Tsunade Can Hear My Inner Voice novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26 - 26: Yuhi Kurenai's Farewell

TL Note: Bonus Chapter today!

Leaving the Hokage Building, Kurenai said goodbye to Gai and Kakashi before hurrying toward the Hyuga Clan compound.

Since this was not an emergency mission, even as a jonin, she could only move quickly through the streets rather than leaping across rooftops.

Among the Hyuga, Inuzuka, and Aburame clans, Kurenai least liked visiting the Hyuga household. The place had too many rules, and as someone from an ordinary family, Kurenai truly disliked such formality.

Since it was already late, visiting the other two clans—both considered mid-sized with fewer formalities—wouldn't be a problem. But the Hyuga Clan... Heh, better to get this over with quickly.

Upon arriving at the Hyuga compound, Kurenai was met with the piercing gazes of numerous Byakugan. Following protocol, she formally requested a meeting and was eventually led to Hiashi Hyuga and Hinata.

"Sensei?"

Hinata, ever the polite and reserved girl, timidly stood up and bowed toward Kurenai under Hiashi's stern gaze.

Kurenai nodded and gestured for Hinata to sit back down.

Among her three students, Hinata was undoubtedly her favorite. She was well-behaved, unlike Kiba, who was troublesome, or Shino, whose presence was sometimes barely noticeable.

A gentle and obedient girl—exactly the type Kurenai liked best.

"Clan Head Hyuga-sama, I apologize for visiting so late. Please forgive the intrusion."

Hiashi was a man who adhered to rules, but he was not an inflexible old relic. Although he was not particularly fond of Hinata, she was still his daughter. At most, he was merely disappointed in her perceived lack of progress.

He understood Kurenai's character—she was a steady and reliable shinobi.

For her to visit this late, it was clearly something important.

"We're about the same age, Kurenai-sensei. You can just call me by name."

Hiashi's unexpected politeness caught Kurenai off guard. However, she had no intention of taking advantage of it—there was no need.

"I'll get straight to the point. I have an urgent mission outside the village tomorrow, so I won't be able to oversee Hinata's training for a while."

"That's understandable." Hiashi's eyes narrowed slightly, as if he had just realized something, but he didn't press further. "We are all shinobi. Going on missions is a natural part of our duty."

"Thank you for your understanding, Hiashi-sama!" Kurenai finally felt relieved. Of the three clans, this was the one she had been most reluctant to visit. Now that this matter was settled, she could move on to the other two.

"Even though I will be away, I don't want Hinata's training to stagnate. I'd like to ask for your support in continuing her regimen. Also, they're still young, so I hope Hinata can take on more D-rank missions with her teammates in the coming days. What do you think?"

"No problem. We'll follow your instructions, Kurenai-sensei. We were all at that age once, and Hinata needs to grow."

"Good. Then it's settled. It's getting late, and I still need to visit the Inuzuka and Aburame clans, so I'll take my leave."

"Hinata, escort Kurenai-sensei to the door."

Hinata timidly followed Kurenai outside.

"Kurenai-sensei, where are you going for your mission?" Hinata asked curiously but then quickly recalled the shinobi confidentiality rules. "If it's inconvenient to say, never mind."

Kurenai chuckled and ruffled Hinata's hair. "I'll tell you when I get back. You have talent, Hinata. Even while I'm away, make sure to train hard, alright?"

"Mm!" Hinata nodded firmly.

She liked Kurenai—not just because she was beautiful, but because being around her was far more comfortable than being at home.

"Be good and wait for me to return. I'll bring you a souvenir."

"Thank you, Kurenai-sensei!"

"Go back inside, Hinata. After training, make sure to visit the Hokage Building to take on missions."

"Understood, Kurenai-sensei!"

After saying farewell to Hinata, Kurenai hurried off.