Lurking in Konoha, Part-Time Hokage

Hanekawa ran against the wind through the streets of the Hidden Leaf Village.

As an undercover agent, the most crucial quality was caution. His plan was simple: run until he reached the Konoha Bookstore, then pretend to rest, tired from running. 

Even if someone noticed something off, he could always say, "I'm just a passing Kamen Rider... oh no, an elementary student."

"Hanekawa!"

A familiar voice drew near. Hanekawa turned his head to see a strikingly green figure.

It was Might Guy, running on his hands. "Good morning."

Hanekawa smiled and nodded. After a week of training, they had become quite familiar with each other. "Don't be so lazy." Hanekawa still had a long way to go before he could match his training regimen.

"Alright, I'm speeding up now!"

Might Guy rounded a corner along the drainage ditch and quickly disappeared from view. Hanekawa continued his silent jog. An hour later, he stopped in front of the Konoha Bookstore, nearly at his limit, feeling utterly drained.

"Hanekawa!"

At that moment, Might Guy's voice echoed from not far away.

Is he coming over?

Hanekawa displayed a look of resignation. "Is your backup energy source activated?"

Might Guy said, clenching his fists, his whole body trembling, "You have to give it your all, fight to the end, to be worthy of youth!"

Nearby passersby instinctively took half a step back, their small movements conveying much impact. Hanekawa stood there, expressionless.

It felt like he was back in those days shouting slogans before the high school exams. The downside to knowing Might Guy well was the frequent reminders of youth fading away under the sunset. 

But today, he really couldn't manage, and he still needed to make contact with the Hidden Cloud Village ninja.

Hanekawa slowly entered the Konoha Bookstore. Might Guy wasn't upset. It was already rare for Hanekawa not to show any odd expressions at his antics. 

Before him, only Kakashi Hatake and a few others treated him with a normal demeanor. Continuing his youthful journey, Might Guy turned away.

Hanekawa glanced around. As he had arrived rather early, there was no one else in the bookstore.

"What book are you looking for, young one?"

A young woman approached with a smile.

"Do you have Icha Icha Paradise?"

After a brief pause, Hanekawa asked. He had always been curious about Jiraiya's masterpiece Icha Icha Paradise.

"No."

The young woman shook her head.

To think that even a work by one of the Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya, wasn't available? Ridiculous! Hanekawa suddenly remembered that Icha Icha Paradise was published by Jiraiya at the age of 42. Indeed, it wasn't available yet.

"I'd like to buy The Time of Thunder."

Hanekawa lost interest and got straight to the point. The Time of Thunder was the hidden code for Hidden Cloud Village.

"That book is a private collection of the owner. Let me take you to see him."

The young woman's eyes narrowed as she spoke. Under her guidance, Hanekawa reached the second floor of the bookstore.

"Number 9527, glad to see you're still alive."

After the young woman left, an ordinary-looking middle-aged man appeared before Hanekawa. What did he mean by still being alive? Hanekawa scrutinized him, but nothing in his memory matched the man's appearance.

"I'm your contact. You can call me Tsuchikyo."

Tsuchikyo noticed his expression and introduced himself, explaining the initial greeting.

Recently, the Hidden Cloud Village had orchestrated an attempt to kidnap Kushina Uzumaki. Although the mission failed, it angered Sarutobi Hiruzen. The Village Hidden in the Leaves immediately conducted a comprehensive sweep, including checking the orphanage.

Hanekawa was the last survivor from their batch. Hearing this made Hanekawa shiver with fear. If not for the sudden arrival of the system, he would already be a corpse. He had truly experienced the harshness of being an undercover agent.

"How are you doing at the moment?"

Tsuchikyo poured him a glass of water, asking. Hanekawa took a few sips and recounted his experiences, omitting the system.

"You have such talent?"

Tsuchikyo was surprised, then regretful. "Had I known, I wouldn't have sent you."

Sending a genius as an undercover agent is evidently wasteful; he would be far more effective in the Hidden Cloud Village. But now, leaving would be tough since both Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo had taken notice of him.

"I am willing to stay in the Hidden Leaf Village!"

Hanekawa said resolutely, "Everything is for the Hidden Cloud Village!" Previously, he had no choice; now, he just wanted to be a good ninja.

The light of righteousness shone upon Tsuchikyo's face. He spoke excitedly, "With people like you, how can the Hidden Cloud Village not flourish!"

You really are deeply into your role. But in hindsight, the atmosphere in the Hidden Cloud Village is indeed appealing, with less scheming and a respect for strength.

Hanekawa replied smoothly, "It's what I should do."

Tsuchikyo took a deep breath, suppressing his emotions. Looking at Hanekawa, he said, "Your situation is very different from what we anticipated, so the original mission no longer fits."

The Hidden Cloud Village's previous plan was for Hanekawa to integrate into the orphanage and gather intelligence. 

But now that he had joined the Ninja Academy and attracted attention from the Hidden Leaf Village's upper echelons, the plan had to change. Tsuchikyo fell into contemplation.

Truth be told, Hanekawa's current position was even more advantageous to the Hidden Cloud Village because he now had the qualification to climb upward. 

The Hidden Cloud Village managed to kidnap Kushina Uzumaki by exploiting an ANBU mole. But once used, the mole was exposed. They desperately needed mid- to high-level double agents.

"Hanekawa, your future mission is to become a true genius."

Tsuchikyo said thoughtfully. Hanekawa immediately understood his thinking. This was indeed the most fitting task for him.

He had already passed Sarutobi Hiruzen's inspection; as long as he didn't leak anything, he was a bona fide Hidden Leaf Village ninja. Step by step, he could rise to the highest level.

"If you encounter any emergencies, come to the Konoha Bookstore to find me."

Tsuchikyo patted his shoulder, advising, "Stay safe; the entire village's hopes rest on you now."

"I understand."

Hanekawa replied with a tone of seriousness.

"Keep up the good work."

Tsuchikyo said with a smile, "There'll surely be corresponding rewards in the future; you might even earn recognition from the Raikage and obtain Nintaijutsu."

"Thank you, Uncle Tsuchikyo."

Hanekawa's eyes brightened, and he smiled. He had quite the interest in the Hidden Cloud Village's Nintaijutsu. The Fourth Raikage's Nintaijutsu, after all, had commendable achievements in the original works.

"When you leave, take two books with you to avoid suspicion."

Tsuchikyo reminded.

"Can I take a few more?"

Hanekawa considered his earlier purpose: the orphanage. Books would make great gifts and would help him keep up the facade he had created with Shinku Yuhi.

"You can."

Tsuchikyo paused, adding, "But not too many. Given your age, you wouldn't have that much money."

As expected from a seasoned undercover agent, handling things with expertise. Truly meticulous! Well done, Uncle! 

Hanekawa descended the stairs and picked out seven children's picture books before leaving the Konoha Bookstore. As he stepped outside, he paused. 

A familiar figure, Obito Uchiha, appeared not far away. He was helping an elderly woman with white hair cross the street. Hanekawa thought for a moment and chose not to greet him, instead turning towards the orphanage.

"Thank you again today, Obito."

The elderly woman glanced at Hanekawa; a sharp glint briefly flashed in her eyes before returning to a gentle demeanor.