Kitazawa looked at the tightly closed bathroom door and could not help but smile.
Although Yūhi Kurenai had a daring personality, even she had her limits.
"I'm not going in—take your time with your bath."
With that, Kitazawa called out and turned back into the living room.
He sat on the sofa, thinking about new training plans for his students.
Naruto Uzumaki's Transformation Technique had already been handed over to Kakashi Hatake.
Naruto's task was to rank in the top ten on the next monthly exam, so his new regimen was simple—just like Hinata Hyuga, he would grind through practice problems like mad.
Sasuke Uchiha's goal was to breathe out a Great Fireball Jutsu ten meters high.
Having finished tree‑climbing training, he would now start working on chakra nature transformation.
As for Hinata Hyuga and Ino Yamanaka, Kitazawa didn't understand their clans' secret arts, so he could only keep deepening their chakra‑control training.
Yakumo Kurama would continue physical conditioning, awakening her kekkei genkai, and learning new genjutsu.
Steam swirled inside the bathroom.
Kurenai sat in the bathtub and slowly exhaled.
Soaked in the hot water, her body relaxed and her earlier panic faded.
"What is with that guy?"
She extended a snow‑white arm; ripples spread across the bathwater, faintly revealing her graceful outline.
Her heart was full of doubt, because Kitazawa's behavior just now had exceeded her expectations—like a gentle cat suddenly turning into a fierce tiger.
"But he's more fun than before."
Kurenai gave a soft laugh.
When she finished bathing, she stood up, dressed, and left the bathroom.
Footsteps sounded.
Kitazawa turned instinctively; Kurenai, hair still damp, was walking toward him.
She had put on a yukata—a casual kimono that served as sleepwear.
The yukata was loose, hiding her figure; her long white legs were covered, leaving only her bare feet visible.
What a pity… no black stockings.
Kitazawa rose and took out the hair‑dryer.
Kurenai had intended to take it herself, but suddenly thought of something and withdrew her hand.
She had always been competitive; since Kitazawa had startled her earlier, she had to get him back.
"I'm the guest," Kurenai hinted, blinking.
"Then sit down," Kitazawa replied with a smile, catching her meaning. "I'll dry your hair."
"Thank you."
Kurenai sat with her back to him, sitting up straight and leaning slightly forward.
Kitazawa glanced over her.
Even through the yukata, her back was beautiful—soft curves forming an alluring arc with her waist and hips.
His gaze moved upward to her hair.
He switched on the dryer and blew warm air through her hair.
The corners of Kurenai's mouth lifted; a trace of triumphant mischief rose in her heart.
She turned her head on impulse—and saw Kitazawa's serious expression.
For some reason, her heartbeat paused for half a beat.
Quickly, she looked away.
She lowered her head and stared absently at her own feet.
The last person who had dried her hair was her mother, Yūhi Shinku, who had passed away years ago.
"You'll sleep in the room on the left tonight," Kitazawa said, patting her silky hair before turning off the dryer.
"Mm."
Kurenai stood, tucked her hair behind an ear, and looked at him.
"Anything else you want to say?"
Meeting her eyes, Kitazawa asked, a little puzzled.
"N‑no… nothing."
Kurenai walked to the bedroom door and said, "Good night—see you tomorrow."
The door closed. Kitazawa withdrew his gaze, took his own bath, and went to bed.
Nothing happened that night, and when he opened his eyes it was the next morning.
After getting dressed, Kitazawa opened his door and caught a faint aroma.
Following the scent to the kitchen, he found Kurenai making breakfast.
She wore a red dress with a white apron tied at her waist; standing straight at the stove, her black stockings were drawn tight.
"I forgot to say yesterday: that dress suits you very well," Kitazawa praised.
"Thank you," Kurenai answered graciously, giving him a glance.
"I should be the one thanking you—for getting up early to cook."
"It's nothing," Kurenai said casually. "You cooked yesterday."
After breakfast the two continued discussing new genjutsu for Yakumo Kurama.
The day passed in a flash.
Kurenai did not stay the night again; after dinner she went home.
Kitazawa felt a bit disappointed, but it was fine: their relationship was visibly growing warmer.
The next day marked a new week, and the calendar had turned to May.
At the gate of the ninja academy, in front of the bulletin board—
"Neji, you're first in the grade again," Tenten, her hair in buns, said with a 'just as expected' look.
"Mm."
Neji Hyuga replied calmly.
He had held first place since enrollment and was long accustomed to it.
"Let's go—nothing more to see," Neji said, frowning slightly as more students gathered.
"Hey? Wait!"
Tenten glanced at the first‑year rankings not far away and exclaimed, "Look at the top of the first years!"
Neji stopped at once and looked up.
Seeing the four characters "Hinata Hyuga," he narrowed his eyes.
"That famous Uchiha Sasuke is only second?" Tenten was incredulous.
"Seems the so‑called genius is overrated," Neji said coldly.
With that, he turned toward the classroom.
Tenten hurried to follow.
Entering the room, they saw Rock Lee in a green jumpsuit doing handstand push‑ups.
"Lee sure is diligent lately," Tenten remarked.
"Diligence means nothing in the face of talent," Neji replied impassively.
"…"
Tenten wanted to speak but bit her tongue.
After two years as classmates, she knew his disposition well—calm, yet tinged with fatalistic pessimism.
"You got full marks again; the outstanding‑student speech will definitely be yours," Tenten tried a new topic, smiling. "So enviable."
"If you want it, you can have it," Neji said indifferently.
"I don't have that kind of qualification. It belongs to geniuses like you."
"A genius in shackles is no genius at all," Neji answered coolly.
"… "
Tenten pressed a hand to her forehead. How do you even talk to him?
"Neji."
Just then Mizuki walked in, looking apologetic. "The outstanding‑student speaker isn't you this time—it's Hinata Hyuga."
"Why not Neji?" Tenten asked, eyes wide.
"Hinata's grades weren't as high as Neji's, but this is the Hokage's order. I have no choice," Mizuki sighed.
Tenten glanced at Neji, worried.
Though he had claimed not to care, he was clearly thrown off.
Mizuki noticed and felt secretly pleased.
He was deliberately sowing discord, intending to provoke Neji into making trouble in Class 1‑A.
Then he'd like to see how Kitazawa cleaned up the mess.
~~~
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