After the morning theory class ended, it was finally time for Hanekawa's much-anticipated lesson: ninja tool throwing.
Under Yamamoto's guidance, the students arrived at the training field.
The ninja tool throwing class was divided into two sessions: the first for explanation, the second for practice.
Hanekawa listened intently. This was crucial for quickly unlocking new abilities in his system.
In contrast, Asuma Sarutobi had already mastered the basics of ninja tool throwing before entering the academy.
As the Hokage's son, he had a private tutor who was a special Jonin. Among the whole class, except for Kakashi Hatake, Asuma felt confident he could beat anyone.
But… Asuma's gaze fell on Hanekawa and Kurenai, his expression darkening with frustration.
Why? He had arrived first!
Asuma burned with jealousy. Kurenai usually stood by his side—but today, she was standing next to Hanekawa.
Wait! I've got an idea!
Asuma suddenly thought of a way to win her back.
Simple—defeat Hanekawa.
In the ninja world, the unshakable rule was: strength reigns supreme.
Besides, the gap between him and Hanekawa seemed large. Victory was guaranteed.
"Let's begin ninja tool practice," Yamamoto announced, setting up a row of wooden stakes. "If you're doing something wrong, I'll point it out."
"Teacher, I'll go first!"
Asuma lifted his head proudly and called out. Then he shot Kurenai a "watch me" glance.
Hanekawa couldn't help but recall a saying: the rooster among fighting cocks.
Asuma's current state was pure hormonal energy.
Kurenai, however, didn't understand his signal, looking confused.
Three kunai flew with a swift flick of his wrist. All hit the center of their targets.
Asuma turned, face beaming with pride… and froze.
Kurenai was bent over, quietly explaining something to Hanekawa.
"Nice!"
Yamamoto led the applause.
Asuma couldn't feel joy at all—the attention was theirs, not his.
Had his strategy failed? That made no sense.
"Thanks, Red."
Hanekawa spoke after Kurenai's private tips.
As for Asuma's perfect throws, nobody was surprised. He was, after all, the Hokage's son.
Hanekawa picked a nearby stake, applied Kurenai's techniques, and threw his kunai.
It hit, but fell short of the bullseye.
"Just that?"
Asuma, watching him closely, couldn't help sneering.
"Keep going!"
Kurenai clenched her fists encouragingly.
"…!"
Asuma's anger spiked. Why was she supporting him?
Bro, I'm losing air here!
The ninja tool throwing lesson ended. Hanekawa's progress bar had reached 10%.
For an E-rank skill, kunai and basic shuriken were all that were required, so it wasn't too hard.
"Kakashi! Let's have a duel of youth!"
A green blur flew past Hanekawa. Instinctively, he looked up—it was Might Guy.
In the original story, this man nearly kicked the finale of the series into chaos with the Eight Gates. A real powerhouse, though eccentric in behavior.
"Next time for sure!"
Kakashi instantly vanished with his Shunshin no Jutsu.
Since entering the academy, he had shown exceptional skill, which made Might Guy fixate on him. Initially, he had welcomed the duels—but Guy was relentless, approaching daily with endless creative challenges.
How could Hanekawa keep up?
"Such speed!" Guy's eyes sparkled with excitement. "As expected of my lifelong rival!"
Hanekawa watched the chase, recalling his own body-training plans. Following Guy's regimen, he wouldn't survive—not just mentally, but physically.
Might Guy, having mastered the Eight Gates, was undeniably gifted in taijutsu. Hanekawa knew that with this kind of training, Kurenai would be in tears within a week.
"Hanekawa!"
Asuma blocked his path, calling out, "I challenge you to a duel!"
Inspired by Might Guy's display.
"Asuma," Kurenai frowned, "aren't you bullying him?"
She had a decent impression of Asuma before, but now he seemed unreasonable. Hanekawa had barely been learning ninja skills for two days—he was no different from an ordinary kid.
"I… I didn't mean that!"
Asuma realized his mistake. "I can wait until finals to duel!"
He had been blinded by love.
In the original story, Asuma was a decent person—just rebellious now.
But he was a child; reckless behavior was to be expected.
This duel, however, came at the perfect time. His new system could test itself—and Asuma was an excellent benchmark for normal genius.
"No problem."
Hanekawa agreed. Finals were about three months away. With a system, if he couldn't beat a six-year-old Asuma, he might as well throw himself at Tsunade.
Kurenai hesitated, worry shadowing her face.
"Great!"
Asuma's excitement surged. He had no idea Kurenai's attitude toward him had subtly changed.
Setting the duel date gave Hanekawa more motivation.
After dinner, he ran to the small grove outside his house for training.
At night, after a bath, he lay on his bed and activated the system.
After a night of training, his Ninja Tool Throwing skill had risen another 5%. At this pace, he could unlock it within a week.
Still, there were too few skills overall.
Hanekawa decided to wake early the next day for physical training, aiming to boost his skills and enjoy watching the progress bar fill.
Aside from physical conditioning, he would continue practicing the classic Three Body Technique and chakra control.
Exhausted in body and mind, he fell asleep.
"Hanekawa… Hanekawa…"
In the quiet night, a faint voice echoed.
Hanekawa shot upright, rubbing his eyes. What now? Talking spirits in the middle of the night?
The voice suddenly stopped.
"…?"
He instinctively looked out the window.
In the moonlight, faint chakra traced a line of text:
"Sunday, 9:00 a.m., Konoha Knowledge Bookstore. Meet there."
It lasted only a few seconds before the chakra faded completely.
Hanekawa's heart skipped a beat.
A ninja from Kumogakure was contacting him!
Finally, a meeting between spies.
But… the location wasn't the rooftop. Something felt off.
He had no idea who the Kumogakure ninja would be.
The names that left the deepest impression on him from Kumogakure were Raikage, with his ever-present concept chakra, and Samui, rivaling Tsunade in skill.