Chapter 113

"He learned all your ninjutsu and genjutsu when he was a Genin? Sensei Kurenai, is that true? Shino just said it took him less than a year to be promoted from Genin to Jonin. Does that mean he mastered all your techniques in just one year?" Kiba exclaimed, his disbelief evident.

"No," Kurenai corrected, her tone calm. "If you're being precise, it only took him thirty minutes. He mastered almost all the ninjutsu and genjutsu I demonstrated after watching them once."

Kurenai then turned to Sasuke, adding, "Your Uchiha clan's Sharingan can copy taijutsu and non-bloodline limit ninjutsu by observing the chakra flow. However, it cannot copy genjutsu. This means that Kirito's talent surpasses the limits of even your clan's famed abilities."

"Damn it," Sasuke muttered through gritted teeth, his pride taking a hit. Although he was reluctant to admit it, the fact that someone could master all of Kurenai's techniques so quickly clearly outstripped the abilities of most Uchiha, even those with the Sharingan.

Kurenai continued, "Instead of asking me, it might be more appropriate to ask your sensei, Kakashi. After all, Kakashi was the one who assessed Kirito when he was promoted to Jonin. He was also your brother Itachi's captain during their time in the Anbu."

As the conversation unfolded, Naruto stood nearby, his face a mask of confusion. Finally, he blurted out, "Wait, who is this 'he' you're all talking about?"

"That's the 'Kirito Nissan' you mentioned earlier," Shino replied, picking up the Rogue Ninja Handbook from where Sasuke had dropped it. Dusting it off, he handed it to Naruto.

Naruto studied the wanted poster of Kirito, his expression darkening as he fell into deep thought. After a few moments, he clenched his fist and raised it above his head, shouting with determination, "I've decided! When I become Hokage, I'll track down Kirito Nissan, beat him up, and bring him back to Konoha!"

The sudden declaration sent a ripple through the group. Kiba rolled his eyes, muttering about Naruto being an idiot, though an almost imperceptible smile tugged at his lips. Sakura and Kiba openly displayed their disdain, thinking Naruto was lost in a daydream.

Only Kurenai and Hinata smiled warmly. Hinata's gaze softened with admiration, while Kurenai's expression grew thoughtful, as if she had found a kindred spirit in the boisterous boy. Shino, meanwhile, quietly tucked the Rogue Ninja Handbook back into his pocket, his thoughts unreadable.

"Alright, enough chatter," Kurenai said briskly. "Kiba, Hinata, Shino—the Chunin Exams are in a week. I expect all of you to focus and train hard."

With that, Kurenai disappeared from the dumpling shop in a flicker of motion. Before she left, she cast Naruto a lingering glance. So this is the Nine-Tails brat Kirito often mentioned… He really is something special, she thought. But her expression darkened slightly as she recalled Kirito's actions. That bastard. Pretending to be dead and even planting an illusion on me. If he dares to show up again, I'll make sure he understands what it means to be disciplined by a teacher.

***

A Family Dinner

Kirito was blissfully unaware that Kurenai's illusion had been dispelled ahead of schedule. At that moment, he was enjoying his first family dinner with Tsunade and Chinatsu.

To give the family some privacy, Shizune had graciously stayed behind at the hotel with Tonton.

"Hatch. Hatch. Hatch."

After the meal, Kirito sneezed three times in quick succession, his nose twitching slightly.

"What's wrong with you?" Tsunade asked, raising an eyebrow in concern.

Kirito rubbed his nose, smirking. "Nothing. I must be on some girl's mind again. It's this damn charm of mine—it's almost a curse."

Tsunade rolled her eyes. "You're incorrigible."

Ignoring her sarcastic remark, Kirito scooped Chinatsu into his arms and kissed her cheek. "Your mother says your dad is narcissistic. What do you think? Is your dad narcissistic?"

"Not at all! Brother Kirito is very handsome," Chinatsu replied with a giggle, her big, watery eyes curving into crescent moons.

"Uh…" Kirito's lips twitched. "I think you should call me Dad. Or, if that's too hard, at least call me by my name properly."

Chinatsu hesitated for a moment, blinking her large, innocent eyes. Then, in a soft voice, she said, "Then… Kirito?"

Her sweet voice and timid expression melted Kirito's heart. "Say it again—no, say it three more times."

Chinatsu opened her mouth and obediently repeated, "Kirito. Kirito. Kirito."

Her soft, melodic voice was so soothing that it seemed to cleanse the very soul.

Tsunade, watching from the sidelines, finally snapped. She snatched her daughter from Kirito's arms and scolded, "Alright, you perverted fool. We've eaten, and you've spent time with your daughter. It's late, so you'd better leave. If you want to see her tomorrow, you can take her during the day. Just make sure to bring her back before dark."

Kirito blinked in confusion. "Go where?"

"Back to the hotel, of course. What, do you plan to sleep here with us?" Tsunade shot back.

Kirito's mischievous grin widened. "I think that's a great idea. Why should a couple sleep in separate rooms?"

Tsunade immediately regretted her words, especially when she saw the predatory gleam in Kirito's eyes. This bastard is insatiable. Every time he gets the chance, he takes it too far!

Before Tsunade could retort, Chinatsu chimed in, "Mom, I've never slept with Dad before. Can't we sleep together as a family? Please?" Her eyes filled with tears, and her voice trembled pitifully.

Tsunade panicked. "But—but there are only two beds in the room! And Shizune is staying with us too! It's… it's inconvenient."

Kirito shrugged nonchalantly. "That's easily solved. I'll just book another room."

"You—" Tsunade sighed in resignation, realizing she had no escape. She glanced at Chinatsu, who was now giving her the most heart-wrenching puppy-dog eyes she had ever seen.

Finally, Tsunade relented. "Fine. But don't even think about trying anything reckless!"

Kirito smirked, leaning in close. "I wouldn't dream of it… unless you wanted me to."

(End of this chapter).