On the way there, Kurenai kept walking a little faster than usual, her heart faintly tense.
Her father—Yuhi Shinku—was a legendary figure in Konoha. A long-established jōnin renowned for his mastery of genjutsu, he was considered part of the Hokage's direct line. How would he view Ran, an Uchiha, as his future student?
Ran, meanwhile, carried several bottles of exquisitely packaged sake. The clear liquor shimmered enticingly under the light, each bottle carefully chosen. From clan elders, he had learned that Shinku had a particular fondness for sake.
In addition, he'd prepared a basket of fresh fruit—brightly colored, fragrant, and carefully arranged.
Kurenai's home stood along an unremarkable commercial street in Konoha, quiet and pleasant.
She had always taken pride in this house. It was the warm shelter she shared with her father.
Though she had never met her mother, Kurenai knew how much her father had sacrificed to keep this home intact.
With a breath of anticipation, she pushed open the door. Ran followed close behind.
The moment they entered, Shinku appeared before them.
He wore simple black loungewear, his features not cold but carrying a faint warmth. His short hair was neat and sharp, and his crimson eyes were deep and piercing—eyes that seemed capable of seeing straight through a person's heart.
Shinku smiled slightly as his gaze fell on the sake and fruit in Ran's hands, a subtle, unreadable look flashing through his eyes.
These gifts represented respect.
This really doesn't feel like an Uchiha, Shinku thought.
They rarely bother with such formalities… and usually keep their distance from those close to the Hokage.
Seeing the change in her father's expression, Kurenai felt a quiet joy rise within her. She could tell—her father had no objections to Ran becoming his student.
Truth be told, Kurenai already held a favorable impression of Ran.
Compared to Asuma—who hovered around endlessly, stubbornly persistent, yet already sporting an unkempt beard despite his age—Ran fit perfectly into her sense of aesthetics.
Standard Uchiha black hair, cut just to the neck. Dark eyes. Black-rimmed glasses. A gentle demeanor, eyes warm like sunlight. Elegant manners, polite and kind, always wearing a faint smile.
And more than that—Kurenai always felt there was a subtle, intangible distance between herself and Ran.
A distance that made her want to draw closer.
"Nice to meet you, Jōnin Yuhi Shinku," Ran said respectfully, presenting the gifts. "This is just a small token of my sincerity."
"Thank you. You're too polite, Ran-kun," Shinku replied, accepting them.
He said no more—only glanced at Kurenai beside Ran, then carefully examined the young Uchiha in front of him.
It wasn't until Kurenai, growing impatient, called out, "Father!" that Shinku finally spoke.
"Ran-kun… you really don't seem like an Uchiha at all," he said slowly. "From now on, just call me Teacher Shinku."
A trace of surprise flickered in his eyes.
Ran lacked the cold arrogance common to the clan. Instead, he carried a gentle, approachable air—humble, restrained.
Shinku recalled the history of the Uchiha. Once a clan of legendary strength, yet over time they had grown increasingly withdrawn, increasingly isolated.
Ran, however, felt like an exception.
Not bound by past glory.
Not proud to the point of aloofness.
Instead—calm, courteous, sincere.
Shinku found his curiosity growing.
After inviting Ran inside to sit, he didn't engage in small talk. Instead, he spoke of the village.
He mentioned the recent deterioration of the Uchiha's reputation within Konoha. He spoke of how the Third Hokage—Hiruzen Sarutobi—had taken firm action against rumor-mongers, openly reprimanded Elder Shimura Danzo for negligence, and implemented compensation measures to demonstrate the village's concern for the Uchiha. All in hopes that the clan and the village might work together in unity.
Ran responded calmly, expressing that after the incident of slander against the Uchiha, the Third Hokage's swift and decisive response had been both timely and crucial.
Under the Third Hokage's leadership, with the village's support and the Uchiha clan's own efforts, losses had been minimized. Ran added that the Hokage's subsequent speeches regarding the Will of Fire deserved careful study and deep understanding.
The Uchiha, he said, must temper their arrogance—come from the people, return to the people—and strengthen communication not only with civilians, but also with nobles and the village as a whole.
During the discussion, Shinku asked why Ran placed such importance on maintaining harmony between the village and the Uchiha.
Ran replied calmly,
"There's an old saying in the ninja world:
Those who know when to yield… are the true heroes."
The future master and disciple spoke frankly, exchanged views openly, and deepened their mutual understanding. Both agreed that the visit had been fruitful—and that another meeting should be arranged soon.
As Shinku watched Ran's figure gradually recede into the distance, a strange feeling stirred within him.
That Uchiha boy—handsome, composed—possessed an unexpected depth of talent and resolve.
If his actions matched his words…
Then his existence alone might one day change the fate of the entire Uchiha clan.
Shinku felt unsettled.
The conflict between the Uchiha and the village had festered for decades. War, loss, and grief had scarred everyone involved.
And yet—
Uchiha Ran might become the catalyst for a transformation the clan had not seen in decades.
Shinku imagined Ran's future. Imagined how his efforts might ripple through the village. Perhaps, if Ran ever stood in a position of leadership, he would become a wise figure—one who used both intellect and courage to build bridges of trust and friendship.
At last, Shinku withdrew his gaze. Ran's silhouette vanished beneath the streetlights, as though he had already blended into the world itself.
He turned to his daughter and said softly,
"Red… you should be proud of him. He isn't just an ordinary Uchiha. He may become the hope for reconciliation between the clan and the village."
"Father, I don't understand," Kurenai said, frowning. His words were beyond her.
"You will, one day," Shinku replied, resting a hand on her head. "This wind called Uchiha Ran… sooner or later, it will make both the Uchiha clan and Konoha's windmills turn once more."
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