Lurking in Konoha, Part-Time Hokage

"What's going on, Kurenai?" 

Panicking thoroughly, Asuma Sarutobi hastily asked.

Kurenai Yuhi blinked, puzzled by his intense reaction. They hadn't known each other long, and at their young age, she hadn't realized the impact of her words. She just saw him as a friend, unaware of how effective those words were, enough to send Asuma Sarutobi spiraling into a clownish despair.

"It's like this."

Kurenai simply explained the whole story. After listening, Asuma Sarutobi was fuming, shaking with indignation in broad daylight. The culprit was his old man? Currently in his rebellious phase, he didn't want to live in the shadow of Hiruzen Sarutobi, so they weren't on good terms.

"Asuma?"

Noticing an anomaly, Kurenai asked, "Why is your face red?" 

"Ah, it's nothing."

Asuma Sarutobi composed himself and smiled. "We're about to be late. Let's go."

Kurenai didn't think much of it and walked ahead. Asuma Sarutobi followed her, his peripheral vision darting towards Hanekawa. Hanekawa's lips twitched. Asuma had been staring at him the whole way, reminding him of a meme. I'll always be watching you… forever and ever… jpg.

"Asuma, I'll take Hanekawa to the teacher's office. You can go back to class."

Once they reached the Ninja Academy, Kurenai spoke up.

"I can take him!" 

Asuma volunteered eagerly.

"No."

Kurenai refused, "This is a mission my dad entrusted to me."

"But…"

Asuma wanted to try again, but Kurenai had already turned and left with Hanekawa.

No!

He watched their retreating figures, subconsciously raising his hand. Damn Hanekawa kid! Asuma Sarutobi was filled with sorrow and anger.

In the teacher's office, Hanekawa handed the admission letter to a young ninja. According to Kurenai's introduction, his name was Eiichiro Yamamoto, a pretty ordinary Chunin.

"Hanekawa, welcome to Year 1 Class A."

Eiichiro closed the admission letter with a smile. As a student specially sanctioned by Hiruzen Sarutobi, he had to treat this seriously.

"Thank you, teacher."

Hanekawa greeted politely. Eiichiro nodded slightly. He didn't seem like a problematic student.

"Kurenai, you can leave."

Eiichiro explained, "I'll take Hanekawa to the classroom."

"Okay."

Kurenai gave Hanekawa a meaningful glance and then left.

"These are your first-grade textbooks."

Eiichiro picked up a stack of books from the desk. Hanekawa counted seven books in total. The top book read "Chakra Concepts and Refinement Techniques."

"Class will start in a few minutes. You can take a look."

Eiichiro kindly reminded him.

"Mm."

With limited time, Hanekawa briefly skimmed the books. Titles like "Ninja Tool Throwing, Will of Fire, Ninja Code," and "History of Konoha" were all present. Hanekawa recalled that in his previous life, someone had analyzed the content of the Chunin Exams' written test, finding subjects like English, Chemistry, and Physics there. Although officially, graduating as a Genin only required mastering the Three Basic Techniques, the Ninja Academy taught quite a bit more.

The bell rang.

"Let's go."

Eiichiro picked up a book and walked out. Hanekawa hurried to follow. Soon, they arrived at Year 1 Class A. Eiichiro approached the podium while Hanekawa waited at the door, having already caught the attention of several curious eyes. Some girls looked at him with green-eyed curiosity, as if they might devour him any moment.

Hanekawa easily spotted Kakashi Hatake. With his white hair and peculiar mask, he was hard to miss. In the original work, he graduated at five, became a Chunin at six, and a Jonin at thirteen—a definitive genius ninja. In the future, he'd be a disciple of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, and the mentor of Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha.

The seat to Kakashi's left was empty. On his right sat a small girl, most likely Nohara Rin. She was easily recognizable by her brown short hair, gentle demeanor, and the two purple lines on her face. The empty seat should belong to Obito Uchiha. This future antagonist, now just a rising hopeful known for his clumsy antics.

"Ahhhh!"

At that moment, a beastly scream resonated. Hanekawa instinctively turned to see a boy around his age wearing a tracksuit and visor, face flushed, barreling in. 

"Move!"

The boy yelled at him. Hanekawa stepped back. The boy flew into the classroom, came to a halt, and after the momentum carried him forward for a moment, he flopped to the ground.

"Late again, Obito."

Eiichiro shook his head.

"Sorry, teacher. I was helping an old lady across the road and lost track of time."

Obito Uchiha tried to explain.

"Next time, come up with a better excuse."

Eiichiro sighed.

"I'm telling the truth!"

Obito tried to defend himself.

"Go to your seat."

Eiichiro clearly wasn't buying it. Who helps an old lady cross the road every single day?

"Rin."

Obito sat at his seat, calling out to Nohara Rin.

"Good morning, Obito."

Rin replied softly.

"Hehe."

Obito grinned foolishly.

"Before class, I have an announcement."

Eiichiro tapped the podium. The room fell silent, with some smarter students already guessing it involved Hanekawa.

"From today, Hanekawa will be joining us in class. Let's welcome him!"

Eiichiro's announcement was followed by applause throughout the room, with a few exceptions like Asuma Sarutobi. Watching Kurenai's enthusiastic clapping made him feel a sourness in his eyes. I'm eating lemons over here.

"The new student is quite good-looking," remarked a girl with short black hair sitting behind Rin.

"What do you think, Rin?"

Obito asked with implicit vigilance. Rin noticed his expression and hesitated. She did find Hanekawa attractive, but expressing it would surely upset Obito.

"Looks don't matter. It's about strength."

Kakashi chimed in coolly.

"What a pompous guy!"

Obito winced at the word 'strength.' "When I awaken my Sharingan, I'll definitely make you bow down!"

He believed that Rin was more interested in Kakashi because of his strength.

"I agree with Kakashi!"

A spirited youngster in a green jumpsuit turned around, revealing his white teeth with a thumbs up.

"Alright, let's have Hanekawa introduce himself."

Eiichiro raised his hand, interrupting their chatter.