Naruto, are you all so good at self-seduction

Hokage Building.

"B-Rank mission, huh."

Sarutobi stared at the document handed to him from the mission reception desk, feeling somewhat troubled.

According to the usual procedures, he should have been inclined to refuse approval. However, the applicant for the task was none other than his son, Asuma.

"It's too dangerous for you to undertake a B-Rank mission alone," Sarutobi stated firmly.

"I'm a Jounin now; I'm qualified to undertake a B-Rank mission by myself," Asuma retorted.

This was an elimination mission located in the Land of Hot Water. He initially intended to invite Kurenai along for this task. He made a point to notify the reception desk, and being the Hokage's son naturally provided him some advantages.

The Land of Hot Water was renowned for its hot springs and tourist destination, and Asuma hoped to use this mission as a chance to deepen his relationship with Kurenai.

Everything seemed set, but when he approached Kurenai, she had firmly rejected him, stating that she needed to prepare for the Special Jounin Exam.

This left Asuma feeling frustrated; the reception desk had even set aside this mission for him, and he didn't want to decline again but also didn't want to go with anyone else.

"You need to form a small team," Sarutobi said helplessly, knowing his son would challenge him.

"Since I'm already eligible, why am I not allowed to proceed?" Asuma argued, unable to restrain his irritation.

"You still see me as a child!"

"I do not," Sarutobi sighed, before lighting a pipe and taking a puff.

Danzo, who had just entered the office, interrupted them.

Upon seeing Danzo, Asuma decided to stop the heated discussion and turned to leave, frustrated.

"Asuma is here," Danzo greeted.

"Lord Danzo," Asuma replied.

Danzo nodded, noticing Asuma's moodiness, and asked, "What's wrong?"

Asuma exhaled heavily. "Nothing, I'll take my leave."

As he reached the door, he noticed another Root ninja beside the white-haired ANBU operative.

"Gossiping about me behind my back isn't nice."

Asuma had just closed the door when the white-haired ANBU spoke up.

Based on the earlier scene, it seemed Kakashi had overheard it, making Asuma feel slightly embarrassed.

"It's not gossip; I was just complimenting you," Asuma retorted.

"I sense a lot of malice," Kakashi replied.

Asuma waved his hand in annoyance, leaving the building.

Kakashi watched Asuma's departing figure, reflecting that it was likely only someone like Asuma who could talk to the Third Hokage in such a way.

In the Office.

"Is something wrong with Asuma?" Danzo inquired, looking toward Hiruzen.

"He wishes to carry out a B-Rank mission alone; I didn't approve it," Hiruzen admitted.

"He is a Jounin; he has that ability," Danzo insisted.

"I know very well what he is capable of, but B-Rank missions can vary significantly," Hiruzen rebutted, inhaling from his pipe in silence.

Noting Hiruzen's complex expression, Danzo realized the old man was reminiscing.

"If you're worried, send someone to covertly protect him," Danzo suggested.

"ANBU serves the village, not personal agendas," Hiruzen firmly insisted.

"Gai," Danzo called out.

Swish!

Suddenly, a Root ninja donning a black flame-patterned mask appeared next to Danzo.

"If you refuse to act on what you perceive as personal interests, allow my ANBU to handle it," Danzo stated.

Hiruzen regarded the half-kneeling Root ninja thoughtfully.

"Oboro, isn't it?" Hiruzen asked.

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Oboro responded.

This child is serving under Danzo...

Hiruzen thought, reflecting on how highly Danzo regarded him.

He had initially been reluctant to send Oboro to Root.

The boy seemed to be quite tragic.

"I'll leave Asuma in your care," Hiruzen sighed.

"Understood."

At the Izakaya.

Asuma sat alone, drinking to himself.

He wasn't angry that his father hadn't approved his solo mission; disputes between father and son were pretty normal. He felt his father treated him like a child, especially since the death of his elder brother.

What frustrated him was the issue with Kurenai. With his heart heavy, he found himself in a conflict with his father.

Asuma didn't understand where he was going wrong. Every time he attempted to get closer to Kurenai, it resulted in her distancing herself from him.

They had been quite close before he left the village to protect the daimyo.

When he returned to Konoha, he had been so full of confidence, but reality struck him hard; his accomplishments with the Twelve Guardian Ninja had earned him no recognition from his father, and Kurenai seemed to be pulling away.

"Hey, Asuma."

Hearing someone call his name, Asuma looked up to see Gai, Genma, and Ebisu approaching him.

"What brings you here to drink alone?" Gai asked, taking a seat at Asuma's table alongside the others.

Asuma sighed, "Nothing much."

Three more cups and two bottles of sake arrived at their table.

"I heard you guys are preparing for the Special Jounin Exam?" Asuma asked Genma and Ebisu.

"Yeah, together with Kazekage, Aoyama, and Reito," Genma confirmed.

"And also with Anko and Kurenai," he added.

Asuma nodded thoughtfully. Genma took a sip of his drink, observing Asuma's expression with a bemused smile.

"Did you all just decide to team up spontaneously?" Asuma questioned.

"It was just a sudden idea; I mentioned it to everyone, and they all agreed to give it a try," Ebisu said.

"Kurenai was invited by Anko," Genma said straightforwardly.

"Cough." Asuma felt a bit embarrassed.

"We might not have a high chance of passing, but Kurenai should be fine; she's notably talented like Kazekage," Genma added.

"Do your best," Asuma replied.

The group clinked their cups, drinking in unison.

"In our peer group, you and Gai are already Jounin; we need to step up our game," Genma smiled.

"Genma, if you want to enhance your training, feel free to come to me," Gai interjected excitedly.

Genma rolled his eyes, prompting laughter from Asuma and Ebisu.

After a moment of contemplation, Asuma spoke up, "I met that Kanzuki Oboro."

Genma paused, taking a sip from his cup, while Ebisu remained silent.

"Oh, what's he like?" Gai asked, intrigued.

"He seems like a rather unsociable kid," Asuma remarked.

"If I had to say, he's a bit like Kakashi but even colder."

Gai seemed to consider this insight.

"Such a statement might be unfair, but he doesn't quite match the rumors," Asuma said, glancing at Genma.

"After all, rumors are never reliable," Genma noted dismissively.

"That was something we had wronged him about initially; maybe we should take the chance to apologize," Asuma suggested.

"You seem pretty magnanimous," he remarked, lifting his cup in camaraderie.

"To admit fault is a virtue," Genma smiled, clinking cups with Asuma.

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