"Ren…"
At that moment—
A crisp voice called out from afar.
The familiar voice immediately told Ren who it was.
He turned around, his eyes lighting up.
A smile spread across his face.
"Sister Kurenai!"
The woman approaching had long, glossy black hair.
Her beautiful and delicate face was adorned with ruby-like eyes.
Her graceful, elegant figure made her especially captivating.
With a gentle smile, she walked up to him.
It was Ren's neighbor—Yūhi Kurenai.
"Sorry, I'm a bit late today…"
Kurenai carried a few bags of groceries, looking every bit like a virtuous wife and loving mother.
"Not late at all," Ren said with a smile as he stepped forward.
"I was just about to go look for you."
Lunch would only be the two of them anyway.
Being a little late didn't matter.
As for his grandmother—
Her condition had been worsening.
These days, she barely had any appetite.
Even eating twice a day was considered good.
Most of the time she skipped lunch entirely.
And even during breakfast or dinner, she would only take a few bites before she couldn't eat anymore.
He couldn't force her.
"Sister Kurenai, has Sarutobi Asuma been bothering you again?"
Ren took the groceries from her hands with practiced ease.
"If he still won't give up, I can go teach him another lesson."
"You little rascal, don't meddle in adult affairs."
Kurenai lightly tapped him on the head.
Looking at his face—the one capable of mesmerizing countless young girls—she couldn't help pinching his cheek.
With an amused smile, she said,
"Last time when Asuma invited us to dinner, I brought you and Anko along."
"And your stomach was like a bottomless pit. Asuma's face turned green!"
"He hasn't dared invite me out for dinner since."
If she hadn't witnessed it herself—
Kurenai would never have believed it.
Ren's appetite was even more terrifying than that of the Akimichi clan.
Asuma, a proud jōnin, had spent several months' worth of mission pay—
All wiped out in a single meal.
His face had completely changed at the time.
Not only because the bill had far exceeded his expectations—
But because he hadn't even brought enough money with him.
The embarrassed look on his face nearly made Kurenai and Anko burst out laughing.
In the end, they had to suppress their laughter and pitch in to help cover the bill.
Because of that incident—
Perhaps Asuma felt too embarrassed.
Or perhaps he finally realized he had no chance with Kurenai.
He seemed to have given up.
He rarely appeared around her anymore.
Even when they occasionally met on the street, he would only nod awkwardly before quickly leaving.
But honestly—
That was better.
At least she could finally enjoy some peace.
After all, the two of them had once been classmates at the Ninja Academy.
And Asuma was not only a Konoha jōnin, but also the son of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Kurenai couldn't be too harsh with him.
"Hey, it's not my fault he tried to act generous."
Ren grinned.
If he truly ate without restraint—
With the Mori Mori Fruit's absurd digestive ability—
The Akimichi clan's appetites would look like child's play.
If food were supplied endlessly—
He could easily eat Asuma into bankruptcy.
"Pfft—"
Kurenai couldn't hold back her laughter.
Her ruby-red eyes filled with affection as she looked at the impossibly handsome boy she had long treated like a younger brother.
Her slender, polished finger tapped lightly against his forehead.
"You always have the strangest ideas."
"Alright, enough about that."
Kurenai smiled and squeezed his cheek again.
Brushing a stray strand of hair from her forehead, she asked with concern,
"How is Granny Nao doing today?"
"Not very well. She's already asleep."
Ren shrugged helplessly.
"She said not to wake her for lunch."
…
"What?!"
Inside the kitchen—
After chasing Ren out for trying to help, Kurenai began cooking with practiced ease.
But soon—
She froze in shock at what Ren had just told her.
Turning around abruptly, she stared at him in disbelief.
"You've been accepted as Lady Tsunade's disciple?"
"You're not joking with me, are you?"
"It's true."
Ren nodded casually.
"Grandma used to be part of the Senju clan. She knew Sister Tsunade from before."
"She sent word asking Tsunade to return to the village."
"After seeing that I had some talent, she agreed to accept me as her disciple."
"Granny Nao was part of the Senju clan?"
Kurenai's eyes widened.
For a moment, she looked completely stunned.
Her ruby-red eyes paired with her beautiful face made the expression even more charming.
"I only found out recently myself," Ren replied with a nod.
He dragged a stool over and sat outside the kitchen.
Leaning back, he quietly admired Kurenai as she worked.
Dressed like a housewife—
Yet both elegant and alluring.
Her figure was graceful and perfectly curved.
Truly the image of a perfect wife and mother.
"That's wonderful!"
Kurenai took a deep breath.
Seeing that Ren clearly wasn't joking, she believed him without much doubt.
A smile spread across her face as she sincerely congratulated him.
"Your talent has always been extraordinary."
"With someone like Lady Tsunade guiding you, your future achievements will definitely be limitless."
After spending so many years together—
She knew better than anyone just how terrifying Ren's talent was.
Before even turning eight—
He had already mastered the Shadow Clone Technique, a B-rank ninjutsu.
Even an A-rank medical ninjutsu like the Mystical Palm Technique could be used effortlessly.
He could even perform single-handed seals.
Despite being just a child—
His chakra reserves were several times greater than her own as an elite chūnin.
In fact, she had never once seen him run out of chakra while practicing medical ninjutsu.
If Ren hadn't repeatedly asked her to keep his abilities secret—
During gatherings with Anko, Might Guy, Kakashi, and Asuma, she would have long since bragged endlessly about him.
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