The Morning Before Classes
Kurenai Yuhi didn't want to lose face in front of Aoyama Ryuyun.
"Classes don't officially start until tomorrow!" she huffed.
"Tch."
Tsunade rolled her eyes dismissively, clearly unimpressed, and turned away without another word.
Kurenai didn't bother with Tsunade either.
Although Tsunade's reputation as one of the Sannin was well known, spending time with her had shown Kurenai there wasn't much to fear. In daily life, Tsunade wasn't the type to act superior. She didn't throw her weight around, even with juniors.
Because of that, despite their occasional bickering, Tsunade had actually taught Kurenai a few things—basic chakra control, minor medical techniques, and some simple ninjutsu. Their relationship was far closer than it appeared.
At that moment, Kurenai turned her bright eyes toward Aoyama Ryuyun, who had just finished his morning training.
"Liu Yun-gege, will you come with me to school tomorrow?" she asked hopefully.
Ryuyun raised a brow. "Hm? What about your father, Shinku Yuhi?"
At times like this, shouldn't a father accompany his daughter?
"Oh, but if Liu Yun-gege comes with me, it'll be way more impressive!"
Despite her maturity, Kurenai was still a child, full of pride and the desire to show off. Aoyama Ryuyun was a hero of Konoha now—known and admired by nearly everyone. Just imagining walking into class beside him made her heart race. Her classmates would be shocked… maybe even a little jealous.
Meanwhile, back home, Shinku Yuhi was probably sighing in despair. His own daughter preferred another man's company.
Tsunade, listening nearby, smirked and flexed a fist. "If that's the case, I'll go too! I'm Senju Tsunade—one of the Sannin, the Slug Princess! Wouldn't that be even more impressive?"
"No! I want Liu Yun-gege!"
"..."
Kurenai decisively ignored Tsunade and looked back to Ryuyun with sparkling eyes.
Tsunade glared. This brat isn't trying to be impressive—she's trying to steal my man!
"Please, Liu Yun-gege!" Kurenai clasped her hands, pleading.
It was the first time the little girl had asked him for anything directly.
Aoyama Ryuyun chuckled. "Alright, alright. I promise."
"Hehe! Liu Yun-gege, you're the best!"
Overjoyed, Kurenai jumped up and latched onto his arm.
Tsunade's eyelid twitched. This little girl is too bold in front of me… what would she do if I weren't here?
---
The Next Morning
"Why are you here too?!" Kurenai cried.
Walking to the Academy between Aoyama Ryuyun and Senju Tsunade was supposed to be the highlight of her day—but not like this!
With Ryuyun on one side and Tsunade on the other, they looked more like parents escorting their daughter to her first day of class. Exactly the opposite of what Kurenai had imagined.
Tsunade, seeing her pout, smirked knowingly. "Didn't you want to be impressive? Liu Yun and I are sending you together. Isn't that impressive enough?"
"..."
Kurenai wasn't stupid. She could tell Tsunade was teasing her.
Rolling her eyes, she huffed and grabbed Ryuyun's hand. "Liu Yun-gege, let's just walk together and ignore her!"
Ryuyun laughed heartily.
Tsunade didn't take offense. She just shook her head. Kids…
As they walked through the village, other shinobi and villagers greeted them along the way.
"Lord Liu Yun!"
"Lady Tsunade!"
"Good morning, Lord Liu Yun!"
Ryuyun's fame had spread throughout Konoha, and Tsunade's prestige as a Sannin spoke for itself.
Ryuyun merely nodded politely to the greetings, offering his usual calm smile. Tsunade was more indifferent—she'd experienced such attention before.
Kurenai, however, held her head high, proudly walking between them. See? My Liu Yun-gege really is amazing!
---
At the Academy
When they arrived, a Chunin in standard Konoha attire stood at the gate, welcoming students.
"Teacher!" Kurenai called brightly.
"Oh, Yuhi! How have you been? Practicing hard during the break?"
The Chunin smiled kindly. Though not a famous figure, he was the sort of instructor every student liked—patient and warm.
Of course, Kurenai's father, Shinku Yuhi, was one of the few Jonin in Konoha specializing in Genjutsu, so expectations for her were high.
"Of course! Liu Yun-gege has been teaching me all this time!" she announced proudly.
"Liu Yun-gege…?" the teacher repeated, puzzled—until his gaze fell on the two figures behind her.
His breath caught in his throat. "G-Golden Lion-sama?! A-And Lady Tsunade?!"
He nearly fainted.
Legends—standing right in front of him.
"This girl, Yuhi, I'll leave her in your care," Aoyama Ryuyun said evenly, without any arrogance in his tone.
"Y-Yes, sir!" the Chunin stammered, saluting sharply.
Just being addressed directly by the hero of Konoha was a story he could brag about for life.
"I say, little girl," Tsunade interjected, crossing her arms, "aren't you being a bit ungrateful? I'm the one who actually taught you more."
Kurenai blinked innocently. "But Liu Yun-gege's lessons are more fun."
Tsunade froze for a second. Then her brow twitched.
This brat…
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