Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, spilling into Uchiha Ran's room like soft golden threads.
"Masaka… I really don't want to get up."
Ran slowly opened his eyes, stretched lazily, and felt a refreshing lightness spread through his body.
Whenever he was in the village, he had a habit of going for morning runs. Thanks to that routine, he'd even struck up a friendship with the ultimate training fanatic—Guy.
After washing up, Ran stood, pushed open the door, and prepared to head out for his usual exercise.
Then he froze.
Someone was standing outside.
Looking closer, he realized it was Kurenai.
Ran quickly stepped forward, smiling politely.
"Red, why are you here so early today? Did something happen?"
Her sudden visit surprised him—especially since she hadn't mentioned anything yesterday.
Kurenai looked at him, a trace of anticipation in her eyes.
"Ran… the cherry blossoms by the Naka River have bloomed… Would you like to go see them with me? It's been so long since I saw something that beautiful."
Ran's heart stirred slightly.
The Naka River's cherry blossoms…
If he remembered correctly, that area wasn't far from the Uchiha district. It was famous for its sakura—but because it was close to Uchiha territory, hardly anyone ever went there.
Thinking about it, he realized that between training and missions, he rarely took time to enjoy nature. And this time, it was Kurenai inviting him.
…Even if the "little beauty" really was still little.
Still, they were roughly the same age.
Her invitation felt like a rare chance to relax.
Looking at Kurenai's faintly flushed face, Ran made up his mind and smiled.
"Of course," he said gently. "Red—actually, your invitation makes me really happy. I've wanted to go see the cherry blossoms with you too. I just didn't know how to bring it up."
A flicker of joy flashed through Kurenai's eyes.
She didn't know whether Ran truly meant it—but he really did know how to make people feel cared for.
The two of them left Ran's house together, walking into the warm spring breeze and sunlight.
The Naka River wasn't exactly close, but Kurenai was lively and talkative the whole way, never running out of things to say.
By the riverbank, the cherry trees had already burst into bloom. Pink petals shimmered under the sunlight, and when the breeze passed, it carried a faint floral fragrance with it.
Ran and Kurenai walked along the riverside path. On both sides, cherry blossoms bloomed extravagantly, petals drifting softly through the air. The scenery unfolded like a painting, calming the heart.
Eventually, they found a suitable spot and sat down, quietly taking it all in.
Kurenai looked at Ran, her voice shy.
"Thank you, Ran. Coming here to see the cherry blossoms with you… it's really nice."
"No," Ran replied softly. "I should be the one thanking you for inviting me."
"Ran… there's something I want to tell you."
Her face reddened vividly as she spoke.
Looking at the shy girl in front of him, Ran couldn't help complaining inwardly.
Isn't this a bit early? I'm thirteen, she's twelve…
…Then again, this was the ninja world. Somehow, it didn't sound that strange.
"Red! Ran! You're actually here enjoying the cherry blossoms without calling me?!"
Just as Kurenai hesitated over whether to continue, a voice rang out from the distance.
Ran turned and saw Asuma approaching.
"So it's Asuma… I didn't expect him to find this place," Ran thought. "I figured it was remote enough that no one would come."
What crossed his mind instead was a certain infamous technique.
The Telescope Technique.
Don't tell me Asuma can use the old man's crystal ball too…
Ugh. That's just… gross.
Even if the technique had its limits, as long as you weren't indoors, it could still be used.
Looks like I really should use Life Is But a Dream on Sarutobi Hiruzen sooner rather than later, Ran thought darkly. Being watched all the time would be annoying.
"Damn it—why is Asuma here?" Kurenai puffed up angrily, cheeks round and pink, unexpectedly cute.
"Asuma, why are you here? Don't tell me you—!"
Facing Kurenai's sharp gaze, Asuma obviously couldn't admit that he often used his father's crystal ball to secretly watch her.
If he hadn't randomly checked it early this morning, he never would've known that Kurenai had invited Ran—alone—to see the cherry blossoms at the Naka River.
Unacceptable. Absolutely unacceptable.
Fueled by anger, Asuma had rushed straight over.
"Red," he said loudly, pretending nothing was wrong, "I heard the cherry blossoms were blooming and wanted to invite you too. But you weren't home, so I came by myself. Didn't expect to run into you both here—see? Must be fate!"
Kurenai clenched her fists.
"How annoying… Today was supposed to be just me and Ran. If not for Asuma, I would've already—"
Suddenly, something caught her eye.
On one of the cherry trees sat a cat-fox.
Cat-foxes were rare, adorable creatures that could serve as summoning beasts. They were extremely sensitive and excelled at genjutsu—so much so that they were nearly impossible to capture.
"Ran," Kurenai whispered eagerly. "Can you help me?"
She really liked the cat-fox, and capturing one would greatly benefit her growth.
"Of course," Ran replied without hesitation.
"I can help too!" Asuma blurted out.
Kurenai shook her head and explained to Ran,
"Cat-foxes are extremely alert. Where it's hiding, there's no foothold. If you use Body Flicker, it'll react instantly—and there are genjutsu traps around it. You can't catch it that way."
"Alright," Ran said calmly. "What do you need me to do?"
"Hold me. Get up there with me and wait for it—like guarding a tree stump."
—
Under Asuma's bloodshot stare, Ran wrapped an arm around Kurenai's slender waist. The two of them waited quietly, letting the cat-fox approach on its own.
Crack…
The branch beneath their feet creaked ominously, clearly nearing its limit under the combined weight of a boy and a girl.
Seeing this, Kurenai had no choice but to signal to Asuma for help.
Asuma's face lit up for a split second—
Then he realized what her gesture meant.
Asuma, grab Ran—he's about to fall.
Gritting his teeth, Asuma stormed over.
With Ran still holding Kurenai in his arms, Asuma angrily propped up Ran's feet from below.
…And silently swallowed his rage.
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