During this time, Sarutobi Asuma had been serving as one of the Fire Daimyō's personal guards. Through this period of self-cultivation, he had matured a great deal. His temperament was no longer as impulsive as before.
Upon returning to the village, the first thing he did was go to the Hokage's office in the Hokage Tower—his father's office.
The Third Hokage's expression soured when he saw him. 'He's only been gone for a few months, why is he back already?'
"Why are you back? The post I arranged for you is a good one."
Previously, he had arranged for Asuma to serve as a guard at the Fire Daimyō's residence. This was to help him build his reputation and make a good impression on the Daimyō, which could even help him become the next Hokage. At the very least, when he himself grew too old to continue, Asuma could secure a high-ranking position in the Leaf, which would be enough to protect the Sarutobi clan's status.
Sarutobi Asuma said with a smile, "Didn't I hear that the peace talks between the village and the Cloud Village broke down? So, I asked the Daimyō for leave to come back and see if there's anything I can do to help. I can even go to the front lines and fight."
Hearing Asuma's words, the Third Hokage was somewhat impressed. It seemed he had matured quite a bit; the childishness was gone from his face, and he now knew how to contribute to the village instead of acting impulsively over matters of romance.
"You won't be needed this time. The Uchiha and Hyūga clans will deal with the Cloud Village, should a war break out. Since you're back, take a few days to rest properly, then return to your post."
How could he possibly send his own son to the battlefield? The battlefield was a place where even someone as strong as his teacher, the Second Hokage, had died. For his young and impulsive son, it would be extremely dangerous.
Besides, with those two clans dealing with the Cloud Village, it wouldn't be so easy for the Cloud to win. A scenario where both sides suffered heavy losses was the best, most advantageous outcome for the village.
Asuma naturally knew that the Uchiha clan was not on good terms with the village leadership, including his father. Since he wasn't being asked to fight, he had no intention of helping. He had another purpose for returning this time: to see Yūhi Kurenai, his childhood friend.
"Father, I'll take my leave then."
The Third Hokage waved his hand. "Go and get some good rest."
Asuma didn't feel tired at all. He walked out of the Hokage's office and headed straight for Kurenai's house. As it happened, Kurenai was home. Hearing a knock, she thought it was Ryōsuke and joyfully opened the door.
But the person standing there was Asuma. Her expression changed, then she forced it back to normal.
Asuma said with a smile, "Kurenai, I'm back. Did you miss me?"
Kurenai looked helpless, speechless. 'I'm already a taken woman,' she thought. 'How could I possibly think of any man other than Ryōsuke?'
Seeing Kurenai's expression, Asuma felt a little disappointed. It seemed the impression he'd left on her in the past was truly a bad one. But he had changed now.
"Kurenai, I've spent the last few months at the Daimyō's residence as a Daimyō Guardian Ninja. I've matured a lot and won't be as reckless as I used to be. Are you willing to accept me?"
Kurenai looked at him. It was true that his demeanor had improved considerably. But she couldn't accept his request, because her heart already belonged to another man. Though telling him now might be hard for him to accept, it had to be said.
She looked at Asuma, made her decision, and said slowly, "Asuma, you're a good person. There are many other good women you could pursue. You don't need to waste your time on me."
Asuma quickly shook his head. "No matter how good other women are, in my eyes, none of them compare to you, Kurenai. I have no need and no desire to pursue anyone else. I only have feelings for you."
Kurenai felt helpless. He had feelings for her, but she had none for him. She could only say, "Actually, I already have a boyfriend. I hope you can find someone else you like. There's no need to waste your time on me anymore."
Hearing this, the smile on Asuma's face instantly vanished, replaced by utter disbelief.
"Impossible! I've only been gone for a few months! How could you have a boyfriend? Kurenai, are you joking with me? You don't have to make jokes like this. If you don't want to accept me now, you can wait until I've become more outstanding."
Kurenai knew he would have a hard time accepting it, but some things just had to be made clear. Otherwise, he would keep pestering her, which would also cause trouble for Ryōsuke.
"I'm not lying to you. I already have a boyfriend."
Asuma's eyes widened. He asked with concern, "You two haven't had relations, have you?"
'As long as they haven't, it's just a fake relationship,' he thought. 'I still have a chance.'
Kurenai was speechless. How could he ask her such a private question? But it was better to tell him the truth.
"We have."
"I hope you stop wasting your time on me."
She and Ryōsuke had been together countless times; they even had a child already.
Asuma instantly flew into a rage, all his previous composure gone.
"Kurenai! Tell me who it is! I'm going to kill him!"
How dare someone touch his woman? He was so angry he was about to lose his mind. His prize had been stolen by another man.
Hearing his words, Kurenai became angry. This was exactly the situation she had feared. "Sarutobi Asuma, I won't allow you to hurt him! If you do, I'll never forgive you for the rest of my life!"
She was carrying Ryōsuke's child. Not only for Ryōsuke's sake but also for their child's future happiness, she would not allow anyone to harm him.
For Asuma, Kurenai's reaction only enraged him further. "You're still defending him! You must have been tricked by him! Which bastard tricked you?"
Kurenai completely disagreed with him. How could she have been tricked? She had been genuinely attracted to him. Besides, ever since she learned that her own father had died because of the Third Hokage's inaction, it was even more impossible for her to like Asuma.
"I've said all I have to say. I hope you won't bother me again in the future."
With that, she turned and went back into her house.
Asuma's rage was uncontrollable. 'Damn it! Kurenai can only be mine!' Just because she wouldn't tell him, did that mean he couldn't find out? He swore he would find the bastard who took his woman and tear him to pieces.
T/n:
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