Konoha’s White Fang Shines

Chapter 36: Jealousy Crowned King

Just as Minato's and Yuji's teams returned to the village, numerous shinobi swarmed over Mount Saika.

"Uh, wasn't there supposed to be shinobi up here? Why does it look like there's nothing left?"

"Take a closer look. The soil's freshly turned, even though the surface looks undisturbed."

"Hmm, there's a faint smell of something burnt. Maybe someone beat us to it—took out the bandits and cleaned up the evidence afterward."

"Wasn't this supposed to be a joint mission with Konoha? Did they have to act so fast?"

"Well, technically, it was always their operation. We were just here as reinforcements."

"True. Anyway, avoiding a fight is better for the village in the long run."

With that, the shinobi wearing grass-patterned forehead protectors exchanged glances and quickly dispersed, their worries melting into relief.

---

At Kagehikari Town

"Genma, why do you keep staring at that woman, Kana? You're not harboring some special thoughts about her, are you?"

Kurenai's patience snapped as she watched Genma's occasional glances toward the striking Kana. Her voice dropped to a dangerous whisper, and before Genma could react, she pinched his side.

"Hiss—! Kurenai, Kurenai, let me explain! It's not what you think!" Genma yelped, hands raised in surrender.

"I'm listening. Explain yourself."

Kurenai's hand paused mid-pinch, but her sharp glare stayed fixed on him.

"Well, it's like this: Kana's origins are suspicious. No one in the bandit camp recognized her, and the town archives have no record of her either. She's definitely not from around here. So, I think—"

"And?" Kurenai's eyes narrowed as her grip tightened, urging him to continue.

Before Genma could finish, his loud yelp had drawn the attention of the group.

"What's going on now?" The others turned to see the commotion, including Obito, who burst into laughter.

"Pfft! Haha! Serves you right for being so smug! Now you're getting what you deserve!"

Obito's cackling added insult to Genma's injury.

"Alright, Kurenai, don't get so worked up. We still need to head to the mayor's residence," Rin stepped in, gently coaxing Kurenai to let go.

Reluctantly, Kurenai released Genma but continued glaring at him, her eyes filled with a mix of anger and an inexplicable twinge of sadness.

I really messed up this time, Genma thought, his shoulders slumping under Kurenai's piercing gaze.

To clarify, Genma wasn't intentionally ogling Kana. Her mannerisms simply struck him as odd, and she looked vaguely familiar, triggering his curiosity.

Unfortunately, his observations seemed to have stirred a pot of jealousy in Kurenai. Resolving to set things straight, he leaned in closer, his voice softening to a whisper.

"Kurenai, I'm sorry. From now on, I'll talk to you first before doing anything like this. Remember that promise I made to you after sparring with Raido?"

Kurenai's expression softened as she nodded, her earlier anger giving way to confusion and a trace of warmth.

"Honestly, I thought you didn't like dealing with complex things. But clearly, my wife gets jealous easily. From now on, I'll make sure to think of you first."

"Who are you calling jealous?" Kurenai huffed, turning her face away, though the blush creeping across her cheeks betrayed her emotions.

"Yes, yes, it's me who's jealous—Konoha's number-one jealousy king, right here," Genma said, grinning.

"Hmph."

Despite herself, Kurenai couldn't stay mad.

As the group continued walking, Genma sidled up to Kurenai, holding her hand in his. Unlike before, Kurenai didn't pull away but responded subtly, her fingers tightening ever so slightly around his.

Inwardly, Kurenai was relieved. Genma's gesture was enough to convince her that her earlier worries were unfounded.

Unwittingly, Genma couldn't resist teasing her further, gently tracing circles on her palm. Kurenai's face reddened further as she turned to him.

"Behave yourself, or I'll let go."

Her tone was soft but firm, and Genma quickly nodded in mock seriousness. "Of course, of course. I'll behave. I wouldn't dream of letting this chance slip by."

"Hmph, you're insufferable," Kurenai muttered, rolling her eyes but letting him keep hold of her hand.

Arriving at the mayor's residence, Yuji went inside alone while the rest waited outside.

Genma, still wary of Kana, had shared his suspicions earlier. Kurenai and Rin had taken the lead, approaching Kana under the guise of friendly concern.

"Kana, is something wrong with your hands? You keep holding them so stiffly," Kurenai asked gently, her expression warm and inviting.

"N-no, it's nothing. My health was already checked, wasn't it?" Kana stammered, her gaze darting nervously as she tucked her hands behind her.

Kurenai and Rin exchanged a meaningful glance.

Rin's suspicions deepened. During her medical examination, she had noticed Kana's reluctance to show her arms but had dismissed it as sensitivity from her ordeal with the bandits.

Genma, observing from a distance, decided to intervene.

"Let it go for now. She's already been through enough. Let's not push her too hard," he said, his voice calm and measured.

Kurenai hesitated but finally relented. However, her sharp gaze clearly conveyed she wasn't entirely convinced.

"Fine, but only because you said so. But you'd better not start second-guessing yourself now," she warned.

"Of course not," Genma assured her, steering the conversation elsewhere.

After Yuji returned and discussed Genma's plan with Minato, the team decided to discreetly investigate Kana's background. Genma suggested enlisting Tony, the meticulous clothing store owner, for the task.

When Tony readily agreed, even offering his personal contact information, Genma couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Did he agree so quickly just so he could stay in touch with me?

Shaking off the thought, Genma left Tony's store, rejoining his team.

As the group prepared to report back to the village, Genma couldn't help but cast one last glance at Kana. Kurenai caught the look and tugged at his sleeve.

"Let's go, you jealousy king," she whispered, her tone tinged with mockery but softened by affection.

End of Chapter 36