Naruto: Saving the Uchiha

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"Tomorrow, I need to go on a mission with my team, and this time, it'll be quite a long break." 

Holding her chopsticks, Kurenai poked at the rice in her bowl, nervously sharing the news with Kazuki. She was worried he might prevent her from going, meddling in her work.

"Alright, stay safe." Kazuki looked up at her briefly, nodded, and continued eating without any sign of interference. He didn't like others meddling in his work either, even those close to him. If Kurenai wanted to stay and rest in the village, he'd gladly accept that too. 

Kurenai was strong-willed, and forcing her to stay or meddling would only backfire. Having gone through his share of relationship issues in his past life, Kazuki knew that even couples needed their space. Without a foundation of trust, any relationship would be exhausting and could lead to conflicts or even breakups.

"By the way, Makino's sentence is eight years, the minimum standard. Even though the other side started the trouble, he went too far, resulting in the other person's death."

Makino's family had helped Kurenai a lot, and given that they were still romantically involved, Kazuki didn't mind offering a bit of help. However, getting him off the hook was off the table.

"Eight years is a long time, but this is the best outcome. Thank you." Kurenai was relieved, fearing that if the police meddled a little, Makino might not only be imprisoned but could even lose his life. 

"Did I just overhear something juicy?" A playful voice came from the window, startling Kurenai, who quickly stood up in alarm. Kazuki felt annoyed and considered throwing his bowl and chopsticks at the intruder.

"What's so secretive? Either come in or get lost. Really, one of the Sannin sneaking around to eavesdrop? How about you go listen by the wall at night instead?"

Kurenai froze, then glared at Kazuki as she realized what he'd said.

"Ahem, I'll pass on that," Jiraiya laughed, opening the window and jumping inside. Eyeing the food on the table, he rubbed his hands together—his intentions clear.

Kurenai quickly realized what he was hinting at. "Jiraiya-sama, please sit down. I'll get you some tableware." She hurried into the kitchen, and Jiraiya sat next to Kazuki, sighing.

"You've got a good eye. But wow, you work fast! How long have you two been together? You didn't even tell me."

It's not like we're getting married—what's there to announce?

Ignoring him, Kazuki met Jiraiya's gaze, ready to give him a piece of his mind.

"Jiraiya-sama, enjoy." Kurenai set the tableware down and sat cautiously. Jiraiya laughed heartily. "Well then, don't mind if I do." He began to eat, then said, "Honestly, I'm surprised. I thought you'd end up with Shizune, but suddenly it's someone else."

Kazuki choked, feeling exasperated. Seriously, you old pervert, did you really have to go there?

"Shizune?" Kurenai looked at Kazuki, wondering if he was referring to the quiet girl in their class years ago. Although they were classmates, Shizune had left the village with Tsunade before she graduated, so Kurenai didn't know her well.

Glaring at Jiraiya, Kazuki shot him a warning look. "She's Tsunade's assistant now, actually the Fifth Hokage's secretary. We got along well and became friends."

"Yep, just friends," Jiraiya chimed in with a grin.

"Unlike Jiraiya-sama here, who's practically famous as the 'ladies' man' and 'peeping king'..."

"Ahem!!"

Alright, you win—please, just stop. I get it!

Defeated, Jiraiya was forced to wave a white flag. Kazuki gave him a smug look. Next time, try it again—I dare you.

Watching the exchange, Kurenai subtly inched closer to Kazuki, glancing at Jiraiya with suspicion. With those titles, he didn't seem like the best role model. With his pride wounded, Jiraiya behaved for the rest of the meal. Once they finished, Kazuki asked, "So, what's up?"

Kurenai collected the dishes and left for the kitchen, thoughtfully closing the door behind her.

You're a lucky guy!

Why couldn't I have met someone like her when I was young? Jiraiya felt a pang of jealousy as he slumped back in his chair. 

"Tsunade's looking for us. I asked some Anbu and came over right away."

Tsunade calling them meant something serious.

Kazuki called out to Kurenai in the kitchen, "Kurenai, I'm heading out for a bit. Be back soon."

"Alright, stay safe. Jiraiya-sama, please take care." 

Kurenai came out to see them off. As they walked away, Jiraiya, watching her wave goodbye, grumbled, "You lucky devil. So, how'd you two meet?"

"Well, it was... some misunderstanding. She treated me to a meal, then I treated her, and it went from there."

Huh!?

Jiraiya was less than pleased with the story.

"But Kurenai is a great woman. No wonder Asuma kept chasing after her all those years. Lucky for me, I swooped in first."

"..."

The poor guy isn't even here, and you're rubbing salt in the wound?

"And what about Shizune?"

"What about her? Don't tell me you actually think we're a thing. We're just friends—no romantic involvement whatsoever. If you're implying something, then I may as well have a thing with the Hokage!"

Jiraiya didn't care much about Kurenai or Shizune, though he was admittedly envious. But Tsunade? That was crossing the line.

They exchanged challenging glances before heading to the Hokage's office.

"What took you so long?"

Tsunade, waiting for ages, looked irate. I just took over as Hokage, and this is how you guys respond? Making me wait half a day just to see you?

Behind her, Shizune quietly gestured to Kazuki and Jiraiya, warning them that Tsunade was in a foul mood.

"Haha, well… it's all Kazuki's fault. I went to get him, but he was having dinner with his girlfriend and dragged me in, so that's why we're late."

"Girlfriend?" 

Shizune froze, and Tsunade blinked in surprise. For the three of them, the idea of having a girlfriend was a pretty big shock.

Quick on the uptake, Tsunade raised an eyebrow but said nothing—after all, Kazuki's personal life was his business. Shizune, meanwhile, was still trying to process it.

Before she could catch up, Tsunade had moved on to the matter at hand.

"Today, I called you both here about the Anbu. I'm frustrated with its current state. The old man's management left it full of hidden dangers and issues."

Simply put, she saying the Anbu needed a purge.

Jiraiya scratched his head—this was indeed a massive headache.

Kazuki, on the other hand, was surprised that Tsunade would involve him in something so significant.