Lurking in Konoha, Part-Time Hokage

The morning's theory class ended, leading to the much-anticipated Ninja Tool Throwing class for Hanekawa.

Under Eiichiro's guidance, everyone gathered at the training ground. The Ninja Tool Throwing class was divided into two sessions. 

The first session involved Eiichiro explaining the key points. The second session focused on hands-on practice for the students.

Hanekawa listened attentively, as this was crucial for him to quickly acquire new entries. 

In contrast was Asuma Sarutobi, who had already mastered the related techniques before even enrolling in the academy.

As the son of the Hokage, he had a special tutor who was a Special Jonin. Except for Hatake Kakashi, he was confident he could defeat any student in the class.

But... Asuma Sarutobi was staring at Hanekawa and Kurenai Yuhi with discontent on his face. 

Why? 

Clearly, he had been here first! Filled with jealousy, Asuma Sarutobi was unable to accept it. Normally, Kurenai would stand with him, but today she was next to Hanekawa.

Hey! I have an idea! 

A thought crossed Asuma Sarutobi's mind about how to win Kurenai back. It was simple, just defeat Hanekawa, right? In the ninja world, the iron rule had always been that the strong were respected. 

Besides, the gap between him and Hanekawa was significant. He was certain of his victory.

"Now let's begin the Ninja Tool Throwing practice," Eiichiro announced as he laid out a row of wooden stakes. "If anything's not right, I'll point it out."

"Teacher, I'll go first!" Asuma Sarutobi said, tilting his head up and speaking loudly. He then gave Kurenai a 'watch me perform' look.

Hanekawa recalled an expression: the fighting rooster among chickens. Asuma Sarutobi was full of hormone-fueled energy now.

However, Kurenai didn't grasp his signal, instead showing a puzzled expression.

Thump, thump, thump—three sounds. 

Asuma Sarutobi made a suave toss, and all three kunai hit the bullseye. He turned around with a smug look, only to be stunned. 

Kurenai was whispering something softly to Hanekawa with her head down.

"Not bad!" Eiichiro began applauding. Asuma Sarutobi could not find joy in it. The excitement belonged to them, he had none of it. 

Could it be that his strategy was flawed? That didn't make sense.

"Thank you, Kurenai." Hanekawa said after listening to her detailed explanation. As for Asuma Sarutobi's three perfect hits, no one was surprised; he was, after all, the Hokage's son.

Hanekawa approached a nearby wooden stake and, using the technique Kurenai had taught him, threw a kunai. The kunai hit the target, but there was still a gap from the bullseye.

"Is that it?" Asuma Sarutobi, who had been watching him closely, couldn't help but comment.

"Don't be so lazy!" Kurenai encouraged with a tiny fist pump.

"..."

Seeing this, Asuma Sarutobi became angry beyond belief. Why? Brother, I can't catch my breath.

The Ninja Tool Throwing class concluded. Hanekawa's progress bar had already reached 10%. 

The E-rank requirement for Ninja Tool Throwing was merely for the shuriken and kunai to reach the beginner level, so it wasn't too difficult.

"Kakashi! Let's have a youthful duel!" A green flash flew past Hanekawa's eyes. 

Looking up instinctively, he saw Might Guy. 

In the original series, Might Guy was the true man who almost ended things with a single kick, thanks to the Eight Gates technique. Just that his behavior and personality were quite abstract.

"Next time for sure!" Kakashi Hatake used the Body Flicker Technique to make his escape. 

After enrolling, his exceptional prowess caught the attention of Might Guy, who would constantly challenge him to duels. 

Initially, Kakashi was interested enough to engage in a few matches. But Might Guy wouldn't quit, filled with endless enthusiasm and coming up with new ways to spar every day.

"What incredible speed!" Might Guy's eyes lit up, a smile blooming on his face. "As expected of my eternal rival!"

Watching them chase one another reminded Hanekawa of his fitness plan. However, training with Might Guy's intensity was something he just couldn't handle—not mentally or physically. 

Might Guy, who excelled in Taijutsu, had a natural talent unrivaled in the ninja world. Following such a regimen would mean that within a week, Kurenai would have to grieve for Hanekawa.

"Hanekawa!" Asuma Sarutobi blocked Hanekawa's path. "I challenge you to a duel!" The idea was clearly inspired by Might Guy.

"Asuma," Kurenai chimed in, somewhat displeased. "Isn't that just bullying?"

Initially, Kurenai had a positive opinion of Asuma Sarutobi, but now she saw him as being unreasonable. 

Hanekawa had barely started learning ninja knowledge and was essentially a novice.

"I... I didn't mean it like that!" Asuma Sarutobi quickly explained, realizing the issue. "I can wait until the end of the term!"

In love, he had indeed lost his head. In the original series, Asuma Sarutobi was actually not a bad person. It's just that he was quite rebellious at this stage. 

But you couldn't blame him; he was a kid, after all. They acted with impunity. 

As for the duel, it was the perfect opportunity. With the support of the system, would he need to hold back?

Moreover, Asuma Sarutobi was an excellent benchmark, like a measuring stick for a normal genius.

"No problem," Hanekawa agreed. The end of the term was roughly three months away. 

With his Cheat, if he couldn't even defeat the six-year-old Asuma Sarutobi, Hanekawa might as well find Tsunade and crash headfirst into her.

Kurenai hesitated, concern evident on her face.

"Great!" Asuma Sarutobi became ecstatic, yet he was completely oblivious to Kurenai's changing attitude toward him.

After setting the duel with Asuma Sarutobi, Hanekawa felt even more motivated. 

Returning home, he dined and then went out to the grove to resume his training. As the night settled in, Hanekawa took a shower and lay in bed, opening up the system once more.

After a night's training, the 'Ninja Tool Throwing' entry progressed by another 5%. At this rate, he'd acquire this entry within a week. 

However, the current number of entries seemed too few.

Hanekawa decided to begin his physical training early the next day, determined to gather more entries. 

Tracking the progress bars appropriately could make the difference. Aside from physical training, he also needed to focus on learning the classic Three Basic Techniques and practicing Chakra control.

Thinking about his future plans, Hanekawa slipped into a restful sleep.

"Hanekawa... Hanekawa..." In the quiet night, a soft voice suddenly emerged. 

Hanekawa sat up abruptly, rubbing his eyes. What's going on? Who calls for someone in the middle of the night making mumbling noises?

At that moment, the sound ceased.

"...?"

Instinctively, Hanekawa looked toward the window. In the moonlight, a series of words formed from faint Chakra.

"Sunday morning at nine, meet at Konoha Bookstore."

The message lingered only for a few seconds before the Chakra gradually dissipated, disappearing without a trace.

A chill ran through Hanekawa's mind.

Ninjas from Kumogakure were contacting him! Finally, undercover operatives would meet! But... the meeting wasn't on the rooftop, something felt off.

He wondered who the Kumogakure ninja could be. His most prominent impressions of Kumogakure included the ever-present conceptual figure Raikage and Samui, whose presence rivaled Tsunade.