C7 I will Give You the Ashes!

Ye Fenng's reason for murder was straightforward. Since his rebirth, he had his sights set on a select few women in this world, and Yūhi Kurenai was among them. This led to an inevitable problem.

To win over Yūhi Kurenai, Ye Fenng first needed to eliminate Asama. Regrettably, Asama was not only a Jonin but also the son of the Sandaime, forcing Ye Fenng to bide his time until the right moment presented itself. Luckily, the Chunin exams were still two years away.

Asama harbored a secret crush on Yūhi Kurenai but had yet to confess his feelings, providing Ye Fenng with the perfect chance to strike. Having witnessed countless self-proclaimed saints meet their downfall in his past life, Ye Fenng was determined not to leave any loose ends. He never fancied himself a paragon of virtue; he acted on his desires, killing at will, driven solely by his preferences.

In Kunoha, home to the Ape Flying Clan, Ye Fenng infiltrated their stronghold undetected, moving with the ease of a ghost.

"It's no wonder the Ape Flying Clan is considered Kunoha's royalty," he mused, passing through the opulent estate. "Their home rivals a palace, with courtyards spanning hundreds of square meters. Such a shame to lose these exquisite flowers and plants."

Though he appreciated the beauty around him, Ye Fenng remained focused on his mission. "Paper Manipulation Jutsu," he whispered, and a multitude of Explosive Talismans began to materialize from thin air, disguised as autumn leaves.

One, ten, a hundred... until ten thousand Explosive Talismans encircled Asama's residence. With the task complete, Ye Fenng felt the vast reserves of Chakra within him and stretched leisurely. The rush of growing stronger was intoxicating.

"Farewell, Asama," he said softly, ready to conclude his grim task.

"In your next life, remember to get yourself a pair of dog eyes and stop coveting things you shouldn't," Ye Fenng said with a mischievous grin as he glanced at Asma, who was still deep in slumber.

Explosive Talismans typically caused noticeable fluctuations when activated. Normally, Asma, with his Jonin-level strength, would have been alerted immediately. Unfortunately for him, Ye Fenng's Explosive Talismans were custom-made with a technique from Sister Nan. It's worth noting that even the formidable boss in the later stages had been cunningly outmaneuvered by Sister Nan, so Asma, being merely a Jonin, stood no chance.

"Art is an explosion!" Ye Fenng's body transformed back into paper and soared into the sky, his lips curling into a slight smirk as he uttered the phrase. His inner chuunibyou spirit blazed to life.

"Boom!" The sound of the massive explosion reverberated, and a surge of flames shot up into the sky. A dazzling firework erupted in the heart of Kunoha, painting the sky with splendor.

As for Asma, who remained blissfully unaware even at the epicenter of the blast, Ye Fenng callously remarked, "I've scattered your ashes to the wind!"

No longer interested in the ensuing chaos among the Kunoha citizens, Ye Fenng transformed back into a drifting sheet of white paper.

He leisurely made his way back to the Ninja School and found a spot to take over from his paper clone. His first assassination: a resounding success.

Shortly thereafter.

"Fenng, what's going on in Kunoha?" Ino asked.

"Looks like there's been a major incident near the Ape Flying Clan's territory," Hinata added, as they both held onto Ye Fenng's hands, standing with a group of children atop a tall building, gazing into the distance.

The event had thrown the entire village of Kunoha into disarray.

"This is quite serious," Hinata whispered, even though she wasn't usually one to understand the gravity of situations.

"Why can't you appreciate such beautiful fireworks?" Ye Fenng sighed, his tone laced with a sense of pity.

Ino and Hinata exchanged silent, bewildered looks.

Meanwhile, at the Hikage's office building.

"What... what did you just say?" Ape Flying Sun Slash stood abruptly, his disbelief evident as he slammed his hand on the desk, his face creased with worry. His hand, clutching a tobacco pipe, shook slightly.

The Ape Flying Clan's headquarters was struck by an explosive talisman. Jonin Asuma has been confirmed dead."

"Additionally, there are 17 confirmed fatalities, five critically injured, and 30 with minor injuries."

A member of the Anbu, wearing a cat demon mask, knelt on the ground, his voice deep and somber.

It was an unprecedented disgrace and blow to the Hikage's family since the founding of Konoha.

"Search! I want every Anbu member to investigate!"

"I want the person responsible to regret ever crossing Konoha!"

The Sandaime, the third-generation leader, lost the last shred of his composure, his roar of rage echoing throughout the building.

...

The next day.

Asuma's funeral.

Being the funeral of the Hikage's son, nearly all the ninjas in the village were present, as well as many villagers on the periphery.

Even the children from the Ninja School were organized to attend the ceremony.

Looking around, the sea of attendees was dressed in black formal attire, a somber wave like a gathering storm cloud.

"Today, we have all gathered for Asuma's funeral, and I appreciate your presence," the Sandaime said, his voice filled with emotion.

"As the Hikage, I failed to fulfill my duty to protect our village and have brought shame upon the Ape Flying Clan..."

The elderly figure of the Sandaime stood at the forefront, stirring the hearts of those listening.

"However, as long as the leaves of Konoha flutter, the Will of Fire will continue to burn eternally."

"We in Konoha will not let the perpetrator escape justice. The Will of Fire that Asuma has left behind must be carried on by all of us here in Konoha..."

"I believe..."

Ye Fenng, clad in a black robe, listened from below the stage, feeling a surge of frustration.

The lines that once inspired such passion now seemed so out of place.

Sandaime, the wily old man, was relentless in his efforts to inspire the villagers.

Amidst the solemnity, Ye Fenng's mind was filled with irreverent thoughts, but he refrained from causing any disturbance.

After all, it wasn't the time to turn against Konoha.

"I wonder if Kurenai is here too," he thought to himself.

"It is, after all, the funeral of the Hikage's son."

Ye Fenng quietly mused, his eyes scanning the crowd in front of him.

Kai, the Five Elements banner, the beauty of the twilight moon, the swift moonlight breeze, the Sennoids—all these familiar faces gathered together.

Shortly thereafter, Ye Fenng's eyes landed on Yūhi Kurenai. Her elegant silhouette beneath the black robe was enough to captivate the imagination. Beside her stood Mitarashi Anko, both women bearing expressions of deep sorrow as they listened intently to the Sandaime's speech amidst the ninja ranks.

"Sigh, what's so great about Konoha anyway? To think it's declined to this point, is it truly worthy of our faith?" he mused.

"Or is Konoha just a breeding ground for fools?"

Ye Fenng shook his head, dismissing the thought.

Something else caught his attention, and he glanced sideways, spotting a notable person in the crowd. There was Naruto, visibly moved by the speech, continuously wiping away tears from his face.

A wry smile flickered across Ye Fenng's lips.