Kitazawa glanced at the closed bathroom door and smiled.
Kurenai might be bold, but even she had her limits.
"I'm not going in. Take your time washing up," he called, turning back to the living room.
Sitting on the sofa, he pondered the new training routines for his students.
Naruto Uzumaki's transformation techniques had been handed over to Kakashi Hatake.
His own task for the next monthly exam—entering the top ten—was simple: like Hinata, it meant intense practice and drilling.
Sasuke Uchiha aimed to master the Ten-Meter High Fireball Jutsu.
Having completed his tree-climbing training, his next step was chakra nature transformation exercises.
As for Hinata and Ino Yamanaka, Kitazawa did not fully understand their clans' secret techniques, so he focused on enhancing their chakra control.
Yakumo Yakumo continued physical conditioning, developing her kekkei genkai, and learning new genjutsu.
Inside the bathroom, steam swirled thickly.
Kurenai exhaled slowly in the bathtub, letting her body relax; the earlier fluster had vanished.
"What's gotten into that guy?"
She reached out her fair arm, stirring ripples in the water that traced her graceful silhouette.
Her mind brimmed with curiosity—Kitazawa's behavior had far exceeded her expectations.
Like a docile cat suddenly transforming into a fierce tiger.
"But… it's more fun this way,"
Kurenai murmured with a soft laugh.
Finishing her bath, she stood, changed into a light yukata—her casual sleepwear—and left the bathroom.
Footsteps echoed across the floor.
Kitazawa instinctively looked up: wet-haired Kurenai approached him.
Her loose yukata concealed her figure, only revealing her bare feet.
Unfortunately, no black stockings today.
Kitazawa rose and retrieved the hairdryer.
Kurenai had intended to take it herself but paused, thinking better of it, retracting her hands.
Never one to back down, she was determined to reclaim the upper hand after being startled earlier by Kitazawa.
"I'm the guest here," she blinked, implying her position.
"Then sit down,"
Kitazawa smiled knowingly. "I'll help you dry your hair."
"Thank you," Kurenai replied, sitting with her back to him.
She straightened slightly, her spine arching elegantly.
Kitazawa's gaze swept over her back—though concealed by the yukata, its graceful curve from shoulder to waist was evident.
His eyes rose to her damp hair as he turned on the hairdryer.
Kurenai's lips curved in a subtle, satisfied smile.
She glanced sideways, catching Kitazawa's serious expression mid-blow, and for a moment, her heartbeat skipped.
Looking down, she focused on her feet, trying to steady herself.
The last person to blow her hair had been the late Shinku Yuhi, long gone.
"You'll sleep in the left room tonight," Kitazawa said, switching off the dryer while stroking her smooth hair.
"Mm," Kurenai nodded, tucking her hair behind her ear.
"Anything else to say?"
Kitazawa asked, meeting her gaze with mild curiosity.
"N… nothing," she muttered, heading toward her room.
"Good night. See you tomorrow," she added, closing the door behind her.
Kitazawa returned to his room after showering; the night passed uneventfully.
The next morning, he opened the door and caught a faint, pleasant aroma.
Following it, he found Kurenai in the kitchen, preparing breakfast.
She wore a red dress with a white apron tied around her waist; black stockings stretched slightly across her legs as she stood straight before the stove.
"Forgot to say yesterday—this dress suits you,"
Kitazawa complimented.
"Thank you," Kurenai replied generously.
"And thank you for getting up so early to make breakfast," she added.
"No need,"
Kitazawa shook his head.
"Because yesterday was your cooking," Kurenai said casually.
After breakfast, they resumed discussing Yakumo Yakumo's new genjutsu.
The day passed swiftly.
Kurenai left after dinner, not staying overnight; Kitazawa felt a tinge of regret but it was alright.
Their relationship was visibly improving.
The next week arrived in May.
At the ninja academy's entrance, near the bulletin board:
"Neji, you're top of the year again," Tenten said, her bun bouncing as she expressed, "As expected."
"Mm," Neji Hyūga replied calmly. Since enrolling, he had consistently held the top rank, and had long since grown accustomed to it.
"Let's go; there's nothing to see," Neji frowned slightly, noticing the gathering students.
"Eh? Wait!"
Tenten glanced at the first-year rankings in surprise. "Look—first place in the first year!"
Neji stopped and looked up, squinting upon seeing the name: Hinata Hyūga.
"That famous Uchiha Sasuke only came second?"
Tenten was incredulous.
"Seems the so-called prodigy is overrated," Neji said coldly.
With that, he turned toward the classroom.
Tenten hurried after him.
Inside, Rock Lee, dressed in green, was doing handstand push-ups.
"Lee has been really diligent lately," Tenten remarked.
"Diligence is meaningless against talent," Neji stated flatly.
"…."
Tenten hesitated. She knew Neji well after two years together; despite his calm demeanor, he carried a certain fatalism.
"You aced the exam—normally you'd be the top student representative," she tried another approach.
"If you want it, it's yours," Neji waved it off.
"I'm not worthy—it belongs to prodigies like you," Tenten shook her head.
"A prodigy bound by rules is no true prodigy,"
Neji said coldly.
"…."
Tenten massaged her forehead. How could she continue this conversation?
"Neji," At that moment, Mizuki entered, apologetic.
"This time, the top student representative isn't you—it's Hinata Hyūga."
"Why not me?"
Tenten widened her eyes.
"Though Hinata's score isn't higher than yours, it's the Hokage's order. There's nothing I can do,"
Mizuki sighed.
Tenten glanced at Neji with concern.
The usually indifferent Neji was uncharacteristically unsettled.
Mizuki's heart leapt—this was intentional.
His plan was to provoke Neji into stirring trouble in first-year A-class.
He was curious to see how Kitazawa would handle it.