Chapter 19: Kurenai’s Care

"Kiyoshi…"

At this moment, a crisp voice came from afar.

The familiar voice immediately made Kiyoshi aware of the person's identity.

Turning around to look at the newcomer, his eyes lit up.

He smiled and said, "Kurenai-neechan!"

The newcomer had long, glossy black curls and a beautifully delicate face, with ruby-like eyes that sparkled.

Her graceful figure was charming, and she approached Kiyoshi with a bright smile.

It was none other than his neighbor— Kurenai.

"Sorry, I'm a bit late today…"

Kurenai was carrying some groceries, resembling the ideal wife.

"It's not late at all! I was just about to look for you!" Kiyoshi replied with a smile.

Lunch today was just the two of them, so a little delay didn't matter.

Lately, his grandmother's health had been declining.

She hadn't had much of an appetite these days and could barely eat.

Having two meals in a day was already good, as she mostly didn't want to eat at noon.

Even for breakfast and dinner, she would only take a few bites before being unable to eat anymore.

She couldn't force her, after all.

"Kurenai-neechan, has Asuma been bothering you again?"

Kiyoshi swiftly took the groceries from Kurenai's hands and asked, "If he doesn't give up, I'll help you teach him a lesson!"

"Little brat, don't meddle in adult affairs!" 

Kurenai lightly tapped Kiyoshi on the head.

Looking at his face that could charm countless girls, she couldn't help but pinch his cheek.

With a teasing smile, she said, "Last time Asuma treated us, you ate like a bottomless pit!"

"He hasn't dared to invite me to dinner again since then!"

If she hadn't seen it with her own eyes, Kurenai wouldn't have believed it.

Kiyoshi's appetite was even more exaggerated than that of the Akimichi clan.

Asuma Sarutobi, a renowned Jonin, had his hard-earned mission rewards wiped out in one meal.

Asuma's face had changed at that moment.

Not only because the expenses exceeded his expectations, but also because he hadn't brought that much money with him.

Seeing his awkward expression almost made her and Kiyoshi burst out laughing.

They had to hold back their laughter and pool their money together to help settle the bill.

Because of this incident, perhaps Asuma felt a bit embarrassed.

Or maybe he realized there was no future between him and Kurenai.

He seemed to have genuinely given up on pursuing her.

He rarely appeared in front of her anymore.

Even when they occasionally bumped into each other on the street, he would just awkwardly nod and quickly walk away.

But that was fine; at least she could have some peace.

After all, they were once classmates at the ninja academy.

And besides, Asuma was not only a Jonin of Konoha but also the son of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

She couldn't be too harsh; it wouldn't be right to be cold towards him.

"Hey, who told him to act all generous?"

Kiyoshi wasn't boasting.

If he really wanted to eat to his heart's content, with the absurd digestion ability of the Wood-Wood Fruit, the Akimichi clan's appetite would be child's play in comparison.

If food could be supplied endlessly, he could eat Asuma into bankruptcy.

"Pfft…"

Upon hearing this, Kurenai couldn't help but chuckle, her eyes filled with fondness as she looked at Kiyoshi, whom she had come to treat like a younger brother.

With her manicured fingers, she gently poked Kiyoshi's forehead, saying, "You're full of tricks!"

"Alright, enough of that!" 

Kurenai laughed as she pinched Kiyoshi's face.

She brushed aside a stray lock of hair and asked with concern, "How's Granny Azumi doing today?"

"Not so well; she's already gone to bed. She said there's no need to call her for lunch!" 

Kiyoshi shrugged helplessly.

...

"What?"

In the kitchen, Kurenai was about to shoo Kiyoshi away to help.

But after a moment, she was startled by Kiyoshi's news.

Turning around, she looked at him in disbelief. "You became Lady Tsunade's disciple? You're not joking with me, are you?"

"Yeah! Grandma used to be from the Senju clan, and she's an old friend of Lady Tsunade. 

She sent someone to call her back, and when Tsunade saw my talent, she agreed to take me as her disciple!" 

Kiyoshi nodded and explained casually.

"Granny Azumi was from the Senju clan?" 

Kurenai's eyes widened in shock.

For a moment, she found it hard to believe.

"I just found out recently!" 

Kiyoshi nodded.

He moved a stool over and sat outside the kitchen, admiring Kurenai, who looked charming in her apron, exuding both beauty and grace.

She was the epitome of a virtuous wife and loving mother.

"That's fantastic!" 

Kurenai took a deep breath.

Seeing Kiyoshi didn't look like he was joking, she naturally chose to believe him without too much doubt.

She smiled and genuinely felt happy for Kiyoshi.

"Kiyoshi, your talent is extraordinary, and having a renowned teacher like Lady Tsunade will surely lead to limitless achievements in your future!"

Having known him for so many years, she was well aware of how impressive his talents were.

At not even eight years old, he had already mastered the Shadow Clone Jutsu, a B-rank ninjutsu, and could effortlessly perform high-level A-rank Jutsus like the Rasengan.

He could even make hand seals with one hand.

Though he was still just a kid, his chakra amount was more exaggerated than hers, who was an elite Chunin—at least several times more.

So far, she had never seen Kiyoshi run out of chakra while practicing medical ninjutsu.

If Kiyoshi hadn't mentioned that he didn't want to draw too much attention and asked her to keep it a secret, during gatherings with Might Guy, Kakashi, Asuma, and others, Kurenai would have surely bragged about him.

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