"Was that really your first time refining chakra?"
As soon as Hanekawa finished his training, Kurenai couldn't hold back and leaned in closer.
"It was my first time," Hanekawa replied with a blink.
"Ahh! Unfair!" Kurenai clenched her tiny fists, puffing her cheeks in frustration. "But don't think you'll surpass me that easily!"
"I'll do my best," Hanekawa said with a smile.
"You… you don't have to take it that seriously…" Kurenai mumbled, her eyes flickering as his beautiful smile momentarily left her dazed.
It was proof of how much appearance could sway people's feelings. And Hanekawa, with that delicate, handsome face, was the type who appealed to everyone—from mature women to cute little girls.
"Hanekawa."
Shinku Yūhi stepped out from the house, handing him a folded letter.
Hanekawa opened it and skimmed the contents. It was a straightforward enrollment notice—he had officially been admitted into the Ninja Academy, placed in First Year, Class A.
Only, he couldn't remember undergoing any test. Clearly, Hiruzen Sarutobi had pulled strings behind the scenes.
"Kurenai, tomorrow you'll take him to meet your homeroom teacher," Shinku instructed.
"No problem!" Kurenai snapped to attention, her voice brimming with pride. "Leave it to me!"
"I'll head out and pick up the supplies Hanekawa needs." Shinku paused, then asked, "Is there anything either of you would like me to bring back?"
"I want dango! The three-colored kind!" Kurenai piped up without hesitation.
"And you?" Shinku looked toward Hanekawa, his tone gentle. "We're family now, there's no need to be so reserved."
"I'll have the same," Hanekawa replied casually. He wasn't sure what to ask for, but truthfully, he had wanted to try dango—the Leaf's famous sweet dumpling skewer, beloved by shinobi like Itachi Uchiha and Anko Mitarashi. Now was his chance.
"If you run into any trouble with training, just ask Kurenai." Shinku waved a hand and headed off.
"Hmph!"
Kurenai crossed her arms, chin tilted high, giving him a smug look that practically screamed Go on, ask me something already.
Hanekawa couldn't help but laugh at the sight.
"What are you laughing at?" Kurenai pouted.
"I just thought of something funny." Hanekawa coughed lightly, covering his amusement.
"What's so funny?" Kurenai narrowed her eyes, clearly feeling like she was being teased.
"When's your birthday?" Hanekawa suddenly asked.
"June 11th," she said with a blink. "Why?"
"Then I'm older than you," Hanekawa replied with a small grin. "You should call me big brother."
"Wait, what? No way!" Kurenai immediately shot back, shaking her head furiously. "I'm the older one!"
"But you're younger than me," Hanekawa insisted, feigning seriousness. In truth, he had no idea of his real age—he was a war orphan after all.
"No means no! Age doesn't mean anything—you've got to back it up with strength!" Kurenai huffed, hands on her hips.
"So what you're saying is… if I beat you, you'll have to call me your big brother?" Hanekawa arched an eyebrow, smirking.
Kurenai opened her mouth to agree instantly—but then hesitated, remembering his terrifyingly fast chakra refinement. Her lips pressed into a pout. "W-We'll see after you beat me."
Hanekawa's grin widened. Teasing a cute little loli like her was surprisingly entertaining.
(For the record—he wasn't into lolis. His tastes leaned more toward mature, voluptuous women.)
At that moment, footsteps approached.
"Back already?" Hanekawa turned instinctively, but froze.
It wasn't Shinku. Instead, a woman appeared—someone both familiar and unfamiliar.
Nonō Yakushi, the "Walking Shrine Maiden."
But unlike the warm, gentle figure he recalled, her face today carried heavy shadows.
Hanekawa didn't need to guess the reason. Danzo Shimura. That old snake still had his eyes on him.
"Director." Hanekawa quickly excused himself to Kurenai and stepped forward.
Nonō Yakushi was one of the most tragic side characters in the original story. Too kind-hearted for Root, she had withdrawn from it… only for Danzo to coerce her back into service by threatening the orphanage. In the end, her death came from knowing too much—and in a cruel twist, she was forced into conflict with her foster son, Kabuto.
"Hanekawa, thank goodness you're safe." Nonō reached out and gently patted his head, her voice tender.
"Thank you for worrying about me, Director." Hanekawa caught the flicker of hesitation on her face and asked softly, "Is something wrong?"
"..."
Nonō fell silent.
Only hours ago, Danzo had come to her. He explained Hanekawa's situation and pressed her to guide him into Root. If it was Hanekawa's own will, Hiruzen wouldn't interfere.
"What plans has Lord Hokage made for you?" Nonō finally asked.
"He told me to attend the Academy," Hanekawa answered.
Her eyes lit up at that.
Nonō's great talent was what earned Danzo's interest in the first place. But hearing that Hanekawa was going to the Academy gave her an idea—a way to stall for time.
"Hanekawa," she said firmly, "no matter what happens, you must graduate properly."
"I understand."
Hanekawa heard the message beneath her words. As long as he remained in the Academy, Danzo would likely hold back. But that didn't erase the danger.
Join Root? That wasn't an option.
Danzo didn't just demand loyalty—he hollowed out your heart and rewired your mind. Joining Root was like becoming Lu Bu of the Three Families, constantly bound to shifting loyalties.
What Hanekawa wanted was to be spoiled by a voluptuous, black-stocking-clad, big-sister type—not enslaved by some scheming old man.
Now, if Danzo were replaced with Tsunade… well, maybe he'd reconsider. Debt-ridden or not, "big" was justice.
Hanekawa recalled that Kabuto hadn't yet returned to the orphanage. By his calculations, there were still at least ten years before tragedy struck.
So the time had come to launch his plan.
Not an evil Gardenia Plan—A righteous Gardenia Plan!
Three years to the east, three years to the west. Within ten years, he would save Nonō Yakushi.
Because no matter how he had arrived here—as a plant from Kumogakure or otherwise—this orphanage director truly cared for him.
"Come visit the orphanage when you can," Nonō said, her expression softening into a warm smile.
"I will," Hanekawa promised with a firm nod.
Nonō patted his head once more before turning away.
As he watched her leave, Hanekawa's lips twitched. What is this? First day here and I'm already getting head-patted left and right?
"Kurenai." Hanekawa turned toward her. "Can you teach me how to throw ninja tools?"
Danzo's looming threat had lit a fire in his chest. He needed to get stronger, fast.
Besides, Shurikenjutsu was one of the essential skills required to synthesize the "Genius Genin" trait.
And based on how his system worked, he'd need to actually perform the skill to unlock the corresponding entry.
"Of course!" Kurenai huffed proudly, tilting her chin up. "I'm actually pretty good at shuriken throwing."