"Thanks, Kitazawa,"
Kurenai said, putting away the scroll. "I'll study it carefully when I get back."
"Want a lollipop?"
Kitazawa asked, casually opening the snack package.
"Is a lollipop appropriate for my age?"
Kurenai couldn't help but laugh.
"It's a little childish for a child, but perfect for an adult."
Kitazawa peeled the lollipop and brought it to her lips.
"You're still so funny."
Kurenai opened her soft lips and bit the lollipop.
"How does it taste?"
Kitazawa took out the second lollipop and popped it into her mouth.
"Very sweet," Kurenai asked, narrowing her eyes. "Why do you carry snacks with you?"
"A reward for the students," Kitazawa explained casually. "This way, it can motivate them to study."
Kurenai thought of Kurama Yakumo.
But... she couldn't use it. As the eldest daughter of the Kurama clan, she had no shortage of money or snacks.
"What do you want to eat tonight?"
Kurenai licked her lollipop with her pink tongue and said, "It's my treat, don't hesitate."
"Then let's go to barbecue," Kitazawa said after a moment's thought.
"Okay," Kurenai nodded, a look of nostalgia returning. "The last time we had barbecue was during the Chunin Exams, when we were all together."
"Everyone" meant Kakashi Hatake, Obito Uchiha, Rin Nohara, and Asuma Sarutobi.
But sadly, only a few of them were left now.
"Why are you suddenly nostalgic for the past?"
Kitazawa said, raising an eyebrow. "Nostalgia makes you old."
"Are you stupid? "
Kurenai rolled her eyes at him. "Aging is a topic women shouldn't even touch."
"Sorry," Kitazawa said with a smile.
He knew Kurenai wasn't angry; it was just a friendly joke.
"Have you seen Kakashi recently? How's he?"
Kurenai asked as they walked.
"I saw him once last month," Kitazawa replied. "He was still the same, looking lifeless."
It's no exaggeration to say that his class was filled with impressive characters.
Hatake Kakashi, a prodigy who became a jonin at the tender age of twelve, suffered a tragic fate, losing his father, teammates, and teacher. He eventually became withdrawn.
Uchiha Obito, his Kamui unable to hide his tears, turned evil for Nohara Rin, determined to create a world where she existed.
He killed his teacher, aided Uchiha Itachi in exterminating his own clan, and later transformed into Uchiha Madara, seeking to destroy the ninja world.
Besides them, there was also Might Guy, who nearly ended the 4th Ninja War with a single kick, and Asuma Sarutobi, son of the Third Hokage.
"I wonder when he'll finally emerge from his shadow,"
Kurenai said after a few seconds of silence.
"What about Asuma?"
Kitazawa asked, changing the subject. "Is he still in touch with you?"
"I get a letter every few days, Kurenai Yuhi pouted.
Kitazawa keenly detected a hint of impatience.
In the original story, Asuma Sarutobi pursued Kurenai Yuhi for a long time, and finally won her heart a year before the Fourth Shinobi World War began.
However, it is 10 years before that, so they are still not together.
"He is quite persistent," Kitazawa said with a smile, "Even in the Fire Kingdom Metropolis, he has not forgotten you."
Because of his rebelliousness, Asuma Sarutobi fled to the Fire Kingdom after the Third Shinobi World War and became a guardian ninja.
Guardian ninja are guards who protect the daimyo of the Fire Kingdom.
Although the original story does not specify when he returned to the village, it is likely that it was the year Uzumaki Naruto and his friends graduated.
After returning to the village, he became the mentor of Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Chōji, and Yamanaka Ino.
"Never mind, let's not talk about that. How many drinks are you planning tonight?"
Kurenai asked, crossing her arms and stretching out her fair arms.
"I'd risk my life for a beautiful woman."
Kitazawa couldn't help but smile at her graceful figure.
He had previously had no feelings for Kurenai, not because he was a pure love warrior, but because his strength was so low that he was only concerned about saving his life.
But now with the system, he no longer had to worry about his strength.
He was a kind-hearted person and couldn't bear to see Kurenai left alone.
Ahem.
The relationship between Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai was now limited to pursuer and pursued, not a particularly intimate one.
He was simply playing fair.
"Really?"
Kurenai said with a smile. "You still have time to regret it now."
"Then please be kind," Kitazawa said sincerely.
"Since you've helped me, I'll let you go this time,"
Kurenai said generously with a wave of her hand.
With that, the two of them walked into the barbecue restaurant.
"Try my cooking today."
Kitazawa sat down and began grilling the meat.
"I've always wanted to ask you a question," Kurenai asked, picking up the sake flask and pouring two glasses of wine. "Why do you want to be a teacher?"
In the ninja world, the most respected profession is naturally that of a ninja, especially the strongest among them.
Being a teacher at a ninja school is not considered a particularly glorious profession.
Many ninjas believe that only mediocre chunin would pursue the profession.
"It's just a hobby," Kitazawa said casually.
"Is that so?"
Kurenai nodded, saying, "But you're certainly suited to be a teacher."
"Have you been a tutor all this time?"
Kitazawa flipped the pork belly over, a scent of meat filling the air.
"Yes," Kurenai paused, then said, "but I still have to do the village's missions."
With the exception of teachers at the ninja school, all ninjas had to complete regular missions.
Of course, Konoha's higher-ups had the right to make their own choices, like Tsunade.
After contracting hemophobia, she'd been wandering the ninja world, gambling and even kidnapping Shizune.
But she refused to return to the village or undertake missions, leaving Konoha helpless. Jiraiya was similar.
"Come see me when you're free," Kitazawa chuckled, thinking of Yakumo's mission. "I can even help you teach that student."
According to the original storyline, it took Kurenai several years, with the help of Uzumaki Naruto and others, to resolve Yakumo's situation.
"That's a hassle, Kitazawa," Kurenai didn't refuse.
"It's a deal. Come see me if you have any problems," Kitazawa said, raising his glass.
Whether or not the mission could be completed depended on this.
Kurenai was stunned for a moment, then, seeing his sincere expression, a strange feeling flashed through her mind.
She had a feeling Kitazawa's attitude towards her was a little different today.
Could it be... Kurenai quickly dismissed this misconception.
It didn't match her impression of Kitazawa.
She'd always known Kitazawa to be gentle with everyone, but his appearance and lack of a girlfriend suggested he had absolutely no interest in such a thing.
"Cheers!"
Kurenai picked up the wine glass, clinked it with hers, and then drank it all in one gulp.