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After hanging out with a group of classmates, eating some snacks, and chatting about trivial topics, the sky gradually darkened as night fell. The group of kids eventually went their separate ways. Since their paths were aligned, Ronglin courteously escorted Yuhi Kurenai back home. Along the way, he told a few light-hearted jokes that made Kurenai giggle uncontrollably.
This small interaction brought them closer together.
"Uchiha Ronglin, see you later! You're really fun to be around—I never noticed before. I hope we can hang out again sometime," Kurenai said with a cheerful wave before parting ways.
Ronglin smiled and nodded. "Of course, there will be another chance, as long as you don't find me annoying. I'll come looking for you."
"That's great! I'll hold you to your word. If you don't keep it… Hmph!" Kurenai playfully narrowed her eyes and raised a tiny fist in mock threat, eliciting an amused laugh from Ronglin.
It was clear that Kurenai had formed a good impression of him; otherwise, she wouldn't have actively suggested meeting again or been so delighted by his agreement.
As Kurenai walked away, Ronglin's lips curled into a faint smile.
Asuma, I wonder if this would make you jump in anger? I'm quite looking forward to seeing your reaction.
Though Ronglin possessed the mind of an adult, that didn't mean he couldn't indulge in childish antics now and then—especially when it came to irritating someone he disliked. Why not enjoy himself while doing so? Besides, it was just kids playing around; Ronglin harbored no ill intentions toward Kurenai.
"Oof!"
Lost in thought, Ronglin suddenly collided with someone, knocking him off balance and sending him tumbling to the ground. To his surprise, he realized he'd bumped into a woman—and not just any woman, but one with surprising strength. Otherwise, she wouldn't have sent him sprawling like that.
How did he know she was a woman? Simple: the soft bump against his head and the faint scent of flowers wafting through the air.
A pile of bread and other items scattered across the ground as startled exclamations rang out.
"Ah, are you okay? I'm so sorry—I wasn't paying attention!" the woman apologized hastily.
The first thing Ronglin noticed was her striking red hair.
Uzumaki Kushina!
The name immediately sprang to mind. There was only one person in the Hidden Leaf Village with such vibrant crimson locks—the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki, Uzumaki Kushina, also known as Minato Namikaze's girlfriend and the fiery-tempered "Little Pepper."
Her red hair was a hallmark of the Uzumaki clan, once a powerful lineage that had tragically fallen victim to near extinction under mysterious circumstances. The connection between their demise and the Tailed Beasts was undeniable, as evidenced by attempts to kidnap Kushina from the village.
"I'm fine. Hello, Kushina," Ronglin said casually as he dusted himself off, surprised to meet her in such an unexpected manner.
"Uh, yeah... I was spacing out, so it's my fault. Sorry about that," Kushina replied sheepishly, gathering the fallen bread.
"I was distracted too, so let's call it even," Ronglin chuckled.
"Pfft~"
Kushina burst into laughter, stuffing the bread back into her bag. She studied Ronglin for a moment before speaking. "I know who you are—you're Uchiha Ronglin, right?"
"You know me?"
Ronglin blinked in astonishment. He hadn't introduced himself, nor was he famous enough for Kushina to recognize him on sight.
"Of course! Minato has praised you, saying you're a genius—even better than Kakashi. It's hard to believe, but the Uchiha and Hyuga clans will surely regret what they've done to you someday. Do whatever you want—I support you wholeheartedly!" Kushina declared, pumping her fist enthusiastically.
She knew all too well about the tragedy involving Ronglin's parents and sympathized deeply with his plight. Her straightforward nature compelled her to openly voice her encouragement.
"...Are you seriously supporting revenge like this?" Ronglin asked, caught between amusement and bewilderment.
But given Kushina's fiery personality, it wasn't entirely out of character for her to speak so candidly. Moreover, she wasn't afraid of the Uchiha or Hyuga clans.
"Regardless, thank you for your kind words. Goodbye for now," Ronglin replied diplomatically. While Kushina could afford to express such opinions freely, Ronglin, burdened by the bloodlines of two prestigious clans, had to tread carefully.
"Heehee, you're not being honest, are you?" Kushina teased, sticking out her tongue. "Well, I should get going. Minato must be waiting impatiently by now."
With that, she picked up her groceries and headed home, her fiery red hair swaying behind her. Watching her leave, Ronglin reflected on the fact that within her resided a fearsome entity—the Nine-Tails.
Despite her cheerful demeanor, she was a woman destined for hardship.
Shaking his head, Ronglin returned home, deciding not to dwell on the encounter further. After all, if he couldn't change fate, then he might as well remain a silent observer.
Meeting Kushina was merely a brief interlude in his life.
"Starting today, Team Tsunade's mission schedule will be postponed. Uchiha Ronglin, are you prepared?"
Upon returning to the village, Tsunade had discussed matters with the Third Hokage and decided to personally mentor Ronglin for a period of time. The Third fully supported this decision, granting Tsunade complete freedom to proceed.
Such treatment was rare and presented an opportunity Ronglin couldn't afford to miss.
"No problem at all."
This day had been a long time coming, and Ronglin was determined not to squander the opportunity. Opportunities favored those who worked hard, and success required sacrifice.
"In that case, brace yourself mentally. Remember what I said earlier—I may not be the best teacher, but when I take things seriously, you'll wish you hadn't crossed my path."
Tsunade grinned mischievously, and Ronglin knew exactly how terrifying she could be when focused. For instance, teaching him the Strength Technique turned out to be far more grueling than depicted in anime scenes where Sakura learned effortlessly. Why did he need hands-on guidance?
Ronglin endured what could only be described as "hellish training." Compared to this regimen, his previous rigorous drills seemed trivial. Tsunade imparted all her signature taijutsu techniques to him, though the process left him battered and nearly at death's door.
Still, the results were worth it. His weaknesses were quickly fortified, and Ronglin was confident that if Kakashi challenged him now, he'd crush him without breaking a sweat.
Additionally, something amusing occurred during this period. Once Tsunade committed to mentoring him, she spent nearly every waking moment with him, almost to the point of eating and sleeping together. This arrangement naturally sparked resentment in certain quarters.
Kakashi Asuma!!!
No man would appreciate his girlfriend spending all her time with another person while barely seeing him once every few months.
For lovers, distance and time could erode even the strongest bonds. In matters of the heart, Tsunade remained blissfully ignorant, still navigating the complexities of romance.