Why—why was Kurenai standing in front of him, protecting an Uchiha of all people?
Did she not understand that clan was a ticking bomb inside the village?
But the determined look on her face said everything:
This situation had already gone terribly wrong for him.
He had planned to impress her today—maybe even win her over.
Instead, Kurenai was glaring at him like he was a stranger.
"Kurenai, I… I didn't mean to," Asuma muttered weakly.
Before he could say anything else, he spotted a few Anbu operatives approaching from a distance.
His shoulders slumped.
He let out a deep sigh—then turned and ran.
Only after Asuma disappeared did the street finally calm.
Kurenai hurried to Ryōsuke, worry etched on her face.
"Are you alright, Uchiha-san?" she asked softly.
"I apologize on Asuma's behalf."
Ryōsuke waved his hand dismissively.
"It's fine. This has nothing to do with you.
Sarutobi Asuma was the one acting recklessly."
"As a member of the Uchiha Police Force, I have to stop illegal behavior—regardless of who commits it."
Kurenai blinked, surprised.
This Uchiha was… different.
Most of the Uchiha she'd met were cold, aloof, and never bothered explaining themselves.
But this one—not only was he handsome, he carried a clear sense of duty.
Still, she suddenly remembered she had an errand to complete. She stepped back.
"I still have things to do. I'll get going."
"Alright."
Ryosuke nodded casually.
A beautiful woman with an elegant figure and natural charm…
Absolutely suitable for childbearing—
and a perfect target for the Many-Children System.
If he played this well, he could build a connection with her… and earn a reward chest.
Meanwhile — The Hokage's Office
The Anbu who witnessed the incident had already reported everything.
The Third Hokage immediately summoned Asuma.
His face was dark with anger.
"Why were you so reckless?" Hiruzen growled.
"As the Hokage's son, instead of setting an example, you were attacking someone in the street?"
Asuma frowned, refusing to accept responsibility.
"That Uchiha started it! He interrupted my confession to Kurenai!"
Hiruzen rubbed his forehead with a long, tired sigh.
"And then what?
She rejected you—so you tried using violence?
Do you think that would win her heart?"
"All you've done is push her further away!"
Hiruzen stood up.
"You will report to the Fire Daimyō's palace immediately and begin your duties with the Guardian Twelve.
Cool your head. Learn some discipline."
Asuma's jaw clenched.
He couldn't argue.
He had humiliated himself in front of Kurenai.
Maybe after she calmed down, he could apologize.
"…Fine. I'll leave now."
After Asuma left, the Anbu operatives withdrew as well.
Only then did Hiruzen exhale, leaning back in his chair.
That reckless boy… at least he accepted the assignment.
If Asuma built rapport with the daimyo, it would smooth the path for him to become Hokage someday.
Hiruzen just needed to prepare the road.
But then a thought soured his mood.
That Uchiha brat.
Yes, Asuma was wrong—
but if that Uchiha boy hadn't provoked him, none of this would've happened.
The villagers wouldn't have witnessed such a disgraceful scene.
Such a troublesome clan.
His own reputation had already taken a blow because of the peace talks with Iwagakure.
The villagers didn't value long-term strategy—they only cared about immediate pride.
As long as the war ended—even with concessions—it was still a victory.
He should have been remembered as a hero.
But the fools didn't understand.
He had been forced into retirement...
Only after Minato died did he regain the Hokage position.
The chair felt more comfortable than anything else.
He couldn't give it up again.
Now Konoha was clashing with Kumogakure along the borders.
Konoha could win, of course—but victory would weaken them against the other surrounding villages.
No.
Hiruzen wanted diplomacy.
If he secured peace again, he would surpass even the First and Second Hokage in glory.
He would be remembered as the greatest Hokage of all time.
The thought made him smile faintly.
Back to Ryosuke
Ryōsuke spent the rest of the day wandering around the village.
When night fell, he finally returned home.
Standing outside his house was an elderly man with snow-white hair—
his grandfather.
The old man's face was twisted with anger and worry.
"You little brat—where did you run off to?
I thought someone kidnapped you!"
Ryōsuke froze.
The old man looked almost identical to his grandfather from his previous life.
Same wrinkled face, same gentle eyes—
Only the traditional kimono was different.
His chest tightened painfully.
He never expected to see his grandfather again… in any world.
"I'm fine," Ryōsuke replied softly.
"My body felt much better today, so I went out for a walk."
The old man's anger melted instantly into relief.
"As long as you're alright… as long as you're alright."
Then sadness washed over his expression.
"It's a pity you didn't inherit your parents' talent.
Your body is far too weak."
"Your father died at Iwagakure's hands, and your mother at Kumogakure's.
Revenge is impossible for you."
"So all I want… is for you to live well.
If your job in the Police Force is too dangerous, then quit."
Ryōsuke felt the original owner's memories ripple through him.
During the Second Great Ninja War, his father had died fighting Iwa.
His mother had died fighting Kumo.
Only he and his grandfather remained.
In the original timeline, neither the old man nor Ryōsuke ever appeared—
meaning their strength was insignificant.
Probably cannon fodder.
The elder was already old, his combat ability almost gone.
And in the original story, both of them would likely die on the night of the Uchiha Massacre.
The thought made anger surge inside Ryōsuke's chest.
But he pushed it down.
There was no point exploding at his grandfather.
He would unleash that fury on the village elders—and on the two traitors who destroyed the clan.
Seeing Ryōsuke's serious expression, the old man sighed heavily.
"Your parents died for the clan… and for Konoha's peace."
"Don't be sad."
"If not for their sacrifice, the Uchiha and Konoha wouldn't have peace."
"So live well, Ryōsuke. For their sake."
He looked at Ryōsuke with deep, worried affection.
Perhaps all the stress had led to the boy fainting earlier.
He didn't want his grandson crushed under the weight of revenge.
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