Naruto: Hidden Hokage

"Why are you happier than I am?"

Yorin looked at the hopping Kurenai and asked.

"Because you used genjutsu to defeat Asuma," Kurenai tilted her head, giving a reason. "Maybe I can do it someday too."

"Then you'll need to work hard," Yorin said, recalling the storyline.

"I know that!" Kurenai huffed slightly, a trace of dissatisfaction in her tone.

"I can teach you if there's time," Yorin chuckled.

That puffed-up look was rather adorable.

"You said it!" Kurenai's ruby-like eyes sparkled. "Teach me how to beat Asuma!"

"Why do you want to beat him?" Yorin raised an eyebrow, curious. "Do you dislike him?"

"Dislike might be too strong," Kurenai said with a pout. "But he's always showing off in front of me like he's so great."

It's normal for kids to like showing off. Maybe that's how Asuma won over Kurenai in the original story.

But with him here now, things seemed different.

Yorin smiled. "Alright, I'll teach you."

Normally, Kurenai wouldn't stand a chance against Asuma. But with some focused training and a solid plan, she could win once or twice—after all, Asuma was only six years old right now.

The only potential issue was Asuma's father, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stepping in to help.

The two soon reached home.

Kurenai opened the door, slipping off her shoes to reveal her small feet, while shouting, "I'm home!"

"Welcome back," Shinku Yuhi quickly appeared to greet them. "Wash up and get ready for dinner."

Yorin nodded slightly.

After dinner, Yorin reflected on his newly unlocked trait, Gale Chronicles, which increased his wind-release aptitude by 10%.

Chakra attributes are categorized into water, fire, lightning, wind, and earth, with the special additions of yin and yang.

Everyone is born with certain attributes, identifiable through chakra paper.

Yorin had no idea what his were. In the original story, Kakashi tested Naruto's attributes after the Chunin Exams, which was quite late in his training.

Most likely, attribute training only becomes relevant at the Chunin level.

For now, lower-ranking ninjas only needed to learn basic techniques like shape manipulation and the Three Basic Techniques.

Thinking about shape manipulation inevitably led to thoughts of the Rasengan, the pinnacle of shape manipulation.

He wondered if the training method described in the original story could be applied in reality.

"Uncle Shinku," Yorin asked, "Do we have chakra paper?"

"What's chakra paper?" Kurenai asked curiously.

"It's used to test your chakra nature," Shinku explained, after a brief pause. "Though it's a bit early, there's no harm in finding out."

He left the room and returned shortly with two small square papers.

"Channel your chakra into it," Shinku explained. "The paper will react based on your chakra nature."

"Let me try!" Kurenai eagerly grabbed a piece.

Almost immediately, the paper began to change.

The right half caught fire, while the left half became soaked.

"So cool!" Kurenai marveled at the merging elements.

"It's water and fire nature," Shinku said, surprised. "It's rare to have two opposing natures."

"Does that mean I can learn water and fire jutsu?" Kurenai blinked in curiosity.

"Yes," Shinku nodded, then added seriously, "But there's no need to. Focusing on genjutsu will be more than enough."

Mastering two chakra natures already qualified someone as a Jonin, which showcased the difficulty.

Given Kurenai's talent, focusing on genjutsu would lead to faster advancement compared to diversifying her training.

As they spoke, Yorin's chakra nature was revealed: lightning and fire.

Just add a sword, and he could go full Raiden?

Yorin mulled over the results. Wind wasn't among his innate attributes, meaning he'd need to train hard to acquire it.

But with the system, he now had an alternate path.

"Yorin, you should also focus on genjutsu for now," Shinku reminded, not wanting him to spread himself too thin.

"Understood," Yorin replied, not arguing.

"Did you know Yorin defeated Asuma today?" Kurenai suddenly boasted. "Genjutsu is way stronger than Wind Release!"

The information hit Shinku like a shockwave.

Yorin, who had only been training for a week, defeated the Hokage's son?

He's definitely a genius!

After a brief moment, Shinku smiled and said, "Indeed, genjutsu gives you a significant edge in battles."

That statement was true—unless facing an Uchiha.

The Sharingan's ability to cast genjutsu without hand signs utterly countered traditional genjutsu users.

Yorin didn't react much, but Kurenai found newfound determination.

After a short rest, she began practicing genjutsu again.

Meanwhile, Yorin went to the small grove outside and began honing his ninja tool throwing.

The new day brought a noticeable rise in Yorin's popularity among his classmates.

Students, especially girls, constantly approached him.

In the ninja world, strength was respected.

Yorin's good looks and demonstrated prowess made him an immediate star.

Kurenai, observing the crowd around Yorin, felt an unfamiliar pang of possessiveness.

As for Asuma, he glanced briefly at Yorin before looking away.

Last night, Hiruzen Sarutobi had taught him a method to break free from genjutsu.

Instead of rushing into another duel, Asuma decided to wait until he was certain of victory.

Saturday morning arrived, and Yorin woke up early.

After his usual training, he headed to the orphanage.

Before reaching it, words materialized in his vision:

E-Rank Trait: Sturdy Physique (Acquired).

Condition: Reach the physical baseline of a Genin.

Effect: Increases stamina recovery rate by 10%.

Notes: Two synthesis paths available.

Path 1: Combine with E-Rank Fleet Footed and E-Rank Thousand Years of Death to form D-Rank Taijutsu Adept.

Path 2: Combine with D-Rank Medic Ninja and E-Rank Fleet Footed to form C-Rank Innate Strength.

Yorin stopped momentarily.

Acquiring Sturdy Physique was a natural progression. The 10% stamina recovery boost would extend his training sessions.

What surprised him were the synthesis paths.

Although the difficulty ramped up significantly, Yorin chose the second path without hesitation.

The C-Rank Innate Strength trait likely tied to yang-release abilities, aligning with the C-Rank Innate Full Soul he already possessed.

"Yorin? Here so early? Have you eaten?"

The voice of Nonō Yakushi interrupted his thoughts.

"Director," Yorin greeted, "I had some rice balls earlier."

"Here," Nonō handed him a glass of milk. "Drink this, and I'll take you to meet Tsunade."

"Thank you," Yorin said, finishing the milk in one go.

The two left for Konoha Hospital, eventually arriving at an office where Yorin met Tsunade.

She wore a tea-green coat, her long blond hair tied into a ponytail. Her sleeveless top accentuated her well-developed figure, with a distinct diamond-shaped seal on her forehead.

Yorin's gaze involuntarily lingered on her chest.

Magnificent. No words needed.

Compared to the anime, the real-life impact was far more striking.

It wasn't until Tsunade's piercing brown eyes locked onto his that Yorin snapped back to reality.

Oh no. Auto-aim activated.