Naruto: Asuma Is Gone, Who Will Take Care of Kurenai?

On the way back to the orphanage.

"Director… you lied to me…"

Naruto's accusatory words tore at Nonō's heart.

Since the start of the walk, he hadn't stopped harassing her like this, probing the deepest corners of her soul.

"You pretended to be a refugee, but in reality, you were a Root spy…"

Naruto's muffled voice, like ghostly whispers, planted a seed of worry in her.

"You got close to me step by step, only to…"

"Naruto… I…"

Nonō's face turned pale.

Just like her words in that moment, all her justifications felt completely hollow.

Being deceived was unbearable—especially when it was a calculated, step-by-step manipulation.

How was she supposed to face Naruto now?

How could she continue to coexist with him?

She had no idea...

She had her reasons, but Naruto... he was innocent.

In that moment, all she could do was pray once more, begging the gods for forgiveness for what she had done…

...

Sake Bar.

Located at the intersection of a bustling shopping street, this bar was a favorite among Konoha's villagers and shinobi.

Its history dated back to the time of Hashirama Senju.

Over time, its popularity had never waned.

And with the village's growing population, it had been expanded several times, now offering a considerable amount of space.

In one of its private rooms, a farewell was taking place.

"This time, I'm really leaving Konoha…"

Asuma held a sake cup in his hands.

After wandering for a few days, he had finally made up his mind.

From now on, he would stay away from the village for a long time.

He wouldn't return until he had accomplished something great.

"Take care, Kurenai."

Asuma raised his cup and downed it in one go.

Then, he stood up and left without looking back.

It wasn't an act of irresponsibility toward the woman he loved, but rather the sincere pursuit of a better future.

"Asuma…"

Kurenai stared at his back, her heart heavy with melancholy.

But she didn't try to stop him.

Because she knew it wasn't what he needed.

To travel the shinobi world, reach new heights, and earn the Third Hokage's recognition—that was the path he had chosen.

She also emptied her glass in one go.

The burning alcohol didn't make her flinch.

Drinking was one of her pastimes, and her tolerance was impressive. A portion of her monthly income went into it.

Wiping her red lips, she rose from the couch, determined to... go settle the score with a certain brat.

Uzumaki Naruto.

During their confrontation the day before, he had humiliated her in front of everyone.

She was supposed to neutralize the Demon Country shinobi and protect the Priestess, but he had stopped her.

He owed her at least an explanation.

And even if he was the Fourth Hokage's son, even if he possessed destructive power, he still had to follow certain rules.

Because of her pitiful performance the previous night, she had become the laughingstock of everyone.

She, who had always been diligent, who had wanted to prove her worth, had ended up... crushed like a worthless insect, in a grotesque position…

At that thought, Kurenai's teeth clenched.

She swore she'd make him pay!

Leaving the bar, she headed straight to Naruto's house. After knocking in vain, she realized he wasn't home.

After searching the area, she confirmed his absence and recalled rumors spread by her colleagues.

Uzumaki Naruto had become fairly famous, and people often talked about him.

One of the rumors… said he regularly helped out at the orphanage.

It was the weekend, so that little devil was probably there?

Without hesitation, Kurenai set off.

When she arrived at the orphanage, she came face to face with Naruto and Nonō, who had just arrived and were standing at the entrance.

"Director…"

Naruto's dragging, accusatory voice continued to torment Nonō, whose pained expression was on the verge of collapse.

That's when Kurenai's thunderous intervention offered her a temporary escape.

"Uzumaki Naruto!"

Her tone was aggressive, leaving no room for doubt.

Huh?

Naruto turned his head and saw a kunoichi with red eyes, curly hair, and crimson lips.

White bandages wrapped around her body and arms.

A red scarf added a splash of color.

And long legs, far above average.

Despite her provocative appearance, Kurenai bore a serious, austere expression.

Proving she wasn't a frivolous woman.

Her determined gaze and attitude said it all.

"And you are…?"

Naruto tilted his head, looking innocent.

That question nearly made Kurenai explode with rage.

Her beautiful face twisted with humiliation and fury.

"Haven't you done enough, humiliating me like that? Uzumaki Naruto… today, you owe me an explanation!!!"

After Kurenai's explanation, Naruto finally understood.

She had come to confront him about last night.

A famous quote came to mind:

"Must good people always have a sword to their throat?"

I saved you, and instead of being grateful, instead of going after those who mocked you, you come after me?

"What an idiot."

Naruto grumbled internally.

But outwardly, he put on the most innocent expression:

"Huh? Uh… I just wanted to protect you! Those guys had evil creatures in them, they could've awakened something inside their host…"

Naruto calmly explained his reasons.

But Kurenai didn't believe him.

She wasn't ANBU, nor was she a jonin.

For now… just a chūnin.

So some things sounded completely absurd to her.

"Anyway, I've got more important things to do. Later…"

Naruto glanced at Kurenai's still-youthful face, her suggestive bandage style, and felt the demon inside him stir...

But he had more pressing matters to handle right now.

No time to waste on a reckless woman.

As he passed by her, Naruto caught a whiff of alcohol.

Ah, she's drunk. That explains her behavior.

They'd talk again when she sobered up.

"Don't walk away!"

Kurenai shouted.

Naruto ignored her, even scratching his ear nonchalantly.

Kurenai clenched her fists, suddenly feeling foolish.

Under Nonō's awkward gaze and that of the others, she turned on her heels and walked off quickly.

But it wasn't over!

Uzumaki Naruto… that damn brat!

She was going to teach him a lesson he wouldn't forget!

That very night.

She would go straight to his house!

But Kurenai didn't know one thing: that night, she'd be knocking on an empty door.

Or maybe… the next day.