Kitazawa didn't know whether Kakashi Hatake was suffering, but he was quite pleased.
From his vantage point, Kurenai leaned forward, her snow-white arms bracing the coffee table, the red dress stretched slightly, outlining her curves.
Being so close, he could catch a faint, pleasant fragrance—perhaps her natural scent, perhaps shampoo.
At that moment, Kurenai suddenly lifted her head.
Kitazawa instinctively met her ruby-red eyes.
"You weren't like this before."
Kurenai straightened up, squinting slightly.
Previously, Kitazawa had been gentle yet reserved, keeping a polite distance from everyone.
Now, he could boldly, openly steal glances.
"People change,"
Kitazawa said with a smile.
Kurenai blinked, suddenly noticing the biggest change in him: confidence.
Though she didn't understand why, a confident, attractive man was undeniably pleasing to the eye.
That was why she didn't get angry at being observed.
"I like the new you better,"
Kurenai said with a smile. Returning to the topic, she asked, "What do you think about Yakumo's second genjutsu?"
"The Healing Speech Technique relaxes the target and relieves mental fatigue,"
Kitazawa said after a moment's thought. "I think the second genjutsu can go further, making the target involuntarily reveal their true thoughts."
He referenced a truth-revealing elixir from a previous life; this genjutsu could be called the Truth Revelation Technique.
"The difficulty is higher, at least C-rank, maybe B-rank,"
Kurenai mused.
"Yes, it's tricky,"
Kitazawa smiled. "But we have plenty of time to study it."
"True,"
Kurenai nodded, then asked, "Still a sound-based genjutsu?"
"To lower difficulty, I suggest starting visually,"
Kitazawa paused. "For example, modifying the Illusion: Not Here Technique."
"Great idea!"
Kurenai's eyes lit up.
The Illusion: Not Here Technique affects vision, changing what the target sees—for example, making them mistake one location for another.
In the original story, Kōji Tetsu had used it to mislead Genin in the Chūnin exams.
"We could make Yakumo see someone he trusts most instead of us!"
Kurenai said excitedly.
"Exactly,"
Kitazawa praised. "You're quick to respond."
"I'm just brainstorming based on your idea,"
Kurenai said, glancing at him. "When did you become so clever?"
"People change,"
Kitazawa repeated, a familiar smile on his face.
"Can you perform Illusion: Not Here Technique?"
Kurenai asked, averting her gaze.
"No,"
Kitazawa shook his head.
"Then I can still help,"
Kurenai chuckled and took out a jutsu scroll. "Do you want to learn?"
"No need to waste time,"
Kitazawa declined. "It's enough if you learn it."
"Alright then,"
Knowing his strength was in Wind Release, Kurenai didn't press further.
Time passed slowly.
Sunlight outside softened to a warm glow, leaving only a streak of red in the horizon.
"Here, drink!"
Kurenai raised her glass, excited.
After a busy day, the two finished studying genjutsu and sat down to dinner.
"Cheers!"
Kitazawa clinked glasses with her, then downed his drink.
"Ah!"
Kurenai exhaled deeply, swaying slightly as she sat, her red dress accentuating her curves.
"Refill!"
Kurenai handed him the glass.
Kitazawa picked up the bottle, but found it unusually light.
Shaking it, no sound of liquid came—empty.
"All gone. Today's over,"
Kitazawa set down the bottle.
"What… what did you say?"
Kurenai suddenly stood, face-to-face with him, breath and fragrance mingling.
Kitazawa's eyes flicked to her soft, rosy lips.
He reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder, gently guiding her back to sit.
"All the wine you brought is gone!"
He raised his voice.
"Then buy more!"
Kurenai said without hesitation.
"No,"
Kitazawa shook his head. "Drinking too much isn't good."
"Huh?"
Kurenai glared, fuming. "You… will you buy it or not?"
"No,"
Kitazawa said fearlessly.
"You… you bastard! I'll remember you!"
Kurenai's eyes glimmered with frustration, biting her finger.
"Alright, rest for a bit. I'll wash the dishes, then send you home,"
Kitazawa said, chuckling.
Kurenai snorted, getting up, and flopped onto the sofa.
Her ample hips jiggled with the motion.
Kitazawa tidied the table, carrying dishes into the kitchen.
Ten minutes later, he returned, apron off.
"Time to go, Kurenai,"
He said to her sprawled on the sofa.
"No… I'm not leaving,"
Kurenai waved, turning slightly, her red dress skewed.
"Why?"
Kitazawa smiled. "Planning to sleep here?"
"Can't I?"
Kurenai sat up. "I'm coming again tomorrow anyway, might as well stay, don't want the hassle."
"Are you sure?"
Kitazawa paused.
"Alright, I'm going to shower. Where's your bathroom?"
Kurenai wobbled upright.
"Over there,"
Kitazawa gestured, saying no more. His house was large enough for three people comfortably.
"Be careful,"
He stepped forward, steadying her.
"I… I'm fine!"
Kurenai elbowed him playfully.
"Did you bring a change of clothes?"
At the bathroom door, Kitazawa released her, asking.
"Yes,"
Kurenai stepped back, leaning against the door.
As a ninja, she always carried daily necessities and clothes for emergencies—standard for Chūnin and above.
"Good. Call me if there's a problem,"
Kitazawa nodded.
Kurenai took a couple steps, then turned back to him.
Recalling how he had firmly refused to buy more wine earlier, she teased,
"Shall we… bathe together?"
She smiled playfully, as if daring him.
"Sure,"
Kitazawa replied, stepping toward her.
Kurenai's smile froze; panic flashed in her eyes.
She quickly stepped back, slamming the bathroom door.
"I've changed my mind! I'll bathe alone! You're not coming in!"
Pressing her back against the door, her heart raced, cheeks flushed.