(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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The consequences of saying the wrong thing can be serious, and Colt proved it with his own actions.
A night of passionate intimacy passed between the two.
Sitting quietly on the bed, Colt's eyes were suddenly experienced and calm, like a sage who had seen through the world's illusions.
In Colt's mind, profound questions emerged one after another, challenging his understanding of existence.
What was the origin of the universe? How did humans come into being?
What led to the extinction of the dinosaurs? Why do humans possess the basic desires?
The thoughts surged into his mind.
Kurenai also woke up, secretly admiring Colt's handsome face in a daze, lost in thought.
"Don't stare; I'll let you look all you want later," Colt said, noticing her subtle glance.
She laughed and then, she suddenly asked.
"Do you think I'm shameless?" Kurenai asked, feeling embarrassed about her actions.
She couldn't quite explain her behavior last night.
Was this the legendary drunken courage?
Colt shook his head and gently embraced her.
"I don't think you are shameless or anything. So let go of those thoughts. Also, I'm still young, so I'll be in your care in the future," he said softly.
Though not a typical love story, this moment they had shared, had touched both of their hearts deeply.
Staying by her side was the biggest confession, and these words meant Colt had accepted her feelings.
Before getting a definite answer, Kurenai's heart had been uneasy, filled with doubt and worry.
The age gap between them was significant, but now she felt relieved, her concerns addressed.
Colt also recognized her worries but disagreed with their importance in the grand scheme of things.
With the existence of the [Healer's Benevolence System], would these lifespan issues trouble him for long?
Who's older? Who's younger? As long as they were adults, and they shared an attraction, that was all that mattered.
In the future, he was certain there would be countless ways to grant longevity to himself and his loved ones.
The couple cuddled together, quietly feeling each other's heartbeats in a moment of peaceful intimacy.
After an intense night, Kurenai was understandably tired, her body aching pleasantly.
However, she persevered and prepared a sumptuous lunch for Colt, showcasing her culinary skills.
The two ate together, and she especially felt joy seeing her new lover eat happily, savoring each bite of the meal she'd prepared.
This was the life she had dreamed of – spending peaceful days with her beloved partner.
Suddenly, Kurenai thought of something important.
"Let's keep our relationship private for now, especially from Hinata."
A teacher stealing her student's man? If word got out, it would cause a scandal in their society.
Colt nodded, understanding Kurenai's concerns about their unconventional relationship.
"It's alright. You two will go your separate ways eventually. Hinata will call you sensei in the day, and then you'll call her sister in the night."
"Damn you!" Kurenai glared at Colt angrily.
What sister? The very thought was absurd!
Wait... Hinata's status was unshakeable. Perhaps she really would have to call her 'Sister Hinata' someday.
A vivid image appeared in Kurenai's mind: Hinata sat on a throne, looking down at her with disdain.
Meanwhile, Kurenai wore a pleasing smile and respectfully offered her a cup of tea, like a servant.
"No, we absolutely can't let Hinata know about us!" Kurenai shuddered, her resolve strengthening.
After their meal, Kurenai left in a hurry, her mind still racing with thoughts of their new relationship.
"I'll go back to bed…"
Colt, exhausted from the night's activities, returned to bed to catch up on some much-needed sleep.
He didn't wake until evening, feeling refreshed and reinvigorated.
Perhaps due to exploring life's profound meanings, Colt discovered his Yang attribute Chakra had reached a new level.
His [Sage Body] technique had also developed to its ultimate form, enhancing his physical abilities.
The surging vitality made the surrounding flowers and plants flourish noticeably, responding to his energy.
When he extended his hand, water and earth element Chakra merged, supplemented by his Yang Release.
A green sapling sprouted from his palm – he had learned the First Hokage Senju Hashirama's Wood Style.
"I learned the wood style… Unbelievable"
The Wood Style held an unparalleled reputation in the ninja world, feared and respected by all.
The First Hokage relied on the Wooden Golem Jutsu in his left hand and the Wooden Dragon Technique in his right.
With both hands, he could unleash the True Several Thousand Hands technique, sweeping across the entire Ninja world.
According to Colt's speculation, the Wood Style also had an unclear connection to the divine tree of legend.
This would explain its terrifying Chakra-absorbing capabilities, unmatched by any other technique.
Except for Senju Hashirama, even the Wood Style used by Uchiha Madara, while formidable, wasn't quite as overwhelming.
Not to mention Yamato's version, which paled in comparison to the original.
The First Hokage's Wood Style conquered the world; Yamato's Wood Style merely engaged in landscaping.
Colt's newly acquired Wood Style belonged to the former category, rivaling the First Hokage's power.
However, he knew it still needed further development to reach its full potential.
"It seems my decision to seek out Tsunade was the right choice after all," Colt mused, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
He felt fortunate that he had agreed to Jiraiya's request, seeing the unexpected benefits it had brought.
As he flipped through his book of seals, Colt noticed he didn't have any ninjutsu specifically related to Wood Style.
Even Yamato's wood-style techniques were basic; he didn't know any of the truly powerful ones.
If anyone was likely to know where the true Wood Style heritage lay, it would be Tsunade, granddaughter of the First Hokage.
The next morning, Hinata brought Hanabi to Colt's house, eager to see him before his departure.
"Elder brother!" the young Hyūga called out enthusiastically, rushing over to greet him.
Hinata, on the other hand, appeared shy and reserved, her cheeks tinted pink.
She was well aware of their engagement now.
In name, she was Colt's fiancée.
(E/N: tsk, scumbag, he doesn't deserve her, look at her so shy, and meanwhile he slept around before he even did with her lol)
Colt smiled warmly and took Hinata's small hand in his own, squeezing it gently.
"From now on, we'll always be together," he said softly, causing Hinata to blush even more.
Hinata responded with a soft hum, her cuteness evident in every gesture.
A short while later, Ino arrived as well, completing their little gathering.
Colt announced that he was about to set off on his journey to find Tsunade.
Both kunoichi expressed their understanding, knowing the importance of his mission.
As a result, the three of them didn't train that day, instead enjoying some rare leisure time together.
The only exception was Hanabi, who couldn't sit still for long.
Free from Hiashi's strict control, the little girl fully embraced her energetic nature.
Unable to rest all day, if Guy didn't take her away, the Hyūga compound would surely suffer her antics.
Speaking of the Hyūga clan and Guy, there was much to be said about their unique training regimen.
Initially, Guy only took on Hanabi's training at Colt's request, seeing it as a favor to his friend.
But later, he discovered that Hanabi's potential far exceeded his expectations, igniting his competitive spirit.
If a dog could run fifty laps around Konoha daily, what excuse did he have to slack off in his own training?
As a result, many villagers witnessed a strange sight in Konoha's streets:
A small dog ran in front, with two figures – one man and one girl – chasing close behind.
This led to Hanabi's daily routine of collapsing into bed, exhausted but satisfied with her progress.
Before the group parted ways, Colt handed Ino and Hinata a few scrolls containing valuable techniques.
"Ino, this scroll contains the Uchiha clan's ninja tool control technique. It should boost your combat effectiveness considerably. Besides that, you should also work on your taijutsu more"
This particular scroll was a reward from Sasuke to Colt for teaching him the Chidori technique.
Though Ino lacked a Sharingan for fine control, it could still prove useful against enemies at critical moments.
"Hinata, here are some notes and experiences about medical ninjutsu. Your Byakugan makes you especially suited for this field."
"I'll try to convince Tsunade-sama to accept you as her disciple during this journey," Colt added encouragingly.
Feeling Colt's deep concern for their growth, both kunoichi were deeply moved by his thoughtfulness.
They each planted a soft kiss on his cheeks, one from the left and one from the right.
Hanabi's eyes lit up at the scene, her mischievous mind already plotting future teasing material.