hmm... so you don't know how Xiu instantly killed the three Earth Grudge Fear mask clones either?"

"That's right. Kakuzu reacted quickly and chose to flee immediately. Xiu chased after him himself, while we remained behind to protect the client." Kurenai nodded.

"Is that so..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi did not suspect her. After all, he felt that Xiu would not so easily tell Kurenai about the abilities of his dojutsu.

What he did not know was that although Kurenai was unclear on the specific abilities of Xiu's dojutsu, she did know what kind it was. When Xiu had returned to the group, he had used Kamui to teleport back.

When Kamui's right eye performed a transfer, the spatial vortex formed around the right eye. Anyone could tell that this ability was related to the eye, and Kurenai had naturally seen it clearly at the time.

But she had already promised Xiu she would not report it. Moreover, after what had just happened, the Third Hokage's credibility had gone completely bankrupt in her eyes, so she chose to conceal it for the time being.

Hiruzen Sarutobi held his pipe in his mouth, elbows propped on the desk and fingers interlaced, as he listened to Kurenai Yuhi's report.

"You've spent several days together now. I'd like to hear your opinion of that child Xiu. Mm, in every respect..."

"In every respect?" Kurenai thought for a moment. "He's... a very dependable person, I suppose?"

"Oh?" Hiruzen Sarutobi was somewhat surprised. "I thought you would describe him as sharp-tongued or having a twisted sense of humor. Dependable... that really is an unexpected angle."

"Mm..."

Kurenai nodded. "Both Hazuki and that child Izumi seem to trust him unconditionally. I didn't understand it before, but after this mission, I think I understand a little."

For example, when ninjas carried out missions, the front of the formation bore the greatest risks, followed by the rear, while the flanks were relatively easier. Under normal circumstances, no one would be made to take the lead from beginning to end.

Yet Xiu had not only walked at the very front of the group the entire way, but had also sent out Shadow Clones to scout the surrounding environment. Though she knew he was only looking after Hazuki and her daughter, she had indeed benefited from his protection as well.

And aside from himself, Xiu had never allowed anyone else to be alone along the way. Even she had been treated the same.

"Xiu places great importance on the safety of those around him, but only those he acknowledges."

"I see..." Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled. "Then do you think he acknowledges the village?"

"I think the key to that question does not lie with Xiu. At least before this mission, even if he had been dissatisfied, he would not have acted so extremely."

Kurenai shook her head. "Although we did not get along at first, judging from his attitude toward Mr. Oda, as long as the other party is warm and sincere, even if they have ulterior motives, he will not be too opposed to them. So the way he treats others depends entirely on how they treat him."

"Mm... this matter truly was my oversight."

Hiruzen Sarutobi removed his pipe and exhaled a puff of smoke. "I understand. You've worked hard. Go back and get some proper rest."

"Yes, then I'll take my leave."

Kurenai Yuhi dipped her head slightly, turned, and left the office.

The moment she left the Hokage Building, she saw Uchiha Shu standing outside with his arms folded, waiting for her.

Kurenai raised an eyebrow. "Why are you still here? Worried I'd badmouth you?"

Xiu gave a faint scoff and casually tossed Kurenai a scroll.

Kurenai opened it and took a look—the Spirit Transformation Technique!

"So... you chose this technique for me?"

Kurenai was somewhat surprised. She had thought the four techniques Xiu wanted were all for himself.

"On the side. The concept behind this technique is good, but its flaws aren't small either. I'm planning to find someone to study it later."

Xiu said casually, "I suggest you give it a try. Ordinary Genjutsu is utterly useless against top-tier experts, and it has limited effect even against ordinary Jonin. Of course, if you're satisfied with being an ordinary Jonin, then pretend I never said anything."

"The way you say that makes it sound like Jonin are cabbages sold by the roadside."

Kurenai was speechless for a moment, then pursed her lips lightly. "My Genjutsu is very powerful too, okay? In terms of overall strength, among our peers, I'm only a little weaker than Kakashi."

"Don't make your Uncle Xiu laugh!" At that, Xiu immediately snorted. "With your little bit of strength, Might Guy could kick you to death with one blow."

"Impossible!" Kurenai's face was full of disbelief. "Guy is a Taijutsu-type ninja, exactly the kind I counter most. It's not like I've never fought him before."

"I was just messing with you~ Why do you think I asked the Third Hokage for the Eight Gates? Once that technique reaches the Fifth Gate, ordinary Genjutsu becomes ineffective."

As Xiu spoke, he waved a hand lazily. "If you don't believe me, invite that guy to a serious spar. Tell him you want to see the power of the Eight Gates no matter what, and have him go all out. Tell him not to go easy on you just because you're a delicate flower."

"That way, in twelve years at most, you'll be able to choose a new training path."

"..."

It took Kurenai two seconds to understand what Xiu meant, and the corner of her mouth twitched. "Is that guy... really that strong?"

"Heh..."

Xiu chuckled and did not continue the subject. He waved his hand, turned, and left. "All right, dinner at Yakiniku Q at six tonight. Don't be late."

Kurenai opened her mouth. She was truly curious where Xiu had learned so many things.

But the place and timing were not right, and from what she knew of Xiu, the fact that he was willing to tell her this much was already because she had agreed to keep his secret. Thus, she could only suppress her curiosity.

"The Spirit Transformation Technique... I see, an S-rank forbidden Yin Release technique? That brat has quite an eye."

She opened the scroll for another look and chuckled. "For the sake of the Ninjutsu, I'll pick out a proper return gift for you~"

The Scroll of Seals was extraordinarily valuable. Normally, only ninjas who had rendered major contributions would be permitted to choose a suitable Ninjutsu from within it.

Ever since the war ended, no one had received such treatment for a long time. This was a huge favor!

Come to think of it, he had also asked for the Flying Thunder God?

That kind of space-time dojutsu, paired with the Flying Thunder God...

Just thinking about it sent chills down her spine!

In that case, she should forge some specially made kunai for him~