Anko words surprised Uchiha Hikaru a little—but not too much.
The surprise came from how gentle Kurenai had always been. It was hard for him to imagine what kind of changes she had gone through that could actually shock someone like Anko.
But on the other hand, it wasn't really unexpected. Given Kurenai's current position, becoming tougher was inevitable.
That thought made Uchiha Hikaru curious. He turned toward the rising sun outside the window.
Originally, he'd intended to appoint either Morino Ibiki or Hyuga Hiashi as the first proctor for the Chunin Exams. After all, the first round was supposed to test Genin on their character and information-gathering abilities.
But now... it looked like he had enough time to go check on Kurenai's current state himself.
And maybe—he'd see what she thought about the exams. If things went well, letting her take charge of the first round wouldn't be out of the question.
Although she was arguably the weakest among them in pure combat ability, Kurenai had definitely reached the level of a Jonin in Konoha. She was more than qualified to proctor the first exam.
But of course, she needed the strength to back up her reputation.
Thinking of that, Uchiha Hikaru bid farewell to Anko and headed toward the western district of Konoha.
— — —
As he moved across rooftops, Uchiha Hikaru observed the changes in the western sector of the village. It hadn't been obvious from his usual vantage point atop the Hokage Monument, but seeing it up close—Konoha had transformed.
The streets had doubled in width. Shops that were once single-story stalls had grown into multi-story complexes. Merchants from different lands crowded the roads, haggling and trading goods.
What Yamato had initially constructed with Wood Release had long since evolved. Now, in place of those temporary structures stood a towering palace—massive, even compared to the Hokage Building.
It was even larger than the Fire Daimyo's personal chambers.
"Yamato's masterpiece, huh?"
Uchiha Hikaru smirked. It was hard to imagine how many nights Yamato had spent working overtime to build such a massive and complex structure...
The two giant stone lions flanking the entrance stood proud and imposing. The building itself was painted with vibrant colors, though red dominated the palette, lending it a sense of wealth and power. Even a quick glance told any passerby: the people inside were not to be trifled with.
But the one thing that hadn't changed—there was still a long line at the door.
Uchiha Hikaru strode straight into the grand hall and headed for the upper floors.
Just then, a fat, richly dressed merchant bumped into him. The man turned, puffed up, and started shouting at him.
"What's wrong with you!?"
"The street's this wide—how the hell did you bump into me!?"
"What if I'd been injured? I've got a business meeting with Lady Kurenai—can you take responsibility for that!?"
Uchiha Hikaru simply gave the man a blank look, brows twitching slightly. He didn't bother to argue. He kept walking.
But nearby, the Konoha Police quickly stepped in. A pair of officers grabbed the merchant and pinned him against the wall, arms behind his back.
"Watch it," one officer snapped. "This is Konoha. You don't get to act like a jackass just because you've got money."
"Try pulling this stunt again—we'll throw you in Konoha Prison and show you what real rules look like."
The Police Department had seen this kind of behavior before. It wasn't rare for some pompous noble's son or clueless rich merchant to arrive in Konoha thinking they could throw money around and get whatever they wanted.
But in Konoha, no matter how rich you were—you weren't richer than the village.
After all, Lady Yuhi Kurenai, Konoha's infamous "Red Queen," had built an economic empire in just three years without relying on flashy jutsu or political leverage—just pure business strategy. The very top echelons of multiple nations now feared her.
Even Kirigakure had latched onto her influence, abandoning resistance in favor of aligning itself tightly with Konoha. All they had to do now was change their name to make their loyalty clear.
The fat merchant, still struggling, suddenly bellowed:
"My father is the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning! How dare you Konoha dogs imprison me!?"
"I'm here on behalf of the Land of Lightning!"
"Get that woman, Yuhi Kurenai, out here right now! She knows who I am!"
Uchiha Hikaru stopped walking. He turned, stepped up to the man, and slapped him clean across the face.
The blow sent the fat pig flying. He spun in the air like a ragdoll—three full rotations—then crashed to the ground and passed out cold.
Hikaru turned back toward the stairs without a second glance.
"Throw him in a cell for a few days," he called back. "Don't be too gentle with him. As long as he doesn't die or lose a limb, it's fine."
"Let their Raikage come fetch him himself."
"Yes, Lord Assistant Hokage!" the officers shouted in unison.
Two members of the police dragged the unconscious man toward a special "guest room"—cozy and private.
The rest of the hall grew eerily quiet.
The crowd looked at one another with newfound respect... and fear.
So this was Konoha.
Even the son of a daimyo wasn't safe from getting smacked down and tossed in jail. It was best not to cause trouble here...
— — —
At the top floor, Uchiha Hikaru reached a door and knocked gently.
Knock knock knock...
"Come in."
The voice that answered was elegant, yet laced with cold steel.
Uchiha Hikaru opened the door and stepped inside.
Behind the desk sat Kurenai.
Her long black hair was now tied back in a refined style, with a crimson flower pinned beside her temple. She wore a black kimono that wrapped around her figure, its curves concealed but not hidden. A red sash cinched her waist tightly, tied into a traditional knot at her back.
That iconic image—the poised queen of commerce—made Hikaru pause and look again.
Kurenai lifted her head. Her pen dropped from her hand.
Then, without hesitation, she stood and threw herself into his arms.
"You finally came back to see me…"
Her voice carried both longing and a thousand unsaid grievances.
Uchiha Hikaru gently held her, stroking her back in slow, calming circles.
"I'm here now."
"Anko said you'd changed a lot. I didn't believe it at first…"
"But now I see—she wasn't exaggerating."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Kurenai stepped back.
She walked slowly to the door, locked it with a click, and turned back to him.
Her gaze had sharpened. Her lips were tight. She spoke with venom.
"Anko said I've changed?"
"You went to see her before me?"
She pushed him backward—hard—until he hit the desk. Her hands gripped his collar. Her eyes burned like wildfire.
"Tell me, how many times?"
At that moment, she no longer looked like the elegant business leader.
She was the Red Queen herself—intense, dominating, and furious.
"I don't remember... all night," Hikaru answered, shamelessly.
(〃￣︶￣)人(￣︶￣〃)
(The following 20,000 words are omitted… QVQ)
…
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