Lurking in Konoha, Part-Time Hokage

Behind the house, a small grove.

"As a ninja, the most commonly used ninja tools are shuriken and kunai..."

Kurenai Yuhi mimicked their teacher's preachy tone while explaining. A shuriken, commonly known as a throwing star, is a type of projectile weapon. Kunai, resembling a small dagger or throwing knife, can be used for close combat or as a projectile weapon. Both of these tools are essentials stocked in a ninja's belt pouch. There are many advanced techniques too, like Manipulating Shuriken Technique or Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu.

"We're learning kunai throwing today."

Kurenai took out a kunai and said.

The truth is, she had just recently joined the Ninja Academy, where they taught kunai throwing, but she hadn't yet mastered it. Especially in front of Hanekawa, it made her a bit nervous, fearing she'd mess up. Kurenai put on a serious face and threw the kunai with all her might. Thud. The kunai hit the wooden stake but missed its mark. Her cheeks flushed lightly.

She met Hanekawa's gaze and hurried to explain, "I... I meant to miss."

Sure, say a few more words, and we'll all believe you. Hanekawa stifled a laugh, nodding slightly. He was professionally trained; no matter how funny, he wouldn't laugh out loud.

"Now for the real kunai throwing!"

Kurenai focused on the wooden stake and seriously threw another kunai. Under her silent prayers, the kunai hit the target dead center. Quite impressive.

What do you know, I'm pretty accurate after all. Kurenai's lips couldn't hide her smile as she asked, "How was that?"

Adorable, Hanekawa smiled and praised, "Very impressive."

"Your turn!"

Kurenai, satisfied with his response, handed him a kunai. Hanekawa concentrated, took a deep breath, and flung the kunai. Just as he expected, an unexpected outcome—the kunai missed the wooden stake. Seeing this, Kurenai felt slightly relieved. It seemed his talent was in Chakra refinement.

Hanekawa wasn't surprised.

In his previous life, he could only skip stones three or four times. But no worries, he had his Entries. As long as he persisted until the Entries appeared, everything would be fine.

"It's normal for accuracy to be a bit off on the first try. Just practice more."

Kurenai comforted him while handing another kunai. Hanekawa took the kunai and continued throwing. Time passed gradually. In less than an hour, Hanekawa felt exhausted and sat down on the grass, but he was elated because the system had a new notification.

[E-rank Talent Entry: Ninja Tool Throwing (Not Acquired).]

[Trigger Condition: Achieve Beginner level in Shuriken and Kunai Throwing.]

[Current Progress: 1%.]

A promising progress bar that sets my inner monarch engine spinning. Only shuriken and kunai? No wonder it's just an E-rank Entry.

Hanekawa panted, lost in thought.

"Your physique is a little weak."

Kurenai dealt him a real blow, saying, "I can usually train all morning."

"I haven't trained much before."

Regarding the time issue, Hanekawa felt the need to explain. But Kurenai wasn't wrong; this body wasn't up to par. Even in his previous life, he was just a frail college student, and running 1,000 meters felt as taxing as a punch from Saitama. 

Ninja life required not just Chakra and Ninjutsu but also rigorous physical training. Moreover, Hanekawa believed training would potentially trigger corresponding Entries. Just then, footsteps approached.

"Dad!"

Kurenai's face lit up with excitement.

She ran forward and took the Dango from Kurenai Yuhi's hands.

"For you."

Instead of eating immediately, Kurenai offered Hanekawa a skewer.

"Thank you."

Hanekawa took a bite and found it overly sweet. He finally understood why Anko Mitarashi could transform into her famous round shape.

"You two are too young to train for long periods."

Kurenai Yuhi glanced at the wooden stake and scattered kunai, saying, "That's enough for today. Rest well; you have school tomorrow."

School, huh? Hanekawa watched Kurenai licking the Dango with her little tongue, momentarily lost in thought. He wondered which classmates he would meet. As a fan of the original story, seeing the living side characters was exciting. As for the main characters, they hadn't been born yet.

Soon, it was the next day.

Kurenai was awakened by a familiar sound.

She got up, opened the window, and saw Hanekawa practicing kunai throwing.

So diligent?

Kurenai's small mouth slightly opened. Although kids in the Ninja World were mature for their age, they weren't typically this motivated. To her, paying attention in class was enough. After so much class time, she believed in enjoying and playing to the fullest afterward.

Kurenai bit her lip. She felt a sense of urgency, being surpassed. If she really lost to Hanekawa, her dream of being the leader would slip away. No way! Kurenai's eyes seemed to burn with determination.

"Good morning, Kurenai."

Hanekawa wiped sweat from his forehead and looked at her. She wore white pajamas; her slightly curly black hair was a bit messy. Too bad she was too young, body still undeveloped. In the original, she was quite the exceptional beauty.

"From now on, call me to train with you!"

Kurenai said, hands on her hips, "I can't let you work hard in secret!"

"No problem."

Hanekawa agreed with a smile. Training alone was nothing compared to the delight of working with a pretty girl. For the record, he wasn't a loli-con.

"Kurenai."

After breakfast, Shinku Yuhi handed them each a lunchbox and reminded, "Remember to take Hanekawa to meet the teacher."

"You already said it yesterday."

Kurenai pouted and replied, "I know!"

"See you later, Mr. Yuhi."

Hanekawa greeted, following behind the bouncing Kurenai Yuhi.

As he walked, he looked around. Having watched Hidden Leaf Village in anime before, experiencing the reality of Konoha was entirely different.

"Hmm?"

Hanekawa made a curious sound. Ahead of them, perched on the left side of the wall, stood a kid. With his arms crossed, wearing a white sleeveless vest, he looked into the sky, trying to seem cool.

It wasn't until Kurenai walked past, not paying any attention, that he couldn't help but cough.

"Asuma? What are you doing up there?"

Kurenai noticed him upon hearing the sound. Asuma Sarutobi, the Second Son of the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen. In the original series, he married Kurenai Yuhi and ultimately died at the hands of Akatsuki's Hidan.

Hanekawa couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Without the signature beard, he couldn't immediately tell it was Asuma Sarutobi.

Interested in Kurenai this early, are you? It made sense. Both Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka pursued Sasuke Uchiha when they were in the Ninja Academy. 

Asuma Sarutobi leaped down and landed steadily. He looked at Hanekawa, hands in his pockets, asking, "Kurenai, who's he? I haven't seen him before."

When he was on the wall, he had already noticed Hanekawa, feeling a strong sense of competition. He wouldn't tolerate anyone more attractive than himself near Kurenai Yuhi.

"He's Hanekawa."

Without any suspicion, Kurenai replied, "He's a transfer student joining our class today."

"Oh?"

Asuma was momentarily stunned and asked, "Then how did you meet him?"

"Because Hanekawa stays at my house."

Kurenai tilted her head as she spoke.

"...?"

Asuma was left standing there, baffled. 

Not even holding hands yet, and he's already staying over? This was too much for him to handle! Asuma Sarutobi automatically put on a mask of pain.