Chapter 200: Silent Stroll

Under the silvery glow of the moonlight.

The lights in the village homes had gradually dimmed. On the empty streets, two figures strolled side by side.

Despite Yugao's repeated refusals, Kiyoshi was insistent on walking her home.

Occasionally, a passing patrol guard or an Anbu member would notice them, glancing with surprise at Kiyoshi beside Yugao. But no one disturbed them.

They talked casually.

"I heard from Kurenai-nee that the last mission was with you?" Kiyoshi asked with a gentle smile, glancing at Yugao's beautiful face.

"Indeed, though I didn't contribute much," she replied, a hint of a blush on her face. "Most of the work was done by Kurenai-san and Anko."

Thinking back on that mission stirred a tinge of regret in her heart.

She had joined Anbu when she was still very young, once feeling pride in her role. 

Yet, encountering two of the Mist's Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Raiga and Zabuza, left her unable to help significantly. 

At best, she and Hana managed to hold off Zabuza's ally—a member of the Yuki Clan with the Ice Release Kekkei Genkai.

It had been a harsh blow to her confidence.

"Yugao-nee, you shouldn't put too much pressure on yourself," Kiyoshi said kindly. "After all, those were two of the Mist's Seven Ninja Swordsmen."

Kiyoshi knew Yugao's swordsmanship was adequate but not outstanding. 

She was skilled in observation, stealth, and sensing, which made her a fitting choice for Anbu—especially as a substitute member in Itachi's squad.

"Come to think of it, I owe you my thanks for that last mission at the border." Yugao paused, gazing intently at Kiyoshi's face, her expression softening. 

"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have made it back alive."

She remembered being gravely injured and unconscious during a mission half a year ago. If it hadn't been for Kiyoshi's timely treatment, she might not have survived. 

Her cheeks flushed, recalling that because of her injuries, the young man before her had likely seen her from every angle.

Though a doctor never minds such things, she still felt embarrassed every time she remembered it.

Yet it was difficult to believe….that Kiyoshi possessed such remarkable skills and abilities.

She had known Kurenai and Anko for some time, and their abilities weren't initially much stronger than hers. 

But in the brief time they spent training under Kiyoshi's guidance, their strength had skyrocketed—even obtaining Kekkei Genkais.

"I never had the chance to properly thank you." she said, shaking off the wandering thoughts. Smiling, she asked, "I happen to have the day off tomorrow—are you free, Kiyoshi?"

"Yugao-nee, are you inviting me to a meal?" Kiyoshi raised an eyebrow, smiling slyly. "If it's a meal you made yourself, I'd definitely be free."

Surprised for a moment, Yugao chuckled, her eyes crescent-shaped as she said, "Alright. Though I'm not as skilled as Keiko-san, I hope you won't mind."

She had heard he liked barbecue and had planned to treat him.

"Of course I wouldn't mind." Kiyoshi replied, grinning.

How could he not be interested in someone as beautiful as Yugao? He had just been too busy recently to find the time.

"Then it's settled. My house is just up ahead." Yugao tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and smiled at Kiyoshi. "Come over tomorrow at noon, alright?"

"I'm looking forward to it." Kiyoshi replied, his eyes sparkling.

As they walked, he asked casually, "Yugao-nee, you must have a lot of admirers, right?"

"No way…." Yugao's cheeks flushed.

During her time at the ninja academy, she did have many admirers. Even now, several Konoha ninjas tried to win her favor, but she always politely turned them down.

"I remember once seeing a man with a rather pale face often by your side." Kiyoshi mused, recalling a few times he'd seen Yugao in the village with that particular ninja.

"Oh, you mean Hayate?" Yugao smiled. "We're childhood friends... his father and mine were teammates, but both were lost during the Third Shinobi War."

Her smile faded slightly as she mentioned this, but soon she regained her composure. It had been a long time, she had come to accept it.

Kiyoshi raised an eyebrow and asked, "So, is he your boyfriend?"

"No, of course not." Yugao shook her head. "I've always seen him as an older brother."

"But Hayate, he..." She trailed off, thinking of her frail childhood friend.

She could feel the emotions behind his gaze when he looked at her.

To her, he was nothing more than an older brother. Yet, she couldn't bear to be too blunt, fearing it might hurt him—especially given his poor health. He might take it too hard.

"So, he has feelings for you, doesn't he?" Kiyoshi observed knowingly.

"Alright, enough about that." Yugao changed the topic, pointing to a modest single-story house up ahead. "Here we are, this is my place."

It was small, a little less prime in location compared to where Kiyoshi and Kurenai lived.

"Make sure not to forget where it is." Yugao smiled, her beautiful eyes gazing at the charming young man. "Be careful on your way back, Kiyoshi."

"Don't worry, I'll remember." Kiyoshi winked. "Plus, I'll be using Flying Thunder God to get back."

"..."

Yugao was speechless for a moment, then spread her hands in exasperation. 

"Right, I almost forgot. You're a genius who even mastered the Fourth Hokage's Flying Thunder God Jutsu."

"Actually, you've got that wrong, Yugao-nee," Kiyoshi corrected her. "The Flying Thunder God was developed by the Second Hokage, not the Fourth."

As now he was with Tsunade and also one of Senju clan's few remaining descendents, he had to give credit to Tobirama.

"Alright, I stand corrected." Yugao smiled wryly. "Then… see you tomorrow, don't be late."

But in the next moment, her vision blurred.

She blinked, her eyes widening as she found his face inches away from hers. They locked eyes, his deep gaze making her feel as if she might lose herself.

Realizing this, her face flushed as red as a rose.

Before she could react, Kiyoshi had already made his escape.

Within moments, he vanished. "See you tomorrow, Yugao-nee."

"...…"

Yugao's face was as red as a tomato.

How could this pervert just steal a kiss like that?

That had been her precious first kiss.

Yet her heart fluttered strangely, refusing to be angry.

Why, she wondered, did she feel no irritation at his audacity?

All she felt was a flustered mix of surprise, her heart racing from the unexpected encounter.

A warm, swirling confusion filled her mind.

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