Naruto: Hidden Hokage

"Director, are you heading out?"

Yorin had just arrived at the orphanage when he saw Nonō Yakushi hurriedly walking out.

"Yorin?"

Nonō paused, surprised.

"What brings you here? Is something wrong?"

"No, it's Sunday, so I thought I'd visit the orphanage," Yorin said, holding up a stack of picture books.

"I also brought some gifts for the kids."

"That's thoughtful of you," Nonō said with a warm smile.

"It's nothing much," Yorin replied with a shake of his head.

"Everyone here has taken good care of me."

"Go ahead and spend some time with them," Nonō said, patting his head gently.

"I need to head to Konoha Hospital."

"Is it for a surgery?" Yorin asked casually.

Nonō wore many hats: she was the director of the orphanage, a Root operative, and a doctor at Konoha Hospital.

Given her skills, any surgery she performed likely wouldn't be for a regular ninja.

"It's just a meeting," Nonō explained.

"Tsunade-sama has returned to the hospital as its director."

"Tsunade-sama?" Yorin's eyes lit up.

"Can I meet her? I've been a big fan of hers and always wanted to see her in person."

As one of the Legendary Sannin, Tsunade was a role model for many ninjas.

His claim to being her fan was completely plausible.

"Today's just a meeting, so it's not the right time," Nonō said after some thought.

"How about I take you to meet her next Saturday?"

"Okay."

Yorin suppressed his curiosity for the time being.

"I'll see you next time."

With that, Nonō walked off toward Konoha Hospital.

Watching her leave, Yorin fell into thought.

So Tsunade really was in Konoha during this time.

However, he couldn't help but lament his lack of a Yang Release talent to complement his Yin Release.

His Yin Release stemmed from the enhanced mental energy he gained after regaining his memories from his past life.

As for Yang Release, was it tied to physical strength?

Yorin recalled the still-unacquired E-Rank Talent Perk: Sturdy Physique, wondering if one of its synthesis paths might lead to a Yang Release talent.

Either way, it was worth pursuing—physical training never hurt anyone.

After a week of exercise, his progress for Sturdy Physique had already reached 60%.

At this rate, he might not even need another full week.

With his stamina increasing, he was able to train longer each day.

At the orphanage, Yorin distributed the picture books to the children and played with them for a while before saying his goodbyes.

Walking through the streets, he wondered when Kabuto Yakushi might arrive at the orphanage.

The original series didn't specify an exact timeline, but it was certainly after the Third Great Ninja War.

A sense of urgency weighed on him.

The ninja wars were exceedingly dangerous—even Kage-level ninjas weren't safe.

"Yorin!"

A familiar voice called out from above.

Looking up, Yorin saw Kurenai's small feet dangling from a tree branch, gleaming white under the warm sunlight.

Unknowingly, he had already returned to Kurenai's home.

Two trees stood in her yard—one a locust tree, and the other… also a locust tree.

"What are you doing up there?" Yorin asked.

Kurenai hopped down from the tree after putting on her shoes.

Landing steadily in front of him, she extended her hand.

Yorin raised an eyebrow, meeting her gaze in silence.

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

Kurenai crossed her arms, pouting.

"Unacceptable!"

"I didn't have any money," Yorin said with a slight cough.

The truth was, he had forgotten.

Kurenai froze, suddenly remembering that Yorin was an orphan with no income.

"Here… take this!"

Turning her face away, Kurenai handed him a wallet, her cheeks slightly flushed.

The wallet was pink with bunny-patterned decorations.

Yorin blinked in surprise before instinctively opening it to find a stack of bills inside.

He suddenly felt queasy.

No way am I living off a cute girl's charity.

Besides, Kurenai wasn't wealthy. If it were a Hyuga or Uchiha girl, he might consider it.

However, the Hyuga heiress hadn't been born yet, and if it were an Uchiha girl, half the series' episodes might not even exist.

Still, it was time to think about earning some money.

"No need," Yorin said, catching Kurenai's wrist and returning the wallet.

"Huh?"

Kurenai tilted her head, blinking innocently.

Feeling a sudden impulse, Yorin reached out to pat her head.

Kurenai instinctively leaned back but couldn't dodge in time, ending up glaring at him.

"So, what were you doing up there?" Yorin asked, casually changing the subject.

After ruffling her hair a couple of times, he withdrew his hand.

Smooth, silky texture. Not bad.

"My dad wants to see you," Kurenai said after recovering.

"Where is he?" Yorin asked as he entered the house, slipping off his shoes at the entryway.

"I'll go get him," Kurenai said, tucking the wallet away before skipping off to Yūhi Mahiru's room.

Moments later, both father and daughter returned to the living room.

"Yorin," Mahiru began bluntly, "how's your chakra refinement coming along lately?"

Yorin stood and demonstrated on the spot.

"Impressive," Mahiru said with a smile.

"Your progress is already close to Kurenai's."

Yorin had been practicing for a week, while Kurenai had been at it for nearly six months.

Truly terrifying.

Kurenai huffed in annoyance, unable to find any reason to refute her father.

Seeing this, Mahiru found his daughter utterly adorable.

Reaching out to pat her head, he was met with a perfect backflip dodge.

"Your chakra control is passable now, so it's time to start learning genjutsu," Mahiru said, clearing his throat to mask his awkwardness.

Speak of the devil. Yorin's spirits lifted.

Though genjutsu was less useful later on, it was still effective against average ninjas.

Kurenai also grew serious—this was her chance to defeat Yorin and reclaim her title as the boss.

"Genjutsu, taijutsu, and ninjutsu are the three foundational skills of a ninja, but few specialize in genjutsu," Mahiru said, tilting his chin up proudly.

"Genjutsu is the hardest to learn, requiring exceptional talent."

Mahiru wanted to show off in front of his daughter. And he wasn't lying—few in Konoha understood genjutsu better than he did.

Except for the Uchiha clan.

"Are you a genjutsu specialist, Uncle Mahiru?" Yorin asked, feigning curiosity.

"I am," Mahiru said, his smile widening.

"Teach us already!" Kurenai urged impatiently.

All she wanted was to master genjutsu quickly and beat Yorin to assert her dominance.

Mahiru's expression stiffened.

Is this still my sweet little girl?