Naruto: Hidden Hokage

The morning theory classes ended, and it was time for Yorin's highly anticipated Ninja Tool Throwing lesson.

Under Eiichiro's guidance, the students gathered at the training field.

The Ninja Tool Throwing lesson was split into two parts:

The first session focused on Eiichiro explaining key techniques.

The second session was for hands-on practice.

Yorin listened intently, knowing this was crucial for quickly unlocking a new perk.

In contrast, Sarutobi Asuma wasn't paying much attention. He had already mastered ninja tool throwing before enrolling, thanks to his private tutor, a Special Jōnin assigned to him as the Hokage's son.

Aside from Kakashi Hatake, Asuma was confident he could outperform any other student in the class.

But…

Asuma's gaze lingered on Yorin and Kurenai standing together, a look of discontent spreading across his face.

Why? I was here first!

Jealousy burned within him.

In the past, Kurenai had always stood with him, but today she was by Yorin's side.

Wait! I have a plan!

A solution came to him: Defeat Yorin.

In the ninja world, the most fundamental rule was that strength commanded respect.

And the gap between him and Yorin was massive—his victory was all but guaranteed.

"Now, let's begin our ninja tool throwing practice," Eiichiro announced, setting up a row of wooden posts.

"If something seems off, I'll point it out."

"Sensei, I'll go first!"

Asuma raised his head proudly, speaking loudly to ensure everyone heard.

He then shot Kurenai a "watch me shine" look.

Yorin was reminded of a phrase: The cockiest of roosters.

Asuma was practically radiating hormonal energy.

Unfortunately, Kurenai didn't catch the hint and simply looked confused.

Thud, thud, thud!

With a flourish, Asuma threw three kunai, all of which hit the bullseye.

He turned around with a smug expression, ready to bask in admiration—only to freeze.

Kurenai wasn't even paying attention. She was leaning close to Yorin, whispering something to him.

"Well done!" Eiichiro clapped, leading the applause.

But Asuma felt no joy.

The applause wasn't for him—it was for them.

Did my plan fail? Impossible!

"Thanks, Kurenai," Yorin said after Kurenai explained a few key points to him.

As for Asuma's perfect throws? No one was surprised. After all, he was the Hokage's son.

Yorin chose a nearby wooden post.

Following Kurenai's tips, he threw a kunai.

It hit the target but was far from the bullseye.

"That's it?"

Asuma, who had been watching closely, couldn't resist commenting.

"Keep it up!" Kurenai said, clenching her tiny fists in encouragement.

"..."

Asuma's frustration only grew.

Why? What's the point if it's not me?

By the end of the Ninja Tool Throwing class, Yorin's progress bar had reached 10%.

The E-Rank Ninja Tool Throwing perk required only basic proficiency with shuriken and kunai, so it wasn't too difficult.

"Kakashi! Let's have a youthful duel!"

A flash of green zipped past Yorin.

He looked up to see Might Guy.

In the original story, Guy was a true man among men, nearly kicking the series to its conclusion with the Eight Gates. His behavior and personality, however, were quite eccentric.

"Next time, for sure!" Kakashi replied, disappearing with the Body Flicker Technique.

Since enrolling, Kakashi had displayed exceptional talent, earning Guy's persistent attention.

Initially, Kakashi had entertained a few matches with him, but Guy's relentless enthusiasm and constant challenges became too much.

"Such speed!" Guy exclaimed, his eyes shining.

"As expected of my eternal rival!"

Watching Guy chase after Kakashi, Yorin was reminded of his plan to improve his physical fitness.

But training with Guy? That was a no-go.

His body—and mind—wouldn't survive.

Guy's unparalleled talent in taijutsu, honed to perfection through the Eight Gates Technique, made his training methods ridiculously intense.

Following them would likely have Kurenai mourning Yorin within a week.

"Yorin!"

Asuma blocked Yorin's path, declaring, "I challenge you to a duel!"

The idea had come to him from watching Guy earlier.

"Asuma," Kurenai interjected with a frown.

"Isn't this just bullying?"

Her opinion of Asuma had worsened. What she once saw as normal behavior now seemed unreasonable.

Yorin had barely begun learning ninja basics—he was practically a civilian.

"I… I didn't mean it like that!" Asuma stammered, realizing his mistake.

"I can wait until the end of the term!"

Love makes fools of us all.

In the original story, Asuma was a decent person. But right now, he was clearly acting out of youthful rebellion.

For Yorin, the duel was a perfect opportunity.

His system wasn't something to waste. And Asuma, being a talented benchmark, was ideal for testing his growth.

"Fine," Yorin agreed.

The duel was set for the end of the term—about three months away.

With his cheat system, if he couldn't beat six-year-old Asuma by then, he might as well find Tsunade and bash his head against hers.

Kurenai hesitated, concern evident on her face.

"Great!" Asuma exclaimed, thrilled.

But he completely missed the shift in Kurenai's attitude toward him.

The prospect of the duel gave Yorin extra motivation.

After dinner, he returned to the small forest behind the house to continue training.

That night, after showering, Yorin lay in bed and opened his system.

After a night of practice, his Ninja Tool Throwing perk progress had risen by 5%.

At this rate, he could unlock the perk within a week.

But his current number of perks still felt too low.

He decided to start physical training the next morning to unlock more perks.

Watching progress bars fill was always satisfying.

In addition to physical training, he planned to learn the Three Basic Jutsu and refine his chakra control.

Thinking about his plans for the future, Yorin drifted off into sleep, exhausted but hopeful.

"Yorin… Yorin…"

In the quiet of the night, a faint voice called out.

Yorin sat up abruptly, rubbing his eyes.

What's going on? Who's summoning me at this hour?

The voice suddenly stopped.

"...?"

Yorin instinctively looked toward the window.

In the moonlight, faint chakra lines formed a message:

"Sunday morning, 9 AM, meet at Konoha Knowledge Bookstore."

The text lingered for only a few seconds before dissipating.

Yorin's heart raced.

This must be a message from the Hidden Cloud ninja!

Finally, he was going to meet another spy.

But… wasn't the meeting supposed to be on a rooftop? This felt off.

He wondered who the Hidden Cloud contact might be.

His strongest impressions of the Hidden Cloud were the ever-unstoppable Raikage and Samui, who rivaled Tsunade in her own way.