"Why are you happier than I am?"
Hanekawa looked at the bouncing Kurenai, asking curiously.
"Because you used Genjutsu to defeat Asuma." Kurenai tilted her head, finding an excuse to say, "Maybe I can do it someday too."
"You'll need to work hard." Hanekawa recalled the plot, responding with a hint of encouragement.
"I understand!" Kurenai replied with a slight huff, sounding a bit unsatisfied.
"I'll teach you when there's time." Hanekawa smiled. Her puffy little cheeks looked absolutely adorable.
"You said it!" Kurenai's ruby-like eyes lit up, "Teach me how to defeat Asuma!"
"Why defeat him?" Hanekawa raised an eyebrow, asking curiously, "Do you dislike him?"
"Not really dislike." Kurenai pouted slightly, "He always acts so smug in front of me, showing off."
Kids love to show off; it's quite normal.
Perhaps, in the original work, that's how Asuma won over Kurenai.
But with Hanekawa in the picture, things might be different.
Hanekawa chuckled, "Alright, I'll teach you."
Normally, Kurenai wouldn't stand a chance against Asuma.
But with careful planning and some special training, winning once or twice shouldn't be too hard.
After all, Asuma is only six years old now.
No matter how talented, he's not invincible.
The only worry is his dad, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
He's sure to help his son.
They soon arrived home.
Kurenai opened the door, revealing her small feet as she kicked off her shoes, "I'm back!"
"Welcome home." Shinku Yuhi quickly appeared in front of them, saying, "Go wash up; it's time to eat."
Hanekawa nodded slightly.
After dinner, he recalled the new entry he'd obtained, 'Shippuden,' which increased Wind Release talent effects by 10%.
Chakra Nature Transformations are divided into Water, Fire, Lightning, Wind, and Earth, plus the special Yin and Yang.
Everyone is born with a nature, but you need Chakra Paper to test it.
Hanekawa didn't know his natural nature.
In the original series, Kakashi tested Naruto's nature after the Chunin Exams, which was quite late.
It's probably because only after becoming a Chunin would one consider training in Chakra Nature Transformation.
As a Genin, mastering some Three Basic Techniques and Chakra Shape Transformation is enough.
Speaking of Chakra Shape Transformation, one must mention the Rasengan.
In the series, they provided a method to train the Rasengan.
Whether it works in reality remains a mystery.
"Uncle Shinku." Hanekawa looked up, asking, "Do we have Chakra Paper?"
"What is Chakra Paper?" Kurenai asked curiously.
"To test your Chakra nature." Shinku thought for a moment, "Although it's a bit early, knowing it sooner isn't a bad thing."
He left the room, returning soon with two square sheets of paper, about palm-sized.
"Just channel your Chakra into it." Shinku explained, "The Chakra Paper will react based on your Chakra nature."
"I'll try." Kurenai eagerly took the Chakra Paper.
Soon, the paper changed.
The right side burned, while the left side was soaked, looking damp.
"Amazing!" Kurenai exclaimed at the sight of the elements merging, "It's Water and Fire Release."
Shinku Yuhi seemed surprised, "It's rare for opposing elements like Water and Fire to appear together."
"Does that mean I can learn Water Release and Fire Release Ninjutsu?"
Kurenai blinked, asking.
"Yes." Shinku nodded, then solemnly said, "But it's unnecessary. Mastering Genjutsu is more than sufficient."
Having command over two Chakra natures typically makes one a Jonin.
It shows the difficulty involved.
With Kurenai's talent, specializing in Genjutsu would make her a Jonin much faster than mastering Water and Fire Release.
While they talked, Hanekawa's Chakra nature was revealed.
It was Lightning and Fire.
Picking up a sword would be quite insightful?
Hanekawa pondered.
He wasn't naturally inclined towards Wind. He'd normally have to invest time in training.
But with the system, he now had another path.
"Hanekawa, you should also focus on Genjutsu first."
Shinku Yuhi advised once more, hoping Hanekawa wouldn't spread himself too thin.
"Alright."
Hanekawa didn't argue and simply nodded.
"Guess what? Hanekawa defeated Asuma today!"
Kurenai suddenly remembered, stating proudly, "Genjutsu is even more amazing than Wind Release!"
The news was so unexpected that Shinku was momentarily at a loss.
A week's training, and Hanekawa had already defeated Lord Hokage's son?
Indeed, a genius!
Shinku paused for a moment, then smiled, "Not bad. Genjutsu can give you a huge advantage in battle."
A true statement, provided you don't encounter someone from the Uchiha Clan.
The Sharingan's ability to perform Genjutsu effortlessly is the bane of ordinary Genjutsu users.
Hanekawa showed no reaction, but Kurenai seemed more driven than ever.
After a short rest, she hurried off to practice Genjutsu.
Hanekawa, meanwhile, went to the small woods outside under the lamps to train in Ninja Tool Throwing.
The next day.
Hanekawa discovered his popularity had surged in class.
Many sought to chat with him, especially the girls.
In the Ninja World, strength is respected.
Hanekawa, with his good looks and strong abilities, naturally drew attention.
After all, children are simple creatures.
Kurenai, seeing Hanekawa surrounded, felt a subtle pang of loss, as if something that belonged to her was being taken away.
As for Asuma, one glance was enough for him, and he didn't bother further.
Last night, Sarutobi Hiruzen had taught him how to counter Genjutsu.
Yet he didn't rush to challenge Hanekawa again, planning to wait until he was sure of victory.
Class time quickly passed, and before long, it was Saturday.
Hanekawa woke up early.
In addition to training, he also needed to go to the orphanage.
He first ran a lap around the streets before heading to the orphanage.
Not far from the orphanage, lines of text appeared before his eyes.
[E-Rank Talent Entry: Strong Physique (Acquired).]
[Trigger Condition: Body reaching Genin's minimum level.]
[Effect: Increases stamina recovery rate by 10%.]
[Note: Two combination paths available.]
[Path 1: Combine with E-rank Entry Light Footed and E-rank Entry Thousand Years of Death to make D-rank Entry Taijutsu Genin.]
[Path 2: Combine with D-rank Entry Medical Ninja and E-rank Entry Light Footed to create C-rank Entry Innate Strength.]
Hanekawa stopped in his tracks.
Acquiring 'Strong Physique' came naturally, surprising him not.
The boost in stamina recovery was good, extending his training duration.
But the two combination paths of 'Strong Physique' exceeded his expectations.
Though it seemed difficult, Hanekawa chose the second path without hesitation.
This C-rank Entry 'Innate Strength,' considering the C-rank Entry 'Innate Full Soul,' likely meant a Yang Release talent.
"Hanekawa? Here so early? Have you had breakfast?"
Nono Yakushi's voice came from nearby.
"Director."
Hanekawa snapped out of his thoughts, replying, "I had a rice ball earlier."
"Here."
Nono Yakushi handed him a cup of milk, saying, "After you drink this, I'll take you to meet Lady Tsunade."
"Okay."
Hanekawa chugged down the milk.
They walked outside and soon arrived at Konoha Hospital.
Following Nono Yakushi upstairs, Hanekawa finally saw Tsunade in an office.
She wore a tea-green robe, sitting on the sofa with her long, slender legs crossed, showcasing a natural allure.
Her golden blonde hair was tied in a ponytail, marked by the Yin Seal's diamond shape on her forehead. Her face was beautiful and refined.
Her sleeveless top was form-fitting, slightly revealing white skin and forming a noticeable curve.
Hanekawa's eyes instinctively drifted into that abyss.
Magnificent, beyond words.
Even more stunning than in the anime.
Only the piercing gaze of Tsunade's bright brown eyes jolted him back to reality.
Oops, auto-aim forgot to turn off.