Lurking in Konoha, Part-Time Hokage

"My name is Hanekawa. I don't have many hobbies, and as for my dream, I hope to become a ninja like the Lord Hokage."

Hanekawa's real dream was simply to survive, but that seemed too out of place. So he voiced a typical Ninja Academy student's dream—to become Hokage.

It's not much different from wanting to be a scientist in his past life. Moreover, he added a clever twist by saying he wanted to become a ninja like the Hokage, not Hokage itself.

Having caught Danzo Shimura's eye, he had no choice but to temporarily align himself with Sarutobi Hiruzen, showcasing loyalty as the wise move.

"The ninja who will finally become Hokage is definitely me, Obito Uchiha!" Obito Uchiha stood up suddenly, his face full of pride.

Nohara Rin instinctively tugged at his sleeve but failed.

"Childish," said Kakashi Hatake expressionlessly. He was no three-year-old; he was already five—a big kid! If he were to become Hokage, it would be through actions, not words.

Watching Obito Uchiha, Hanekawa suddenly recalled a dark joke: If he couldn't become Hokage, he'd make Hokage.

"What's so great about Hokage anyway?" Asuma Sarutobi stood up slowly, saying in a solemn voice, "I want to surpass the Hokage!"

The classroom fell silent instantly. Everyone knew he was the son of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Hanekawa's expression turned subtle. Being familiar with the storyline as a fan, he knew how unrealistic Asuma Sarutobi's words were. His talent was rather limited, not particularly remarkable even among Jonin, let alone surpassing Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Having a dream is a good thing, but if you want to achieve it, you have to study hard," Eiichiro clapped his hands to draw everyone's attention and said, "Hanekawa, that seat by the window at the back is reserved for you."

Desks in the classroom seated three, and being a transfer student two months late, Hanekawa could only sit at the back. However, he didn't mind; the seat by the window was a good spot.

His desk partner was a little girl with short black hair. Meeting her gaze, Hanekawa said, "Hello, I'm Hanekawa." As a spy, there are often two paths: becoming inconspicuous or a social butterfly.

But his cheat/advantage and appearance wouldn't let him be inconspicuous. He regretted not being part of the Aburame Clan; otherwise, he would naturally come with the ability to obscure his presence.

"I'm Shizune, nice to meet you." Shizune smiled. Hanekawa was somewhat surprised. So it was Shizune? Was she still at the Ninja Academy at this time? In the original story, after Nawaki and Kato Dan died, Tsunade developed a hemophobia, a psychological condition of fearing blood—devastating for a medical ninja.

Tsunade then left the village with Shizune, wandering and gambling across the Ninja World. Hanekawa rubbed his chin. Was Tsunade still in the Hidden Leaf Village?

Hanekawa glanced around. In front of him were Kakashi Hatake, Nohara Rin, and Obito Uchiha.

To the front left were Kurenai Yuhi, Asuma Sarutobi, and a boy he didn't recognize. "Today's lesson is 'History of Konoha.' Please open your books to page thirteen," Eiichiro's voice brought Hanekawa back to reality.

He casually opened the book, pausing on the contents page for a few seconds. The contents had four major chapters: Sage of the Six Paths, Senju Hashirama, Tobirama Senju, and Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Flipping to the first chapter, a sense of incongruity struck him. Something felt very off—about nine times out of ten.

The text claimed the Sage of the Six Paths created various ninjutsu and even set the rules for ninja squads, including having at least one medical ninja among the three members. Wasn't this proposed by Tsunade? Had history been altered, or was something else amiss?

"The First Hokage established the Village Hidden in the Leaves amidst chaos and wrote down the Ninja Code, including prohibitions against drinking and gambling during missions..." Eiichiro lectured with zeal at the podium.

Hanekawa, snapping back to focus, inwardly mused, is this apocryphal history? Although it's not as wild as some fanfiction, Senju Hashirama was known for enjoying both drinking and gambling.

He flipped to the end of the book and discovered it was authored by Sarutobi Hiruzen. No wonder, just professional work. He could already predict what the fourth chapter was about.

The bell marking the end of the class rang. Eiichiro left with his textbook, and the classroom soon buzzed with chatter. "Kurenai..." Asuma Sarutobi started speaking, only to see Kurenai Yuhi jump off her stool and run over to Hanekawa.

He subconsciously clenched his fist; if this continued, he would lose completely!

"Hanekawa, are you settling in?" Kurenai Yuhi greeted Shizune before looking at Hanekawa. "Mm," Hanekawa nodded.

As a university student going back to learning elementary students' content, it felt like going home. In his past life, he had joined the Yuanfudao Platform, crushing elementary students with ease.

"Here's something for you," Kurenai Yuhi handed him a notebook, saying, "These are the highlights I've noted down over the past two months. It should help you."

"Thank you," Hanekawa replied earnestly. "Then I won't disturb you any longer; see you at lunch."

Kurenai waved her small hand and turned to leave.

"Do you guys know each other?" Shizune, noticing something, couldn't help but ask out of curiosity.

"Kurenai's father is my teacher," Hanekawa explained.

"A Jonin teacher?" Shizune's eyes widened. Normally, students were assigned to a team teacher only after graduation. Hanekawa's case was clearly beyond her understanding.

"Do you know Lady Tsunade?" Looking at her surprised expression, Hanekawa asked impulsively. Shizune shook her head.

Hanekawa felt the incongruity again. He suddenly realized a problem. In the original, Tsunade and Kato Dan's connection began because of a Jonin meeting about embedding medical ninjas in squads. But now the Sage of the Six Paths had already accomplished this. Evidently, some unknown change had occurred in this world.

Could it be the butterfly effect of his own crossing over? Unable to decipher it, Hanekawa decided not to dwell on it.

Time quickly passed, and soon it was noon. Students either went home or looked for places to eat. Hanekawa closed his textbook and saw Kurenai Yuhi standing in front of him.

Her ruby eyes shimmered under the sunlight, strikingly beautiful. Not far away was Asuma Sarutobi, watching with a gaze full of resentment. "You guys eat," Shizune got up to find Nohara Rin. Kurenai Yuhi then sat in her seat.

"Are you and Asuma close?" Hanekawa asked while opening his bento.

"Not really, just desk mates," Kurenai Yuhi replied with a bit of annoyance, "But he keeps bugging me. I see."

Hanekawa picked up his chopsticks and grabbed a fried shrimp. As a pure-heart warrior, he wouldn't be one to interfere in relationships (seriously). But since there was nothing between them, he felt no burden.