Lurking in Konoha, Part-Time Hokage

Hokage's Office.

Sarutobi Hiruzen gazed into the crystal ball like a witch.

The semi-transparent crystal ball shifted, revealing the scene of First Grade Class A.

Sarutobi Hiruzen had two sons.

The elder son had already joined the ANBU, becoming an outstanding ninja.

But his younger son, Asuma Sarutobi, was at a rebellious age, constantly opposing him, leaving him quite exhausted.

Watching for a while, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but chuckle.

Kids will be kids.

But competition breeds pressure.

Because of his status as the Hokage's son, Asuma Sarutobi's time at school had been too smooth sailing.

With Hanekawa around, perhaps his rebellious son would change.

"Haru."

Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke, "I need all data on Hanekawa from the past three days."

"Yes."

A voice responded from the shadows.

It was Haru, an ANBU ninja.

Sarutobi Hiruzen had great hopes for Hanekawa.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have snatched him from Danzo Shimura's clutches.

Now he had even sparked Asuma Sarutobi's fighting spirit, achieving two goals at once.

"Lord Hokage."

In less than three minutes, Haru appeared before him.

She wore a frog mask, revealing only her short hair.

Sarutobi Hiruzen took the documents and flipped through them, soon furrowing his eyebrows.

As expected, Danzo Shimura hadn't fully given up, but fortunately, he hadn't caused any trouble.

Continuing to read, a smile appeared on his face.

A hardworking, good child.

At that moment, a knock sounded on the door.

"Come in."

Sarutobi Hiruzen put down the documents casually.

"Lord Hokage."

The door opened, admitting a blond young man.

"Minato."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes narrowed, and he asked, "What brings you here? Is there a problem with Kushina?"

Kushina Uzumaki was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

Of the Tailed Beasts, possessing earth-shattering power, the Nine-Tails was the most formidable.

A Jinchuriki was a ninja with a Tailed Beast sealed inside, the final trump card of a Village.

But the unruly nature of Tailed Beasts made it easy for a Jinchuriki to go berserk.

Not to mention, other villages were always watching.

Like recently, when Kumogakure kidnapped Kushina Uzumaki.

If not for Minato Namikaze, the Hidden Leaf Village would have lost the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki forever.

"Kushina ran out of the barrier again today."

Minato Namikaze chuckled awkwardly, "She used Fūinjutsu to trap the two ANBU assigned to protect her."

"Minato, I know your feelings for Kushina, but concerning the Nine-Tails, you can't let her be so reckless."

Sarutobi Hiruzen took a puff of his pipe, admonishing.

"I understand!"

Minato Namikaze's expression turned serious.

"Don't be so tense."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's tone softened, smiling, "Now that you've mastered the Flying Raijin Jutsu, I doubt anyone will kidnap Kushina again."

The Flying Raijin Jutsu, a Space-Time Ninjutsu, allowed teleportation using the Flying Thunder God Technique Formula.

By marking Kushina Uzumaki with the formula, Minato Namikaze could appear instantly, regardless of distance.

It was no exaggeration to say that from now on, he was the fastest man in the Ninja World.

"Is Jiraiya still in the Village?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly inquired.

"Yes."

Minato Namikaze explained, "My mentor is currently helping me develop a new Ninjutsu."

"A new Ninjutsu?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen asked curiously, "What kind of Ninjutsu requires both you and Jiraiya to develop?"

"We're still refining it."

Minato Namikaze smiled, "I'll show it to you once it's complete."

"I look forward to it."

Sarutobi Hiruzen and Minato Namikaze shared a knowing smile, making the Hokage's Office suddenly feel cheerful.

In First Grade Class A, Hanekawa found it all a bit ironic.

Why do ninjas have to learn math?

It's often said that when you're cornered, you can do anything — except math.

In front of him was a problem about calculating the trajectory of a Kunai.

Theory was all well and good, but against Susanoo, would it be useful?

They couldn't very well mimic Danzo Shimura and resort to stab with a Kunai.

Suddenly, the classroom erupted in activity.

Hanekawa looked up to see a group heading outside.

Leading the group were Kakashi Hatake and Obito Uchiha.

"Obito is challenging Kakashi again."

Shizune shook her head, "Since enrollment, I've lost count of how many times it's happened."

"Who wins?"

Hanekawa asked casually.

"It's always Kakashi," Shizune replied matter-of-factly. "He's the village's acknowledged genius."

Hanekawa nodded slightly.

In just three days, he had already noticed Kakashi Hatake's immense popularity.

In simple terms, it was akin to Sasuke Uchiha's popularity in the original story.

Study more, observe the Uchiha less.

Hanekawa glanced over.

During his brief conversation with Shizune, Obito Uchiha had already lost, not even posing a challenge to Kakashi Hatake.

Obito had burned his throat using Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique and was coughing violently; he seemed like he might cough up a lung any second.

Yet, he was pained but happy, because Nohara Rin was tending to him.

Such kindness might wrongly suggest romantic interest.

Unfortunately for them, fate's gifts had long been tagged with a hidden price.

Reverting to his studies for his own safety, Hanekawa continued.

He had no wish to be "optimized" when Obito Uchiha built a new world.

Returning home after school, Hanekawa practiced Kunai and Shuriken throwing after dinner.

Unlike yesterday, he was joined by Kurenai Yuhi.

One week flew by swiftly.

Hanekawa smoothly integrated into the class, getting to know all his classmates.

Besides notable figures like Kakashi Hatake and Asuma Sarutobi, another less prominent character was Mizuki.

In the original series, he was the teacher who tempted the failed Naruto Uzumaki to steal the Scroll of Seals.

His biggest contribution was gifting Naruto a cheat—namely, the Multi Shadow Clone Technique.

Sunday morning.

Hanekawa threw a Kunai effortlessly, striking the wooden stake dead center.

Several lines of text appeared in his vision.

He exhaled in relief.

"E-rank Talent Entry: Ninja Tool Throwing (Acquired)."

"Trigger Condition: Achieve beginner level in both Shuriken and Kunai Throwing."

"Effect: Increases original arm strength by 10 percent; against stationary targets within 100 meters, ensures accuracy."

"Note: Offers one synthesis path; combine with the E-rank Entry for Seven Ninja Tools to synthesize D-rank Entry Ninja Tool Mastery."

Hanekawa clenched his fist instinctively.

A surge of power coursed through him, albeit slight, but it confirmed a modest increase in strength.

Already a 10% increase as a beginner; at full mastery, he'd achieve a powerful arm akin to a Kylin's.

He should play basketball; this was a natural weapon.

Dispelling stray thoughts, Hanekawa reviewed the new entry screen.

"E-rank Talent Entry: Seven Ninja Tools (Not Acquired)."

"Trigger Condition: Achieve proficiency with the Seven Ninja Tools."

"Current Progress: 10%."

This 'Seven Ninja Tools,' an E-rank Entry like the last, was distinctly more challenging.

Was its difficulty due to the potential synthesis of a D-rank Entry, increasing its value?

This progress meant Shurikens and Kunai were counted, necessitating learning five additional tools.

Hanekawa gathered the scattered Kunai and Shuriken, preparing to leave.

He had prearranged an excuse with Kurenai, claiming a visit to the Orphanage.

In truth, he intended to meet with a Kumogakure spy.