Chapter 40: Bathing Together with Kurenai?
Kitazawa wasn't sure whether Kakashi was suffering, but he himself was quite happy.
In his line of sight, Kurenai leaned forward, her snow-white arms propped on the coffee table, causing her red dress to stretch outward with the motion.
Because the distance between them was so close, he could catch a faint fragrance—he wasn't sure if it was her natural scent or the aroma of her shampoo.
At that moment, Kurenai suddenly looked up. Kitazawa instinctively met her ruby-red eyes.
"You weren't like this before." Kurenai straightened her posture and squinted slightly as she spoke.
Kitazawa had never been this bold. Though always gentle with others, he'd kept a polite distance. Now, he dared to stare openly.
"People always change," Kitazawa replied with a smile.
Kurenai looked at him, somewhat startled. She suddenly realized the biggest change in Kitazawa: he had become confident.
She didn't know the reason why, but a confident and handsome man was certainly pleasing to the eye. That was also why she hadn't been angry at being peeped at.
"I think I like you more now." Kurenai smiled, then shifted back to business and asked, "What do you think of Yakumo's second illusion?"
"The essence of Art of Speech Jutsu is to ease the target's mind and eliminate mental fatigue." Kitazawa thought for a moment and said, "I think we can push the second illusion further, to the point where it makes the target unconsciously reveal their true thoughts."
He was referencing the concept of a truth serum from his previous life. This genjutsu could essentially function as a "truth technique."
"The difficulty level would clearly be higher—at least C-rank, maybe even B-rank," Kurenai said thoughtfully.
"It's definitely more complex," Kitazawa agreed with a smile, "but we have plenty of time—we can refine it slowly."
"True." Kurenai nodded. "Are we still basing it on sound-type genjutsu?"
"To reduce difficulty, I think we should start with visuals." Kitazawa paused, then suggested, "For example, we can build from Demonic Illusion: False Surrounding Jutsu."
"Great idea!" Kurenai responded cheerfully.
Demonic Illusion: False Surrounding Jutsu is a vision-based technique that changes the scenery perceived by the target. It could, for example, make them mistake one location for another.
In the original story, Ibiki's subordinate used this genjutsu to mislead the Genin into entering the wrong classroom during the Chunin Exams.
"We can make the patient perceive Yakumo as the person they trust the most!" Kurenai said excitedly.
"Not bad," Kitazawa praised with a smile. "You catch on quickly."
"I'm just building on your idea," Kurenai said, then looked at him and asked, "Since when did you become so clever?"
"People always change," Kitazawa repeated the same phrase with a grin.
"Do you know how to use Demonic Illusion: False Surroundings?" Kurenai averted her gaze and asked.
"No." Kitazawa shook his head.
"Then I can still be of help." Kurenai chuckled, pulled out a ninjutsu scroll, and asked, "Want to learn it?"
"No need to waste time," Kitazawa declined. "You learning it is enough."
"Alright." Knowing Kitazawa specialized in Wind Style, Yuhi Kurenai didn't press the matter.
Time passed slowly.
The sunlight outside faded from bright to dim, leaving only red clouds glowing on the horizon.
"Come, let's drink!" Kurenai raised her wine glass excitedly.
After a busy day of genjutsu research, the two sat at the dining table and enjoyed a simple dinner.
"Cheers!" Kitazawa smiled and clinked glasses with her, then drained his cup in one go.
"Ah—!" Kurenai let out a long sigh of contentment.
She swayed slightly as she sat down, her red dress fluttering with her movements, outlining her curvy figure.
"Fill it up!" She handed her empty glass to him.
Kitazawa picked up the wine pot but quickly noticed that it was nearly empty. He gave it a light shake—no sound of liquid inside.
"We're out. That's enough for today." He put the pot down firmly.
"What did you say?" Kurenai suddenly stood up, closing the distance between them until their faces were inches apart. The scent of wine and her perfume drifted toward him.
Kitazawa rolled his eyes upward—and saw her soft, rosy lips. He reached out and gently pushed her shoulders back down onto the seat.
"You've already finished all the wine you brought!" Kitazawa raised his voice slightly.
"Then go buy more!" Kurenai snapped back without hesitation.
"No." Kitazawa shook his head. "Too much drinking isn't good."
"Huh?" Kurenai glared at him, eyes narrowed. "Are you… going to buy it or not?"
"Nope," Kitazawa replied calmly.
"You… you scoundrel! I'll remember this!" Kurenai pouted, eyes narrowing further, and bit her finger in frustration.
"Alright, rest a bit. I'll wash the dishes, and then I'll take you home." Kitazawa chuckled.
Kurenai snorted, stood up, and plopped down on the sofa. Her plump figure jiggled slightly as she moved.
Kitazawa cleaned the table and carried the dishes to the kitchen. Ten minutes later, he returned, removing his apron as he walked back to the living room.
"It's time to go home, Kurenai," Kitazawa called out as he approached the sofa.
"No… not going." Kurenai waved her hand lazily and rolled over, her red skirt half-tilted.
"What?" Kitazawa chuckled. "You planning to sleep here?"
"Why not?" Kurenai sat up and said, "I'm coming tomorrow anyway. Might as well stay—I don't want to be a bother."
"You sure?" Kitazawa blinked in surprise.
"Yes. I'll go take a shower now. Where's your bathroom?" Kurenai wobbled to her feet.
"Over there." Kitazawa pointed without saying much else. His house was spacious—easily able to accommodate three people.
"Be careful." He stepped over and held her up.
"I… I'm fine!" Kurenai elbowed him lightly and replied.
"Did you bring a change of clothes?" Kitazawa let go once they reached the bathroom.
"Of course." Kurenai leaned back against the doorframe. As a Jonin, it was normal to carry personal supplies and clothing in case of emergencies.
Most Genin couldn't afford a storage scroll, but that wasn't a problem for her.
"Alright. If you need anything, just call me." Kitazawa nodded.
Kurenai took a few steps into the bathroom, then suddenly turned to look at him. She remembered how seriously he'd refused to buy more wine earlier.
"Wanna bathe together?" Kurenai asked teasingly, smiling with a provocative glint—as if daring him to accept.
"Sure," Kitazawa replied instantly and took a step forward.
Kurenai's smile froze. Her heart skipped a beat, and her face flushed red. She quickly retreated and slammed the bathroom door shut.
"I changed my mind! I want to bathe alone! You're not allowed to come in!" Kurenai leaned her back against the door, her heart pounding and her cheeks burning.
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