Crying out of concern for Nobuhiko Hyūga?
Natsu Hyūga didn't think so for a second.
It must have been that Lord Shimizu went to speak with that woman again—and scared her to tears.
"I'm really curious to know what was said."
A faint smile played on Natsu's lips.
Now, she and her sister were finally on equal footing. Ginka Hyūga could no longer boss her around or treat her with condescension. In fact, Ginka now had to watch her own step around Natsu, as it was clear that Natsu possessed far more of Lord Shimizu's trust.
"Shimizu."
As Shimizu stepped out of Nobuhiko Hyūga's hospital room and reached the first floor, someone called out his name.
"It's been a while, Asuma."
Shimizu looked over at Asuma Sarutobi. A thin layer of fuzz had grown on Asuma's jaw, showing the early silhouette of the full beard he would one day sport.
"Isn't it because you're always out on missions?"
Asuma walked up and clapped Shimizu on the back. He had always felt that Shimizu was a decent guy—polite, knowing when to advance and when to retreat. In Asuma's eyes, he was easily the Uchiha with the best temperament.
Some Uchiha, while polite, carried an air of indifference that made others feel ignored. They weren't polite because they respected you; they were polite simply out of cold, mechanical etiquette.
"The village is short-staffed right now. Once the younger generation grows up, things won't be this busy."
Shimizu's gaze shifted toward Kurenai Yuhi, who had followed Asuma to the hospital. She stood there motionless, her mouth slightly open as if she wanted to say something, but she remained silent.
"Kurenai Yuhi, it's been a long time. I wonder if you've forgotten me," Shimizu said calmly.
"...Shimizu, you're famous now. How could I possibly forget you?" Kurenai replied with a cold snort.
In the beginning, Shimizu used to seek her out, but later, he stopped coming altogether. Whenever he returned to the village, he was like a hermit—moving only between the hospital and the Uchiha district. He was rarely seen anywhere else in Konohagakure. Despite the countless times she had walked the streets, she hadn't run into Shimizu Uchiha once.
"It's nothing more than empty fame."
Shimizu shook his head. Then, taking advantage of the moment Asuma wasn't paying attention, his lips moved subtly, projecting a silent message.
"Come find me tonight. I want to see if your strength has improved. You should have mastered most of the Yuhi Clan's Genjutsu by now."
Kurenai's pupils constricted. She quickly glanced at Asuma, who was still chatting and patting Shimizu's back. Seeing that he looked completely normal, she realized he hadn't noticed a thing.
"Asuma, I'll be heading out first. You and Kurenai take your time," Shimizu said before disappearing into the crowd.
"Kurenai?"
Asuma walked over to her side, only to find her looking distracted, her expression wavering with hesitation as if she were wrestling with a difficult decision.
"It's nothing."
Kurenai suppressed the swirling thoughts in her mind and followed Asuma out of the Konoha Hospital. She had only intended to pick up some medicine for a cold today; she never expected to run into Shimizu Uchiha.
Should I go? she asked herself.
She had already forced herself to stop thinking about him. But today's encounter had caused those memories to resurface like a rising tide, crashing against her mind.
The Uchiha District
Mikoto Uchiha, her belly prominently rounded, was clearing the table.
"The war situation is becoming clearer. It will be over soon. You should invite Shimizu Uchiha over more often to maintain our relationship," Fugaku said, sipping his tea as he looked at Mikoto.
A shinobi's physical constitution was excellent; pregnancy didn't hinder daily movement. As long as there was no combat, it wouldn't have any negative impact.
Clatter...
The chopsticks slipped from Mikoto's hand and hit the table. A flash of panic crossed her face before she quickly picked them up.
"My hand slipped."
"Be careful. If you feel it's a burden, let me handle the cleaning."
Fugaku was a traditional, patriarchal man, but given his wife's special condition, he was willing to help out where he could. The child she carried would be the young master of the Uchiha Clan. Although the Uchiha followed a meritocratic system where the capable rose to power, as long as Fugaku remained the Clan Head and the Captain of the Konoha Military Police Force, his son's status would be significant.
"No... it's fine..."
Mikoto waved him off and quickly gathered the dishes. Seeing this, Fugaku returned to his newspaper, which was filled with local Konoha anecdotes and news from across the Shinobi World.
Will my unborn child inherit my talent?
Involuntarily, Fugaku began to feel a sense of anticipation for Itachi's birth. The Uchiha had seen a surge of geniuses lately. Shisui Uchiha had already made a name for himself on the battlefield despite his young age, not to mention Shimizu, whose prowess in both combat and medical Ninjutsu was flourishing.
As the son of the "Wicked Eye" Fugaku, how could his child be inferior to them? Fugaku was already contemplating how to educate Itachi. By the time the boy grew up, the war would likely be over. He would need other ways to temper Itachi, to make him understand the world of shinobi and become a true ninja.
The Yuhi Residence
"Going out so late?"
Shinku Yuhi asked as he watched his daughter change her clothes.
"I... I..."
Kurenai stammered. She didn't even know why she had reflexively changed into these clothes and why she was instinctively moving toward the door. Her logic told her this was a mistake, but an impulse deep within urged her to go find Shimizu Uchiha.
When had this impulse been planted? Was it that sudden moment of concern Shimizu showed back during the Chunin Exams? Kurenai could no longer tell. Even though he was a scoundrel, she still felt this lingering attachment.
She hated herself for it.
No. She denied the thought.
She was the pride of the Yuhi Clan; she had to protect that honor.
"You're going to see Asuma, aren't you?"
A smile creased Shinku Yuhi's stern, unsmiling face. It was clear he wasn't used to smiling; the expression was stiff and awkward. Nevertheless, he kept it up.
"Our Yuhi Clan has always been a small clan. I'm relieved to see you getting along so well with Asuma, the Hokage's son."
A look of reminiscence flashed in Shinku's eyes.
"In the shinobi profession, one can lose their life at any moment. After I'm gone, you'll be the only one left in the Yuhi family. I hope to see my grandson while I'm still alive."
"Father...!"
Kurenai's brow furrowed. What was he talking about, a grandson? She was nowhere near that stage.
"Alright, I won't disturb you young people anymore."
Shinku waved her off, gesturing for her to go.
"I'm... heading out then," Kurenai whispered, putting on her shoes and exiting.
Watching the door close behind his daughter, Shinku sighed with emotion. "She's all grown up."
He shook his head and sat back down on the sofa to continue reading the paper. A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door.
Did she forget something? Shinku wondered as he got up to open it.
"Uncle Shinku, I'm looking for Kurenai. A new shop just opened, and I heard they're having a promotion."
"Looking for Kurenai?" Shinku looked confused. "Didn't she just go out to find you, Asuma?"
"Kurenai went to find me?" Asuma asked, his face lighting up with pleasant surprise.
"...Yes," Shinku nodded.
Asuma's reaction was a bit too emotional for his liking; as the Hokage's son, he shouldn't be so flighty. Still, while Asuma had a bit of a delinquent air, he was a good person at heart—a man worthy of trust.
"Uncle Shinku, I'll head back now!" Asuma said hurriedly.
Without even waiting for the door to be closed, he bolted. He was terrified that Kurenai might go to his place and find him missing.
"That kid." Shinku closed the door.
Young people nowadays were completely different from his generation. He looked at the photo of his long-deceased wife and drifted into memory.
The night grew late. Kurenai walked through the bustling streets. Perhaps because the war was nearing its end, the stagnant economy had begun to revive, bringing in many traveling merchants. The villagers were desperate to heal their war-torn spirits, and for a moment, the streets were ablaze with lanterns and festive decorations.
Is that guy looking for information, or what?
Kurenai wondered about Shimizu's motive for summoning her. After every previous confrontation, Shimizu would always make demands of her, usually asking for intelligence. But Shimizu was at the height of his power and fame now; surely he didn't need her to tell him how the outside world viewed the Uchiha anymore?
Furthermore, she hadn't heard her father mention any recent policies targeting the Uchiha. In fact, many clans were actively showing goodwill toward the Uchiha because of Shimizu's existence. It was common knowledge that he was the Hokage's current favorite.
With the election of the Fourth Hokage approaching, many speculated whether Shimizu would follow in the footsteps of Kagami Uchiha and join the Hokage's Guard. If that happened, it would be a meteoric rise. The Uchiha could use that position to draw closer to the Hokage, and the "cold war" treatment the clan had suffered would likely improve significantly.
"Hey, Kurenai!"
Kushina Uzumaki noticed Kurenai walking with her head down and called out to her. Kurenai snapped out of her daze and looked up, realizing she had almost walked right into her. She apologized immediately.
"It's okay, it's okay!" Kushina said, shaking her head. She seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood. "By the way, do you know how much longer until the war ends?"
"Um... it should be within the next few months," Kurenai replied.
Kushina Uzumaki's status in the village was something of a secret, and her presence was quite delicate. The only thing Kurenai knew for sure was that Kushina was a survivor of the Land of Whirlpools.
"That's great!" Kushina cheered.
Minato Namikaze had told her they would get married once the war was over. It looked like that day was almost here. After a few more words, Kushina left happily.
This brief interruption cleared some of the fog in Kurenai's mind. She looked toward the Uchiha district. This time, she had to make things clear with Shimizu.
Her father's once-upright stature had unknowingly become slightly hunched. Even though he was only middle-aged, the weight of the war had taken its toll. The pride her father had held onto his entire life was the Yuhi Clan's Genjutsu—the very foundation of their family. And yet, Shimizu Uchiha had dismissed it so disdainfully.
Kurenai clenched her fists.
That sudden show of concern during the Chunin Exams... perhaps it was nothing more than a strong man's pity for the weak!
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