Naruto, are you all so good at self-seduction

Morning.

"What happened to your door?"

As Anko entered Kurenai's room, she couldn't help but ask curiously.

Kurenai was huddled in the corner of her bed, holding a pillow, still wearing her red nightgown.

"What time is it? Why aren't you up? Did you drink last night?" Anko noticed the alcohol utensils on the table.

She casually sat on the sofa, making herself at home.

Not receiving a response, she turned to Kurenai and saw her looking quite worn-out, with heavy dark circles under her eyes.

"What's wrong?" Anko exclaimed, startled.

"Did a thief break in? Did you get into a fight? Are you alright? Did the thief run away?"

Anko hurried to the edge of the bed, her worry spilling out in a flurry of questions.

Kurenai finally reacted but merely shot her a calm glance before irritably running her fingers through her hair.

"I'm fine," she said.

"…I got drunk last night and forgot my keys, so I just broke the door," Kurenai admitted, looking away in annoyance.

Anko could tell something was off with Kurenai's mood and pressed, "Did something happen? Your lips..."

"I told you, nothing happened..." Kurenai's voice suddenly rose but then cut off abruptly.

"Sorry."

She bit her lip tightly and lay back down, presenting her back to Anko.

Kurenai thought about how the men in her circle had always treated her with respect, including Asuma, who had never dared to overstep any boundaries despite being childhood friends.

But last night made her feel utterly wronged and humiliated. Kanzuki Oboro's mocking face haunted her like a curse, refusing to fade from her mind, leaving her sleepless throughout the night.

That damned guy has to pay the price!

Kurenai thought fiercely, gritting her teeth.

Suddenly, she bolted upright, surprising Anko, who had been hesitating on how to comfort her.

"Weren't Genma and the others planning to teach that guy a lesson?" Kurenai said to Anko.

"That guy?" Anko replied, taken aback, then quickly realized. "You mean Kanzuki Oboro? Why are you asking about him?"

Kurenai instantly calmed down. "Just curious."

Anko, though feeling puzzled, shrugged. "They said they were, so let them handle it."

"I really don't want to get involved. But I don't think that's a good idea."

"I thought about it carefully; Kanzuki saved my life, and calling it even seems fair. Going to deliberately cause him trouble seems petty."

"It seems like Yugao doesn't agree either. I should probably let her talk to Hayate about this, and let it go."

"But what if they've already done something or are planning to do so?"

"Kurenai, what do you think?"

Anko appeared to be talking to herself, her expressions shifting with her words.

Kurenai fixed her gaze on her.

"You're siding with him?"

Anko, startled, exclaimed, "I'm not!"

"How could that be?" Kurenai feigned a dismissive expression. "This brat? What gives him that right?"

Feeling slightly irritable as well, Anko waved her hand dismissively. "Whatever, let Genma and the others handle it."

Kurenai swallowed the words she had originally intended to say and replied calmly, "You shouldn't associate with him anymore. His reputation might bring you trouble, and you saw what kind of person he is. It's not worth your effort."

Anko scoffed, "I know even without you telling me."

She stood up and turned back to Kurenai.

"Asuma is organizing a get-together with Guy. It seems Kakashi was also invited. It's rare, and he asked me to invite you. Are you coming?"

Kurenai fell back onto her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

"Just tell them I'm sick and can't make it."

Anko pouted, wearing a knowing expression. "And don't let Asuma come looking for me."

"Alright, I'm leaving."

"Close the door."

"Does it really matter if the door is closed or not? You should really get someone to fix it."

Bang!

The room returned to silence.

Kurenai lay on the bed, staring blankly. As she reached for her arm to cover her eyes, she saw the bruises on her wrist.

Thoughts of everything that happened last night began to flood back to her mind.

That bastard!

How infuriating…

At the Barbecue Restaurant.

"Where's Kurenai?" Asuma asked, looking around only to find Anko seated alone.

"She's sick and can't come," Anko replied, sitting across from him.

"How did she suddenly get sick? She was fine just a couple of days ago," Guy questioned, puzzled.

"I don't know. She looks really worn out, and her mood isn't good," Anko answered. "I'd advise you not to provoke her."

Asuma fell silent.

"What about Kakashi?" Anko asked, noticing only the three of them were present.

Guy sighed helplessly. "He came, but he left."

"Kakashi suddenly got a mission and just took off," Asuma added.

"I suppose he is ANBU and a team leader after all," Anko nodded, understanding, but in her mind, another figure flickered – Kanzuki Oboro.

"Have you ordered?"

Taking the menu, Anko began marking her selections.

"So it's just us three in the end?" she remarked.

"It's too late to call anyone else now," Asuma noted.

"What's the point of calling anyone?" Anko rolled her eyes. "The main character isn't even here."

Asuma coughed lightly, not continuing the conversation.

"Guy and I are just your backup Senpai."

Being called out, Asuma felt a bit helpless and decided to be straightforward. "I've asked her out many times, but she refuses to come. I thought this time with everyone here would be different."

"You really are unlucky." Anko said, pouring herself a cup of tea.

"Who would have thought she would get sick?"

"I should go check on her," Asuma hesitated.

"You, you're just too anxious." Anko began to criticize Asuma.

"You don't understand a girl's thoughts. Do you really think just eating dinner together or giving her flowers will make her fall for you?"

Asuma found himself at a loss for words.

"I honestly have no idea what Kurenai is thinking…" he murmured.

Anko paused while sipping her tea, suddenly recalling Kurenai's swollen lips and the bruises on her wrist from their earlier encounter.

"You've known her since childhood, right?" she asked casually.

"Yeah, we all know each other since the ninja academy. We've been friends for over a decade now," Asuma replied.

"Childhood friends, huh..." Anko remarked.

Asuma chuckled softly, "What's up?"

Anko continued to sip her tea, the steam drifting up to her eyes.

"It's just that... I think you have it tough too."

"If she could think that way, it would be great." Asuma chuckled lightly.

"...Perhaps."