Chapter 173: Kakashi's Tension
"Hinata, maybe you're just not suited to be a ninja. If this path truly doesn't resonate with you, I'm willing to speak to your father," Hatake Yusuke said calmly.
"Y-Yusuke-sensei…" Hinata Hyuga's eyes began to well up with tears. Just the sight of her trembling expression could move anyone's heart.
Yuhi Kurenai remained silent, simply watching Yusuke.
"Yusuke-sensei… Hinata's been trying really hard all this time…" Kiba spoke up, concern in his voice. Beside him, Shino quietly nodded.
"Hinata Hyuga, you're too kind. As a shinobi, you're reluctant to strike down your enemies. But on the battlefield, that hesitation could cost not just your own life—but your teammates' as well. If I hadn't been there earlier, Kiba might've died. You realize that, don't you?" Yusuke said, his voice sharper now, his gaze piercing.
"I... I understand, Yusuke-sensei…" Hinata lowered her head, her voice barely above a whisper, filled with guilt.
"Listen carefully. That compassion of yours may seem admirable, but on the battlefield, it's a weakness. Because of that softness, your comrades could die... maybe Kiba, or even Naruto. And when that happens, their blood will be on your hands—even if indirectly."
Yusuke's voice remained level, but each word landed like a blade to Hinata's heart.
"I know you're gentle. And sure, not every enemy we face is pure evil. But you're on opposite sides. In this world, if you don't kill them, they'll kill you. There's no right or wrong—it's survival. If you can't grasp that, you shouldn't be a ninja. It means you're not ready… not even to die."
The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, and Hinata's shoulders trembled.
"That's enough," Kurenai finally spoke. "All of you, head home for now. Hinata, take time to reflect. And if you ever truly reach a point where you can't decide… go to Yusuke-sensei. Even your father wouldn't dare go against his word."
— — —
Later that evening, Yusuke and Kurenai returned home. While Yusuke got busy preparing dinner, Kurenai assisted at his side.
"Yusuke, weren't we a bit too harsh on Hinata earlier?" Kurenai asked as she rinsed vegetables in the sink.
"Don't worry," Yusuke replied with a slight smile. "That girl has a stronger heart than you think."
"Really? Honestly, I haven't seen anything too special from her yet," Kurenai said, tilting her head thoughtfully.
"But I'm confident in her. If she can overcome her weakness… I believe her growth will even surpass Neji's someday."
After all, Hinata's lineage was among the purest in the Hyuga Clan—nearly akin to Hamura's own ocular power. Her future was far from ordinary.
"Huh, I didn't expect you to place such high hopes on her. In that case, why don't you take her under your wing for a while?" Kurenai asked, her gaze serious now.
"Ahaha, no thanks. My methods don't suit someone like her," Yusuke laughed it off. "And I'm not exactly a great teacher either. Toneri turned out the way he is because of his own effort and talent, not because of me."
Even though Yusuke did have teaching capabilities, he knew his direct and intense style wouldn't work for someone as sensitive as Hinata. Not to mention, her Gentle Fist fighting style wasn't something he specialized in—despite having the Tenseigan.
"Well then… what about my other students?" Kurenai asked teasingly, winking at him.
"Since you asked seriously… Shino Aburame should focus more on Taijutsu. As for Kiba, trying out Shadow Clones might complement his fighting style. But Hinata… what she really needs is a change of heart. She suffers from deep self-doubt. Help her regain her confidence."
"Hmph. Changing someone's heart isn't so easy without the right trigger," Kurenai murmured.
She knew Hinata's struggles better than anyone.
"It's easy. Use Naruto as the key," Yusuke said, smirking faintly.
"Huh? I didn't think someone as cold-blooded as you would pick up on that too," Kurenai said in surprise.
Of course, she didn't know that Yusuke had read the entire original story.
"Hey, I've got a pretty decent EQ, you know. Besides, lately, you and Tsunade are becoming more and more alike…" Yusuke sighed helplessly.
(Yusuke's inner voice: "Why does this 'warm sweater' of mine always feel like it has holes in it?")
(Kurenai's inner voice: "Hey! I'm the warmest sweater you've got! Don't you dare forget that!")
"I'm nothing like Tsunade! And I'm telling her you said that," Kurenai huffed, but her smile softened. "Anyway, about Hinata… I think you're right. Naruto definitely holds a special place in her heart."
"To her, Naruto is like the sun," Yusuke muttered, gazing off into the distance.
He recalled a moment from long ago, during a visit to Minato's house. Kushina had once said, "Minato… is the sun in my heart."
That's why he hadn't rushed to revive Kushina. He wanted her to awaken alongside Minato—together.
"You too... you're the sun in my heart," Kurenai whispered softly, watching Yusuke as he cooked with a loving gaze.
— — —
A short while later, Kakashi arrived home.
"Nii-san, you're back," he greeted.
"Oh, welcome back. Come help me with dinner. Kurenai, take a break," Yusuke said.
Kakashi let out a small sigh and moved into the kitchen.
"I'll go check on Tsunade then. You guys enjoy yourselves," said Kurenai, stepping out.
(The Hatake family lived across three homes: the main house belonging to Sakumo, a second house for Kakashi, and a third shared by Yusuke, Tsunade, and Kurenai. They usually had dinner together in Sakumo's main house.)
Before long, Sakumo also returned. Finally, Tsunade and Kurenai came back—bringing Shizune along, who was temporarily staying with Yusuke.
The dinner atmosphere was lively and warm, filled with laughter.
"Kakashi, do you have a girlfriend yet?" Yusuke suddenly asked with an oddly serious tone.
"E-Eh? N-Not yet…" Kakashi stammered.
Despite being an adult, Kakashi still got nervous whenever Yusuke turned serious. Having been raised by his older brother, he'd come to associate that stern look with scolding or disappointment.
"I see. Then keep eating," Yusuke replied, face still unreadable.
Everyone went quiet. The mood suddenly felt… off.
"O-Okay…" Kakashi resumed eating quickly, trying to mask his flustered reaction.
"Kakashi, after tonight, move out. Don't stay in this house anymore," Yusuke said, tone casual but firm.
"What?" Kakashi's eyes widened, utterly confused.
Everyone else at the table looked equally puzzled—except Tsunade, who seemed to understand and stifled a chuckle as she continued eating.
"Nii-san? Why? What did I do wrong?" Kakashi asked, bewildered.
"You still have the nerve to ask? How old are you now?" Yusuke shot him a sharp glare.
"T-Twenty-six…" Kakashi answered weakly.
"So you do know you're twenty-six. Most of our generation already have families and children. And you? Not even a girlfriend. What are you doing with your life? Training, training, and more training! Isn't there anything else you want to do?" Yusuke lectured him sternly.
Kakashi hung his head. Sakumo nodded in agreement. He'd tried talking sense into Kakashi before, but the boy had always brushed it off. He was beginning to give up… but in front of Yusuke, Kakashi never dared talk back.
"Nii-san… it's not that I don't want to. I just… haven't met the right person yet," Kakashi murmured.
"I see…" Yusuke narrowed his eyes, staring directly into Kakashi's soul.
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