(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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Inside the Hokage building, the Third Hokage, though already informed by Kakashi's message, was still full of emotion.
"I didn't expect an ordinary C-rank mission to turn into encounter Kirigakure's S-rank missing-nin. Fortunately, it was your team..."
The Third Hokage didn't finish his sentence, knowing that if Asuma's team had received this mission, a safe retreat couldn't have been guaranteed.
He also gained a deeper understanding of Colt's strength. After nearly defeating an Elite Jonin, Colt had also learned the Second Hokage's forbidden technique.
If not for the sudden appearance of the Ice Release user, Zabuza likely would have been instantly killed.
Colt had clearly become capable of holding his own.
A smile appeared on the Third Hokage's face as he looked at the scroll on his desk containing Zabuza's Executioner's Blade. Colt had no interest in the sword but felt he should give something in return for the benefits he'd received from the Third.
"I wonder how much we can extort from Kirigakure now," the Third mused, touching the scroll with a fox-like smile.
Before leaving the Hokage building, Colt asked for information on Hinata and Ino.
Learning that Ino was out on a mission and Hinata was free, he used [Mind's Eye of the Kagura] to locate Hinata's Chakra.
At Training Ground No. 13, Colt found Team 8 engaged in their individual training routines.
Kiba and Akamaru were practicing a special technique, repeatedly attacking a tree with their high-speed rotating technique.
Shino was quietly communicating with his insects, while Hinata was doing physical training with Kurenai.
"Hinata, I'm back," Colt called out, after watching the beauties spar for a while.
The sight of the two kunoichi, one tall and one petite, engaging in combat was a sight to behold.
Hinata looked surprised and pleased.
"Colt, you're finally back." Their separation had lasted over half a month.
They enjoyed a short kiss.
Kurenai observed the young couple's reunion with a mix of amusement and exasperation.
"I say, if you want to make out, can you find a place where there's no one? It's painful for us single people."
Hearing Kurenai's complaint, Hinata blushed, while Colt's expression remained unchanged.
"If Kurenai-sensei is envious, you can find someone yourself," Colt teased.
His relationship with Kurenai had grown comfortable enough for such jokes.
Kurenai looked distressed. Of course, she wanted to find a suitable man, but it was proving difficult.
Her standards were high – at least Special Jonin in strength, and around her age.
Among Konoha's elite, Kakashi was handsome but unreliable, always reading Jiraiya's books.
Might Guy was... too special, yeah that's the word.
And Asuma, who had been pursuing her for a while, now seemed less appealing after seeing Colt's handsome face.
Realizing this train of thought, Kurenai looked at Colt with a hint of resentment.
Colt, keenly aware of this, took an involuntary step back.
"Forget it, I'll give Hinata a half-day off this afternoon," Kurenai said, waving her hand dismissively.
However, Colt shook his head.
"No, I can't delay Hinata's practice because of my presence." He knew the Chunin exams were approaching, and every bit of training was crucial.
Hinata nodded vigorously, understanding the importance of increasing her strength.
For the rest of the afternoon, Colt acted as Hinata's sparring partner. She could now use the [Eight Trigrams Thirty-Two Palms], though it was still limited in power. Colt had no better way to help, given the Hyuga clan's unique physique – strong in Chakra but lacking in nature transformation talent.
Seeing Colt diligently tutoring Hinata, Kurenai's face softened into a smile.
She had grown fond of Hinata, admiring her gentleness and politeness.
To thank Colt for his help, Kurenai took Team 8 and him to a pub after training.
"Order whatever you want!" she said, holding a bottle of sake and speaking to them like a big sister.
Team 8 exchanged helpless glances. Their sensei was good at many things, but drinking made her quite bold.
An hour later, Kurenai was slumped over the table, muttering, "Why are all the people I know so unreliable?" Her face was flushed, and she pounded the table, startling nearby patrons.
Colt found the situation educational. "Your sensei is... very interesting," he commented to Hinata, who couldn't lift her head in embarrassment.
Kiba and Shino had long since slipped away when Kurenai showed signs of drunkenness.
"Colt, it's getting late. I need to go home. Could you please take Kurenai-sensei home?" Hinata asked anxiously, noting the time.
"Alright, you go on ahead. I'll take care of it," Colt nodded.
But after Hinata left, he realized he didn't know where Kurenai lived.
'Sigh'
Sighing, he decided to take her to his place for the night. He had a guest room, so it wouldn't be a problem.
The next morning…
*AHHHH*
A piercing scream woke Colt from his sleep.
"What's wrong?" he asked, looking at Kurenai sitting up in bed, dazed.
"Why am I in your house?" she demanded, her voice a mix of confusion and panic, as well as some anger.
Kurenai's face was full of confusion as she woke up to find herself in Colt's bed, leaving her momentarily stunned.
Colt helplessly rubbed his messy hair and explained.
"You drank too much last night, Kurenai-sensei. Hinata had to hurry home, so I offered to take you back. But she left before telling me your address, so I had no choice but to bring you here."
After hearing this, Kurenai's expression didn't improve; in fact, she seemed even more upset.
"So instead, you had me sleep in the same bed with you?!" she exclaimed. She had initially thought that Colt was quite mature and a good person as well, but now she felt that she had misjudged him.
Only then did Colt realize the awkward situation.
There were obvious indentations on the other side of the bed, as well as dampness on the cuffs of his pajamas.
Somehow, she had ended up in his bed while he was asleep.
He raised his hand and pointed to the wet spot. "Did you...drool on me?"