21-25

*Chapter 21: The Third Hokage - Aizen is the Inheritor of the Will of Fire*

As far as Aizen knew, aside from the Uchiha clan's compound, there was only one barbecue restaurant in the entire Leaf Village.

He had gone there a few times with Uchiha Izumi.

It seemed to be called "Kousan Barbecue."

"Of course, that's my dad's restaurant!" Airi Akizuki's hands excitedly clasped over her chest as she mentioned her father. Her cute face blushed slightly.

"May I ask, who is your father?" Seeing Airi's daddy-loving expression, Aizen's lips twitched as he silently complained to himself, Could her father really be Akizuki Kousan?

"Akizuki Kousan!" Airi smiled, her face flushed with admiration.

Aizen's lips twitched again. Damn, it's really him!

Aizen had short black hair, a Konoha headband tied around his forehead, and sharp, handsome features. He wore a black, form-fitting combat suit, with a Zanpakutō named Kyoka Suigetsu and a pouch of ninja tools at his waist. A kunai holster was tied to his right leg. Standing over 170 cm tall, his figure was lean and well-proportioned.

This was Aizen's current appearance.

Three days later.

Led by Kurenai Yuhi, Aizen arrived at the Hokage's office.

"Hokage-sama, I brought Aizen. Aizen, greet the Hokage," Kurenai said.

"Hokage-sama, hello."

"I've admired you since I was little."

"You are the strongest and greatest Hokage in the history of Konoha, all for the village."

"My greatest dream is to become a great ninja like you."

Sticking to his persona of admiring the Third Hokage, Aizen wasted no time and immediately began showering Sarutobi Hiruzen with exaggerated praise, reciting the "glorious history" from the ninja academy textbooks.

His expression was like that of a fan meeting their favorite celebrity. He was just short of screaming in excitement.

Kurenai, standing beside him, twitched at his words. She suddenly realized that this Aizen seemed a little different from the one she normally knew.

At this moment, Hiruzen was quietly observing Aizen, trying to discern something from him. Seeing the young man express admiration, listing his "glorious history," and gazing at him with sincere, clear black eyes, Hiruzen couldn't help but warm up to him.

It seems Danzo was just being paranoid, Hiruzen thought.

An excellent ninja who has inherited the Will of Fire, dedicated to protecting the village, and idolizing the "strongest Hokage in history" like him, how could he ever betray Konoha? The very idea was ridiculous.

Hiruzen chuckled. "What an understanding young man."

"Aizen, this is our first official meeting, but I've been paying attention to you since you were very young. Like your parents, you are an outstanding ninja who has inherited the Will of Fire. I am proud of you."

Aizen nodded seriously, continuing his charade. "Thank you for your praise, Hokage-sama. I will dedicate myself entirely to serving you and the village, even unto death."

Just look at his expression, his tone.

It was as if he placed the Hokage even above the village itself, ready to die for Konoha at the mere command of the Third.

No matter how one looked at him, he appeared to be an ideal inheritor of the Will of Fire.

"Dedicating yourself, even unto death?" Hiruzen repeated, liking Aizen more and more. Laughing, he said, "It’s good that you have this intention, but these are peaceful times. Don't talk about death so casually. You are the new sprouts of Konoha; your duty is to grow strong and carry on the legacy of the village."

"I will not fail you, Hokage-sama," Aizen responded with the utmost respect. After all, flattery cost nothing, so why not give it freely?

Kurenai, standing to the side, was thoroughly creeped out by this display. Was this really the same calm and composed Aizen she knew?

Hiruzen, lost in the flattery, didn't notice Kurenai's reaction. Feeling quite pleased, he stood up. "I believe Kurenai has told you about your promotion to Chunin?"

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Aizen replied respectfully.

"Come with me, then. Kurenai says you already possess strength comparable to a Jonin. This will be a good chance to test that. If you truly demonstrate sufficient power, I may even make an exception and promote you directly to Jonin."

Hiruzen led the way out of the office, with Aizen and Kurenai exchanging glances before following him.

Before long, they arrived at a clearing near the Forest of Death.

At that moment, many of Konoha's key figures had gathered, including Danzo, the two village elders, and several members of the Anbu.

Among them were Uchiha Itachi and Kakashi.

Most of those present simply regarded Aizen with mild curiosity, without much change in expression. However, under his fox mask, Uchiha Itachi's face grew solemn. Through his Mangekyō Sharingan, he could sense that Aizen had become even more inscrutable, as if he were concealing an abnormally strong and strange chakra. If it weren't for his special eyes, Itachi doubted he would have noticed it at all.

Inwardly, Itachi wondered, Are you the one who stole Shisui's right eye? Aizen, what is your goal in becoming so bold all of a sudden?

No one knew that the highly intelligent but socially awkward Uchiha Itachi had already begun to suspect Aizen of being the mysterious figure who had taken Shisui's eye right out from under Danzo’s nose.

Of course, Aizen wasn’t the only one Itachi suspected.

There was also the masked man who had killed his teammate when he was eight and triggered the awakening of his Sharingan — Uchiha Obito.

Aizen, ever perceptive, naturally noticed Itachi's hostile gaze. But he paid it little mind; his goal would soon be achieved, anyway.

"Aizen, these are the Hokage’s advisors, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado. And this is Danzo Shimura, leader of the Root."

Upon reaching the group, Kurenai quietly introduced the three to Aizen.

Hearing this, Aizen put on a bright, respectful smile and bowed to the three elders. "Lady Koharu, Lord Homura, Lord Danzo."

Koharu and Homura nodded in approval of Aizen's attitude, while Danzo, ever the stoic, kept his expression neutral. Disliking Aizen’s bright demeanor, Danzo coldly said, "Since you’re here, let’s begin. Your opponent will be him."

"Kakashi, step forward."

At Danzo’s words, a white-haired man wearing an Anbu uniform and a dog mask stepped forward.

"Hatake Kakashi, huh? I didn’t expect to meet you like this," Aizen thought, his eyes briefly flickering with amusement.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 22: Aizen vs Kakashi*

Danzo continued, "I assume you've heard of the famous Copy Ninja, Hatake Kakashi. Kurenai Yuhi, your instructor, has said that your strength has already surpassed hers. Today, if you can hold out against Kakashi for the time it takes for one incense stick to burn, you’ll pass the Chunin exam."

"Furthermore, if you display enough power and earn the recognition of the Konoha higher-ups and the Anbu elites, you may even be promoted directly to Jonin."

"I understand, Lord Danzo," Aizen replied solemnly.

"Then, let’s begin," Danzo said, still wearing his usual grim expression as he waved his hand impatiently.

The Konoha F4 took their seats in the VIP section. Kurenai Yuhi and Uchiha Itachi, dressed in his Anbu uniform, stood beside Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Anbu remained hidden among the surrounding trees.

A large space was cleared in the middle of the arena, where Aizen and Kakashi stood twenty paces apart.

An Anbu member stood between them, serving as the referee.

"Let’s start," Hiruzen Sarutobi said to the referee.

"Begin!" the referee announced in a drawn-out voice, then leapt backward out of the combat zone.

Both Aizen and Kakashi formed the Tiger Seal simultaneously as a sign of respect toward each other.

"Begin!" As soon as the referee's voice fell, Aizen moved, quickly forming hand seals, and in an instant, his entire figure dissolved into cherry blossom petals, disappearing from sight.

*Genjutsu: Triple Sakura Illusion Technique!*

"Genjutsu, huh? This kid’s power has grown to this level already?" Hiruzen Sarutobi swiftly formed seals, disrupting his chakra to break free from Aizen’s illusion.

Others followed suit, except for Uchiha Itachi, who used his Mangekyo Sharingan to neutralize the illusion.

Everyone was quietly astonished by Aizen's mastery of Genjutsu.

*Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!*

A flash of a blade cut through the air, accompanied by the sound of something slicing through it.

Before most of the spectators could fully break free from the illusion, a pure white blade slashed through the air, revealing Aizen as he aimed the sharp edge directly at Kakashi’s head.

"So fast! Not just his speed, but also his hand seals and power, are exceptional."

Kakashi, startled, quickly dropped his lazy demeanor. He couldn’t afford to underestimate Aizen. In an instant, he drew the katana from his back to block the attack.

*"Shatter! Kyōka Suigetsu!"* Aizen silently chanted in his mind.

He didn’t intend to break Kakashi's katana but instead deliberately held back his strength. Just as all eyes were on the blade, he activated *Kyōka Suigetsu*.

Aizen then continued clashing blades with Kakashi in close-quarters combat.

Kyōka Suigetsu and Kakashi’s katana met repeatedly, sparks flying in the air with each clash.

"It’s not just his Genjutsu. His Taijutsu and Shunshin techniques are also top-notch. Even among Jonin, he stands out. Kurenai, it seems you’ve trained an excellent student," Hiruzen commented while stroking his goatee. He was calm and composed, turning to Kurenai with a smile.

The two advisors beside him also looked slightly impressed.

As for Danzo, his expression was inscrutable, giving no indication of his thoughts.

Uchiha Itachi, on the other hand, was becoming increasingly shocked.

With his Mangekyo Sharingan, his vision surpassed that of everyone else present. He could vaguely sense that Aizen was holding something back and had yet to go all out.

"Lord Hokage, you flatter me. I only provided a little guidance. Aizen’s strength is all thanks to his own efforts," Kurenai replied humbly. She knew her own limitations and quickly explained upon hearing Hiruzen’s praise.

While they spoke, Aizen and Kakashi had already exchanged dozens of moves, using a mix of ninjutsu, tools, and Shunshin techniques. Occasionally, they even employed substitution techniques.

To the average person, it would appear as if only two afterimages were colliding in mid-air, producing sparks with each impact.

As the incense stick was about to burn out, the two silently stopped their Taijutsu duel. Both realized that their skills were evenly matched, and continuing would likely result in no clear winner.

If they kept at it, the incense would burn out, and Aizen would win without a decisive outcome.

"Kakashi-senpai, as expected of the Copy Ninja, you’re really strong!" Aizen said, using formal language. His hands swiftly formed seals.

"Likewise. Watch out, Aizen. Here comes the next attack," Kakashi replied, a hint of approval in his eyes. He plunged his katana into the ground, quickly forming hand seals, all while thinking to himself, "Aside from those with Kekkei Genkai, this kid might be on par with Uchiha Itachi."

*Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!*

Kakashi took a deep breath, and a massive fireball erupted from his mouth, like a miniature sun, shining brightly.

Aizen, having finished forming his seals, simply stood still as the fireball consumed him.

"Aizen!" Kurenai yelled, thinking that Aizen had failed to avoid the attack.

"Don’t worry. Aizen is stronger than you think," Hiruzen Sarutobi reassured her calmly. Though he hadn’t been on the battlefield in a while, his judgment was still sharp.

"Yes, Lord Hokage." Realizing her outburst, Kurenai quickly apologized.

Hiruzen waved it off and continued watching the fight between Aizen and Kakashi.

As the flames dissipated, a shallow crater had formed where Aizen stood, with his injured body crouched inside, apparently unconscious.

"Did I succeed?" Kakashi murmured as he approached the crater to check.

But just as he got close, the Aizen in the crater suddenly vanished with a *"poof"*, revealing that it had been a shadow clone.

*Earth Style: Head Hunter Jutsu!*

In the next moment, Kakashi let out a shout as his entire body was dragged underground. In less than a second, only his head remained above the surface.

"Kakashi-senpai, it looks like I’ve won this time," Aizen said as he emerged from the ground.

"Not necessarily," Kakashi’s voice came from behind Aizen. The real Kakashi had already placed his katana at Aizen’s neck. The Kakashi trapped by the Head Hunter Jutsu vanished in a cloud of smoke.

"How did you see through it? Was it the Sharingan?" Aizen asked calmly, without turning around or showing any signs of panic.

"Yes," Kakashi replied, "When you were forming your seals, I could see that you were preparing both the Head Hunter Jutsu and a shadow clone."

"The Head Hunter Jutsu is good for ambushes, but it’s also great for dodging direct attacks."

"You thought to combine both techniques, and you executed it so quickly. Aizen, I have to say, you’re truly impressive."

*P.S.: Second update of the day.*

(End of chapter)

Chapter 23: Promotion to Jonin

Aizen smiled and said, "It's an honor to be praised by the Copy Ninja. But after those two jutsus, I did release another technique."

As he finished speaking, Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death was already in effect.

Suddenly, Aizen disappeared from Kakashi's and the others' view.

At the same time, a sapling rapidly grew under Kakashi's feet, turning into a large tree that would require several people to hug.

Clang.

The katana fell from Kakashi's hand as his body was bound tightly by the tree, unable to break free.

Aizen emerged slowly from within the tree, holding his Zanpakuto and pointing it at Kakashi.

"So, you can even use the Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death technique? As expected of the genjutsu genius Kurenai always speaks of," Kakashi said gravely, gazing up at Aizen.

"You're too kind. But I suspect this is just another one of your shadow clones, isn't it?" Aizen sheathed his sword and dispelled the genjutsu.

"Indeed," Kakashi responded softly, not denying it.

Kakashi's body dispersed into lightning in front of everyone, and his real body emerged from the hole Aizen had created earlier with his Head Hunter Jutsu.

Both Aizen and Kakashi put away their swords.

Neither continued the fight, as the incense had already burned out.

"Time's up." With the referee's announcement, the match officially ended, and Aizen and Kakashi performed the sign of reconciliation, bringing the battle to a close.

Clap clap.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood and clapped, praising, "Aizen, I never expected you to be able to fight Kakashi to this extent. Truly impressive."

"You're flattering me, Lord Hokage. This was just Kakashi-senpai playing around with me," Aizen responded with modesty. "If he had used his Lightning Release Shadow Clone to paralyze me and then launched a sneak attack, I would have been done for. Not to mention, he never even used his famous Chidori technique."

"Not arrogant, humble, and an inheritor of the Will of Fire. You're a fine young man," Hiruzen thought to himself, growing more pleased with Aizen the longer he looked at him. Turning to the others, he announced loudly, "Everyone has seen Aizen's strength today. Without a doubt, he has completed the Chunin Exam."

"As I said before, if Aizen displayed exceptional strength, he could be promoted directly to Jonin. Let's have a show of hands. Those in favor of promoting Aizen to Jonin, please raise your hand."

Hiruzen was the first to raise his hand.

Next was Kakashi, Aizen's opponent.

Like Uchiha Itachi, Kakashi had a sense that Aizen hadn't used his full power, though neither had Kakashi.

The third to raise his hand was Itachi, followed by all the ANBU members loyal to the Hokage.

Of course, once the Hokage agreed, they wouldn’t oppose it.

Moreover, Aizen was indeed qualified to be a Jonin, especially with his mastery of genjutsu, which was enough to trouble most of those present.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado also raised their hands. They always followed the prevailing wind, and promoting Aizen to Jonin aligned with their interests, as it would make it easier for him to spy on the Uchiha clan.

As for Danzo, to everyone's surprise, the man who often opposed the Third Hokage did not dissent this time. Instead, he raised his hand with a calm, agreeable expression, shocking many who knew him well.

Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction and smiled warmly. "Very well, Aizen, congratulations. From today, you are officially a Jonin of the Hidden Leaf. Keep up the good work. And Kurenai, you've done a remarkable job teaching such a talented genjutsu user."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage," Kurenai bowed on one knee before Hiruzen.

Aizen, on the other hand, didn’t kneel. Instead, he used Kyōka Suigetsu to create an illusion of himself kneeling before the Hokage.

Seeing their sincere expressions, Hiruzen's smile grew wider. He waved for them to rise and continued, "Aizen, though you're now a Jonin, your attack methods are still too limited.

"Kakashi, I'm giving you the day off tomorrow. Take some time to guide him."

Before long, Aizen and Kakashi had agreed on a training location.

Aizen put on his newly issued Jonin vest and left the Forest of Death alongside Kurenai.

As they walked down the street, Kurenai, in her usual bandaged attire, couldn't help but ask the question that had been on her mind, "Aizen, where did you learn the Head Hunter Jutsu and Shadow Clone Jutsu?"

"I asked Izumi to help me find them," Aizen replied half-truthfully, revealing a minor secret that wasn’t really a secret.

In reality, he had obtained the Head Hunter Jutsu on the day he was promoted to Genin.

It was a spring day full of life when Aizen had spent a rare night at Uchiha Izumi's house.

They slept separately—Izumi on the bed, Aizen on the floor—but when he awoke the next morning, he found Izumi in his arms, triggering a peculiar option:

1. Kiss Uchiha Izumi and be rewarded with the Head Hunter Jutsu.

2. Go further and risk punishment, gaining access to all of the Kidō techniques from the world of the Shinigami.

3. Do nothing, earning the contemptible reward of Chiyo’s underwear.

Unsurprisingly, Aizen chose the first option.

Izumi was too young at the time—only eleven years old. How could Aizen possibly do more? At the very least, she needed to be of legal age, right?

"Ah, Uchiha..." Kurenai understood and then, as if recalling something, warned, "It's fine to learn general techniques like Shadow Clone and Head Hunter, but don't try to learn any of the Uchiha clan's exclusive techniques. They might give you trouble if you do."

"And..." Kurenai hesitated for a moment, glancing around to make sure no one was nearby, then softly added, "I know you're childhood friends with an Uchiha girl, but the relationship between the Uchiha clan and the village is very tense right now. Be careful not to get too close to them."

"Kurenai, are you worried about me?" Aizen stopped walking, his deep black eyes gazing at her with unconcealed admiration and a hint of playful affection.

They locked eyes. Kurenai's lips parted as if she wanted to say something, but the words wouldn't come out. Her face flushed a deep red as she swallowed her thoughts along with her breath.

---

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 24: Asuma Sarutobi's Green Hair*

This wasn’t the first time that Aizen had flirted with her.

At first, Kurenai Yūhi didn’t pay much attention, thinking it was just childish pranks. But as Aizen matured, her feelings began to shift.

Time after time, during missions, he would place himself in front of her.

Gradually, without even realizing it, this girl, who had closed off her heart after her father passed away, started to feel her defenses melt.

Just as Kurenai was feeling confused about these emotions, a deep voice called from a distance, “Hey, Kurenai.”

Startled, she froze, her face turning red like a cat caught sneaking around. She quickly averted her gaze from Aizen and looked toward the voice. Three young men wearing the Konoha Jōnin vests approached.

The one leading the group bore a striking resemblance to the Third Hokage, a cigarette dangling from his lips, blowing out clouds of smoke.

Behind him were two other young men.

One was wearing a green jumpsuit, with his forehead protector tied around his waist, sporting a bowl cut and incredibly thick eyebrows. Every now and then, he shouted about youthfulness, giving off the impression of a muscle-bound, simple-minded guy.

The other seemed more normal compared to the first two, and in terms of looks, he was quite handsome.

But his carefree attitude was apparent. His ninja headband was sewn into a bandana wrapped around his head, and he casually chewed on a senbon needle, exuding a cocky vibe.

These three were fellow Konoha ninjas, part of the same generation as Kurenai and Kakashi: Asuma Sarutobi, Might Guy, and Genma Shiranui.

“Looks like your friends are here. Guess I’ll see you tonight,” Aizen glanced at the trio and, after guessing their identities, made a quick bow to Kurenai. Without lingering, he used the Body Flicker Technique and disappeared from sight.

At this moment, Asuma and the others finally arrived.

“Kurenai, was that guy also a Konoha Jōnin? I don’t think I’ve seen him around before,” Asuma’s expression was slightly unpleasant as he glanced at where Aizen had disappeared, frowning as he asked nonchalantly.

Kurenai responded with an absent-minded “Oh,” as she replied, “He’s the student I told you about, Fujiwara Aizen. He just passed the assessment and has been promoted to Jōnin by the Hokage.”

Learning that he was Kurenai’s student, Asuma’s tense expression relaxed a bit, and he let out a quiet sigh of relief. Looks like he was overthinking things.

How could Kurenai have a boyfriend so soon? She’s still so young!

“Jōnin?” Genma Shiranui was stunned, his eyes widening in disbelief. “Hey, are you serious? He’s not even twelve yet, right? Wasn’t Kakashi promoted to Jōnin at that age, too?”

After all, even Genma himself was only a Special Jōnin.

Kurenai, too, had only been promoted to Special Jōnin a year ago.

And now, in less than a year, she had trained a Jōnin. It was hard to believe.

Meanwhile, Might Guy, who had a bit of face blindness, looked utterly confused and asked, “Who... is this Fujiwara Aizen guy?”

“Well, it’s the truth, whether you believe it or not,” Kurenai ignored Guy’s thickheadedness and sighed. “In any case, Aizen’s strength has already surpassed mine.”

“So, you’re saying he became a Jōnin faster than his own teacher?” Genma said with a teasing smile.

“Sorry to break it to you, Genma, but the Hokage recently promoted me to Jōnin, too. So now, in our generation, it’s just you, Ebisu, Raido, and Iwashi still stuck at Special Jōnin rank.” Kurenai said with a hint of pride.

“What?” Genma was instantly left speechless, frozen in place.

“Kurenai, is your student really that strong?” Asuma asked, trying to keep the conversation going with her.

“He fought Kakashi in the assessment. If you want to know how strong he is, you can ask Kakashi about it later,” Kurenai replied. “By the way, what are you three doing here? You don’t usually have this much free time.”

“We just got back from a mission, and Asuma wanted to invite you to join us for a get-together tonight,” Might Guy blurted out, not noticing the awkwardness in the air.

“Guy!” Asuma’s face turned red as he glared at him, then looked at Kurenai with hopeful eyes.

“Oh, I see,” Kurenai said, her mind wandering back to Aizen’s recent flirtations. She took a deep breath and replied, “Sorry, I already have plans. I promised my students we’d celebrate Aizen’s promotion tonight. Maybe another time.”

With that, Kurenai turned her back to the three, waved goodbye, and slowly disappeared down the street.

Leaving behind a dazed Might Guy, a dejected Asuma, and a completely shocked Genma Shiranui.

News travels fast in Konoha.

Soon, word of Aizen’s extraordinary promotion to Jōnin spread throughout the village, becoming common knowledge.

In fact, the village leadership, keen to further highlight Aizen’s abilities and draw the Uchiha clan’s attention, began to hype him up. They even gave him the title “Illusion God Aizen” due to his mastery of genjutsu, claiming he could rival Uchiha Shisui.

It was clear that they were pulling out all the stops to build up Aizen’s reputation.

Of course, Aizen knew none of this.

And even if he did, he wouldn’t care.

From what he understood of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Hokage’s goal was simply to use him to spy on the Uchiha clan, leveraging his connection to Uchiha Izumi to act as an informant.

As for Danzo Shimura, the reason for his strong support of Aizen’s promotion was most likely to set him up for failure.

Danzo was a man who trusted no one, always willing to sacrifice everything to protect Konoha in his own twisted way.

He constantly preached about the necessity of self-sacrifice for the village, but when the time came for him to make sacrifices, he was never willing.

All he ever thought about was how to become Hokage.

In the end, it was fear of death and a hunger for power.

The moment Aizen formed a bond with Uchiha Izumi, he was branded untrustworthy in Danzo’s eyes.

And when the night of the Uchiha massacre comes, when Aizen is no longer of use, that will be the moment of reckoning.

Danzo will eliminate anyone tied to the Uchiha.

Just like Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Sasuke in the original story, Aizen would face the same fate.

If not for Itachi killing the two Root members sent to eliminate him, and using the threat of leaking Konoha’s secrets to enemy nations, Sasuke would have died long ago or been turned into a mindless weapon for Root.

There would’ve been no later moments of Sasuke competing with Itachi in genjutsu, sparring with the Eight-Tails, clashing with the Raikage, or facing off against Madara Uchiha.

Even though he got beaten up in most of those fights, anyway.

PS: Second update, asking for recommendation and monthly votes.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 25: Kurenai Yuhi Gets Drunk

In the evening, after taking Uchiha Izumi home, Aizen arrived punctually at Kozo's barbecue restaurant for the appointment.

After a conversation, Aizen realized that he had been overthinking things.

This Kozo was not the same Kozo he had imagined, nor was he some so-called young stepfather. They were truly just a very ordinary father-daughter pair.

But it was true that Airi had an older sister. Her sister didn’t become a ninja; instead, she chose to help out at the barbecue restaurant.

Although, her name was also Eri Akizuki.

As for Airi’s mother, she was a ninja of the Hidden Leaf Village, often away for long periods, mainly responsible for guarding the wife of the daimyo. She rarely came home.

After dinner, everyone went their separate ways.

Choji Akimichi left with a full stomach, looking completely satisfied.

Airi stayed behind to help her family at the restaurant.

As for Aizen, he was currently being dragged by Kurenai Yuhi to accompany her while she drank.

Yes, Kurenai was drunk.

She had always enjoyed drinking in the evening, and perhaps because Aizen was about to leave the team, she drank a little more than usual and started to act out.

“Neh neh, Aizen-kun, time flies so fast. In the blink of an eye, you’re about to become a Jonin, and you’ve grown into such a handsome guy. You don’t look like a twelve-year-old kid at all.”

With one hand holding her wine cup and the other gently stroking Aizen’s face, Kurenai’s delicate features, flushed with redness, became even more beautiful under the soft glow of the lights.

Just as Kurenai said, Aizen had indeed grown a lot taller.

Due to practicing the Tiangang Jue and absorbing natural energy for years, his height had already reached 1.7 meters at the age of twelve, and the boyish look had almost completely faded from his face. He had grown up.

“Sensei Kurenai, you’re drunk,” Aizen said with a hint of helplessness, sipping some tea.

Under normal circumstances, faced with the beautiful Kurenai, he definitely wouldn’t be able to resist teasing her a bit or taking advantage of the situation.

After all, he was still a man.

But now, less than a year remained until the Uchiha clan massacre.

When the time came, he would definitely have to leave for Izumi.

There was nothing here worth staying for anymore.

If he got entangled with Kurenai, it would only bring trouble to her.

At least during the reign of the Third Hokage, he couldn’t get too involved with her.

After all, the Konoha elders were quite crafty.

Anko Mitarashi was a prime example. After Orochimaru defected, she was nearly driven insane by the torture from Konoha’s interrogation department.

This was why, for the past six months, he had only maintained an ordinary team member relationship with them.

“You’re so unfeeling. I’m not drunk at all,” Kurenai pouted, taking another sip from her cup and then slamming the table, complaining, “Ah, I just want to fall in love! I’m so beautiful, and I have a great figure, so why doesn’t anyone want to chase me?”

As she said this, Kurenai pouted and sneakily glanced at Aizen.

Seeing that he was still unmoved, she gathered her courage and seemed to be about to lean into him, her fragrant scent filling the air. “Neh neh... Aizen-kun...”

“Yes?” Feeling the softness of Kurenai’s body and her faint scent, with a hint of alcohol in the air, Aizen couldn’t help but blush as he responded.

“Do you... really like your teacher?” Kurenai’s lips curled up slightly as she pressed herself even closer to him.

“Everyone appreciates beauty. Sensei, you’re so beautiful, who wouldn’t like you?” Aizen replied frankly.

“You really are a sly little brat.” Kurenai’s face turned red as she avoided Aizen’s gaze. She repeated herself softly, then leaned close to his ear and whispered with a hint of alcohol on her breath, “Actually... it’s not impossible.”

As she spoke, she closed her eyes and moved her lips toward Aizen’s.

At that moment, a familiar system prompt echoed in Aizen’s mind:

*Ding! Congratulations, host, for triggering a option:*

- 1. Kiss Kurenai Yuhi and receive the Rasengan.

- 2. Hesitate but proceed forcefully, and receive the Chidori.

- 3. Avoid it, and receive the waters of the Zimu River.

*Please make your choice!*

Aizen: "..."

This choice was a bit too intense.

Although it was quite tempting, he definitely couldn’t choose the second option. That would be illegal, and he wasn’t even of age yet.

As for the first option...

Well, whatever happens, happens. Today, he, Fujii Aizen, would give away his first kiss.

“Kurenai-sensei, your favorite wasabi octopus is ready,” Just as their lips were about to meet, Akizuki Airi walked in with a tray of food. Perfect timing.

Kurenai was startled, and the alcohol cleared from her mind instantly. Aizen instinctively pulled back as well.

“Airi, this isn’t what it looks like!” Kurenai tried to explain as the three of them stared at each other, but Airi just smiled and said, “Sorry, it seems I interrupted something. You two go ahead.”

She winked playfully, covering her mouth and giggling as she left, giving Aizen an encouraging glance and even making a cheering gesture.

Leaving Kurenai and Aizen awkwardly staring at each other.

Kurenai turned her face away, too embarrassed to meet Aizen’s eyes, but she couldn’t help stealing glances at him out of the corner of her eye.

Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe she was just shy, but her face turned even redder, with a blush spreading down her neck.

She covered her face, silently cursing herself. Why... why had she said such embarrassing things? And she had almost kissed her student!

At that moment, another system prompt echoed in Aizen’s mind:

*Ding! Congratulations, host, for obtaining the waters of the Zimu River.*

“At least it’s not underwear this time,” Aizen muttered, glancing at Kurenai, then at Airi, who was peeking from outside the booth. He sighed and said, “Kurenai-sensei, you’re drunk. Let me take you home.”

As he spoke, he stood up and extended his hand to Kurenai.

“O-okay...” Kurenai stammered, her face flushed. She didn’t dare look at him but still took his hand.

His palm was warm, making her feel at ease.

Neither of them spoke after that.

Aizen said his goodbyes to Airi, then carried Kurenai out of the barbecue restaurant.

Kurenai’s house was in the bustling area of Konoha, and Aizen had been there once before.

Following the route in his memory, he quickly brought her home.

After removing her shoes and placing her on the bed, he boiled some hot water and tidied up her place a little.

Lastly, he helped her wash up a bit.

Just as Aizen was about to leave, Kurenai grabbed his sleeve. “Um... thank you...”

“No problem. Are you feeling better now?” Aizen asked, handing her a glass of water.

“Yes, much better,” Kurenai nodded, accepting the glass but hesitating to drink. She looked uncertain as she said, “About what happened at the barbecue place...”

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*PS:* First chapter of the day. Please vote for recommendations and monthly tickets!

(End of Chapter)