Lurking in Konoha, Part-Time Hokage

"Director, are you heading out?"

As soon as Hanekawa arrived at the orphanage, he saw Nono Yakushi hurriedly walking out.

"Hanekawa?"

Nono Yakushi was a bit surprised, "Why are you here? Is there something you need?"

"No, it's Sunday, so I thought I'd drop by the orphanage."

Hanekawa waved a picture book in his hand, "And bring them a little gift."

"That's thoughtful of you."

Nono Yakushi smiled warmly.

"This little gift is nothing."

Hanekawa shook his head, "Everyone here has always taken good care of me."

"Then go see them."

Nono Yakushi patted his head, "I'm heading to Konoha Hospital."

"Is it for surgery?"

Hanekawa asked casually. Nono Yakushi held three positions: the orphanage's director, an Anbu ninja, and a doctor at Konoha Hospital. Given her skills, she wouldn't be doing surgery for just any ninja.

"No, it's a meeting."

Nono Yakushi paused, "Lady Tsunade is back at the hospital; she's the director there."

"Lady Tsunade?"

Hanekawa's eyes lit up, "Can I come? I'm a big fan of Lady Tsunade. I've always wanted to meet her."

Being one of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha, Tsunade was an idol for many ninjas. Saying he was a fan wouldn't arouse any suspicion.

"Today's a meeting, it wouldn't be appropriate."

Nono Yakushi thought for a moment, "I'll take you to meet her next Saturday."

"Alright."

Hanekawa had to suppress his curiosity for now.

"I'll be going then, see you next time."

Nono Yakushi retracted her hand and headed toward Konoha Hospital. Hanekawa watched her departing figure thoughtfully. So, Tsunade is indeed in Hidden Leaf Village during this time. 

But it's a pity he only had a Yin Release Talent, and no Yang Release Talent. The Yin Release Talent came from his boosted spiritual power after awakening memories from his past life. As for Yang Release Talent, could it be related to physical strength? He suddenly thought of the E-rank entry 'Robust Physique' he hadn't acquired yet, which might lead to a Yang Release Talent. Even if it's uncertain, it's worth trying, as physical training never hurts.

After a week of training, the progress bar for 'Robust Physique' had reached 60%. Another week, and he should acquire it. Perhaps even less time, as he was training longer each day.

Hanekawa entered the orphanage, distributed the picture books to the children, played a bit with them, and then said his goodbyes.

As he walked through the streets, he pondered when Kabuto had joined the orphanage. While the original story didn't specify clearly, it must have been after the Third Shinobi World War. A sense of urgency washed over him. The Shinobi World Wars weren't merely dangerous; even Kage could fall.

"Hanekawa!"

Kurenai's voice called out from above. Hanekawa looked up to see her dangling feet. In the warm sunlight, they appeared dazzlingly white.

Unknowingly, he had returned to Kurenai's house. There were two trees in front of her house, both were locust trees.

"What are you doing up there?"

Hanekawa asked.

Kurenai put on her shoes and leapt down from the tree. Once she steadied herself before him, she extended her hand. Hanekawa raised an eyebrow, engaging in a staring contest with her.

"You went out and didn't bring me anything?"

Kurenai crossed her arms and said, "That's unacceptable!"

"No money."

Hanekawa coughed slightly and said. In truth, he had forgotten.

Kurenai stood frozen. She then recalled that Hanekawa was an orphan with no source of income.

"Here... for you!"

Kurenai handed him a wallet and turned away, leaving him a side profile tinged with embarrassment. The wallet was pink, decorated with bunny-shaped patterns. 

Hanekawa froze for a moment, instinctively opening the wallet to find a stack of bills inside. He suddenly felt a pang of discomfort in his stomach. 

He wasn't ready to be a pretty girl's leech. More importantly, Kurenai wasn't wealthy herself.

If it were a Hyuga or Uchiha, he might consider it, but there weren't any Hyuga princesses his age yet. 

If Uchiha's little girl were born, so much drama could be avoided, that even the Hokage might have fewer episodes. Regardless, he should find a way to earn some money.

"No need."

Hanekawa took Kurenai's wrist, returning the wallet to her.

"Hmm?"

Kurenai tilted her head, blinking in a cute, puzzled manner. Hanekawa felt a stir inside and reached out to pat her head.

Kurenai instinctively leaned back but couldn't avoid it, only able to glare at him.

"You haven't told me why you were up there."

He changed the subject offhandedly, withdrawing his hand after patting Kurenai's smooth, soft hair, which felt quite nice.

"My dad is looking for you."

Kurenai replied, snapping back to reality.

"Where is he?"

Hanekawa entered the house, exchanging his shoes at the entrance.

"I'll call him."

Kurenai put away the wallet and bounced off to Shinku's room. Soon, they both were back in the living room.

"Hanekawa."

Shinku Yuhi got straight to the point, "How is your chakra refinement technique coming along lately?"

Hanekawa stood and demonstrated briefly.

"Not bad."

Shinku smiled, "Your proficiency is almost catching up to Kurenai."

Hanekawa had studied it for a week, while Kurenai had been at it for nearly half a year. It was quite impressive.

Hearing this, Kurenai huffed lightly. She felt a bit annoyed but couldn't find a reason to argue. 

Shinku found his daughter endearing as he reached to pat her head, but Kurenai leapt back, perfectly dodging it.

"Your chakras are barely adequate; you can start learning Genjutsu."

Shinku coughed twice to clear the embarrassment, then advised. As the saying goes, speak of the devil, and he appears. 

His desire to grow stronger was re-ignited. Hanekawa's spirits lifted. Though Genjutsu became awkward in later stages, it was still effective against regular ninjas.

Kurenai also became serious. This concerned her future victory over Hanekawa. She couldn't afford to lose!

"Genjutsu, Taijutsu, and Ninjutsu are the three basics for a ninja, but specialists in Genjutsu are rare."

Shinku Yuhi proudly explained, slightly raising his chin, "Because entering Genjutsu is the most difficult, it requires enough talent."

He wanted to impress his daughter. And he wasn't lying; no one in Hidden Leaf Village knew Genjutsu better than him, except the Uchiha.

"Does that mean you specialize in Genjutsu, Uncle Shinku?"

Hanekawa caught his drift and obligingly asked.

"Indeed, I am."

Shinku Yuhi beamed with pride.

"Hurry and teach us."

Kurenai urged impatiently, eager to learn Genjutsu quickly to surpass Hanekawa and become the top dog.

Shinku Yuhi's expression stiffened. Was this truly his sweet little daughter?