Chapter 16 - Chapter:16

Kirito's new team included two other members: a strong, rotund boy from the Akimichi clan named Akimichi Ponji. His name was as amusing as his appearance, resembling the Akimichi Choji from the original Naruto series. Ponji was a food lover just like Choji, and he hadn't stopped talking about his favorite foods since the moment they met.

Due to the absence of Yamanaka and Nara clan members in their class, they couldn't form the traditional Ino-Shika-Cho team, so they ended up being grouped here instead.

After a brief introduction, the team members sat in silence, each lost in their thoughts. Kirito expected they would be stuck waiting for their sensei all day, much like Kakashi's Team 7 in the original series. However, the classroom door suddenly swung open.

A stunning woman walked in, catching everyone's attention immediately. She had black, curly hair parted in the middle, striking red eyes, and a cool, beautiful face with a figure to match. Despite looking like she was in her early twenties, she exuded a maturity that set her apart from younger women, creating an overall impression of elegance and sensuality.

"Tsk, those eyes, that hairstyle, that figure... Could it be Yuhi Kurenai?" Kirito wondered, his mind racing.

The beautiful woman walked to the podium, nodded slightly at the three students, and wrote three large characters on the blackboard: **Yuhi Kurenai**.

"My name is Yuhi Kurenai. I'm a newly promoted Special Jonin in Konoha. I enjoy Ramen, vodka, and octopus, but I hate cakes. I specialize in genjutsu. This is my first time leading a team. From now on, you are my students. You can call me Kurenai or Yuhi," she introduced herself confidently.

"Now, it's your turn to introduce yourselves."

The first to speak was Airi Akizuki, the only girl on the team. She raised her hand eagerly. "My name is Akizuki Airi, and, um, Kurenai-sensei, you're so... beautiful."

Akimichi Ponji, busy munching on potato chips, spoke next, "I'm Akimichi Ponji. I love potato chips and barbecue. I don't dislike any food. I'm good at the Akimichi clan's techniques."

When it was Kirito's turn, he was suddenly interrupted by the familiar sound of the system prompt in his mind.

**[Ding! As the most capable host of your generation, how can you allow this beautiful and strong woman before you to end up with someone else? Make your choice:]**

**1. Introduce yourself, then kiss Yuhi Kurenai's hand and confess your love to her. You will be rewarded with perfect water chakra affinity.**

**2. Do nothing and allow Yuhi Kurenai to end up with Asuma Sarutobi. You will be rewarded with Utatane Koharu's old underwear.**

Kirito almost choked on air. **Underwear again? And from that old lady Koharu?** He gritted his teeth, trying not to lose his composure.

Akizuki Airi, noticing his hesitation, gently nudged him. "Kirito-kun, it's your turn."

Kirito nodded, deciding on his response. "My name is Kirito. I like scrambled eggs with green peppers, and I hate Vegeterian and animal organs. I specialize in taijutsu."

After a deep breath, he added, "Kurenai-sensei, do you have a boyfriend?"

The unexpected question caught Kurenai off guard. "Not yet," she replied, blushing slightly.

Kirito took a step forward, gently took her hand, and kissed it. "Then date me, Kurenai-sensei."

The classroom fell silent as everyone's eyes widened in shock. Akizuki Airi and Akimichi Ponji stared, their jaws practically on the floor. Even Kurenai, usually composed, was left speechless, her mind blank for a moment.

**[Ding! Mission completed. Congratulations, host, on acquiring perfect water chakra affinity.]**

Kirito released Kurenai's hand, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "It seems I'm still too young for you, Kurenai-sensei. But we can date when I'm older."

He returned to his seat, ignoring the bewildered looks from his teammates. Airi even gave him a thumbs-up, clearly impressed by his audacity.

Kurenai finally snapped out of her daze, her expression darkening. "Kirito-kun," she called, her voice deceptively calm.

"Yes?" Kirito turned, knowing full well he had pushed her buttons.

"You just confessed to your teacher, didn't you?" Kurenai asked, her tone laced with danger as she appeared behind him in a flash, gently brushing her hand against his cheek.

**"Is this the speed of a Special Jonin?"** Kirito thought, remaining calm. "Yes, I did."

"Then until you officially become a Chunin, I'll make sure to *love* you well," Kurenai said with a dangerous smile before turning to Airi and Ponji. "All right, you three, meet me at the training ground. I want to assess your abilities. And Kirito... prepare yourself."

The trio exchanged uneasy glances before following Kurenai to the training ground.

Once there, Kurenai crossed her arms, her expression cold. "You'll have some time to discuss tactics before you attack me together. Don't hold back. Consider this a real battle. Oh, and Kirito..." Her gaze sharpened. "I'll be showing you just how much *love* I can give."

Airi and Ponji both nodded seriously, sensing the tension.

Airi turned to Kirito. "Kirito-kun, I admire your bravery, but Kurenai-sensei seems serious. We can't possibly match her, especially since she's a genjutsu specialist. Let me act as the bait. Ponji will use the multiplication technique to attack, and when she dodges, you can use your taijutsu to strike."

"Understood," Kirito replied, eyeing Kurenai thoughtfully. When she met his gaze, he drew his Zanpakutō, Kyoka Suigetsu, from his waist. Its blade shimmered with a white light.

**"Shatter, Kyoka Suigetsu,"** he thought, completing the hypnosis ritual before sheathing the sword.

"Are you not going to use your sword?" Airi asked, surprised.

Kirito shook his head, raising his voice. "This isn't a life-and-death battle. I wouldn't want Kurenai-sensei to get hurt."