Meanwhile, Kurenai Yuhi hurried along the streets, her steps brisk and her heart tinged with nervous anticipation. Her father, Shinku Yuhi, was a legendary figure in Konoha—a long-established Jonin renowned for his mastery of genjutsu, considered the very bloodline of the Hokage. She wondered how he would view Uchiha Ran, a member of the Uchiha clan.
Ran, carrying several bottles of exquisite sake, let the clear liquid glint enticingly in the sunlight. Each bottle had been carefully selected after hearing from the clan that Shinku Yuhi had a fondness for fine sake. Along with the sake, Ran brought a basket of fresh, vibrant fruit, its aroma rich and inviting.
Kurenai's home sat quietly on a modest commercial street, its surroundings peaceful and inviting. She had always taken pride in this home; it was a sanctuary for her and her father. Though she had never met her mother, she knew how much her father had sacrificed to maintain this haven.
With a mixture of excitement and nervousness, Kurenai pushed open the door, Ran following closely behind.
Shinku Yuhi appeared immediately, dressed in simple black home attire. His face, not overly stern, carried a warm smile. Short, neat hair framed sharp, deep red eyes that seemed capable of seeing straight through one's soul.
A slight smile flickered across his face as he noticed the sake and fruit in Ran's hands, a faint curiosity glinting in his eyes. These gifts represented Ran's respect.
This is unusual for an Uchiha… Shinku mused silently. The Uchiha rarely engage in gestures like this, and they seldom interact with the Hokage's direct lineage.
Kurenai, noticing the subtle change in her father's expression, felt a surge of joy. It seemed her father would have no objection to Ran becoming his disciple.
Kurenai herself harbored fond feelings for Ran. Compared to Asuma Sarutobi—young yet scruffy, seemingly charming but persistent—Ran aligned perfectly with her aesthetic ideals: black Uchiha hair cut neatly to his neck, matching black eyes, often wearing black-framed glasses, exuding a gentle, sunlit warmth, graceful, courteous, and always smiling. There was a subtle distance between them, faint yet palpable, which made her all the more eager to close the gap.
"First time meeting you, Jonin Shinku Yuhi. This is a small token of my respect," Ran said, extending the sake and fruit.
"Thank you, very thoughtful, Ran-kun," Shinku replied, accepting the gifts with quiet appreciation. He glanced at Kurenai beside Ran before carefully examining the young Uchiha in front of him.
It wasn't until Kurenai, growing impatient, called out, "Father!" that Shinku finally spoke.
"Ran-kun… you are indeed unlike a typical Uchiha. From now on, just call me Teacher Shinku." His eyes flickered with surprise. This Uchiha seems different. There's none of the usual cold pride; instead, he exudes a gentle and kind aura.
Shinku reflected on the history of the Uchiha clan, once widely renowned as a powerful ninja family. Over time, the clan had declined, its members growing increasingly reclusive. Yet Ran appeared to be an exception. He didn't dwell on past glories or flaunt arrogance; instead, he radiated humility and warmth.
Curiosity piqued, Shinku invited Ran inside. Rather than engaging in small talk, he spoke of the village. He mentioned recent rumors damaging the Uchiha's reputation and how the Third Hokage had cracked down on those spreading false information, reprimanding Danzo for negligence, and implementing measures to support the Uchiha. This emphasized the village's care for the clan and encouraged harmony between them.
Ran acknowledged the timely and decisive actions of the Third Hokage, noting how the leadership minimized the clan's losses and reinforced the importance of understanding the Will of Fire, maintaining connections between the Uchiha, villagers, and leaders alike.
Shinku asked Ran why he cared so deeply about maintaining friendly relations between the Uchiha and the village.
"The ninja world has an old saying: 'In the west, those who do not act, are the true heroes.'" Ran replied calmly.
The discussion allowed both teacher and future disciple to exchange ideas openly, deepening mutual understanding. They agreed the visit had been productive and arranged to meet again soon.
As Ran's figure receded into the distance under the warm glow of evening, Shinku felt an unprecedented sensation. This seemingly ordinary Uchiha boy possessed extraordinary talent and determination. If his actions matched his words, he was destined to reshape the fate of the entire Uchiha clan.
Shinku's thoughts turned to the historical tensions between the Uchiha and the rest of the village, decades of strife, pain, and loss. Yet he sensed that Ran, through his unique approach, might spark the greatest transformation the clan had seen in generations.
Imagining Ran's future, Shinku envisioned how his efforts might impact the village, perhaps leading him to a position of leadership where wisdom and courage would bridge trust and friendship between the Uchiha and Konoha.
Finally, Shinku withdrew his gaze, Ran's silhouette blending seamlessly into the world around him. He turned to his daughter, speaking with quiet conviction:
"Red, you should be proud of him. He isn't just an ordinary Uchiha. He may very well be the hope for reconciliation between the Uchiha clan and the village."
"Father… I don't understand!" Kurenai frowned, confused by her father's words.
"You will understand one day. Ran's presence… his influence will inevitably set the wheels of the Uchiha and Konoha turning together," Shinku said, gently patting her head, his expression thoughtful.