Asuma was walking through Konoha Village with Yuhi.
Knowing his future destiny, he wanted to spend more time with Yuhi during this period.
However, his heart could not calm down.
Just as Yuhi was choosing snacks, a Ninja who brushed past him slipped a note into his hand.
The content was abrupt and incomplete: "Night, after the seal rises."
There was no more content, but Asuma immediately understood the meaning.
Is it finally coming?
Many days had passed since the night he met Yuuki, and during this time, Asuma's heart went through various stages.
Regret, determination, regret again, determination again...
He kept doing mental preparation again and again, but at this very moment, his heart was still filled with mixed emotions.
"Look, Asuma, this mochi is so cute!"
Yuhi's words interrupted Asuma's thoughts. He quickly took a puff from his cigarette to calm himself down.
"Hmm, but why did you buy so much?"
Yuhi was holding a cloth bag, full to the brim.
"This is for lunch. I also bought the wagashi you love."
"It's only the one sweet I don't dislike, yet you always say I love it."
Asuma replied distractedly, and Yuhi's eyes flickered upon seeing this, but she said nothing.
The two continued to stroll.
As they walked into the residential area, Asuma and Yuhi, both Jonin, heard very low discussions around them.
"Did you hear? Another group of Sarutobi Clan Ninja are being sent to the border today for making mistakes?"
"Didn't they post the announcement? It's on the wall behind you!"
"I always thought the Sarutobi Clan was fierce. Now that the Sandaime isn't Hokage anymore, they can no longer hide their true nature."
"I'll tell you a top-secret piece of news: it seems the Sarutobi Clan wants to stage a coup because they're unhappy that the Fifth Hokage isn't a Sarutobi Clan Ninja!"
"What! Is what you're saying true?"
"Impossible, how would you know such news?"
"I'm really not lying to you, listen to me…"
Asuma's expression became extremely grim, while Yuhi was filled with worry, but she still showed a sweet smile and said,
"Asuma, let's walk faster, I'm a little hungry!"
"Okay."
After the two left, the appearance of the three people who had been discussing began to change, and then they quickly disappeared.
By a small river in Konoha Village, many people were sitting in small groups on the grass.
Yuhi occasionally took out various snacks and sweets from her pocket, giving half to Asuma.
Asuma mechanically took them, and without even looking, stuffed them into his mouth.
When Yuhi saw Asuma chewing the Kyogashi, which he usually disliked immensely, she asked,
"Is it delicious, Asuma?"
Asuma reacted a beat late, then quickly said,
"Mmm~ It's really delicious, Yuhi, you're really good at choosing."
Yuhi's smile faded, and she said seriously,
"Asuma, if you have something to do, you can go take care of it first!"
"No need, it's really nothing. You know, I don't hold any position, and I haven't taken any missions recently."
Yuhi just stared intently at Asuma's hand.
Asuma also followed Yuhi's gaze to the item he was holding, and the forced smile on his face faltered, his eyes filled with reluctance and apology.
"Yuhi, I'm sorry, I want to go see the clan members!"
Yuhi nodded, smiling as she said,
"Go, Asuma. We have plenty of time after you've handled it. Patience is an essential quality for a Ninja!"
Asuma immediately got up and left. Just as he was about to disappear from Yuhi's sight, Asuma quietly whispered again,
"Yuhi, I'm sorry!"
On his way back, Asuma again heard people discussing the Sarutobi Clan in various places.
It seemed that ever since he met Yuuki that night, Asuma heard discussions wherever he went, as if all of Konoha knew that the Sarutobi Clan was planning a coup.
After returning to the clan grounds, Asuma secretly gathered the clan members who wanted to cause trouble.
"Young Master Asuma, you're finally here!"
"Asuma, with your involvement, our plan will definitely succeed!"
"Has the plan been decided? Are we directly taking action or secretly rescuing the clan leader first?"
"..."
Asuma could become the backbone not only because of his identity but also because of his strength.
Surrounded by the clan members, Asuma looked at them and strengthened his resolve.
The honor of the Sarutobi Clan cannot be tarnished by you.
"The plan has been decided. It's tonight. You just need to follow my orders then!"
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