Asuma's matter came to an end quickly, with his victory.
The Guardian Twelve had fallen apart, with only a few members left. The time was about right, so he decided to return.
Kiyosuke stood at the gates of Konoha, yawning.
Standing beside him was Kurenai, who smiled and said,
"It's really rare to see you up so early."
Over the years, Kurenai had blossomed into a beautiful woman.
Many had pursued her, but she had turned them all down.
Of course, from time to time, Kiyosuke would help her deal with the more persistent ones.
Yeah—by beating them up.
He rubbed his eyes.
"I haven't even eaten breakfast yet. And that bastard—why didn't he come back last night? Why show up so early in the morning?"
Kurenai frowned.
"You're getting lazier by the day. Guy! Take him to train tonight!"
"Kiyosuke! Kurenai is right! This is your time of youth and passion—how can you act like some middle-aged man! Come train and sweat with me tonight!"
Guy, with his bowl haircut gleaming in the sun, gave him a big thumbs-up. His teeth sparkled.
"No! I refuse!"
Kiyosuke declared righteously.
"Even if I'm going to sweat, I'm not doing it with some guy! I need a beautiful lady!"
"What?! You're rejecting me?"
"Exactly!"
Guy was devastated and collapsed dramatically.
"You two...." Kurenai said, shaking her head.
Rin, who had come along, chuckled.
"Kakashi and Guy get along too, but he seems to enjoy roasting Guy just like Kiyosuke does."
"Maybe they're both just lazy."
"Could be. Kiyosuke, you've gained some weight lately. Have you considered dieting?"
"Nope."
Kiyosuke said flatly,
"I'm already at the age where gaining a bit of weight is normal. Besides, after a real fight, I'll drop the belly fat just fine."
"Ugh, I envy you. If you want to lose weight, you just do it."
Kurenai gave him a sour look. She'd put on a little herself recently.
"Heh. Look, he's coming!"
...
The morning mist had cleared.
A figure carrying a travel bag slowly walked through Konoha's gate.
He had a mature, composed face with stubble along his jaw, adding a rugged charm. A cigarette dangled from his lips—brand unknown. His eyes were sharp, and his demeanor was far steadier than before.
He was tall and strong, though his clothes were a bit worn.
Seeing the group that came to greet him, he grew visibly excited.
"Yo! Long time no see, everyone!"
"Yo!"
"Asuma!"
"Welcome back!"
"Haha, you finally made it back! Asuma, let's have a man's passionate youth competition!"
Asuma ignored Guy's enthusiastic challenge.
Kiyosuke grinned.
"I got up early just to pick you up. Moved yet?"
"I'm moved, I'm moved."
Asuma laughed heartily, then turned to Kurenai and gave her a warm smile.
"You doing okay?"
"I'm doing great."
"Mm, she even has a boyfriend now."
Kiyosuke said mischievously.
Crack!
As if struck by lightning, Asuma froze in place.
Trembling, he asked,
"S-She has a boyfriend?"
Before Kurenai could respond, Kiyosuke jumped in.
"That's right. A real looker too. They're getting married soon. You came back just in time."
Asuma pulled out his wallet with shaking hands and a dead look in his eyes.
He counted out ten bills—ten thousand ryō each.
"H-Here… the wedding gift."
"Hahahahahahahaha!"
Kiyosuke burst out laughing.
Everyone else couldn't help but join in—even Kurenai.
Asuma finally caught on and shouted angrily,
"Kiyosuke, you bastard! You tricked me again!"
"You're the one who disappeared for years! Kurenai's rejected plenty of suitors while you were gone. If you didn't come back soon, I was about to make my move."
Kiyosuke chuckled.
"Kiyosuke, stop talking nonsense."
Kurenai rolled her eyes.
"This guy," she said to Asuma, "he's the real playboy. I heard he's got some sketchy thing going on with a girl from the Land of Water and even the Fifth Kazekage from Sunagakure."
"Hey! What do you mean 'sketchy'? I've been completely honorable, okay? I didn't do anything to either of them! The Fifth Kazekage's been so busy she even ghosted our last date."
Pakura had actually sent a messenger last time, saying she was swamped and the date had to be postponed.
"Hmph! You are not a good man," Kurenai snapped.
"Oh, look who's defending Asuma now, even before things are official. I've helped you all these years! If not for credit, at least show some sympathy!"
"Hmph!"
Kurenai turned away and said to Asuma,
"Come on, everyone's prepared a welcome banquet for you."
"O-Okay."
Asuma put his wallet away and hurried after her.
"Hah, Asuma's already dancing to Kurenai's tune," Kiyosuke snorted.
He hadn't seen her in years, yet his feelings for her had only grown stronger. Now, he practically obeyed her every word—and Kurenai seemed just the same.
A seed had been planted in her heart, and now it had grown into a towering tree.
At this rate, they might actually get married within the year.
Damn it... the wedding money!
Wait—would Shinku-sensei kill Asuma?
After all, his precious daughter had just been stolen away.
...
The welcome banquet was held at one of Konoha's most famous restaurants, and the food was excellent.
Kakashi had finished his mission and came to join them.
After dinner, they even hit the hot springs.
Soaking in the bath, sipping some sake—it was the very definition of indulgence.
"Ahhh! I live for this one cup a day!"
Kiyosuke let out a groan like an old man.
Kakashi gave him a sidelong glance.
"Hey hey, when did you turn into an old man?"
Asuma laughed as he leaned back in the water.
He turned and asked,
"Kakashi, I heard Kiyosuke and the Fifth Kazekage have some kinda thing going on—is that true?"
"Think about it. The Fifth Kazekage actually agreed to go on a date with him. And what about the girl from the Land of Water?"
"Who knows? Maybe she's doing great. Maybe not."
Kiyosuke didn't elaborate.
Instead, he grinned and asked,
"So, Asuma, when are you planning to propose to Kurenai?"
"Wh-What?! I still haven't even confirmed the relationship yet!"
Kiyosuke paused.
"Got a name picked out for the kid yet?"
Asuma instinctively answered,
"Sarutobi Mirai!"
Kiyosuke raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? So you've already picked the name, huh."
"..."
Dammit! He got me again!
All these years, and this guy still hasn't changed!