Kurenai's heart warmed at her mother's first sentence—
as long as her mother didn't oppose it, she could remain with Ryosuke without guilt.
But the second half made her brows knit.
"Mother… what does being with Ryosuke have to do with Sarutobi Asuma?"
"Yes, he likes me. But I don't like him."
In appearance, temperament, and basic respect—
Ryosuke outclassed Asuma completely.
And most importantly…
Ryosuke respected her boundaries.
Asuma only frustrated her again and again with his entitled attitude.
Her mother sighed.
"You're still too young, Kurenai. If Asuma were just any ordinary man, of course you could ignore him."
"But he's the son of the Third Hokage—Sarutobi Hiruzen."
She held Kurenai's gaze.
"If Asuma is unhappy… the Third Hokage will be unhappy."
Kurenai blinked, stunned into thought.
"Mother, the Third Hokage is a kind man. He wouldn't get angry over something like this."
"And he can't force me into being with Asuma, right?"
Her mother shook her head gently—but firmly.
"A Hokage is never as harmless as he seems."
"He wouldn't pressure you openly—he cares about reputation. But in the shadows…?"
Her voice dropped.
"He absolutely can."
Kurenai's heart tightened.
"You remember Danzo, yes?" her mother continued.
"The man who handles all the Third Hokage's dirty work."
Kurenai's eyes widened.
"But Danzo deals with traitors, doesn't he?"
Her mother gave a humorless smile.
"That's how it looks on the surface."
"But Kurenai… many shinobi in this village have vanished quietly."
"Executed out of sight."
Kurenai's breath caught.
"For something this small? They wouldn't… kill me. I didn't betray anyone."
"No," her mother said softly. "They wouldn't kill you."
"But they can sabotage your missions.
Block your promotions.
'Lose' your records.
Ruin your life quietly."
"That's what it means to make powerful people unhappy."
Kurenai sank onto a cushion, overwhelmed.
She had never imagined such things could happen in Konoha—a village her father died protecting.
Her mother continued, voice low.
"You've never seen Konoha's dark side."
"Rumors say Danzo once used members of the Senju Clan for experiments."
Kurenai froze.
The Senju—co-founders of Konoha, Hashirama Senju's clan—
reduced to hiding because of Danzo?
"Mother… Danzo really has that kind of power?"
"It's only a rumor."
"But rumors don't spread without sparks."
Silence thickened the air.
At last, Kurenai nodded slowly.
"…I understand. I'll handle things with Asuma carefully."
For her safety.
For her mother's safety.
For Ryosuke's safety.
Her mother finally smiled.
"That's all I ask. Get some rest."
Kurenai retreated to her room, still shaken.
Fortunately, Asuma was away serving as a Guardian Ninja.
She had time to think of a gentle, cautious way to distance herself.
For tonight… she let the matter settle.
Early Morning — Ryosuke's Resolve
Ryosuke woke early, performed his full One-Punch-Man routine, and received his usual modest boost in stats.
Progress was slow—
but steady.
By afternoon, he headed out to find Guy.
He wasn't sure how Guy's injuries were healing.
Unlike him, Guy didn't have a system that generated warm healing currents after every beating.
Even with Uchiha medicine, Guy needed time.
Ryosuke eventually found him in a familiar training clearing.
Guy was alone today—Lee must have had Academy lessons.
The instant Guy turned, he froze.
Ryosuke looked completely uninjured.
Not a bruise left.
Guy himself still carried faded marks from their previous spar, despite using the high-quality liniment Ryosuke had sold him.
To Guy, Ryosuke's physique was nothing short of miraculous.
Still, Guy's grin was warm as always.
"Ryosuke! Here to spar again today?"
There was a time when Guy would run all across Konoha to hunt down Kakashi for a training challenge.
Now, a different kind of rival came to him—
one who sought him out with the same fire.
It felt… strangely honoring.
But Ryosuke shook his head.
"Not today," he said.
"I came for something more important."
Guy raised a brow, curious.
Ryosuke inhaled deeply, steadying himself.
Then—
"Guy-sensei…"
"I want to learn the Eight Gates."
His gaze did not waver.
"Will you teach me?"
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