Chapter 43: Kurenai
Sasuke's strength was absolutely terrifying!
Even Kiba and Shino combined weren't a match for him.
"..."
Kurenai and Hinata stood to the side, completely stunned.
'This is a genin?'
'Even the elite jōnin of Konoha aren't this strong!'
...
Originally, Sasuke hadn't planned to make a move after bringing Hinata here.
But Kiba was too impulsive. He seemed to have a deep grudge against Sasuke's arrogance.
So, Sasuke decided to show them just how powerful he really was.
"So strong!"
Hinata had always thought of Sasuke as a lecher these past few days. Every time he saw her, he looked like he wanted to devour her.
Physical advances were a daily occurrence.
That morning, over breakfast with Sasuke, she'd listened to him brag about being as strong as the Third Hokage.
Even though Sasuke had shown the Byakugan at the time, it still hadn't impressed her as much as this—defeating Kiba and Shino, then unleashing a grand Lightning Style: Chidori.
'Maybe Sasuke... my boyfriend... really is super powerful!'
...
As Team 8's leader, Kurenai stepped forward and said, "Uchiha Sasuke, that's enough."
Sasuke turned his gaze to her.
There was no doubt—aside from beautiful girls like Hinata, Sakura, and Ino...
There were also mature beauties—like Ayame from Ichiraku Ramen, and the kunoichi Tsubaki, Mizuki's fiancée.
But compared to them, Kurenai was on another level.
Kurenai was one of Konoha's rare beautiful jōnin!
Of course, Sasuke wasn't going to miss out on such a prize.
"Kurenai, if you can't stand it, we can spar right here!"
Sasuke challenged her directly.
But then he changed his mind.
He wanted to win over Kurenai—add her to his harem.
Naturally, he couldn't make a move in front of Kiba and Shino.
Especially not in front of Hinata!
Hinata had only just entered a close relationship with him. She was different from Sakura and Ino—Hinata hadn't liked Sasuke before.
So Sasuke couldn't be indecent toward Kurenai in front of her.
That would deeply disappoint Hinata.
Once he and Hinata were like an old married couple,
Sasuke's life would become even more blissful.
"Forget it, we'll spar later, one-on-one."
Sasuke smiled. "Kurenai, go ahead and assign Team 8's mission for today."
Every ninja team started with basic missions—pulling weeds, picking up trash, finding lost pets.
All ninjas had to train with small tasks first.
It was impossible to jump straight to high-level missions.
"Hmph."
Kurenai was clearly displeased with Sasuke's arrogance.
But she didn't push further. Perhaps there were secrets about Uchiha Sasuke she couldn't expose in front of Kiba and Shino.
Little did Kurenai know—Sasuke had already set his evil sights on her.
...
In the original series, Kurenai didn't have many appearances, but they were memorable.
She remained single for a long time. It wasn't until Naruto: Shippuden that she slowly started a relationship with Asuma Sarutobi in secret.
Unfortunately, Asuma was killed by the Akatsuki before he could marry her.
As viewers, it felt like such a loss!
...
But now, with Sasuke as a transmigrator determined to build a harem—
Sorry, Asuma Sarutobi.
Even if you were still alive, your future wife would still end up as Sasuke's woman!
If Sasuke wanted it, he would make it happen.
...
"Hinata, your personal relationship with Uchiha Sasuke isn't something I should interfere with."
"But, as Team 8's captain, I have a responsibility to look after you all."
"I'll ask more about this later."
Kurenai turned to Shino and Kiba: "Don't be impulsive again. Uchiha Sasuke's strength isn't something you two can handle."
"Go to the Hokage's office and get some small missions to build experience."
Kiba and Shino both looked at Sasuke.
Sasuke generously pulled out some money and stuffed it into their hands.
"We had to fight to understand each other."
"Hinata is my wife. From now on, she's your teammate. I hope you protect her and keep her from doing any exhausting or dirty work."
"Of course, I'll visit often to help my Hinata."
Kiba was visibly annoyed.
"Who wants your money..."
But Shino, having seen Sasuke's strength, stopped Kiba from snapping.
"Hinata is our teammate. Even without you saying it, we'll look after her..."
"We don't need your money."
Sasuke saw they weren't cooperating.
He sighed. "You will need it. Also, what I meant was—any dirty or tiring tasks like picking up trash or pulling weeds, Hinata is not allowed to do them. Got it?"
As he spoke, Sasuke activated his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
In an instant—
Kiba and Shino seemed to lose all resistance, their minds overwhelmed.
They took the money Sasuke gave them and nodded. "Don't worry, Sasuke. We'll protect Lady Hinata with our lives."
"..."
Hinata stood by, stunned.
This Sasuke!
What was he doing?
'Why does he have to treat her so differently?'
Hinata just wanted to be a normal kunoichi. She didn't want this.
But Sasuke wouldn't allow Hinata to suffer.
He pulled her close and smiled. "Hinata, I know you think I've gone too far."
"But I truly don't want you to suffer even a little."
"Now that you're my woman, you only need to be happy. You're allowed to bully others, but not suffer even the tiniest bit."
"Sasuke..."
Hinata was frustrated by Sasuke's overbearing decisions. But being protected by him like this felt kind of sweet.
It was the first time she felt what it was like to be protected by a boyfriend.
"Alright, go ahead."
Sasuke whispered in her ear, "To make Kiba and Shino listen, I gave them a little genjutsu."
"Don't worry. In their hearts, you're the queen. Whatever you tell them to do, they'll do it."
Genjutsu?
So scary!
"Sasuke..." Hinata protested.
But Sasuke pushed her away and said, "Hinata, unless you want to be a full-time housewife, you'll have to accept my way."
Exactly!
If Hinata no longer wanted to be a kunoichi and chose to become Sasuke's full-time wife—
Then Sasuke would immediately take her home and spend over a dozen indecent hours helping her understand what being Sasuke's wife truly meant.
Hinata shut up immediately.
...
Then Hinata, Kiba, and Shino left, looking uneasy.
In the original story, Kiba and Shino were good partners to Hinata.
But Sasuke hoped the two of them would act more like personal guards—never letting Hinata suffer the slightest bit.
...
Sasuke turned and looked at Kurenai with a playful smile. "Kurenai, now it's time for our story to begin!"