Over the past few months, Sarutobi Asuma had been stationed at the Land of Fire's Daimyō's residence, serving as a personal guard.
During that time, he cultivated patience and restraint, maturing significantly. His impulsive, hot-headed nature had cooled somewhat.
Upon returning to the Hidden Leaf Village, his first stop was the Hokage's Office, which was both the administrative heart of Konoha and his father's office — the Third Hokage.
Seeing Asuma walk in, Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned.
"You're back already? The assignment I gave you was a good one."
He had intentionally arranged for Asuma to be sent to guard the Daimyō — not only for experience but to build political capital. Making a good impression with the Daimyō could help Asuma succeed him as Hokage someday or at least secure a high-ranking role to preserve the Sarutobi clan's influence.
Asuma chuckled. "I heard the negotiations with Kumogakure broke down, so I asked the Daimyō for leave and came back. I figured I might be of use… even fight if necessary."
Hiruzen blinked in surprise.
That was unexpectedly mature of him.
The brashness from before had faded. He was finally thinking about the village, not just his own whims or romantic interests.
Hiruzen nodded slightly. "No need. If war breaks out, the Uchiha and Hyūga clans will deal with it."
"You're back — take a few days to rest. Then return to your post."
There was no way he would let his son go to the battlefield. War was no joke — even someone as powerful as the Second Hokage had died in battle. Sending his own impulsive son into such danger was out of the question.
Besides, with two powerful clans handling the situation, a mutually destructive outcome would be ideal — weakening both sides and benefiting the village leadership.
Asuma understood well the tension between the Uchiha and the village's top brass, including his own father. If he wasn't needed in combat, then he wasn't going to force the matter.
However, he had another reason for returning to the village — Yūhi Kurenai, his childhood sweetheart.
"Father, I'll take my leave now."
Hiruzen waved him off. "Go get some rest."
But Asuma wasn't tired in the slightest. Leaving the Hokage's office, he headed straight for Kurenai's home.
Kurenai happened to be home. Hearing a knock, her face brightened — she thought it was Ryosuke visiting.
Opening the door with anticipation, she was disappointed to see Asuma standing there, smiling.
Her face fell slightly, but she quickly masked it.
"I'm back, Kurenai," Asuma greeted cheerfully. "Did you miss me?"
Kurenai looked uncomfortable. She already had a man in her life. She had no space in her heart for anyone but Ryosuke.
Asuma noticed her reaction and felt a small pang of disappointment. Perhaps he had left a bad impression in the past.
But he had changed. He wanted to prove that to her.
"Kurenai, I've matured a lot these past months as the Daimyō's guard. I'm not reckless like before. Would you consider giving me a chance?"
Kurenai acknowledged his improvement — his demeanor was indeed calmer and more refined. But she couldn't accept his offer.
She had to make it clear. Avoiding honesty would only cause future trouble — for her and Ryosuke.
Taking a deep breath, she said softly, "Asuma, you're a good person. You deserve someone who will return your feelings. Don't waste your time on me."
Asuma quickly shook his head.
"No other woman compares to you, Kurenai. I don't want anyone else."
Kurenai sighed, feeling a headache coming on. He had feelings for her — but she didn't reciprocate.
"I'm already in a relationship," she said firmly. "I hope you can find someone else who will appreciate you."
Asuma froze. His smile vanished, replaced with disbelief.
"Impossible! I've only been gone a few months. How could you have a boyfriend already? You're joking, right?"
"If you don't want to accept me now, that's fine. Just wait until I've improved more."
Kurenai knew he wouldn't let it go unless she was completely blunt.
"I'm not lying," she said. "I already have someone. I'm not interested in anyone else."
"…You haven't… slept with him, have you?" Asuma asked, voice trembling.
To him, if they hadn't been intimate, then perhaps the relationship wasn't real — and he still had a chance.
Kurenai was stunned by the invasive question. But she answered honestly.
"We've already been intimate," she said. "Please don't waste your time on me anymore."
She and Ryosuke had been together many times already. In fact, she was even pregnant.
Asuma's restraint snapped. His calm façade crumbled into rage.
"Kurenai… tell me who it is! I'll kill him!"
Someone had taken what he saw as his woman. His jealousy and possessiveness boiled over.
But Kurenai's expression hardened. This was exactly what she had hoped to avoid.
"Sarutobi Asuma," she said coldly. "If you dare lay a hand on him, I will never forgive you — not in this lifetime."
It wasn't just about Ryosuke. It was about their child's future too.
Hearing her defend another man only further enraged Asuma.
"You're still protecting him?! You must've been tricked. Who is this bastard?!"
But Kurenai shook her head internally. She hadn't been tricked — she had fallen for Ryosuke of her own will.
Ever since she learned her father died due to Hiruzen Sarutobi's failure to act, she could never see Asuma — his son — the same way again.
"This conversation is over," she said. "Don't come to see me again."
With that, she closed the door in his face.
Asuma stood outside, seething.
Kurenai was his. No one else had the right to touch her.
If she wouldn't tell him, he would find out on his own.
And when he did, he'd rip that bastard to pieces.
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