Night fell.
A bright moon hung above the Hokage Rock, casting a silvery veil over the entire Hidden Leaf Village.
The daytime hustle gradually faded, replaced by the laughter and lively chatter emanating from the izakayas.
In a corner of the village, at an izakaya named "Hanatorisha," the atmosphere was just right.
Hansen and Kurenai Yūhi sat opposite each other, with a few delicate appetizers and a pot of warm sake on the small square table between them.
Kurenai Yūhi had changed out of her tight ninja combat uniform and into an elegant, deep-red kimono, accentuating her mature and graceful figure.
The usually capable and spirited elite jōnin now exuded less sharpness and more of the gentle charm and allure of a mature woman.
Her dark hair was simply tied up, with a few strands falling beside her cheeks, appearing even more captivating under the dim light of the lantern.
"Try this, it's a specialty appetizer here."
Kurenai Yūhi filled Hansen's cup, her fair wrist gleaming like congealed fat under the lamplight.
"Thank you."
Hansen took a few sips, then raised his cup and drained it. The spicy liquid, with a hint of rice fragrance, slid down his throat, bringing a slightly tipsy warmth.
"Speaking of which, your students are all quite good."
Hansen picked up a edamame pod and said casually.
"Yes, they are all very good disciples."
When her students were mentioned, Kurenai Yūhi's face showed a gentle smile: "Although Kiba is impulsive, he is kind-hearted and values loyalty."
"Shino may seem aloof, but he is actually meticulous and the most reliable support in the squad."
"As for Hinata... she just needs more time and confidence."
"That Byakugan kid named Neji seems to have a strong opinion about Hinata," Hansen poured himself another drink.
Kurenai Yūhi's smile faded slightly, and she sighed softly: "That's a Hyuga Clan family matter... Neji is a genius of the branch family, and Hinata is the heir of the main family."
"There is some estrangement between them due to the destiny of the main and branch families."
"Destiny?" Hansen scoffed, "There's that word again. What I hate most is when people constantly talk about 'destiny'."
His tone was flat, but Kurenai Yūhi heard an undeniable dominance in it.
As if all the rules of heaven and earth were null and void before him.
Kurenai Yūhi did not respond, only silently refilling his cup.
After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became somewhat subtle under the influence of alcohol.
Kurenai Yūhi's cheeks were flushed with a beautiful blush, and her ruby-like eyes shimmered with a watery sheen under the lamplight, carrying a hint of intoxication, making her even more captivating.
She bravely looked directly at Hansen, her voice trembling imperceptibly: "Mr. Hansen... who exactly are you?"
"Hmm, still not giving up?"
Hansen put down his cup, his gaze lingering over the woman's mature figure.
"Kurenai, do you know what you're doing?"
He didn't answer her question; instead, he leaned forward slightly, his platinum-blonde pupils in the dim light.
It was as if two deep flames were burning, looking directly into the depths of her eyes.
Under the gaze of those eyes, Kurenai Yūhi felt her heart skip a beat.
She could clearly feel an invisible pressure engulfing her, making it almost impossible for her to breathe.
But she did not back down.
"I know," Kurenai Yūhi met his gaze, saying each word clearly, "I know I'm under the influence of some powerful genjutsu of yours. My rationality tells me I should be wary of you, even consider you Konoha's greatest threat."
Her voice was soft, yet exceptionally firm.
"But, as a ninja of Konoha, it is my duty to ascertain your origins and purpose."
"Even if... it requires some sacrifice."
She pursed her red lips, her eyes showing a determined resolve, like a moth drawn to a flame.
These words were both a confession and a test, and even a veiled sign of weakness and an invitation.
Hansen looked at her and suddenly smiled.
He reached out and gently pinched Kurenai Yūhi's delicate chin, his thumb feeling the smoothness and warmth of her skin.
"Woman, you are playing with fire."
His voice was low and magnetic, like a whisper in her ear, every word carrying a scorching heat that made Kurenai Yūhi's body tremble uncontrollably.
She could feel that her carefully constructed psychological defenses were being easily peeled away, layer by layer, in front of this man.
The so-called duties and missions seemed to have become less important excuses.
"So... what?" Kurenai Yūhi's breathing became a little rapid; she almost instinctively retorted.
Hansen said nothing more.
He leaned down and pressed a domineering yet gentle kiss on Kurenai Yūhi's slightly parted lips.
The mellow aroma of sake and the unique fragrance of the woman instantly mingled and exploded between their lips and teeth.
A "buzz" sounded in Kurenai Yūhi's mind, and it instantly went blank.
She instinctively tried to struggle, but the man's arm was already wrapped around her slender waist, pulling her into a firm and warm embrace.
All resistance seemed so pale and powerless.
Or rather, deep down, she didn't want to resist at all.
After a long moment, their lips parted.
Kurenai Yūhi lay limp in Hansen's arms, her face flushed, her eyes glazed, breathing heavily.
"Let's go," Hansen's voice sounded in her ear.
"Go... where?"
"To your place, of course," Hansen replied as if it were the most natural thing, "We can't spend the night in a place like this, can we?"
... The next day, early morning.
When the first ray of sunlight streamed through the gap in the curtains and onto the tatami, Kurenai Yūhi slowly awoke from her deep sleep.
She moved her body, feeling an unprecedented soreness and fatigue.
The spot beside her was already empty, leaving only a faint lingering warmth, proving that everything last night was not a dream.
She sat up, the silk quilt slipping from her smooth, fragrant shoulder, revealing a large expanse of fair skin and scattered ambiguous marks.
Kurenai Yūhi's cheeks instantly burned crimson; she pulled up the quilt, wrapping herself tightly, as uncontrollable flashes of the wild and shameful scenes from last night replayed in her mind.
That man, like a tireless beast, had domineeringly taken over everything about her.
Just as she was lost in thought, the bedroom door was gently pushed open.
Hansen walked in, carrying a simple breakfast. He had already changed into clean clothes, looking refreshed and showing no signs of last night's indulgence.
"Awake? Have something to eat," He placed the breakfast on the low table beside the bed.
Seeing his nonchalant demeanor, a complex emotion welled up in Kurenai Yūhi's heart—shame, annoyance, and a hint of an inexplicable sense of loss.
"You..." She was about to say something, but was interrupted by Hansen's next action.
Hansen took out a scroll from his embrace and casually tossed it to her.
Kurenai Yūhi instinctively caught it.
"This is?"
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