Naruto: I'm Really Not an Evil Uchiha!

"Is that Sarutobi? How's Lord Hokage's health these days?"

In the living room, Yūhi Shinku glanced through the crack in the door and saw Sarutobi Asuma.

Yūhi Shinku's cheeks were gaunt, and his crimson eyes, coupled with his high, prominent cheekbones, lent him an air of stern dignity that seemed both formal and meticulous.

"The old man is as tough as ever. Honestly, I feel like he'll outlive me. By the time he's gone, I probably won't have many years left either," Sarutobi Asuma said bluntly.

Growing up under Sarutobi Hiruzen's tutelage, Asuma was more familiar than anyone else with the old man's abilities. Mastering all five elemental jutsu and nearly every ninjutsu known to Konoha, he was rightfully regarded as the "Professor of Shinobi."

Although their father-son relationship was often contentious, Asuma still held the belief that Sarutobi Hiruzen surpassed even the legendary First and Second Hokages he had never met, deeming him a true "God of Shinobi."

"You younger folks will surely go further than we ever could," Yūhi Shinku replied, shifting the subject. He looked at his daughter and added, "The future belongs to your generation, Kurenai. Why don't you go out and socialize more?"

Shinku wasn't oblivious; he could clearly see Asuma's feelings for Kurenai.

As the son of the Third Hokage, a union between Sarutobi Asuma and Kurenai would undoubtedly benefit the Yūhi clan greatly.

However, Shinku's approach was to let nature take its course, leaving the matter for the young people to resolve themselves rather than intervening.

When Kurenai heard mention of Shimizu, she felt a flicker of interest.

Over the past two years, she had often wanted to challenge Shimizu again to prove the strength of the Yūhi clan's genjutsu.

However, Shimizu's conditions were simply too extreme.

For the bold and straightforward Kurenai, they were hard to accept.

She had never worn anything so overtly feminine before, especially after her mother passed away, when she began seeing herself as more of a tomboy.

"Shimizu's about to graduate, isn't he? He's already submitted his application. With his abilities, it's a sure thing. If I don't act now, the gap between us will only grow wider," Kurenai thought, her mind racing.

Finally, as Shimizu's handsome face flashed before her eyes, she subconsciously clenched her fists.

She was determined to make Shimizu recognize the Yūhi clan's genjutsu.

Her youthful pride won out in the end. After a moment of silence, Kurenai said, "Wait for me a moment."

She dashed into her room, leaving Yūhi Shinku and Sarutobi Asuma sitting there exchanging glances.

Ten minutes later…

"Father, I'm heading out."

Kurenai emerged from her room, looking a bit self-conscious.

Her usual attire had been replaced with a pink dress, her smooth legs gleaming under the light, exuding the vibrant energy of youth.

Yūhi Shinku felt a wave of nostalgia, as if seeing Kurenai's mother in her youth.

Back then, she had been just as beautiful.

"Kurenai, I'm sorry I could never give you the motherly love you deserved. But I believe the one you love in the future will fill that void," Shinku said softly, after a long pause.

He stood up from the couch and gazed at the family photograph on the table, lost in his memories.

"Let's go, Asuma," Kurenai said.

Surprisingly, her father didn't reprimand her, much to her relief.

After all, Shinku was usually very strict—practically robotic in his discipline.

"Oh… okay!"

Asuma, initially startled, was overjoyed.

His heart raced, and he felt like he was walking on air.

Kurenai had actually dressed up so nicely for this outing, and he thought he understood what that meant.

Meanwhile, Shimizu was conducting experiments on a small white mouse using his Byakugan. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

"Who's there?"

Glancing at the time, Shimizu saw it was already 7 p.m., nearly dark.

Who could be visiting him at this hour?

He put away the mouse and opened the door, revealing two familiar faces.

What caught Shimizu's eye most was the splash of pink.

"Kurenai… You…"

Shimizu looked perplexed.

A scenario from the simulator had actually become reality.

This agreement, made nearly two years ago, had almost been forgotten.

He had assumed Kurenai had given up, but here she was, dressed as they had agreed.

Noticing the amused look in Shimizu's eyes, Kurenai blushed. She was just about to deliver the speech she'd prepared, but Sarutobi Asuma spoke first.

"Shimizu, I heard you're about to graduate. We've been classmates for years. How about a meal together?"

"Sure," Shimizu nodded.

The simulator hadn't mentioned what Asuma intended to talk about, but it was clear there was a purpose, likely involving Sarutobi Hiruzen. Rejecting the offer might lead to unforeseen complications.

If he refused, who knows what might happen later—perhaps even being summoned to the Hokage's office for a lecture about the "Will of Fire."

Shimizu knew himself well enough to know his "Will of Fire" didn't quite match their expectations.

Asuma had prepared to persuade Shimizu further, expecting resistance since they weren't close. But to his surprise, Shimizu agreed so readily.

"Great! Let's go to Yakiniku Q," Asuma said, naming a popular barbecue joint, and took the lead.

Shimizu followed silently, while Kurenai walked ahead of them both, not walking alongside either.

"Kurenai, slow down," Asuma called, quickening his pace when he noticed her pulling ahead.

Soon, the trio left the Uchiha settlement, heading toward Yakiniku Q.

"What have I done? I actually wore this out," Kurenai thought, suddenly regretting her choice.

She glanced sideways at Shimizu, trying to gauge his expression.

When their eyes met, she quickly turned her head.

Asuma, in the middle, noticed Kurenai's quick glance and assumed it was directed at him. He adjusted his hair and took the lollipop out of his mouth, flashing what he thought was a charming smile.

"Shimizu, out so late?"

At that moment, Uchiha inabi emerged from a nearby store with a comic book in hand and spotted the trio.

"Yeah, just grabbing some dinner," Shimizu replied, nodding briefly before continuing on.

Kurenai and Asuma, unfamiliar with inabi, simply nodded politely.

"Isn't that Sarutobi Asuma? The Third Hokage's son," came a voice from behind inabi.

Uchiha Tekka, also holding a comic book, looked equally surprised.

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