Kurenai Yuhi was led by Hyuga Yuu toward the residence where Kiyo Hyuga was resting. According to Yuu, Kiyo had just finished training and was now inside.
They walked through a long corridor until Yuu stopped before a room. Sliding open the door, she stepped aside to let Kurenai in.
"Kiyo, you're pushing yourself too hard. Don't you ever rest… what's this smell? Milk? Or fruit milk? It's rather pleasant…"
Sitting across from Kiyo Hyuga, Kurenai had just begun to speak words of concern when she caught a scent unfamiliar to her, somewhat like warmed milk.
"…Speak your purpose. Why have you come to see me?"
Kiyo's expression turned uneasy. At that moment, Yuu approached and asked politely,
"Lord Kiyo, Jōnin Kurenai, what would you like to drink?"
"Tea is fine."
"Could I try what Kiyo just had? It smelled good, almost like something I've never tasted before."
Kurenai raised her hand curiously. The fragrance carried both the sweetness of milk and a refreshing note she could not place.
"That was Lord Kiyo's post-training drink—milk mixed with fruit for taste. But it's gone. If Jōnin Kurenai doesn't mind waiting an hour, I'll prepare more."
Noticing Kiyo's gaze, Kurenai quickly adjusted, saying seriously,
"An hour? Then never mind. Just tea will do."
She felt slightly embarrassed. As a guest, she didn't want to trouble her hosts.
Hearing her change her mind, Kiyo relaxed a little, though she ignored the faint smile at Yuu's lips. Returning to her cold demeanor, she asked,
"You didn't come here just to tell me you're safe, did you? Vanishing the other day—was it really just a mission?"
"That was an accident. I discovered Danzo was alive and might betray Konoha. That's why I didn't notify anyone."
It wasn't the most convincing excuse, but it was the best Kurenai could manage.
"Kiyo, are you still holding onto feelings for Mirai?"
"…Why ask that out of nowhere? And you rarely say his name directly. Today you seem…"
Suspicion flashed in Kiyo's eyes, making Kurenai nervous. She had gotten carried away, her emotions showing. Quickly she added,
"I'm already twenty-six. Even with the Yin Seal, age catches up. Surely the Hyuga clan doesn't want to see you continue like this either."
"Even at fifty-six, I won't compromise. As long as I remain clan head, they can say nothing."
Kiyo's tone was resolute. Members of the clan had mentioned it before—lineage and heirs were responsibilities of the head, especially one of unmatched strength.
The first time it came up, Kiyo had "answered" by beating them soundly under the excuse of Gentle Fist training. After repeated lessons, no one dared bring it up again. Zosuke Hyuga, her grandfather, knew what lay in her heart. Burdened by guilt, he never pressured her as the others did.
Most of the clan was more concerned with the Caged Bird. A new generation had already reached the age, yet no seal had been placed. Kiyo seemed wholly absorbed with her duties in the Guard.
"She didn't deny it… so she still cares."
Kurenai thought to herself. She feigned the woes of age and parental pressure to marry, probing Kiyo's heart. Her suspicions grew more certain.
It felt manipulative, and she felt guilty, but it was for Kiyo's sake.
Ninja matured faster than most. By ten, they bore the duty of protecting the nation and continuing the clan. Back when Mirai had not defected, their three-man team had carried out dangerous missions. Naturally, someone like Mirai—perfect in character, caring and reliable—would be admired.
Kurenai had once agonized over the fact that both Mirai and Kiyo were of the same clan. But after hearing from her father that the Hyuga did not strictly forbid marrying outsiders, she had been relieved—until Mirai's sudden betrayal shattered it all.
Even now, she had moved forward, but she didn't want to see Kiyo trapped in the past.
When she had been interrogated by ANBU, it was Kiyo who stood by her, leveraging her influence. Kurenai would never forget it. That was why they had remained friends for more than a decade. Even if Kiyo repeatedly pushed her away, Kurenai would still smile and cling to her arm.
"Kiyo, something big may happen in the village soon. I also came to tell you this: I've been assigned my Ninja Academy students—the new generation of Ino–Shika–Chō."
After speaking, Kurenai recalled Tsunade's words and added, "Lady Tsunade may also ask for your help. She hopes you might become a squad leader. The students could be from the Inuzuka, Aburame, and another yet to be decided."
Though Kiyo was clan head, if she accepted the role and neither Inuzuka nor Aburame opposed, the three clans would gain an unofficial alliance.
"…So that's Tsunade's plan?"
Kiyo sighed. This arrangement was treating her as a confidante. And truly, she and Kurenai had learned many techniques from Tsunade, their power increasing greatly.
Kurenai shook her head. "There are 'enemies' within the village. After what happened at the Land of Fire's capital, it's hard to ignore."
Kiyo considered this. When she had heard from Tokuma Hyuga about the incident at the Tenshukaku, she had nearly laughed aloud. If not for her responsibilities as Guard Captain, she might have believed the Sarutobi clan had moved their home to the Land of Fire's capital.
Clan members living within Konoha, yet disregarding the Hokage's authority—it was something she would never have done, even with her ties to the Fifth Hokage as her student.
Afterward, Kurenai and Kiyo spoke of other matters. As the time grew late, Kiyo, worried Kurenai might again bring up the milk, suggested they go out for a meal.
That drink was a lifelong embarrassment—only Yuu knowing was more than enough.
…
Tsunade began sweeping reforms across the village. Yakushi Kabuto, after abducting Neji Hyuga, Hinata Hyuga, and others, had intended to fake his death and return to Orochimaru. But Tsunade saw through him.
She approached Orochimaru directly, while also seeking out Hyuga Mirai. Orochimaru, tempted by the promise of obtaining cells from the Great Slug Sage, agreed to cooperate and persuaded Kabuto.
Tsunade also summoned Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, and Akimichi Chōza, informing them that Kurenai Yuhi would be assigned as squad leader to Shikamaru and his teammates.
Normally, assigning squad leaders was trivial. But Tsunade personally consulting them showed her intent to form a political bond.
In the Hokage's office, Shikaku agreed at once. He had no reason to refuse, in any respect. Kurenai, famed as the "Sunset of Genjutsu," was well-known in the shinobi world. Having her train Shikamaru's generation was a boon to their clans.
Last year, Kurenai had personally chosen her students. Those she rejected never became her disciples.
Outside the Hokage building, Chōza asked with concern, "Shikaku… could Lady Tsunade possibly…"
"No matter her intentions, our duty is to follow the Hokage's command."
After a moment of thought, Shikaku sighed. "The shinobi world may face upheaval again. Finding a skilled squad leader for Shikamaru and the others isn't easy. Chōza, Inoichi—have them train harder when you return."
"Agreed. By graduation, they should already master advanced clan techniques."
Inoichi scratched his head. He had been lenient with Ino for years. With graduation near, discipline was now a must.
Chōza nodded as well. Tsunade had given their children due importance. With Kurenai's strength, aside from their clan-specific arts, she could teach them plenty—and ensure their safety. The purple diamond seal on her forehead said enough.
Beyond the Ino–Shika–Chō trio, Tsunade also considered the Aburame and Inuzuka heirs. But first, she wanted to test Sakura Haruno's talent. If Shizune approved, she planned to group Sakura, Shino Aburame, and Kiba Inuzuka together.
If Kiyo Hyuga agreed to be squad leader, she could also teach Sakura both medical ninjutsu and Taijutsu.
Though clan head, Kiyo wasn't limited to the Gentle Fist. She was highly skilled in Konoha's flowing Taijutsu, more than capable of instructing Sakura.
Tsunade didn't yet know how Kurenai planned to convince Kiyo, but from her confidence, it seemed she was certain of success.
…
Sand Federation.
Graduates of the Federation's Ninja Academy were divided into two paths: ninja and civil service. Among the ninja, only the top sixty could form mission squads. The rest were assigned to departments in need of manpower, with placements influenced by personal preference.
Uchiha Sasuke, torn about his future and lacking brilliance in academic subjects, ultimately ranked fourth at graduation. In practical combat, however, he placed third—just behind Gaara and Naruto.
As for Naruto Uzumaki, none but Gaara could match him in combat. But his poor academic scores dragged his final ranking down to thirty-ninth.
When Kushina learned of his results, veins bulged on her forehead and her fiery red hair flared as she scolded him harshly.
(End of Chapter)