Sarutobi Asuma, an unremarkable and little-known figure in Konoha, the Leaf Village.
(Obito's imagination wasn't entirely wrong. In terms of looks, Asuma indeed wasn't as handsome as young Obito.)
Considering Asuma's rebellious youth, Boruto's later behavior doesn't seem so irritating. Both are second-generation leaders of their respective times, and they share some similarities, like their initial rebelliousness.
At this stage, Asuma was a delinquent, full of admiration and some prejudice towards the Third Hokage. He often quarreled and clashed with his father, eventually leaving the village to wander around and join the so-called Twelve Guardian Ninja.
When he heard that Kurenai might have been sacrificed, Asuma rushed back to Konoha. The news he received from Tsunade was: they found a lot of blood, but no body. There were no signs of a body being dragged away either.
The only thing confirmed was that she wasn't eaten by wild animals, as there would have been traces if that were the case.
Not knowing whether his loved one was dead or alive, Asuma, fueled by special rations and sheer willpower, searched along the border of the Land of Fire and the Land of Hot Water for three days and nights.
Finally, he received good news that Kurenai had safely returned to the village.
Upon hearing this, the sleep-deprived Asuma, who had not stopped searching for three days and nights, smiled and finally closed his eyes. If it weren't for the medical ninja in the search team, he might have passed out from the emotional rollercoaster.
...
Three days after Kurenai returned to the village, in the morning.
At the front of the Konoha dumpling shop.
"I've told you, I don't like sweets."
Young Sasuke, hands in his pockets, exuded an early adolescent aloofness and haughtiness. It seemed he wasn't pleased with his brother for bringing him here early on a day off.
He might also be annoyed with the grey-green-haired boy sitting on the bench, beaming and offering a stick of three-colored dumplings to his brother.
Itachi took the dumplings, smiled, and said, "Sasuke still seems upset that you didn't show up on his first day of school, Kuro."
"Hmph!" Sasuke turned his face even more, puffing up one cheek in a pout that made him look quite cute.
"I did send the gift through your brother, didn't I?"
"It's not the same! Not at all!"
Sasuke immediately retorted, looking up defiantly, "Gifts should be given in person! If it's not handed over face-to-face, it's meaningless! I know! You were free that night! You even went to a barbecue with other kids!"
Seeing Sasuke's pouting face, Itachi spoke before Kuro could say anything. "Sasuke, you can't be so unreasonable. Besides, didn't I take you to eat what you liked that night?"
"Hmph! Was it Naruto?"
Seeing Sasuke turn away and pout again, Itachi felt a bit helpless. Why does Sasuke seem to like Kuro more than me as he grows up?
"Sasuke, Naruto is different from you. He's lacked parental and sibling care since he was little. That's why Kuro can't help but care for him…"
"That guy doesn't need any pity! He's untouchable in our practice matches!"
Itachi and Kuro were taken aback.
Seeing their expressions of disbelief, Sasuke hurriedly explained, "It's true! My taijutsu has no effect on him, it even bounces back! He's the opponent I least want to face now!"
As soon as Sasuke finished speaking, the ground began to shake. He sighed and covered his forehead, looking tired.
"Speak of the devil…"
"Kuro-nii, what's for lunch today?"
Seeing the chubby Naruto waving as he walked over, Itachi's eyes twitched. How did Minato's son get even chubbier in such a short time?
"Dumplings."
"Oh! Great! I can eat ten servings of their red bean soup too!"
"Are you trying to turn into a pig?" Sasuke snapped. "Ten servings is too much! If you keep eating like that, you'll turn into a pig!"
"Kuro-nii, I… hate this guy."
"That's not for you to say! Stupid Naruto!"
"Stick Sasuke! Can't even land a hit!"
Watching the heated exchange between the chubby and the lean, Kuro and Itachi sighed, eventually having to intervene and calm them down.
...
"Sorry, I have something urgent. Let me go first."
A man, swift as the wind, grabbed all the freshly made three-colored dumplings in front of Kuro. After paying, he disappeared as swiftly as he had come.
Watching the man vanish, Itachi murmured, "I think that was Sarutobi Asuma…"
...
Outside Kurenai's house, Asuma stood holding a bouquet of flowers and a bag of three-colored dumplings, trying to steady his breathing.
Knock, knock.
"Who is it?"
"It's me. I heard you were back, so I came to check on you."
"No need, I want to be alone for a while."
"I know you need rest, but staying cooped up isn't good either. How about we go out and…"
"No thanks, just go back, Asuma."
At that moment, Asuma sensed the coldness in her voice but dismissed it, thinking she was still shaken from her near-death experience.
"I'll leave the flowers and dumplings at your door then. I'll be in the village for a while, so if you want to talk, I'm here. I'm just glad you're okay, Kurenai."
Hearing the sound of something being placed down and then footsteps fading away, Kurenai, hugging her knees on the bed, bit her lower lip.
Asuma's infatuation was clear, but she couldn't forget that bastard. The three days she spent with him left her feeling violated whenever she thought about it.
She wanted to die, and more so, she wanted to kill that man!
But she knew she couldn't, not even Tsunade-sama could.
This deep, helpless feeling...
"Bastard! What do you think of women?!"
Kurenai regretted choosing to live. Death would have been easier compared to this shame.
...
In the Root base, Danzo was smashing every breakable object in sight after hearing his subordinates' report.
Tsunade had really gone crazy, allowing the Uchiha to interact freely with the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki! Does she even know how to be a Hokage?
If not, shall I take over?
"Hiruzen! You're letting her get away with too much! Don't forget the Fourth Hokage's tragedy!"
Sitting in his chair, reading the daily stock report, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't even look up. "There's no concrete evidence that the Fourth Hokage's tragedy was caused by the Uchiha, right?"
"Have you never heard of taking precautions?"
"Let's set that aside." Hiruzen put down the report and looked at his old friend with concern. "Danzo, your stock has been rising unusually fast. A surge like this could be a setup. You should stay indoors; it might be dangerous."
Danzo's face turned pale with anger. Was Hiruzen seriously suggesting that the rising value of his stock might make him a target, even in Konoha?
Hiruzen continued, seemingly reading his thoughts. "Danzo, don't get me wrong. I'm just saying it's better to be safe than sorry. What if a bounty hunter sneaks in for the reward?"
Danzo: ...
Wouldn't you know if that happened?
If there was a bounty hunter, it was probably someone you or Tsunade let in!
...
Since becoming a ninja, Chloe and Kabuto had moved out of the orphanage. Although they occasionally visited when not on missions, they now lived separate lives—one as a ninja and the other as a non-combatant.
In a small one-bedroom rental, with only moonlight streaming through the window, Chloe lay in bed, pondering how Kurenai had survived.
Obito's attack had left a gaping hole in her chest, making it impossible for her to survive. How did she make it?
Thankfully, Obito hadn't revealed his identity during the attack. If he had, it would have complicated things.
Obito had become more arrogant lately, thinking he was invincible and provoking everyone. This kind of behavior would lead to a downfall!
Maybe… I should get rid of him?
Chloe thought about it. Obito and Madara were no longer necessary for reviving his mother.
I can always obtain the Rinnegan and perform the Infinite Tsukuyomi myself. Obito and Madara seemed redundant.
No, that's not right!
Shaking his head, Chloe remembered other threats, like the unpredictable Angra Mainyu and the traces of the Otsutsuki clan's Isshiki (Jigen).
Having cannon fodder like Obito and Madara could be useful.
I can't sacrifice myself for my mother. Who would protect her if I did?
Sacrifice Madara. I'll stay to protect her and fight for true justice!
Yes! That's decided. I won't kill Obito for now!
...
While Chloe made up his mind, Tsunade was still conflicted in the Hokage office. She knew Angra Mainyu's location but dared not send anyone to monitor him.
From what she knew about Shinji, any ninja sent to monitor him would likely end up dead. He saw human lives as mere playthings.
For him, killing was a pastime. He liked beautiful women, wealth, and interesting things.
Sighing, Tsunade decided to put the matter aside. As Hokage, she had to prioritize the Land of Fire and Konoha. As long as he wasn't harming them...
For now, let him be.