Lurking in Konoha, Part-Time Hokage

"Is this really the first time you've refined Chakra?"

After Hanekawa finished training, Kurenai Yuhi couldn't help but come forward.

"It is the first time."

Hanekawa blinked, replying.

"Darn it!"

Kurenai Yuhi clenched her small fists, saying defiantly, "But surpassing me won't be that easy!"

"I will do my best."

Hanekawa said with a smile.

"You... you don't have to be so serious."

Kurenai Yuhi was a little flustered by his charming smile, proving once again how looks can influence one's impression. Especially when it's a boy like Hanekawa, who can captivate from older women to adorable little girls.

"Hanekawa."

Shinku Yuhi emerged from the house and handed him an admission letter. Hanekawa opened it and skimmed through. It simply stated that he passed the assessment and would officially join the Ninja Academy, becoming a student in First Grade Class A. However, he didn't recall any such assessment, so it must have been Sarutobi Hiruzen pulling some strings.

"Kurenai, take him to meet your homeroom teacher tomorrow."

Shinku Yuhi instructed.

"No problem!"

Kurenai perked up, stating, "I'll complete the mission!"

"I'm going to buy the daily necessities for Hanekawa."

Shinku Yuhi paused and asked, "Is there anything you two want me to bring back?"

"I want some dango."

Kurenai stated without reserve.

"What about you?"

Shinku Yuhi turned to Hanekawa, saying, "We're family now, so no need to be so formal."

"I'll have the same."

Hanekawa casually replied, unsure of what else to ask for. Dango was a specialty snack in Konoha, favored by many ninjas like Itachi Uchiha and Anko Mitarashi. With the opportunity present, he was curious to try it.

"If you don't understand anything in your training, just ask Kurenai."

Shinku Yuhi waved and turned to leave.

"Hmph!"

Kurenai crossed her arms, lifted her chin, and looked at him smugly, as if daring him to say, 'Go ahead and ask me.'

Hanekawa couldn't help but laugh at her attitude.

"What are you laughing at?"

Kurenai pouted.

"I thought of something happy."

Hanekawa coughed lightly and replied.

"What kind of happy thing?"

Kurenai suddenly felt a bit offended and subconsciously put on a stern face.

"When's your birthday?"

Hanekawa abruptly changed the subject.

"June 11th."

Yuhi blinked and asked, "Why do you want to know?"

"Then I'm older."

Hanekawa smiled slightly and said, "You should call me big brother."

"Wait a minute!"

Kurenai responded, refusing without thinking, "No way! I'm the big sister!"

"But you're younger than me."

Hanekawa seriously teased. He actually didn't know his exact age or birthday, being a war orphan.

"No is no!"

Yuhi quickly thought and said, "It's not about age; it's about who's stronger!"

"So you mean if I defeat you, you'll call me big brother?"

Hanekawa raised an eyebrow, asking with a smile.

Kurenai almost agreed immediately but hesitated when recalling his fast Chakra refinement. She bit her lip, "Let's talk after you defeat me."

Hanekawa's smile widened.

Teasing such a cute girl was quite amusing. But let it be clear, he's not a lolicon; he prefers more mature women.

Just then, footsteps could be heard.

"Back so soon?"

Hanekawa turned instinctively, but his expression froze.

It wasn't Shinku Yuhi but an unfamiliar yet familiar woman, Nono Yakushi. Though she was usually gentle, her face was serious now. Hanekawa didn't need to guess, it was definitely something Danzo Shimura pulled.

"Director."

Hanekawa excused himself to Kurenai and walked forward.

In the original storyline, Nono Yakushi was undoubtedly a tragic character. Her inherent kindness led her to leave Anbu. But Danzo threatened her with the orphanage, forcing her to continue serving him, ultimately leading to her demise due to knowing too much.

In Pot Shadow's design, she and her foster son, Kabuto Yakushi, fought to the death.

"Hanekawa, it's good that you're alright."

Nono Yakushi reached out, touching his head softly.

"Thank you for your concern."

Hanekawa noticed her hesitance and asked, "Is there something on your mind?"

"..."

Nono Yakushi fell silent.

Not long ago, Danzo approached her, explaining Hanekawa's situation. He wanted Hanekawa to join the Anbu, believing Sarutobi Hiruzen had no reason to stop him if it was his own choice.

"What plan does Lord Hokage have for you?"

Nono Yakushi finally asked.

"He wants me to attend the Ninja Academy."

Hanekawa replied.

Nono Yakushi's eyes lit up. Her high regard by Danzo was due to her exceptional abilities, known as a walking Shrine Maiden.

Upon hearing 'Ninja Academy,' she thought of a way to buy time.

"Hanekawa, whatever happens, you must graduate normally."

Nono Yakushi warned.

"Okay."

Hanekawa understood the underlying message. As long as he was in the academy, Danzo wouldn't take action for now. But Pot Shadow would always be troublesome.

Joining because he couldn't fight back? Not an option. Danzo wasn't just asking for loyalty but also for brainwashing.

Joining Anbu would essentially make him a traitor of sorts. He longed for the affection of a mature woman, not some old schemer.

If Danzo were Tsunade, it might be a different consideration. Even though she's loaded with debt, 'big' is ideal.

Hanekawa recalled that Kabuto wasn't at the orphanage yet. By estimation, he had at least ten years.

The 'Sinister', no, 'Just Gardenia Plan' begins! A decade to save Nono wouldn't be too much.

Though arranged by the Hidden Cloud Village, this director had been genuinely kind to him.

"Visit the orphanage whenever you can."

Nono Yakushi smiled softly.

"I will."

Hanekawa nodded earnestly.

Nono Yakushi touched his head again as she left.

Hanekawa chuckled slightly. Why was he being head-patted on the first day?

"Kurenai."

Hanekawa turned to Kurenai, asking, "Can you teach me Ninja Tool Throwing?"

Danzo's threat had given him great drive; he had to put in more effort.

'Ninja Tool Throwing' was an essential entry for becoming a 'Gifted Genin'. Though the system hadn't explained the trigger, it was clear from previous experience that it required the appropriate action.

"Of course!"

Kurenai huffed softly, "I'm quite confident in my Ninja Tool Throwing skills."