Hanekawa tested the Thunder and Fire Sword against a distant boulder, releasing the accumulated lightning in a controlled burst. The rock shattered into fragments.
He nodded, satisfied. The technique was working as intended—by channeling the lightning he'd attracted into the blade itself, he could cut his chakra consumption roughly in half while actually increasing the output. Not bad for an afternoon's experimentation.
After sheathing the sword, Hanekawa pulled out the intelligence report Aoi had delivered. Two pieces of information caught his attention:
First, Kakashi Hatake had been promoted to Special Jonin.
Second, Sakumo Hatake had led a deep strike into the Land of Lightning, destroying a supply convoy sent by the Daimyo himself.
Interesting timing, Hanekawa thought. Both Hatakes making their mark simultaneously. In the original timeline, Kakashi had become a full Jonin by age twelve, but here he'd only reached Special Jonin status. The butterfly effect of their rivalry, no doubt. Still, if the Iwagakure conflict escalated as expected, Kakashi's current strength would be more than sufficient.
As for Sakumo... Hanekawa hadn't known about that operation. Recent intelligence suggested Orochimaru and Danzo were applying serious pressure to the war effort. But would Hiruzen really allow Asuma to deploy to such a dangerous theater?
"What are you brooding about, brat?"
Tsunade's voice cut through his thoughts. She stood behind him, arms crossed, looking thoroughly unimpressed.
"Did I disturb your training, Teacher?"
"That's not the question." She gestured at the devastated landscape around them. "At this rate, there won't be a tree left standing within five miles of my house. Take your experiments somewhere else."
Hanekawa coughed sheepishly. "I'll head farther out next time."
"You'd better." Tsunade snatched the intelligence report from his hands. "What's this?"
"Kakashi's been promoted to Special Jonin," Hanekawa said, watching her eyes scan the document. "And Sakumo's apparently been making waves on the Cloud front."
Tsunade finished reading and looked at him with an expression he couldn't quite parse. "So when are you going to stop dragging your feet and become a Jonin yourself?"
"No rush," Hanekawa replied. "Jonins get more missions and better pay, sure. But I prefer having you as my teacher."
It was the truth, more or less. He had no shortage of money, and taking on a team would only complicate his cover. Better to stay exactly where he was—close to Tsunade, away from Danzo's reach, and free to pursue his own agenda.
Tsunade's expression softened slightly. "That's a good answer. Wait a few more years, then."
She reached out and ruffled his hair before heading back inside. Hanekawa didn't bother complaining this time.
---
Kurenai and Rin arrived together as the afternoon light began to fade. Hanekawa mentioned Kakashi's promotion offhandedly while they prepared for training.
"What?" Kurenai's eyes went wide. "He beat us to it?"
She'd been so certain Hanekawa would be first. The realization that Kakashi had claimed that distinction first clearly stung.
"I wish I could congratulate him in person," Rin said warmly, ever the peacemaker.
"Is he on a team?" Kurenai asked suddenly. "Where are Guy and Obito?"
"Not yet," Hanekawa said.
"Then I'm going to be the second!" Kurenai declared, her ruby eyes blazing with determination. "I'm going to train harder than ever!"
Hanekawa smiled and patted her head. "That's the spirit."
"What about you?" Kurenai's expression shifted, becoming almost shy. "You could definitely become the first full Jonin among all of us."
"You're both stronger than most Jonins already," Rin added. "I mean, you killed one of the Seven Swordsmen."
"Titles don't matter much," Hanekawa said dismissively. "Let's focus on training."
"If that's how you feel, maybe I'll become a Jonin before you do!" Kurenai put her hands on her hips, trying to look confident, though her blush suggested she was thinking about something else entirely.
"Very energetic," Hanekawa said with amusement. "Let's get started then."
---
The next two months blurred together in a haze of training and preparation. Kurenai worked on her Water Style techniques, gradually mastering the Dark Walk jutsu she'd learned months earlier. Rin continued refining her Spirit Transformation ability, though progress remained slow. Hanekawa pushed himself through increasingly complex Earth Style ninjutsu, culminating in the massive Yellow Spring Marsh technique.
When the progress bar finally hit 100%, a notification appeared:
[B-Rank Talent Entry: Earth Style Special Jonin]
[Trigger Condition: Master nine Earth Style techniques]
[Effect: All Earth Style jutsu effectiveness increased by 100%]
[Note: Learning additional Earth Style techniques may lead to A-Rank advancement]
One step closer to his "Almighty Jonin" synthesis. He still needed the Wind Style Special Jonin entry and the Perception Specialist entry to complete it.
He'd also acquired a B-Rank Ninjutsu Entry for the compound technique Hiruzen had taught him—Thunder and Water Dragon Bullet. Compound ninjutsu was tricky; it required mastering multiple elemental releases simultaneously, which meant longer casting times. But with his seal-speed enhancement, he could manage it.
---
December 31st arrived with fresh snow and the electric anticipation of New Year's Eve.
"Let's go! Dad!" Kurenai practically dragged him out the door after breakfast, her excitement barely contained.
Yuhi Shinku watched them leave with a long, resigned sigh. He understood what it meant when his daughter insisted on spending the holiday away from home. Girls grew up too fast. At least Hanekawa was... well, Hanekawa. There were worse choices.
The streets of Konoha bustled with activity—vendors selling New Year decorations, families shopping for holiday meals, children running through the snow. Kurenai took it all in with wide eyes, practically vibrating with excitement.
"It's so lively!" she exclaimed.
"It's New Year's Eve," Hanekawa said. "Tomorrow's the big day."
"Should we get an umbrella?" he asked, noticing the snow was picking up slightly.
"It's fine." Kurenai's face flushed slightly. "Besides, the snow makes it feel more like New Year's."
He wrapped a white scarf around her neck. Against her red coat, she looked like a winter cardinal—fluffy, bright, and impossibly cute. He couldn't resist reaching out to adjust her hair.
"Stop messing it up!" she protested, though she didn't actually pull away.
They found a kimono shop doing brisk business. Hanekawa pointed out a striking black and red design. "This would suit you."
"Then that's the one!" Kurenai agreed immediately, her face turning crimson. "I trust your judgment."
"Just pick what you like," he said, amused by her sudden shyness.
"I do like this one," she shot back defensively.
While Kurenai tried on her selection, Hanekawa browsed the shop's inventory for something suitable for Tsunade. His eyes landed on an elegant white kimono with pale green lining and subtle gold accents—something that captured her essence without being too formal.
"What about this one for the teacher?" he asked.
Kurenai studied it thoughtfully. "It's like what she usually wears. Simple but elegant."
"Exactly," Hanekawa agreed.
The shopkeeper wrapped both kimonos carefully. As they left, Kurenai suddenly grabbed his sleeve, her expression serious in a way that made her look older than her six years.
"Hanekawa... when we go to Teacher's house tomorrow..." She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "This is like... meeting your parents, right?"
Hanekawa blinked. He hadn't thought of it that way, but she was right. Tsunade was the closest thing he had to family. And Kurenai was treating this visit with the nervous care of someone meeting their boyfriend's parents.
Oh. She's grown up.
"Yeah," he said gently. "I suppose it is."
Kurenai's blush deepened, but she held her head high. "Then I'm going to make a good impression."
Hanekawa squeezed her hand. "You already have."