"So, Kakashi really graduated early…"
Asuma Sarutobi spoke casually.
Given that Kakashi was the son of the White Fang, it wasn't surprising at all.
"Hey, Kurenai… if I wanted to graduate early, I could do it too."
Asuma turned toward Kurenai Yuhi with confidence.
Although his relationship with his father wasn't particularly good,
He had still been personally trained by members of the Sarutobi clan.
On top of that, his uncle and aunt in the Anbu—both elite jonin—had taken good care of him.
He had learned quite a lot.
"Then… how's your genjutsu?"
Kurenai tilted her head slightly, looking at him with curiosity.
"…Uh… I'm better at Fire Release."
Asuma scratched his head awkwardly.
Like the Uchiha clan,
The Sarutobi clan specialized in Fire Release techniques.
They even had a secret technique passed down through generations—
Fire Release: Great Flame Technique.
In addition, they possessed a summoning contract with monkeys.
"I see…"
Kurenai's interest immediately dropped.
After all, she had never seen Asuma use genjutsu before.
Even in class, his performance in that subject barely stayed within passing range.
"Kiyoshi is really good at genjutsu. If he wanted to graduate early, he might be able to do it too… though I'm not sure how well he has mastered the Three Basic Techniques."
As she spoke, the topic naturally shifted to Kiyoshi.
Asuma frowned slightly.
Why did it always come back to that guy?
"He's from the Uchiha clan. Of course his genjutsu is good."
"As for you, Kurenai, if you want to learn Fire Release, you can come to me. I've got quite a bit of experience."
Asuma puffed out his chest, speaking boldly.
Most students at the academy could only use E-rank techniques.
But under his uncle's guidance—
He had already mastered a D-rank Fire Release jutsu.
He just kept a low profile at school.
"Forget it. I'm more interested in genjutsu."
Kurenai shook her head.
After chatting a bit more, she noticed Kakashi had already left and the crowd began to disperse.
She said goodbye to Asuma and quickly ran toward Kiyoshi.
"Kiyoshi, don't forget about today's lesson. I've already paid, you know."
Kurenai said with a light smile.
Ever since Kiyoshi bought that katana,
She felt like he had grown a bit more distant.
"Don't worry. I'm not someone who breaks promises."
Kiyoshi shook his head calmly.
Some things were better taken slowly.
In the long run, the returns would only grow greater.
Hearing his answer, Kurenai nodded in satisfaction and smiled.
"H-Hey… it's just genjutsu, right? Kurenai, I can teach you too!"
Seeing her run toward Kiyoshi, Asuma immediately stepped forward, unwilling to be outdone.
"Really? Didn't you just say you couldn't?"
Kurenai looked at him suspiciously.
Faced with her doubtful gaze, Asuma straightened up and said confidently:
"As long as the Sharingan isn't involved, my genjutsu isn't necessarily worse."
Then, he turned toward Kiyoshi.
"Uchiha Kiyoshi, how about this—next month, we compete in genjutsu and let Kurenai see who's better."
Asuma carefully observed Kiyoshi's reaction.
He had already left himself a way out.
No Sharingan.
Otherwise, challenging an Uchiha in genjutsu would be pure stupidity.
And if Kiyoshi used it—
Then even if Asuma lost, it wouldn't matter.
People would just think Kiyoshi relied on his bloodline limit.
"Asuma… do you have something against Kiyoshi because he's from the Land of Lightning?"
Kurenai frowned slightly.
Every time Kiyoshi was mentioned,
Asuma would speak poorly of him.
As the Hokage's son,
He shouldn't be so narrow-minded.
After all, Kiyoshi carried Uchiha blood.
He was still one of them.
"No, no, that's not it!"
Asuma quickly waved his hands.
But he couldn't bring himself to say the real reason.
Was he supposed to admit—
That he felt uncomfortable seeing Kurenai pay so much attention to Kiyoshi?
"Asuma just seems like someone who enjoys challenges and seeks self-improvement."
"About the genjutsu match… I accept."
Kiyoshi spoke calmly.
At this point, Asuma was still somewhat rebellious.
His relationship with Hiruzen wasn't good, and in the future, he would even leave the village and join the Guardian Shinobi Twelve.
Competing over Kurenai…
Was completely normal.
After all, many three-man teams were formed with two boys and one girl.
Part of the reason—
Was to encourage competition during adolescence.
Hiruzen himself had once explained this to Kakashi.
"Good! You said it!"
Asuma was caught off guard by how readily Kiyoshi agreed.
A hint of excitement flashed in his eyes.
After quickly saying goodbye to Kurenai,
He rushed off toward the Sarutobi clan compound.
Clearly planning a month of intense training.
Kiyoshi didn't mind.
The Sarutobi clan had resources—
But so did he.
Even without activating the Sharingan,
Its chakra still subtly enhanced his body.
More importantly—
His control over chakra was superior.
And genjutsu required extremely precise control,
As it directly interfered with the opponent's nervous system.
In this regard—
He held the advantage.
Not to mention…
He had already obtained a genjutsu from the Uchiha clan:
Lightning Release: Fierce Flash.
"Kiyoshi… Asuma is just like that. He doesn't mean any harm. Don't take it seriously."
Kurenai sighed helplessly.
Once Asuma made up his mind,
It was hard to change it.
"It's fine."
Kiyoshi shook his head.
If anything,
This might even be an opportunity.
"Let's go. To my place for the lesson."
Kiyoshi said, turning around and walking away.
Ever since Rin had taught him tree climbing, water walking, and the basics of the Three Techniques,
There wasn't much left to learn at the academy.
Most of what remained was theory or basic shuriken practice.
There was no need to train together every day anymore.
"Okay."
Kurenai nodded and followed him.
As evening approached,
A warm orange glow spread across the rooftops.
The old tree in the courtyard swayed gently in the wind,
Its branches dyed deep red by the setting sun.
Kurenai prepared to say goodbye,
Bringing an end to the day's training.
A quiet calm before the next storm…
And a month later—
A clash of genjutsu would decide more than just pride.
— End of Chapter —