Naruto: Hidden Hokage

The sudden conclusion of the battle left the onlookers both stunned and puzzled.

Yorin's genjutsu only targeted Sarutobi Asuma.

From their perspective, the fight seemed inexplicably strange.

Asuma stopped moving, standing still in place, while Yorin, holding a kunai, easily claimed victory.

The spectators had anticipated two possible outcomes:

A one-sided victory for Asuma.Yorin revealing hidden strength, leading to a closely contested fight.

No one had expected such a bizarre result.

"So strong!"

Rin Nohara exclaimed in amazement.

Among all the ninja arts, excluding kekkei genkai, medical ninjutsu and genjutsu are considered the most challenging.

For Yorin to master genjutsu, he was undoubtedly a genius among geniuses.

Kakashi Hatake nodded subtly in agreement.

His interest had indeed been piqued.

Previously, after defeating Asuma, Kakashi had felt there was no one else worth challenging, even considering early graduation.

Now, however, he had a new goal: to defeat Yorin before graduating.

"Just some genjutsu!"

Obito Uchiha interjected indignantly, "No genjutsu is effective against the Sharingan!"

"Open your eyes first," Kakashi retorted casually.

"I'll definitely awaken it!"

Obito's face flushed with anger at the jab.

Unlike the Byakugan, the Sharingan required talent to awaken.

And so far, Obito had shown no signs of awakening it.

"I believe in you, Obito," Rin said, trying to mediate. "Your talent is no worse than theirs."

"Heh!"

Obito's mood lifted instantly, his face breaking into a silly grin.

"Let's go," Kakashi said, shifting his focus back. "I owe you a meal, Rin."

Obito froze, as if turned to stone.

He had completely forgotten about the bet.

Damn it!

Obito felt his heart shatter.

This time, his loss was absolute.

"Obito," Rin called warmly, turning back, "join us."

"I don't mind," Kakashi said indifferently.

"Rin!"

Obito was overwhelmed with gratitude.

As the battle concluded, the spectators began to disperse, leaving only Kurenai, who eagerly approached Yorin.

Who said genjutsu users were weak? Genjutsu users are amazing!

"Yorin!"

Kurenai's cheeks were flushed, resembling ripe apples.

Yorin returned to reality and smiled.

He had been examining the newly unlocked skill:

[E-Rank Talent: Gale Chronicles.]

[Trigger Condition: Defeat young Sarutobi Asuma.]

[Effect: Increases wind-release aptitude by 10%.]

The new skill was unexpected for Yorin.

He hadn't anticipated this method of unlocking a skill.

Though it only provided a 10% boost, it sparked an idea.

Would defeating Kakashi unlock lightning-release aptitude?

Would defeating a stronger version of Asuma yield higher wind-release benefits?

"Asuma," Yorin said sincerely, "you're very skilled. If you'd held out a little longer, I would've lost due to chakra depletion."

This was a lie.

He needed Asuma to keep challenging him, to unlock more skills.

The best way to ensure this was to give Asuma hope—to make him believe that just a bit more effort would secure victory.

Asuma was stunned.

What does this mean?

An olive branch?

But… he couldn't accept it!

"I'll be back!"

Asuma glanced briefly at Kurenai before storming off.

Only his world remained wounded.

Today, my hands shook; today, my heart ached.

Asuma returned home in silence, pushing open the door and heading straight to his room without a word.

"Asuma," Hiruzen Sarutobi called, "why aren't you greeting anyone?"

Asuma didn't even look back, ignoring him entirely.

"…"

Hiruzen's face twitched in discomfort.

His son's usual disrespect was one thing, but today there were guests.

He briefly considered disciplining Asuma.

"Old man, it's rare to see you flustered like this," came a teasing voice.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you, Tsunade?" Hiruzen replied awkwardly.

Asuma's behavior in front of Tsunade, one of Hiruzen's former students, was particularly embarrassing.

"It's nothing. Kids are like that," Tsunade said before shifting her tone. "But it looks like something is really bothering Asuma."

Reflecting on Asuma's earlier actions, Hiruzen agreed.

"Sunny," he called, "investigate this."

With Tsunade present, Hiruzen felt no need to hide the matter.

"How's Minato's injury?" Hiruzen asked as they waited.

"It's no longer serious," Tsunade said confidently. "With me treating him, you have nothing to worry about."

"That's true," Hiruzen said, though his brows furrowed. "But I didn't expect him to be so badly injured."

"The Nine-Tails' power is unpredictable," Tsunade said. "It's a good thing Minato had the Flying Thunder God technique. Otherwise, the situation would've been far worse."

Hiruzen shuddered at the thought.

Had Kushina entered the village while out of control, the damage would've been catastrophic.

"Lord Hokage," came a knock at the door.

The ANBU member Sunny entered, presenting a scroll.

Hiruzen opened it, curious about the report.

Let's see what happened.

Given Asuma's identity and abilities, he shouldn't have been bullied at school.

Hiruzen's eyebrows raised in surprise.

He lost to Yorin?

Unbelievable!

Asuma wasn't the most talented ninja, but he wasn't weak either.

More importantly, he'd been training for months before even enrolling, under the guidance of a special jonin tutor.

And Yorin?

Only a week of learning.

The only explanation was that Yorin was an extraordinarily rare genjutsu prodigy.

Not only that, but he seemed to have a good character.

After defeating Asuma, he hadn't gloated but instead consoled him.

Hiruzen felt a spark of inspiration.

This could be his chance to mend his relationship with Asuma.

"Finished reading, old man?" Tsunade asked, extending her hand.

Hiruzen handed her the scroll.

"A genjutsu user in their first year?" Tsunade said after a quick read. "This one's a real talent."

"Indeed," Hiruzen said as he stood. "I'll go speak with Asuma."

"Alright," Tsunade said, standing as well. "I'll check on dinner with Lady Biwako."

She referred to Hiruzen's wife, Biwako Sarutobi.

"Asuma," Hiruzen called, knocking on his son's door.

"Not here!"

Asuma's voice was muffled and sullen.

"Don't you want to beat Yorin?" Hiruzen said after a pause. "I can teach you how to counter genjutsu."

Silence hung in the air.

Moments later, the door creaked open.

"Then tell me!" Asuma demanded, his face set in determination.

Hiruzen's lips curved into a smile.

Yorin truly was a good kid.