The reconstruction of the Leaf Village proceeded smoothly.
With the help of the ninja, the rebuilding efficiency increased significantly, and the remnants of the destroyed buildings had already begun to take shape as new houses. The villagers were gradually emerging from the shadows of the recent attack.
"Here is your jonin appointment letter."
Inside the Hokage's office, Hiruzen handed a document to Ren.
"After becoming a jonin, you'll need to take on certain responsibilities, possibly even as a jonin instructor," Hiruzen said.
"Assign me to a minor position," Ren replied, "How is the matter with the Uchiha clan's territory going?"
"If we allocate a piece of land in the village center to the Uchiha, it will certainly spark opposition from the other prominent clans," Hiruzen said.
"Setting them in a more remote area would be of little significance, either."
"What's Fugaku's stance on this?" Ren asked again.
"He should understand this as well; he hasn't expressed a specific stance yet," Hiruzen replied.
Ren furrowed his brows thoughtfully. He had an idea but implementing it might be challenging.
Knock, knock, knock!
Suddenly, a knock came at the door.
"Come in," Hiruzen called out.
With that, someone entered.
It was a familiar face—Kurenai Yuhi.
She paused upon seeing Ren in the office.
"Lord Hokage," she greeted quickly.
"How's your recovery?" Hiruzen asked, noting that she had been injured.
"I've recovered," Kurenai replied, standing beside Ren.
Hiruzen nodded and picked up another document from his desk.
"This is your special jonin appointment letter. Only you, Anko, Hayate, and Genma passed the recent assessment; they've already been here."
Kurenai accepted it with both hands. "Thank you, Lord Hokage."
"You deserve it. You're very talented, and I believe you'll be promoted to jonin soon enough," Hiruzen encouraged.
Kurenai didn't show much excitement at the praise but glanced at Ren out of the corner of her eye.
"If there's nothing more, you're dismissed."
"Oh, understood." Kurenai snapped back to attention and left.
After the door closed, Ren spoke again.
"Let's put the matter of the clan's territory on hold for a few days. I'll see if I can come up with a suitable solution."
"As for the police force, since Fugaku is willing to relinquish some control, start recruiting newcomers quickly and have them advance swiftly within the ranks."
"Understood." Hiruzen nodded.
Ren finished speaking and left the office.
In the hallway, no one was around.
After only a few steps, Ren spotted a figure approaching slowly from around the corner.
She turned her head to glance at him, "What a coincidence."
Kurenai walked slowly, waiting until Ren caught up before matching his pace.
"Hmm."
"Were you there to see the Hokage about a mission?" Kurenai asked.
"Same as you," Ren replied, gesturing to the document in his hand.
Jonin appointment letter...
She looked at the title on his document, then down at the one in her hand, pursing her lips slightly.
"…Congratulations."
Ren glanced at her, "Recovered from your injuries?"
"Huh?" Kurenai was momentarily stunned, not expecting Ren to be concerned about that.
"Yes… just discharged this morning."
"Good," Ren replied calmly.
"…"
Kurenai stopped in her tracks, staring blankly.
"Good"? What did that mean? Was he actually concerned about her?
She quickly caught up to him.
"Thank you… for saving me that day," she said quietly.
"Didn't you resist when I tried to dress your wounds?" Ren gave her a sidelong glance.
Kurenai felt embarrassed, turning her head to hide the slight flush on her face.
"Let's not bring that up again," she muttered.
No response.
---------------------------------------------------------
[Name]: Kurenai Yuhi
[Gender]: Female
[Age]: 21
[Affection Level]: 79
[Relationship]: Friend
[Difficulty]: A
[First-Kiss Reward]: Illusion Mastery (already received)
[Full-Intimacy Reward]: Genjutsu Counter
---------------------------------------------------------
Leaving the Hokage's building, Ren parted ways with Kurenai and wandered through the village.
Most of the houses were already rebuilt, and villagers from the shelters above the Hokage Rock had returned to their homes.
Some houses, however, remained vacant.
Ren moved through the streets, observing the village's current state.
"Ren."
As he was walking, a figure appeared before him, blocking his path.
Ren recognized the person calling his name.
"Mikoto-san?"
"How coincidental, Ren." Mikoto was holding a shopping bag, smiling warmly at him.
Ren nodded. "Indeed."
"What brings you here?" Mikoto asked.
"Just wandering."
"I see." Mikoto's face lit up with a friendly smile. "Ren, do you remember me mentioning I'd like to invite you to our home?"
Ren looked at her smile.
"I remember."
"Do you have time now?" Mikoto asked softly, "I just bought some groceries. It'll be lunchtime soon. Why not come to my house for a meal?"
Ren's gaze shifted slightly. "I'm afraid not everyone in your home would welcome me."
Mikoto looked surprised, then chuckled. "Why not? You saved both Sasuke and me; our family is grateful to you."
"I was referring to your other son," Ren said.
"Itachi?" Mikoto was taken aback. "Do you know Itachi?"
"We've crossed paths."
Mikoto pondered for a moment. "If there's a misunderstanding, I can apologize on his behalf…"
"No need; your son hasn't done anything wrong," Ren replied.
"…Perhaps there's just a misunderstanding that could be cleared up," Mikoto suggested thoughtfully.
"Both Sasuke and my husband are looking forward to meeting you, Ren."
Ren narrowed his eyes, gazing at the beautiful woman before him.
"Alright."
Mikoto beamed with joy.
"Then please, come with me."
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