Konoha Camp.
"...Kurenai, I'm really fine."
Ren lay on the bed, looking at Kurenai who was meticulously examining him, and said helplessly.
"Mm... Let me check again. Don't move. What if it's an internal injury?"
Kurenai checked for a long time. Besides his clothes being a bit torn, there didn't seem to be any other injuries.
But Kurenai was still a bit worried. After all, the scene of Ren being carried back by Tsunade earlier had truly frightened her. That's why this scene was happening now.
"Alright, Kurenai, just let Ren rest for a bit. Lady Tsunade also said earlier that he just overused his Chakra a little, and he'll be fine with some rest and recuperation."
Rin, who was beside them, said softly. After Tsunade put Ren down, she went to a meeting. Before leaving, she said that Ren was fine. Now, Kurenai's behaviour was a typical case of caring too much and getting flustered.
"Oh... I understand, Rin."
Kurenai put down Ren's arm, helped him pull up the blanket, and then turned to Rin, smiling apologetically.
"Hey, Ren, was that a Bloodline Limit you used on the battlefield today? It was so cool! What's it called?"
Just as Ren was about to rest, Obito leaned over, asking curiously. They had known each other for so long, and none of them knew he had such a trick up his sleeve.
"Idiot."
Before Ren could speak, Kakashi, who was nearby, snorted coldly. Ignoring Obito, who was jumping up and down, he slowly said,
"It looks like everyone knows it's a Bloodline Limit related to ice, you dead last."
At this point, Kakashi paused his tone, turning to look at Ren.
"Isn't that right?"
"If you all figured it out, why are you asking me?"
Ren rolled his eyes. These two were truly rivals; they could argue about such a small matter.
"Kakashi! I'm a super genius of Uchiha, not some dead last!"
"A super genius who hasn't even awakened his Sharingan yet."
Kakashi's casual remark directly hit Obito's sore spot. Obito, fuming with anger, rushed directly in front of Kakashi, spitting as he spoke.
"Let's go! We'll fight one-on-one outside!"
"As if I'm scared of you!"
Kakashi also said, unwilling to be outdone. The two walked out while talking.
"Alright, you two, stop arguing..."
"Excuse me, is Ren staying here?"
Just as Rin was about to stop them, she was interrupted by a female voice. At the same time, Kakashi and Obito, who had walked to the tent entrance, retreated. A figure lifted the curtain and walked in. After seeing so many people in the tent, she was first startled. Then, she politely asked the group again,
"Hello, excuse me, is Hoshimi Ren staying here?"
"You are..."
Kurenai asked, somewhat confused, but then Ren spoke up.
"I'm here, Haruka Jonin. Is there something you need me for?"
The person who arrived was indeed Kaoru's older sister, Konoha Jonin Haruka. Because Ren had been lying down, and with Kurenai and Rin standing in front of the bed, Haruka didn't immediately notice Ren when she entered.
"So you're here."
As Ren spoke and Rin moved aside, Haruka finally saw Ren lying on the bed, and then she strode towards him.
"What are you doing?!"
Kurenai stood in front of Ren, looking at the cold-tempered Haruka, who had a short sword on her back, and said vigilantly.
"It's alright, Kurenai."
Haruka, who was blocked by Kurenai, didn't have any strong reaction. Ren sat up, pulled Kurenai to the side, and said softly.
Haruka took another step forward, coming closer to the group, and then did something that surprised everyone.
"Thank you!"
Haruka suddenly bent down, then separated her hands, sliding them down her thighs until her fingertips touched the top of her knees. At the same time, her upper body tilted, forming an almost ninety-degree bow with her waist and legs.
"Um... Please get up, Haruka Jonin."
Ren was somewhat at a loss by Haruka's sudden thanks and could only quickly ask her to get up. But Haruka remained unmoving.
"I'm very grateful for your help to Kaoru today. If it weren't for you, I might have lost my last remaining family member..."
At this point, Haruka's tone became a bit mournful. Everyone fell silent. Kakashi's eyes flickered, and then he turned to look at Ren.
If it hadn't been for Ren back then, he would have also lost his father's companionship, left alone in the world to grow old in solitude.
"So, if there's anything you need my help with, please don't hesitate."
Haruka promised solemnly. After all, if Ren hadn't acted, Kaoru would have had no chance of survival. So, for Ren's life-saving grace, she could repay him with her life.
"Mm... I understand. So please get up first. I actually have something I need your help with."
Haruka looked up, her expression serious, at Ren.
"Please tell me."
"It's simple, no need to be so serious. Just support me in the Fifth Hokage election, and that will be your repayment."
"Eh?"
Haruka's expression froze, and then she murmured in confusion.
"The Fifth Hokage election..."
Not just Haruka, but everyone else also looked puzzled, not knowing what Ren was up to.
"I definitely can't compete with Minato-gee for Fourth Hokage, but I still have a lot of hope for Fifth Hokage, hahaha."
Only then did everyone understand that Ren was joking with Haruka, telling her not to take this matter to heart. Kurenai even let out a wry smile; indeed, this was Ren's style.
"But..."
Haruka was about to say something, but Ren interrupted her with a smile.
"Actually, you don't have to worry too much about it, Haruka Jonin. After all, we are all Konoha comrades, and Kaoru is also Aunt Maiko's disciple. By all accounts, I would have helped. So you don't need to overthink it. If you see any of my comrades in danger on the battlefield, just lend a hand. After all, we are all Leaf Ninja!"
"Is that so...?"
Haruka stared blankly at the young man in front of her, seemingly beginning to understand why her sister admired Ren so much. With this young man's strength and ability, the Fifth Hokage didn't seem impossible.
Thinking this, Haruka snapped back to reality. Having understood, she no longer dwelt on the matter of repayment and smiled sweetly at Ren.
"I understand. In the Fifth Hokage election, I will cast my vote for you."
"Hehe, then thank you in advance."
Just then, Obito jumped out and yelled at Ren.
"Fifth Hokage is mine, Ren, don't even think about it, ah hahaha."
Just as Obito was laughing triumphantly, Kakashi, who was nearby, timely interjected.
"Idiot."
"What did you say?! You bastard Kakashi, wanna fight?!"
"Sigh!"
Rin put a hand on her forehead, looking at the clashing Kakashi and Obito, then at Ryufeng and Hayama, who were quietly sitting and resting nearby. They were all teammates, but the difference was just too great. Why couldn't these two just make things easier?