Naruto: I'm Really Not an Evil Uchiha!

"Hahaha, Shimizu, I feel like you're truly a good friend of mine."

Sarutobi Asuma, indulged by Shimizu's deliberate flattery, couldn't help but feel somewhat elated.

Due to his status, Asuma was no stranger to compliments. Many commoners, owing to their natural social disparity, often flattered him excessively. However, the easier something is to obtain, the less valuable it becomes.

The commoners were weak in strength, far inferior to Sarutobi Asuma.

Now, having a talented academy student like Uchiha Shimizu to compare with—a genius with virtually no weaknesses and exceptional abilities in every aspect—such praise carried weight, making it all the more gratifying.

"Shimizu, you're strong too. You might even become a medical ninja on par with Tsunade. You could be the leaf that shields the skies."

Sarutobi Asuma swallowed a piece of grilled meat and spoke unclearly.

He had once overheard his father, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and his mother, Sarutobi Biwako, discussing Shimizu at home. According to his mother, Shimizu seemed highly gifted in medical ninjutsu, with the leader of the medical unit personally mentoring him.

"Not at all. The Sarutobi clan's Fire Release techniques are almost on par with the Uchiha's. In combat, Sarutobi, you're far superior to me. I can only dabble in medical ninjutsu and handle support roles. When it truly matters, it's all up to you guys."

The two exchanged flattering remarks.

From a distance, Kurenai Yuhi observed their harmonious conversation, feeling inexplicably uncomfortable.

The Yuhi clan, whether compared to the Sarutobi or Uchiha clans, was insignificant—a small ninja family with sparse members, entirely reliant on her father's strength.

Clang!

Kurenai slammed her iron chopsticks onto the table.

"I'm going to the restroom."

Before leaving, she glanced back at Shimizu, her gaze full of unspoken meaning.

"What's wrong with Kurenai?"

Sarutobi Asuma sighed, lamenting how unpredictable women could be. No wonder his father was often nagged by his mother.

"Maybe she's feeling unwell."

Shimizu raised a glass of orange juice and drank it in one go, then added, "I'll head to the restroom too."

"What's with you two? There's still plenty of grilled meat left. You're not getting an upset stomach, are you?"

"I'll be back soon."

Shimizu waved a hand as he left.

Watching Shimizu's retreating figure, Sarutobi Asuma frowned and picked up a piece of grilled meat to sniff it.

The aroma seemed fine—nothing unusual. His own stomach felt perfectly normal.

"Well, more for me."

Quickening his pace, Asuma grabbed more pieces of grilled meat and stuffed them into his mouth.

Since he had invited Kurenai and Uchiha Shimizu to this gathering, splitting the bill wasn't an option—it was all on him. To make it worthwhile and avoid waste, Sarutobi Asuma resolved to eat more.

Meanwhile, in the restroom corridor, Kurenai Yuhi and Shimizu weren't idle.

"I've recently mastered a powerful new technique!"

Kurenai crossed her arms and lifted her chin confidently.

Her soft, clear voice rang with self-assurance.

"I look forward to seeing it."

Shimizu nodded, scrutinizing Kurenai closely.

She wore a pink dress adorned with small flowers, a thin silk ribbon tied around the waist. The flowing skirt occasionally revealed red shoes beneath. Her long, curly hair was accessorized with clips embedded with tiny beads, adding to her lively and adorable appearance.

"Stop staring at me like that!"

Kurenai, sharply aware of Shimizu's gaze lingering on her outfit, felt annoyed.

"You're feeling smug now, aren't you? But you won't be for long!"

Seeing Kurenai's exaggerated reaction, Shimizu's lips curled into a smile.

"What if you lose?"

"Hmph, that's impossible."

For the past two years, Kurenai had been diligently training. She had focused so much on honing her genjutsu that she had fallen behind in other areas.

Her efforts had paid off—her genjutsu had improved significantly.

"You made me wear this embarrassing dress. If you lose, you have to admit that the Yuhi clan's genjutsu is no weaker and agree to one request of mine."

"Anything you want. Let's begin."

Shimizu interrupted Kurenai.

With his three-tomoe Sharingan and Byakugan, there was no way he would lose to her.

Though Kurenai had worked hard, this was a world where lineage mattered.

Without a superior bloodline, the pinnacle one could reach was exemplified by figures like Sage Kabuto, Eight Gates Might Guy, or Nine-Tails Mode Minato.

Even Minato, though strong in life, wasn't overwhelmingly powerful and mostly served as support in later battles.

"Genjutsu: Triple Cherry Blossom Illusion!"

Kurenai crouched slightly, and suddenly, countless pink petals filled the air.

The restroom corridor transformed into a realm of cherry blossoms, with Kurenai's figure vanishing amidst the petals.

Whoosh!

The sound of air being sliced heralded Kurenai's attack from Shimizu's side.

Shimizu shifted slightly, pressing down on Kurenai's wrist with one hand, halting her in place with overwhelming strength.

As Shimizu parted his lips to speak—

Two hands emerged from beneath his feet, gripping his ankles tightly.

Boom!

The two figures of Kurenai glowed faintly, crystalizing before exploding.

"Genjutsu: Mirage Reflection?"

This technique created a phantom double through genjutsu. Anything approaching it would trigger a counterattack, resulting in an explosion that formed a crystal shield.

"Demonic Illusion: Sharingan."

In an instant, Shimizu's eyes spun with three black tomoe before returning to their tranquil black state.

When the explosion cleared, Shimizu stood unscathed.

These were illusions—spiritual confrontations that caused no physical damage unless successfully executed.

If Shimizu hadn't used his Sharingan to dispel it, Kurenai's chakra would have disrupted his brain, tricking it into believing he had suffered massive damage.

The brain's influence on the body was immense; even amputees could feel pain in their missing limbs due to the brain's misinterpretation.

"How could he break my genjutsu so easily?"

Hidden among the cherry blossom petals, Kurenai was stunned to see Shimizu unharmed.

"No more tricks?"

Shimizu's face betrayed disappointment.

Kurenai grew increasingly tense at his words. Her technique had been effortlessly neutralized.

What kind of powerful jutsu would Shimizu use next?

Boom!

The illusionary world collapsed abruptly.

Before she realized it, Kurenai had returned to reality.

Shimizu approached, propping himself against the wall and cornering Kurenai.

Running his fingers through her curled hair, he tilted her chin up, locking eyes with her.

Kurenai's body stiffened. At this distance, she could feel Shimizu's heartbeat and catch the faint scent of him as an opposite gender.

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