Hanekawa ran with the wind along the streets of Konoha.
As a spy, caution was his most important trait. His plan was simple: jog to the Konoha Knowledge Bookstore, and once there, pretend to be tired and rest. Even if someone suspected him, he could just claim he was a passerby—or, more accurately, a mere elementary schooler.
"Hanekawa!"
A familiar voice came from a distance.
Hanekawa turned his head and saw a green figure—a flash of color that almost made his eyes ache.
It was Might Guy, running upside down.
"Good morning," Hanekawa greeted, nodding with a smile. After a week of training, they were fairly familiar with each other.
"You don't need to worry about me," Hanekawa said. He still lagged far behind Guy, unable to keep up with his intense training.
"All right! I'm about to speed up!" Might Guy said as he darted around a drain corner and disappeared in a blur.
"…"
Hanekawa continued jogging silently.
An hour later, he arrived at the Konoha Knowledge Bookstore. He had reached near his limit, his body feeling completely drained.
"Hanekawa!"
At that moment, Guy's voice called from nearby.
Is he coming over? Hanekawa's face showed a helpless expression.
"Have you activated your backup energy?" Might Guy asked, fists clenched, trembling with excitement. "Only by giving your all, fighting to the very end, can you honor your youth!"
Nearby pedestrians instinctively took a step back. Such a small action, yet with such power.
Hanekawa stood expressionless. For a moment, he felt transported back to the time before his college entrance exams, shouting slogans under the setting sun.
Getting familiar with Guy had its drawbacks—it often reminded him of the youth that had slipped away beneath the sunset.
But today wasn't the day for that. He still had a meeting with a Kumo spy to attend.
Hanekawa slowly entered the bookstore. Might Guy did not show any anger. Hanekawa had never given unusual reactions to Guy's antics, which was rare. Before him, only a few—like Kakashi Hatake—could treat Guy normally.
Guy turned and continued his youthful journey.
Hanekawa glanced around. Since he had arrived early, the bookstore was empty.
"小朋友,要买什么书?" a young woman approached with a smile.
"What about Make-Out Paradise?" Hanekawa asked after a moment's thought. In his previous life, he had been curious about Jiraiya's famous work. Now he had a chance and couldn't miss it.
"No," the woman shook her head.
Not even one of Jiraiya's masterpieces? Hanekawa thought.
Then he remembered: Make-Out Paradise had been published when Jiraiya was forty-two. It wasn't available yet.
"I'd like When Thunder Strikes," Hanekawa said, losing interest in the previous query. This was Kumo Village's code phrase.
"This book is the owner's private collection. I'll take you to him," the woman said, her eyes narrowing.
She led Hanekawa upstairs.
"Number 9527, glad you're still alive."
Once she left, an ordinary-looking middle-aged man appeared.
Still alive? Hanekawa examined him carefully—he had no prior memory of this man.
"I'm your contact. Call me Tsuchihashi," the man said, noting Hanekawa's expression and explaining the earlier greeting.
Not long ago, Kumo had attempted to kidnap Kushina Uzumaki. The plan failed, but it angered Hiruzen Sarutobi. Konoha immediately conducted a full investigation—including the orphanage children.
Hanekawa was the last survivor of that group.
"…." Hanekawa shivered at the thought. If not for the sudden arrival of the system, he would already be a corpse. He truly understood the danger of being a spy.
"How are you holding up?" Tsuchihashi poured him a glass of water.
Hanekawa took a few sips and recounted his experiences, omitting the system details.
"You have such talent?" Tsuchihashi's face revealed both surprise and regret. "Had I known, I wouldn't have sent you."
Sending a genius as a spy was a waste—he could do far more for Kumo Village. But leaving now was difficult: Hiruzen and Danzo had their eyes on him.
"I want to stay in Konoha!" Hanekawa said firmly. "Everything I do is for Kumo Village!"
Before, he had no choice. Now, he simply wanted to be a good ninja.
A beam of righteousness shone on Tsuchihashi's face. He spoke excitedly: "With you here, Kumo Village's future is secure!"
Hanekawa thought: You really get into character. But, upon reflection, Kumo Village's atmosphere was indeed admirable—few political schemes, power respected above all.
"I'm just doing what I should," Hanekawa said humbly.
Tsuchihashi inhaled deeply, suppressing his emotions. "Your situation is far different than expected. The original mission is no longer suitable."
Kumo's original plan had been for Hanekawa to infiltrate the orphanage and gather intelligence. Now, enrolled in the ninja academy and under Konoha's scrutiny, the plan needed adjustment.
Tsuchihashi pondered. Frankly, Hanekawa was now even more useful to Kumo Village. He had gained a legitimate path upward.
Kumo's previous success with the Kushina operation had relied on an ANBU spy. That asset was gone—they desperately needed mid-to-high level operatives.
"Hanekawa, your mission going forward is to become a true genius," Tsuchihashi said thoughtfully.
Hanekawa immediately understood. This was the task most suited to him. Having passed Hiruzen's assessment, as long as he didn't reveal his cover, he could be a genuine Konoha ninja—climbing step by step to the top.
"If anything urgent happens, come to the Konoha bookstore," Tsuchihashi said, patting his shoulder. "Stay safe. The entire village's hope rests on your shoulders."
"I understand," Hanekawa said seriously.
"Work hard," Tsuchihashi said with a smile. "There will be rewards. Perhaps even recognition from the Raikage himself, and access to ninja body techniques."
"Thank you, Uncle Tsuchihashi," Hanekawa said, eyes bright with excitement. Kumo's ninja body techniques were highly coveted. The Fourth Raikage's techniques were renowned in the original timeline.
"When you leave, take two books to avoid suspicion."
"Can I take more?" Hanekawa thought of today's visit to the orphanage. Books would be perfect gifts and help cover the lie he told Kurenai.
"Yes," Tsuchihashi said after a pause, "but not too many—you're too young to afford them."
Truly, a veteran spy—methodical in every step.
Hanekawa descended the stairs, selecting seven picture books that children loved, and left the bookstore.
He stopped immediately upon seeing a familiar figure nearby: Obito Uchiha.
Obito was helping an elderly white-haired lady cross the street. Hanekawa considered greeting him but decided against it, turning instead toward the orphanage.
"Thanks for your help today, Obito," he said quietly.
The elderly lady glanced at Hanekawa; her sharp gaze flickered for a moment before returning to a gentle expression.