Konoha’s White Fang Shines

Chapter 8: Individual Struggles

Rin, Genma, and Kurenai's kindness made Obito, who had been living dependently with his grandma since childhood, suddenly feel immense happiness.

However, Genma's help was actually driven by his own calculations.

Although the alone time during lunch with Kurenai was gone, it resulted in a couple destined to fall in love with each other.

At this moment, Obito was not the future OSS, and Genma didn't harbor any grudge against him. Besides, people naturally compare and refer to each other. He always felt that something was missing between him and Kurenai. After all, his good treatment towards Kurenai came too suddenly and too easily.

Therefore, he couldn't have the pure intentions of liking someone for their own sake, like Rin and Obito did.

Having Rin and Obito join his lunch group was also a way to foster learning.

In simple terms, it was to set an example so that Kurenai would realize it herself, or Genma would try to emulate it.

It must be said, the stimulating effect of a role model is immense.

Since Rin and Obito joined, Genma was itching to watch all sorts of public displays of affection.

During mealtime, Genma's lunchbox, which was four times larger than Kurenai's, would divide the food: Obito received one and a half portions, Genma himself got one and a half, and Kurenai and Rin each got half a portion. And Rin would deliberately push high-calorie foods to Obito under the guise of dieting.

But even these small concessions caused many changes in Kurenai.

After all, Kurenai was quite a foodie, yet obedient and would eat as soon as the food was arranged, greedily devouring it.

Genma often worried if Kurenai would turn her red beans into sweet potatoes first.

Thus, when meeting Obito and Rin, the little schemes in his heart had already started.

Although it was coincidental, it indeed allowed him to achieve his aim.

"Today there are new dishes, Kurenai. Try this: sweet and sour pork ribs, sweet and sour fish, and spicy and sour cabbage."

"Wow, there's more meat. You and Obito eat, and I want to keep my figure like Rin."

Although Kurenai was somewhat resentful, she glanced at the visibly slimmer and quite cute Rin, then scooped some food from her bowl back into Genma's bowl.

However, there were side effects too. When Obito ate something delicious, he would suddenly cry and shout for his grandma.

Meanwhile, the well-behaved and sensible Rin always adjusted the atmosphere, and the four of them would make plans to cook together.

When they went to Obito's house to cook, Genma took the lead, Obito became the top apprentice, and Rin and Kurenai came to assist.

This was to let Obito's grandma eat delicious food, which was indeed heart-wrenching. Obito's grandma appeared to have accumulated too much fatigue, possibly with poor recovery abilities, making it difficult for her to move around even if she recovered.

Obito himself was aware of it. Although his grandma always seemed peaceful, her complexion and overall physical condition were indeed hard to comfort.

Originally having Genma's little scheming thoughts, he was gradually moved, and his relationship with Obito became increasingly better.

Of course, Kurenai and Rin were together as well; the four attended school and left school together.

After school, they cooked together. Obito gradually mastered the skills, but because of his grandma, Genma and the others didn't end the daily habit of the four.

That day, Genma prepared several pots of dishes, and Kurenai and Rin eagerly tried to replace him.

Unable to bear the pleading look of the young girls, Genma stepped back and prepared the ingredients with Obito.

"By the way, Genma, always using your money makes me feel bad. Next time, don't do this. Although grandma's illness hasn't gotten better, seeing you like this makes me feel guilty~"

Months passed, not sure if it was due to the stimulation of love or the increased household chores, but Obito became much more steady and studious.

Today, saying such a thing surprised Genma greatly. After pondering for a moment, he responded:

"Although that's true, you and your grandma are incredibly kind people. I can't stand seeing your grandma work so hard for you all her life without enjoying a few days of peace~ Moreover, you only have one grandma. Can't you bear to let her live badly?"

Obito was silent. Before he could say anything, Genma continued:

"Remember the last one to enroll in our class, Kai?"

Obito nodded, but didn't understand how Kai was related to what Genma was saying. He opened his mouth but didn't know what to say.

"He taught me physical training for three years, he can be considered my mentor. Although his father is a Genin, and many people ridicule him, I still respect him very much."

"Why is that?"

"Because he has heart. Even though he doesn't have the strength of a strong person, he possesses the indomitable spirit of one. Just based on that, he's worth learning from."

"One day, Kai's father couldn't afford medicine because of lack of money, and I happened to be there. So I helped him cover the rest of the cost and kept helping him. Do you know why?"

Obito shook his head, not understanding. Although he didn't know what Genma was trying to say, he believed wholeheartedly that Genma truly wanted to help him, so he listened more attentively.

Seeing Obito like this, Genma no longer teased.

"Because I believe in him, believe that he can become a world-class strong person, and so can his son. Even if it's not possible now, in the future, it surely will be. And now, I believe you can become a strong person too. Things like money, once you become a ninja, you can repay me quickly, so I don't mind."

"Mhm~ Genma, I always feel like you speak rather deeply, but I didn't expect your perspective to be so good. I definitely won't disappoint your expectations."

Indeed, young Obito was still more hot-blooded. Genma, face full of black lines (exasperated), had to seriously handle the ingredients, without saying anything else.

The four of them happily finished dinner, said their goodbyes, and went home.

Of course, the shameless Genma wouldn't miss this chance, eagerly following Kurenai, saying he wanted to walk her home.

This was also a recent idea. Although he didn't know how effective it would be, he thought that love earned with perseverance and effort would be cherished even more.

"That Genma, just walk me to here. It's not good if my dad sees~"

"Uh, it should be fine, just walking a classmate home."

Initially, in front of Genma, Kurenai had acted like she couldn't possibly like him. After spending so long together, Kurenai had gradually started to care about him.

However, not knowing if it was love, even if it was, she still had other obstacles.

After all,

"Red, where did this guy come from, why is he following you every day?"

The thing that worried Kurenai the most still happened. At the moment the familiar authoritative voice was heard, her heart clenched.

"Who is it, Red?"

Genma and Kurenai turned around simultaneously, only to see a pair of blood-red eyes emanating fierce light.

"This is my dad, Genma. Hurry back~"

Kurenai walked up to Genma, seemingly trying to stop her father, Makoto Yūhi, from suddenly attacking.

Genma was no fool. Seeing Kurenai nervously clenching her fists, he knew Makoto Yūhi wasn't easy to deal with.

But, does he have to leave like this, scurrying away?

Wouldn't that be useless?

Without saying a word, he just ran because of the other's fierce demeanor. How can he talk about liking someone like this?

The shocking thing happened, Genma stood back in front of her, seemingly trying to shield her from her own father.

"Senior, I admit I do like your daughter, but before that, I must first become a top-class strong person. Please give me a chance, and please believe in my determination."

Makoto Yūhi, witnessing all this, looked competent and imposing, and didn't suddenly lash out to beat Genma.

He just glared at Genma, then coldly said: "If you hadn't run away ignoring my daughter earlier, I would have definitely grabbed you and beaten you severely. Before I get angry, hurry up and get lost."

Genma respectfully bowed, didn't say a word, glanced at Kurenai, and then hurriedly left.

In this situation, saying anything would only anger the other party. If Kurenai were stuck in the middle, it would be very painful.

Thus, Genma chose to leave, but before he walked far, he was grabbed.

Looking back, it was Red who he had suddenly confessed to.

Red's beautiful eyes looked earnestly into Genma's eyes, then bit her lip and said: "Is what you just said true?"

Being looked at expectantly by Red, Genma felt very comfortable and smiled in response.

"Yes, from the day I met you, I've liked you~"

"I'll wait for you, wait for you to become a strong person, wait for you to come and marry me~"

"I will, definitely~"

Despite some reluctance, the increasingly intense murderous aura around him made him have to leave.

Not knowing what Makoto Yūhi's true attitude was, but in this powerless situation, Genma felt like his heart was being stabbed many times.

Walking alone on the street, he wanted to look back at Red, but was worried that if he did, he would start softening.

He knew he had to be resolute, work hard, and strive to gain Makoto Yūhi's recognition soon.

After all, he didn't have a one-step-on-the-moon cheat, and working hard relentlessly was the only thing he had and could do.

"That kid has already walked far away. Tomorrow at school, he'll still be seen. Do I have to let him stay overnight?"

From the moment Genma left, Red's gaze had never left him, even until his silhouette disappeared, still watching him.

Meanwhile, Makoto Yūhi's teasing made Red's face blush red instantly.

"Dad thinks he's good too, right? Otherwise, you'd definitely beat him up, right~"

"Hmph, yes, he is good, a bit self-aware, but as for the future, it's still uncertain. Before he fulfills his promise, I advise you to stay away from him. Women of the Yūhi Clan shouldn't marry a waste."

"He's not a waste," Red glared fiercely at Makoto Yūhi, pouting her lips and continuing: "He's Shiranui Genma, a man I really value."

"If you had said that earlier, I would have definitely beaten him to a pulp. It's not right to make my daughter like this by pretending you're in love after not studying well."

"You can't beat him up."

"That's none of your business."

"Hmph, bad person."

Makoto Yūhi suddenly became domineering, glaring fiercely at him, and Red stormed off angrily.

Suddenly, being disliked by her daughter because of another man, Makoto Yūhi felt a sour feeling in his heart.

How come the promised daughter is like a little cotton-padded jacket, but when there's another man, she turns into a chili pepper.

So irritating, really.

End of Chapter 8