Kurenai exited the Genjutsu after a few moments. "Well done Saul! I couldn't have done it better myself. Yakumo, the seal seems quite sturdy. It should be fine as long as Saul continues to supply it with chakra, or you decide to let it out."

"Really!?"

"Of course!" 

Yakumo had a big sigh of relief. Saul however, was confused. He had figured Kurenai would hide it from Yakumo, so she didn't scare the girl. But why did she seem so... Genuine. He couldn't tell that she was acting at all!

"That's great! Then, Kurenai sensei, I had one more unofficial request. May I have Saul-san accompany me for the rest of the afternoon? You see, I need his chakra to help maintain the seal. It would be a big help if I could choose somewhere nearby - for both his convenience and mine."

"Actually, why don't I accompany you both anyway? I'm not teaching the Genin anything right now, and I need to make sure this unruly boy doesn't try anything he shouldn't."

It seems he had given Kurenai a certain impression of his character, from the chat at his house to his disobedience regarding Yakumo. He didn't really care to be honest.

Saul smiled, "I wouldn't do anything Yakumo wouldn't like." He said teasingly. The prim and proper clan raised girl blushed, while Hinata moved closer to his arm.

"Actually, I-I'm going too!"

"None of you have even asked for my permission yet though. Aren't I the main one being asked to come? What if I want something in return first?" Saul inquired teasingly.

Kurenai looked at him and shook her head in mock disappointment. The ever serious Yakumo however, responded sincerely.

"You've brought up a good point, Saul. I'm incredibly thankful for all that you've done for me, and I'm not sure if I can ever repay even what you've already done. Please tell me what you want in return, and I will do my best to satisfy you."

Well now the ball was back in his court. This would be great if it were in a more private setting, but as it stood now, he couldn't exactly benefit from it. Under the glares of both Kurenai and Hinata, Saul could only delay the conversation.

"I haven't even really thought about something like that yet, to be honest. If I need anything though, I'll be sure to let you know. That's what friends are for, right?"

"Of course!" Yakumo smiled widely.

The group picked out a nice place for Yakumo around 5 minutes away. It was nearby and had similar pricing to Saul and Hinata's. Once they helped her set everything up, Kurenai left to report to the Third about her most recent findings. 

"Saul-san."

"Yes Yakumo?" 

"Sometimes, I get sick. I've been known to get quite ill easily in the past. Will you come over and check in on me from time to time, even if it's not to do with Id? If I'm sick I might require your assistance." 

Yakumo stood there, delicate as can be. She fiddled around a little with her braid as she asked this, staring at him shyly. Saul wondered if it was really just due to illness, as she said. The woman looked lonely.

"Of course. Although you'll owe me even more for this."

She brushed a lock of hair off her face before presenting one of the most beautiful smiles he had seen yet.

"Don't worry Saul! I always repay my benefactors generously."

.

The Hokage's Office

.

The Hokage sat behind a couple mountains of paperwork, looking down at his beloved crystal ball. It was connected to the barrier set up around Konoha's entire perimeter. With it, he could view all things within the village as long as it was visible from the sky. 

Open air baths were quite popular. Hiruzen needed to diligently do his research in the service of Konoha. There might be spies who reveal their true appearance in the bath! After all the bureaucratic work Hiruzen had to endure, he appreciated the chance to do his part contributing to Konoha on the field. It energized him. Additionally, a fully motivated Hokage would benefit everyone in the village! All this paperwork... It called for some extra motivation!

You might be wondering, why didn't he just make shadow clones to do the paper work for him? It would mean less workload for him, right? Wrong! If he made a shadow clone, he would still be doing all the paperwork! The only thing he'd achieve was postponing the inevitable suffering. He was so old, and he'd already sacrificed so much for the village. It was much better to gather enough motivation first before trying anything new...

A knock on his door resounded through the office before the door opened. Hiruzen carefully put his Crystal ball down back at its pedestal and took out his pen, continuing to work seriously. He was not some glory seeking hero, he'd keep his bathhouse contributions a secret. No one would be able to tell what he was doing exactly anyway - it's not like they could see behind all the paperwork!

"Third Hokage-sama."

"Yes Kurenai?"

"I have an update to report on the Kurama clan's situation. Saul involved himself as well."

The Hokage put down his pen and leaned forward. 

"Tell me all the details. I recall I assigned you to assess the situation with Kurama Yakumo. Can she control it? And how was Saul involved?"

"Yakumo showed up at team eight's training grounds, where I was overseeing their training. She wished for an expert to take a look at the demon within her mind. She said she sealed it under her control, with the help of Saul."

Even though he didn't know many Genjutsu, the Third Hokage knew enough about Genjutsu to see the potential problems with this. Nevertheless since it was reported as 'sealed' he didn't see a problem with it... Wait.

"Sealed? Neither Yakumo nor Saul should have learned any Fuinjutsu, right?"

Kurenai nodded. "That's correct." She frowned, trying to recall. The memories came back to her slowly, as if she were in a haze. "...Though to some special trait of Yakumo's Kekkai Genkai, the demon was indeed caged and restrained by the Genjutsu power within her mind. Saul's role in this matter was likely almost entirely supportive." 

"i see. The boy seems rather motivated when it comes to helping those in need."

Kurenai made a sound of agreement. "Yes. Although he seems particularly motivated in the case of women."

"That's nothing new, is it?"

"No... Hokage-sama."

"Very well. Anything else on Yakumo, specifically?" The Hokage took a puff from his pipe and relaxed back in his chair.

"She has moved out of the Kurama clan mansion as a direct result of paranoia regarding the demon."

"Understandable. Were you able to inform them of your recent discovery yet?"

"...Yakumo wanted to keep it a secret, 'to protect her father.' I presume to lessen the guilt he had for sending her out."

The Third Hokage shook his head. "The Kurama Clan contains a faction, led by Kurama Unkai, who are devoted to killing the awakener of the Kurama Clan Kekkai Genkai before it becomes a threat. They have already petitioned me for permission to execute Yakumo."

"You suspect they might go against your direct orders!?"

"I consider the possibility, Kurenai, of them misguidedly attempting to do 'the right thing'. The Kurama clan must be told the truth. Otherwise the potential threat to Yakumo's life cannot be ignored."

Sorry... Kurenai-sensei would have to break her promise for your own good, Yakumo.

"I understand."

Author's Note: No particular things to say about this ch except I read every comment on the story, and they're my main motivation to keep writing! Hope you all enjoyed it lol.