At the Ninja Academy.
Iruka greeted Kurenai at the gate with a warm smile.
"Kurenai-sensei, here to see your students?"
"Yes, are they in class now?" Kurenai asked.
"They're outside for a field lesson, all of them are on the training grounds," Iruka replied, gesturing toward the building. "The crafts classroom on the second floor is empty; you'll get a clear view from there."
"Thank you," she said, heading toward the stairs. It wasn't unusual for Jounin to come observe their students before taking on the role of sensei—Iruka had seen it every year with the graduating classes.
When Kurenai reached the second-floor classroom, she noticed the door was slightly ajar and pushed it open, only to find someone already standing by the window, eyes fixed on the training grounds.
Her eyes widened for a moment, but she closed the door behind her.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, coming to stand beside him.
Ren glanced at her briefly. "And what brought you here?"
"I'm here to check on my future students," she replied, realizing halfway through her answer, "Wait, you're taking on a team too?"
He nodded silently.
She looked at his profile, hesitating. "I've been promoted to Jounin. Aren't you even a little surprised?"
"There's nothing surprising about it; you've had the strength for some time," he said, looking back out the window.
She lowered her gaze. "You never seem to care about anything that concerns me."
Ren turned to her, his voice level. "So, what is it you want from me? Do you want me to be your constant support, fussing over you every day?"
She flushed at his teasing, "That's not what I meant!"
Ren's gaze shifted back to the field, where he pointed at a boy holding a small dog. "That must be one of yours."
Kurenai blinked. "How did you know?"
"A student bringing a dog to school—must be from the Inuzuka clan. The other two are likely from the Aburame and Hyuga families."
She looked at him in surprise. "You… already knew who they are?"
"You said I don't care about things that concern you," he remarked.
"Oh… I… I'm sorry," she stammered, feeling embarrassed.
Ren smirked slightly. "Guess my students."
She fell silent, observing the children below. She spotted a blonde boy with goggles loudly confronting a dark-haired boy.
"Listen, I won't lose to someone like you!" the blonde yelled.
"Why don't you just go away?" the dark-haired boy replied impatiently.
"Don't pretend to be so high and mighty, Sasuke!" The blonde, fuming with frustration, lunged at him, but Sasuke deftly evaded, moving with fluid precision.
From above, Kurenai laughed. "That looks like a handful. Wonder who'll get stuck with them."
Just then, the classroom door opened, and a white-haired man paused in surprise upon seeing Ren and Kurenai inside.
"Apologies," he muttered, stepping back out and closing the door behind him.
"Wait, Kakashi!" Kurenai called out, but the door had already closed.
"He misunderstood, didn't he?" she turned to Ren, a slight worry in her tone.
"Misunderstood what?"
"Our relationship!" she said, flustered as she tried to explain herself.
Ren raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "You're quite concerned."
"That's not what I meant!" Kurenai stammered, instinctively reaching for his arm.
Without warning, Ren pulled her closer, and she found herself pressed against his chest.
"W-What are you doing?" she whispered, her voice filled with alarm as she realized where they were. "Not here…"
"Then where?" he asked, his tone unreadable as he felt her tense against him.
Kurenai looked away, biting her lip. "You… did that on purpose."
"Maybe," he replied nonchalantly.
"You're such a… jerk!" she muttered, trying to pull back, but he held her firmly.
"Are you really that worried about being seen like this?"
"Please, let go…" she whispered, glancing anxiously at the door.
He stayed silent, not releasing her.
Her heart racing, she swallowed and mumbled, "Wait… wait until tonight."
"Hmm?"
She took a deep breath. "Tonight… come over to my place."
Only then did his grip on her loosen. She hurriedly stepped back, straightening her clothes and quickly walking toward the door, her face flushed.
"Aren't you staying to observe your students?" he asked from behind.
Kurenai didn't reply, only rushing out of the room.
As soon as she left, she nearly collided with Kakashi, who leaned against the hallway wall.
"Kakashi…" she felt her cheeks heating up.
Had he overheard anything?
"Excuse me, I need to go," she murmured quickly, ducking her head as she walked away.
Kakashi watched her leave, his expression unreadable. When she was gone, he entered the classroom, finding Ren still at the window.
"You're here for your students too?" Ren asked, turning to face him.
Kakashi looked thoughtful. "They may not even end up as my students."
"Strict as always."
"I didn't expect to see you taking on a team of Genin," Kakashi commented, seemingly unaffected by his earlier encounter with Kurenai.
"Neither did I expect you here," Ren replied. "I doubt I'll be as harsh as you."
Kakashi seemed curious. "Who are they?"
"Shikamaru Nara, Choji Akimichi, and Ino Yamanaka."
Kakashi's eyes widened, recognizing the trio.
"They're… the next generation of Ino-Shika-Cho?"
Ren nodded.
Kakashi's surprise deepened. The fact that the Third Hokage had chosen Ren as their mentor spoke volumes.
Anyone else might have only been impressed by the trio's pedigree, but Kakashi understood the underlying implications.
Was this Hiruzen's way of grooming Ren for greater responsibilities?
READ 30 CHAPTERS AHEAD OF EVERYONE FOR ONLY $7!
LINK: patr eon.com/SenatusPopulus
ALSO CHECK MY OTHER PROJECTS!
Ice Ice Fruit in Marvel