Asuma saw what was happening and looked annoyed—why was Kurenai siding with the Uchiha, especially standing right in front of him? Didn't she realize the Uchiha were basically a ticking time bomb in the village?
That determined look on her face made him realize things had gone bad. He'd wanted to win the girl, but now Kurenai was more determined than ever.
"Kurenai, I didn't mean it," he said, and then noticed a few ANBU approaching in the distance. With a deep sigh, he turned and ran.
After Asuma left, the street finally returned to normal.
Kurenai walked over to Ryosuke, checking on him.
"Are you alright, Uchiha?"
"I apologize on Asuma's behalf."
Ryosuke waved it off.
"Forget it, it's not your fault. Asuma was just reckless."
"But as a member of the Uchiha Police Force, it doesn't matter how strong the other guy is, I have to step in if I see something illegal."
Kurenai was slightly moved—this guy was different from the other Uchiha she'd met.
Most Uchiha acted cool and distant, barely speaking to outsiders, never bothering to explain themselves.
But Ryosuke not only looked pretty good, he also had a sense of justice.
But she remembered she had other things to do, so she excused herself.
"I have something to take care of, so I'll be going."
"Alright."
Ryosuke watched her leave, thinking she really was a beautiful woman—great figure, gorgeous face, and probably pretty good for the "multi-children" system too.
Maybe he could get to know her better, grow closer, and complete the system task to get a precious treasure chest.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, the ANBU had just reported what Asuma did on the street to the Third Hokage.
Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately summoned Asuma and scolded him, face full of anger.
"Why were you so reckless? As the Hokage's son, not only do you not set an example, but you attack people in public?"
Asuma tried to defend himself, "It was that Uchiha who started it—he got in the way of my confession to Kurenai."
The Third Hokage sighed.
"Why are you so impulsive? Just because Kurenai turned you down, you think it's okay to attack someone?"
"That's only going to push her farther away."
"You're going to report to the Daimyo now. You need experience and time to calm down."
Asuma had nothing to say—he'd embarrassed himself in front of Kurenai and failed to get her. He'd have to wait for her to cool off before apologizing.
"Fine, I'll go now."
After Asuma left and the ANBU were gone, the Third Hokage finally relaxed.
At least the kid agreed to his suggestion. He'd go work under the Daimyo for a while and then maybe come back as Hokage someday.
He then thought of that Uchiha kid and frowned.
Sure, his son was at fault, but if the Uchiha hadn't provoked Asuma, none of this would've happened, and the villagers wouldn't have seen such a mess.
Damn clan.
His position in the village was already shaky after the Iwa peace talks. The villagers didn't appreciate his "big-picture" thinking—even if it meant giving compensation, if it could end the war, it was worth it.
He'd be the village hero then.
But the villagers didn't get it, so he had to step down. Only after Minato died did he get the Hokage seat back, and it was definitely more comfortable.
Now, Konoha was constantly clashing with the Cloud Village at the borders.
Konoha could fight and win, but he wanted to save their strength, since all the other ninja villages were enemies too.
He needed to negotiate with Cloud, end the war peacefully, and become the most respected Hokage ever—outshining the First and Second.
Only then could he be the greatest Hokage.
Back in the village, Ryosuke wandered around Konoha and didn't return home until nightfall.
An elderly man with white hair was waiting at home, looking furious.
"You brat, where have you been? I thought someone had kidnapped you."
Ryosuke was his only family left, and after collapsing on duty, being sent home to rest, and then suddenly vanishing, he'd been worried sick.
Looking at the old man, who looked exactly like his late grandfather from his previous life except for the kimono, Ryosuke's heart was complicated.
He never expected to see his grandfather again in another world.
He explained, "I felt better, so I went for a walk."
The old man's anger turned to relief.
"As long as you're okay."
But then he looked sad again.
"It's just a shame you didn't inherit your parents' talent. Who would've guessed your body would be so weak?"
"Your father died at the hands of Iwa, your mother by Kumo. There's no way you could avenge them."
"Grandpa just wants you to live well. If you can't, even quit the Police Force."
Hearing this, Ryosuke's mind filled with memories.
During the Second Great Ninja War, his father died fighting Iwa, and his mother died fighting Kumo.
Now it was just the two of them.
In the original story, neither Ryosuke nor the Uchiha Elder ever appeared—they were probably cannon fodder.
The Uchiha Elder was already white-haired—what strength did he have left?
The original Ryosuke sacrificed both his parents for Konoha's peace, and he and his grandpa probably died in the Uchiha Massacre too.
Thinking about it made Ryosuke angry, but he didn't show it—no point lashing out at the old man.
When it was time, he'd save his anger for the village higher-ups and those two traitors.
Seeing Ryosuke's heavy expression, the elder tried to comfort him.
"Your parents died for the clan and for Konoha's peace. There's nothing to be sad about."
"Without them, there wouldn't be the Uchiha or Konoha's peace."
"We should just live our lives as best we can."
He was afraid his grandson would get depressed—maybe that's why he'd fainted.