"Red, what's going on?"
Asuma Sarutobi panicked, completely flustered.
Kurenai blinked, not understanding why he was reacting so intensely. They hadn't known each other long, and being so young, she only treated him as a friend. She had no idea how devastating her previous words were—enough to send Asuma into a sudden spiral, turning him into a small, furious clown.
"Here's the situation," Kurenai explained briefly, summarizing the chain of events.
Asuma listened, trembling with anger in broad daylight. The culprit was… his own father?
He was now a rebellious teen, trying to escape Hiruzen Sarutobi's shadow, which had caused friction between them.
"Asuma?"
Kurenai noticed a blind spot and asked, "Why is your face red?"
"Ah, nothing."
Asuma steadied himself and forced a smile.
"We're going to be late. Let's go."
Kurenai didn't think much of it and started walking. Asuma followed closely behind, his gaze flicking toward Hanekawa.
Hanekawa's lips twitched.
Asuma's stare the entire way reminded him of a meme: I will forever spy on you… forever and ever…jpg.
"Asuma, I'm taking Hanekawa to the teacher's office. You go back to the classroom," Kurenai said upon arriving at the Ninja Academy.
"I can take him!"
Asuma volunteered eagerly.
"No," Kurenai refused firmly. "This is a task my father entrusted to me."
"But…"
Asuma tried to argue, but Kurenai had already led Hanekawa away along another path.
No!
He watched their departing figures, instinctively raising a hand.
Damn that Hanekawa brat!
Asuma's face was full of frustrated indignation.
Teacher's Office
Hanekawa handed his enrollment notice to a young ninja. According to Kurenai, his name was Eiichiro Yamamoto, an ordinary Chunin.
"Welcome to Class 1-A, Hanekawa," Yamamoto said, closing the notice with a warm smile.
As a student specially approved by Hiruzen Sarutobi, he had no choice but to take this seriously.
"Thank you, Sensei," Hanekawa greeted politely.
Yamamoto nodded slightly. He seemed to think Hanekawa wasn't a troublemaker.
"Red, you may leave now," Yamamoto said. "I'll take Hanekawa to the classroom."
"Okay."
Kurenai shot Hanekawa a knowing glance and left without lingering.
"These are your first-grade textbooks."
Yamamoto picked up a stack of books from the desk. Hanekawa counted seven in total.
The top book read Chakra Concepts and Refinement Techniques.
"You've got a few minutes before class; feel free to look through them."
"Alright."
With limited time, Hanekawa quickly flipped through the pages. The textbooks covered everything: Ninja Tool Throwing, Will of Fire, Ninja Code, History of Konoha, and more.
He remembered from his previous life that someone had analyzed the Chunin Exam written tests, which included English, chemistry, and physics problems. While graduating as a Genin theoretically required only the Three Body Techniques, the academy taught much more.
Ding-ding-ding!
The class bell rang.
"Let's go."
Yamamoto picked up a book and headed out. Hanekawa quickly followed.
They soon reached Class 1-A.
Yamamoto went to the podium. Hanekawa stood at the doorway, already noticed by many curious eyes.
Some girls' eyes glimmered with green, as if they might devour him at any moment.
Hanekawa immediately spotted Kakashi Hatake—white hair and a strange mask, impossible to miss. In the original timeline, he had graduated at five, became a Chunin at six, and a Jonin at thirteen—a confirmed genius. He would later become a mentor to Minato Namikaze, Naruto Uzumaki, and Sasuke Uchiha.
To Kakashi's left was an empty seat, to his right a small girl—most likely Rin Nohara. She had distinct features: short brown hair, a gentle face, and two purple markings on her cheeks.
The empty seat should belong to Obito Uchiha. This future major antagonist was now a clumsy, late-arriving freshman.
"Ahhh!"
A beast-like scream erupted. Hanekawa turned instinctively and saw a boy about his age. He wore a track jacket and sunglasses, face flushed red, sprinting full speed.
"Move aside!"
The boy noticed Hanekawa and shouted, prompting him to step back.
The boy shot into the classroom in a flash. He skidded several times from his rapid pace before collapsing in a flat, graceful fall.
"You're late again, Obito," Yamamoto shook his head.
"Sorry, Sensei," Obito Uchiha got up, explaining, "I was helping an old lady cross the street."
"Next time, pick another excuse," Yamamoto said helplessly.
"I'm serious!" Obito hurried to defend himself.
"Go to your seat."
Yamamoto didn't believe him. Who helps an old lady cross the street every day?
"Rin."
Obito called to Rin Nohara as he sat down.
"Good morning, Obito," Rin greeted softly.
"Hehe."
Obito immediately broke into a silly grin.
"Before class starts, I have an announcement."
Yamamoto patted the podium. The room fell silent. The smarter students guessed it had to do with Hanekawa.
"Starting today, Hanekawa will be joining our class. Everyone, please welcome him!"
The classroom erupted into applause, though not everyone clapped—Asuma Sarutobi sat nearby, watching Kurenai cheer enthusiastically, eyes watering in jealousy.
"This new student… actually looks pretty good," a black-haired girl behind Rin whispered.
"Rin, what do you think?" Obito asked cautiously.
Rin noticed his expression and hesitated. She did think Hanekawa was handsome, but saying so might upset Obito.
"Looks don't matter. Strength does," Kakashi said coolly.
"You arrogant jerk!" Obito snapped, offended by the word "strength." "Once I awaken my Sharingan, I'll knock you to your knees!"
He had always assumed Rin paid more attention to Kakashi because of his strength.
"Kakashi's right!"
A spirited boy in green turned around, flashing his bright teeth and giving a thumbs-up.
"Alright, now let's have Hanekawa introduce himself," Yamamoto interrupted, raising his hand.