Chapter 11: Kurenai's Wallet
"Director, you're heading out?"
Yuchuan had just arrived at the orphanage when he spotted Yakushi Nonō rushing through the gates.
"Yuchuan?"
Nonō paused, surprised. "What brings you here?"
"Nothing urgent," Yuchuan lifted the picture books in his hands. "It's Sunday, so I thought I'd visit. Brought some gifts."
"How thoughtful." Nonō's smile softened.
"It's the least I could do," Yuchuan shook his head. "Everyone here took good care of me."
"Go see the children then," Nonō patted his head. "I'm needed at Konoha Hospital."
"Surgery?" Yuchuan asked casually.
Nonō juggled three roles: orphanage director, Root operative, and hospital surgeon.
If she was personally summoned, the patient couldn't be ordinary.
"A meeting," Nonō corrected. "Lady Tsunade has returned as hospital director."
"Lady Tsunade?!" Yuchuan's eyes lit up. "Can I come? I'm a huge fan!"
As one of the Legendary Sannin, Tsunade had no shortage of admirers. His cover was flawless.
"Not today—it's staff-only," Nonō said. "Next Saturday, I'll introduce you."
"Deal."
Yuchuan suppressed his curiosity for now.
"See you soon." Nonō strode toward the hospital, leaving Yuchuan deep in thought.
So Tsunadeisin the village.
But without Yang Release affinity, her medical ninjutsu was out of reach.
His Yin Release boost came from dual-soul fusion—but Yang Release? Physical energy?
The [E-Rank: Sturdy Build] trait he'd been grinding might hold the key.
Worth testing—working out never hurt anyone.
After a week of training, the trait's progress bar had hit 60%.
One more week should do it.
Maybe less—his stamina was improving fast.
Orphanage Visit
Inside, Yuchuan distributed the books, played with the kids, then left.
As he walked, he pondered Yakushi Kabuto's arrival timeline.
The original story never specified, but it was post-Third Shinobi War.
A sense of urgency prickled his neck.
War meanteven Kage-level fighters could fall.
"Yuchuan!"
Kurenai's voice rang from above.
He looked up to find her swinging her legs from a tree branch, pale feet gleaming in sunlight.
Unconsciously, he'd returned home—where two pagoda trees framed the entrance.
"What're you doing up there?"
Kurenai slipped on her sandals and leapt down, landing before him with hands on hips.
"Where's my souvenir?" she demanded.
"Broke," Yuchuan coughed.
(Truthfully, he'dforgotten.*)
Kurenai blinked, suddenly remembering—orphans don't get allowances.
"H-Here!"
She shoved a pink rabbit-patterned wallet into his hands, cheeks tinted red.
Yuchuan froze, flipping it open to find a stack of bills.
His stomach churned.
Taking a loli's allowance?Too shameless.
Especially since the Yuuhi family wasn't wealthy.
(Now, if it were theHyūga or Uchiha… sadly,their princesses weren't born yet.*)
But earning his own money might be wise.
"Keep it," Yuchuan pressed the wallet back into her hands.
"Eh?" Kurenai tilted her head, confusedly adorable.
Seizing the moment, Yuchuan ruffled her hair.
Kurenai flinched but failed to dodge, settling for a fierce pout.
"Why were you waiting here?" Yuchuan changed the subject.
(Hair soft. Good texture.)
"Dad wants you!"
Kurenai bounced inside, leading him to the living room where Yuuhi Shinku awaited.
Illusion 101
"Yuchuan," Shinku cut to the chase. "How's your chakra control?"
Yuchuan demonstrated, drawing praise:
"Impressive. You're nearly Kurenai's level after just a week."
(Kurenai had trained forhalf a year—his growth wasmonstrous.*)
Kurenai hmphed, annoyed but unable to refute.
Shinku reached to pat her head—only for her to backflip out of range.
"Now that your chakra reserves are sufficient," Shinku coughed, "you'll begin genjutsu training."
Perfect timing.
While genjutsu fell off late-game, it remained lethal against average ninjas.
Kurenai straightened, competitive fire igniting.
This was her chance toreclaim dominance!
"Genjutsu, taijutsu, ninjutsu—the three core disciplines," Shinku lectured. "But genjutsu specialists are rare."
He puffed his chest slightly. "It demands the highest innate talent."
(And who better to teach it thanKonoha's top illusionist? Except maybeUchihas.*)
"Are you a genjutsu master, Shinku-san?" Yuchuan fed his ego.
"Indeed I am," Shinku beamed.
"Less talking, more teaching!" Kurenai stomped her foot.
Herpatience for fatherly preening had vanished.
Shinku's smile cracked.
Since when did hissweet daughterbecome sobrusque?