Mawari Yasu didn't say anything more.
Hinata just needed someone to give her a little push. Once she took that first step, the rest would come naturally.
But with so many people around right now, he couldn't use any tricks. He'd have to wait until night.
What Hinata wanted most right now was simple: her father's approval. Throwing out that bait… she definitely wouldn't be able to resist.
And if she still didn't come, well—he'd just find another chance to coax her again.
Meanwhile, chaos had already exploded on the lake.
At first, Sasuke could barely maintain his footing on the water's surface. Now, with two more people and one dog added into the mix, his rhythm was completely destroyed.
So Sasuke gave up on training altogether and threw himself fully into catching fish.
By the time Sakura came back with an armful of firewood, the bonfire rose steadily, and the freshly caught fish—cleaned with only the bare minimum—were laid over the flames.
Barbecue was a simple thing. As long as the seasoning was right, even something unsavory could taste delicious.
But these fish came from a completely unpolluted lake. After just a light roast, the aroma started drifting everywhere.
Naruto, hit by the smell, suddenly remembered he'd skipped breakfast. His eyes locked onto the fish—wide and unblinking—like someone might rob him at any moment.
"Yasu! Is the fish done yet?" Naruto drooled openly as he asked.
Yasu felt a vein twitch.
Naruto was the most energetic and mischievous during training, and just as eager and enthusiastic when it came to meals.
If he hadn't matured later on, there's no way he'd ever become Hokage.
Once the fish were ready, Yasu started distributing them. He handed the first two to Sakura and Hinata.
But the moment Hinata received her fish, she immediately turned red and offered it to Naruto. Naruto didn't hesitate for even half a second—he tore into it like a starving wolf.
"Yasu-kun… you can eat first."
Yasu blinked.
He had expected Sakura to give hers to Sasuke… but she didn't. Instead, she handed it to him.
A moment of thought, and he understood.
He was, after all, serving as Kakashi's substitute—watching over the three of them. If they didn't get on his good side, they might fail the test altogether.
And more importantly—affection values were kicking in.
Sakura's affection was at 68 points—and that number was not small.
Anything above 50 meant "acquaintances who trust each other."Above 60 made someone a "good friend."
Now that Sakura was almost at 70… if this were male–female affection? She was way past ordinary liking.Her affection might already be surpassing the one she currently had for Sasuke.
Meanwhile, Kakashi's affection for him had reached 80 points—basically the bond of lifelong sworn companions. If that were a married couple? They'd be the type everyone envied.
Back during their first fight, if Yasu hadn't raised Kakashi's affection in time, Kakashi definitely wouldn't have let him off with just an identity card.
No—after seeing him use White Fang's kenjutsu and knowing all of Kakashi's secrets—Kakashi would've given him something else:
A shiny pair of handcuffs.
After all, anyone who suddenly appears who knows every detail about you, and yet has no background?
That's a spy. He'd be lucky not to be killed on the spot!
After finishing the distribution, Yasu handed the last grilled fish to Hinata.
Hinata hesitated as she reached for the grilled fish.
Before her fingers could touch it, Naruto suddenly leaned in from the side, eyes lighting up.
"Whoa—another grilled fish?! That thing smells amazing, dattebayo!"
Hinata flinched slightly, then pulled her hand back a little."I-it's okay, Naruto-kun… you can take it…"
Naruto paused.
"Huh? Really?"
He scratched the back of his head, glancing between the fish and Hinata. For once, his excitement wavered.
"…Well—" he looked away with a small cough, "I did already eat one."
Yasu stepped in calmly."That's exactly why this one's hers."
Naruto stared at the fish for a long second… then puffed his cheeks.
"Tch… fine! But only 'cause I'm already full, dattebayo!"
He turned away dramatically, arms folded.
Hinata blinked in surprise… then gently picked up the fish.
"Th-thank you, Naruto-kun…"
Naruto froze for half a second, then said bashfully:
"Y-Yeah—s'no big deal… h-heh."He scratched the back of his head, laughing shyly as he turned away.
"H-How about… I eat it…?"
Just as Yasu and Naruto were finally settling things over the last grilled fish, a graceful silhouette slipped between them—and without waiting for Yasu's permission, she snatched the grilled fish cleanly.
"Kurenai-sensei?!"
Yasu froze.
Kurenai had appeared completely silently.If she had been an enemy, Yasu would've already been dead.
At that moment, he fully understood the gap between himself and a true jōnin.
[Ding! Kurenai Yūhi – Affection 51! Can sign-in!]
[Affection 50 Unlock: Sensory Technique!]
...
[Affection 100 Unlock: Absolute Lotus! "Don't tell Asuma, okay?" Infinite sign-in (7-day cooldown)]
Yasu's eyes lit up.
Kurenai was the first genjutsu-type ninja he had ever interacted with.Before obtaining the Sharingan, the only way to resist illusion techniques was to raise his own genjutsu abilities.
And she also possessed rare perception-type ninjutsu—something Yasu desperately needed.
"Sign in with Kurenai!"
[Ding! Sign-in successful! You've obtained Sensory Jutsu! Affection +5! Current affection: 56!]
"Sensory Jutsu!"
Yasu was ecstatic. It was like wanting a pillow—and having one delivered right into his arms.
He had just been thinking about needing a sensory jutsu—and then it arrived.
As she ate the grilled fish, Kurenai eyed Yasu up and down. Once she finished, she finally spoke.
"So you're Yasu, huh? Guy said you're a rare talent. Interested in sparring with our Team 8?"
Yasu wanted to refuse.
Team 8 might look like three people… but Akamaru absolutely counted as a fourth member.
And each member had their own unique strengths—completely different from Team 7.
But when he saw the determined look in Kurenai's eyes, he knew:
He wasn't escaping this fight.
"…Fine. How do you want to do it?"
"Same rules as Team 7, of course. You vs. all three." Kurenai smirked like a fox who'd just succeeded in tricking someone.
The three members of Team 8 perked up instantly.
Kiba had already been hyped up earlier by Naruto and was itching to fight Yasu. Now that Kurenai gave the go-ahead, he was practically vibrating with anticipation.
Shino, after hearing Sasuke lost to Yasu, was also curious and eager.
Only Hinata looked lost and unsure of what to do. But seeing the other two agree, she could only follow along, pushed forward like a duck onto a shelf.
Yasu's lips curled slightly.
Even if Kakashi had nudged things along…Kurenai clearly wanted to use him as a whetstone—to hone her newly formed Team 8.
He didn't know if he could win. But he would definitely give them an unforgettable experience.
Forming the hand shape of One Thousand Years of Death, Yasu gently blew across his hands.
The moment they saw that gesture—Team 7 trembled.