Konoha Village
Kurenai Yūhi led Masahiko away from the Ninja Academy and straight toward the Kurama Clan's residence.
After ringing the doorbell, the two waited quietly.
Moments later, a gentle, elegant young woman opened the door. Seeing Kurenai, she was about to greet her—then paused when she noticed Masahiko.
"Kurenai… and this gentleman is?"
"Let me introduce him," Kurenai said with a smile."This is Yagyū Masahiko, a taijutsu instructor at the Ninja Academy. I invited him to come take a look at Yakumo."
Masahiko immediately bowed politely."Hello. I'm Yagyū Masahiko. Thank you for having me."
"Oh—please, come in."Yakumo's mother quickly recovered from her surprise."Yakumo is resting upstairs."
After thanking her, Masahiko and Kurenai entered the house together.
Before they had gone far, a frail, pale-faced girl hurried down the stairs.
"Kurenai-sensei, wasn't this supposed to be tomorrow—"
Her words stopped when she noticed Masahiko.
For a brief instant, her expression froze—then she straightened her posture, becoming quiet and composed almost instantly.
The speed of the change was startling.
Kurenai couldn't help laughing, but she didn't tease her."No need to come down—we were about to go up anyway."
"Well…"Yakumo's mother hesitated.
Masahiko spoke gently."Madam, if possible, I'd like to speak with Yakumo privately. Senior Kurenai may stay if you prefer."
"…All right," her mother said softly."Please just don't let her get too tired."
Masahiko nodded seriously.
The three of them went upstairs and sat in the second-floor sitting room.
Kurama Yakumo quietly studied the unfamiliar but handsome teacher. Curiosity filled her eyes—then a trace of unease.
"Don't worry," Kurenai said lightly."He's not a genjutsu specialist."
Yakumo visibly relaxed, her cheeks flushing slightly."I—I wasn't worried…"
"No need to be nervous," Masahiko said warmly."This is your home. I'm not your teacher today—just a visitor. And a friend of your Kurenai-sensei."
His calm smile put her at ease.
Seeing this, Kurenai stood."I had tea at the Academy earlier. Since we're here, let me return the favor and make some."
"Sounds good," Masahiko replied easily.
As Kurenai went downstairs, Yakumo stiffened again—now alone with him across the table.
Masahiko glanced around the room, then his eyes settled on a painting in the corner.
It depicted a wide field of wildflowers beneath drifting clouds. A single bird flew across the sky.The composition felt distant—almost yearning.
"Did you paint that?"
"M-my painting?"Yakumo flushed."It's just a sketch. Nothing special."
"Art reflects the heart," Masahiko said gently."You put real feeling into this."
He studied it for a moment."It's beautiful."
"It's not that good…"
Yakumo lowered her head.
Masahiko looked toward the window."You really want to go out and see the world, don't you?"
"…Huh?"
Yakumo stared at him in shock.
She realized then—he wasn't offering empty praise.He truly understood the painting.
Joy welled up… followed immediately by heaviness.
She opened her mouth—then said nothing.
"In this painting," Masahiko continued, pointing gently,"I see a bird that wants to be free. You want to be that bird, don't you?"
Yakumo's expression dimmed. She remained silent.
Masahiko let out a quiet breath of relief.
Her heart was still gentle.There was still time.
"What do you want to do in the future?" he asked.
"Me?"
Yakumo forced a smile."I want to become a powerful ninja!"
"No," Masahiko said calmly."That's your family's wish."
He chuckled softly."When I was young, my parents wanted the same for me. But what I wanted…"
He shrugged."I wanted to be a teacher."
"Why?"
Yakumo asked, curious.
Masahiko grinned."Because teachers seemed impressive. They could scold people, and even parents treated them politely."
"Pfft!"
Yakumo burst out laughing.
"That's… that's exactly what I thought too!"
"See?" Masahiko laughed."Parents and clans shape our dreams. But somehow, I still ended up becoming a teacher."
Yakumo lowered her head again."To be able to do what you want… that's wonderful."
"So what do you want?"Masahiko lowered his voice."It's just us here. And Kurenai-sensei is on your side."
Yakumo rested her chin in her hand, speaking more freely than she realized."I… I've never really thought about it. I grew up living for my family's expectations, but…"
She sighed deeply."If I were healthy, maybe I could meet them. But now…"
"That's not your fault," Masahiko said firmly.
Then he smiled."So right now… you want to go outside and play, don't you?"
Yakumo froze—then glanced at the painting.Her face reddened as she nodded.
"I can't take you out yet," Masahiko said."But would you like to return to school?"
"…I would."
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Masahiko smiled."If I find a way to make that happen… will you be my friend?"
"Of course!"
Her eyes lit up."You understood my painting—I already thought of you as a friend!"
"Then it's a deal."Masahiko held out his pinky."Pinky swear."
Yakumo laughed, half-embarrassed, half-happy—then hooked her finger with his.
"Pinky swear."
Just then, Kurenai returned with the tea, curiosity in her eyes."What are you two talking about so happily?"
"Paintings," Masahiko said, pointing.
Kurenai smiled."She painted that yesterday—spent hours revising it."
She handed them each a cup."Here."
"Thank you."
The three sat together, chatting casually—no ninjutsu, no training, no pressure.
Quietly, Kurenai observed.
Yakumo was brighter today.More relaxed.More alive.
In such a short time, Masahiko had earned her trust.
Professional, indeed.
No wonder he could handle Naruto.
After a while, Masahiko stood."I'll step downstairs for a moment."
As he turned, he gave Yakumo a subtle wink.
She suppressed a smile—but her eyes shone with anticipation.