By evening, after taking Uchiha Izumi home, Chiya arrived at the Kozo BBQ Restaurant right on time for his appointment.
After some conversation, Chiya realized he had overthought things.
This “Kozo” wasn’t that Kozo, and he wasn’t some young stepfather; they were truly just a normal father and daughter.
It was true that Airi had an older sister, but she wasn’t a ninja—she chose to help out at the barbecue restaurant.
Her name was indeed Erina Akizuki.
As for Airi’s mother, she was a Konoha ninja who spent most of the year away, primarily serving as a guard for the Daimyo’s wife, and rarely came home.
After the meal, everyone headed their separate ways.
Akimichi Panci went home, fully satisfied.
Airi Akizuki stayed behind to help her family.
As for Chiya, he was currently being roped into drinking with Kurenai Yuhi.
Yes, Kurenai was drunk.
Usually fond of an evening drink, perhaps because Chiya was about to leave the team, she had indulged a bit too much and was starting to act a little tipsy.
“Na-na…
Chiya-kun…
time flies so fast.
In the blink of an eye, you’re becoming a Jōnin, and you’ve grown into such a handsome young man; you don’t look like a twelve-year-old brat at all…” Kurenai held her wine cup in one hand and gently stroked Chiya’s face with the other.
Her exquisite features, flushed with a rosy hue under the ambient light, looked even more beautiful and moving.
Just as Kurenai said, Chiya had indeed grown quite a bit.
Because he had been absorbing natural energy through the Tiangang Art for years, at only twelve, he stood 1.7 meters tall.
The youthful softness on his face had almost entirely faded, and he had matured completely.
“Kurenai-sensei, you’re drunk,” Chiya said, taking a small sip of his tea, feeling somewhat helpless.
If it were anyone else, faced with such a beauty, he certainly would have flirted a bit or taken advantage of the situation—after all, he is a man.
But there was less than a year left before the Uchiha Massacre.
By then, for Izumi’s sake, he would certainly have to leave.
There was nothing here worth lingering for.
Getting entangled with Kurenai would only bring her trouble.
At the very least, during the Third Hokage’s administration, he couldn’t afford a deep entanglement with her.
After all, the “Konoha F4” were a cunning bunch.
Anko Mitarashi was a living example—ever since Orochimaru defected, she had been tortured nearly to madness by the Konoha Interrogation Unit.
This was the exact reason he had kept his distance, maintaining only a standard team-member relationship for the past six months.
“You’re so heartless, I am not drunk!” Kurenai let go of Chiya, pouted her red lips, poured herself another drink, and slammed the table.
Emboldened by the alcohol, she began to vent: “Ugh…
I want to fall in love so badly…
I’m clearly so pretty, and I have a great figure; why is it that no one wants to pursue me…” As she said this, Kurenai didn’t forget to sneak a glance at Chiya while pouting.
Seeing he remained unmoved, she gathered her courage, seemingly determined to press her entire body against him, bringing with her a wave of fragrant perfume.
“Na-na…
Chiya-kun…” “What is it…” Sensing Kurenai’s softness, her faint scent, and the subtle aroma of alcohol in the air, Chiya couldn’t help but blush.
“Tell me…
do you really like your teacher?” Kurenai’s lips curled, and their bodies moved even closer.
“Love for beauty is common to all.
You’re so pretty, Sensei; who wouldn’t like you?” Chiya replied honestly.
“What a cunning little brat.” Kurenai blushed, avoiding his gaze, but leaned in close to his ear, breathing out a puff of alcohol-scented air.
“Actually…
it wouldn’t be impossible, you know…” As she spoke, she closed her eyes and leaned her red lips toward him.
Just as their lips were about to touch, a long-lost system notification sounded in Chiya’s mind: [Ding!
Congratulations to the host for triggering a system option!] [1.
Do not resist.
Reward: Rasengan.] [2.
Half-refuse, half-accept.
Reward: Lightning Style: Chidori.] [3.
Dodge.
Reward: Water from the River of Mother and Child.] [Please make your choice!] Chiya: “…” These choices are a bit too intense, aren’t they?
Although…
admittedly…
this would be nice, but option two was definitely out—it was illegal, and he wasn’t even of age yet.
As for option one…
Forget it, whatever happens, happens.
Today, this Fujiwara Chiya shall give away his first kiss.
“Kurenai-sensei, your favorite wasabi octopus is here…” Just as their lips were about to meet, Airi Akizuki walked in with a tray.
Kurenai gave a start, the alcohol in her system suddenly wearing off, and Chiya instinctively pulled away.
“Airi, listen to me, it’s not what you think…” The three stood there, staring at each other.
Kurenai tried to explain, but Airi just said, “Sorry, I seem to have interrupted the two of you.
Please, continue, do continue…” As she spoke, Airi tapped her forehead, pulled a cute pose, covered her mouth to stifle a giggle, and hurried out.
Before she left, she didn’t forget to give Chiya a meaningful glance, making a cheering gesture as if encouraging him.
Only Chiya and Kurenai remained, staring at each other in bewilderment.
Kurenai turned her face away, not daring to look at him, though her peripheral vision kept drifting back to him.
Perhaps it was the alcohol, or perhaps the embarrassment, but her face turned even redder, and even her neck was stained with a crimson flush.
She clutched her forehead, frustrated beyond belief.
Why…
why did I say such shameful things, and almost kiss my own student?
At that moment, the system notification sounded again: [Ding!
Congratulations to the host for obtaining Water from the River of Mother and Child.] “Finally, it’s not underwear, is it?” Chiya’s mouth twitched.
He looked at Kurenai, then at Airi hiding outside the booth, and let out a long sigh.
“Kurenai-sensei, you’re drunk.
Let me take you home.” As he spoke, he stood up and offered his right hand.
“Oh…
okay…
alright…” Kurenai stood up, her face burning, afraid to look at him, but she took his hand.
Chiya’s palm was warm, making her feel safe.
They didn’t speak the rest of the way.
Chiya said goodbye to Airi and carried Kurenai on his back out of the restaurant.
Kurenai’s house was in the bustling area of Konoha; Chiya had been there once before.
Following his memory, he soon arrived at her home.
He took off her shoes, laid her on the bed, boiled some water, cleaned the room, and finally helped her wash up.
Just as Chiya was about to leave, Kurenai reached out and grabbed his sleeve.
“Um…
thank…
you…” “It’s nothing.
Feeling better now?” Chiya poured her a glass of cool water.
“Mmh…
much better.” Kurenai nodded, taking the glass but not drinking.
She hesitated, “About what happened at the restaurant earlier…” 🔥 Want More Chapters?
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