Lurking in Konoha, Part-Time Hokage

Hanekawa watched Kurenai practice Genjutsu, but his attention was focused on the system in front of him.

With three Genjutsu tags collected, a new tag can be synthesized.

"C-rank Skill Tag: Genjutsu Genin."

"Condition: Possess three Genjutsu tags."

"Effect: All Genjutsu power increases by 30%."

"Note: Learning more Genjutsu can promote to the C-rank Skill Tag of Genjutsu Chunin."

According to Ninja World's standards, mastering the Three Basic Techniques qualifies one as a Genin. 

Hanekawa, having learned three Genjutsu, genuinely earns the title of Genjutsu Genin. An increase of 30% in Genjutsu power offers a significant advantage in battle. 

He might even hold his own against an ordinary Sharingan.

What surprised Hanekawa was how straightforward this tag seemed, much like the path Shinku took. Yet, on reflection, it makes sense. 

In the Ninja World, can Genjutsu ever surpass the Mangekyō Sharingan? 

Genjutsu can only serve as a stepping stone. Ninjutsu and Taijutsu deserve more investment, as their potential is higher. Unless the system gifts him a Sharingan.

After recovering his energy, Hanekawa greeted everyone and headed to the small grove outside. 

His current Chakra wasn't sufficient for more advanced Ninjutsu, so he planned to focus on the basics first.

Hanekawa stopped in front of a wooden stake, pulling out a pre-prepped Senbon. A Senbon is essentially a slender, needle-like ninja tool, the third most commonly used alongside Kunai and Shuriken. 

With a casual throw, he perfectly hit the target's bullseye. Senbon, like Shuriken, are thrown projectiles, so their techniques are similar.

The beautiful Sunday quickly came to an end. Hanekawa looked at the progress bar of the "Seven Ninja Tools" tag, smiling with satisfaction.

The new week began.

Early in the morning, the Year 1 Class A classroom was lively.

Since classes hadn't started, everyone was gathered in pairs, chatting. Kurenai propped her chin with her hands, feeling irritated. 

Asuma Sarutobi was beside her, endlessly recounting his weekend adventures. She wasn't interested at all. 

Kurenai glanced at Hanekawa. He was focused on a book, making her hesitant to interrupt. Since his first day, Hanekawa had been diligent, unlike her. 

She couldn't concentrate for more than half an hour without losing focus. Kurenai found herself lost in thought. 

Her little brother was quite handsome. Even though she abandoned the idea of defeating him, her dream of becoming a leader remained. After all, without dreams, one would just be a lazy person.

Asuma noticed something was off. He followed Kurenai's gaze and couldn't contain his reaction. 

It's him again! That evil Hanekawa brat! Asuma was frustrated. He couldn't let Hanekawa steal the spotlight.

"Kurenai," Asuma said with a proud smirk, "I learned a Wind Release Ninjutsu yesterday."

At the Ninja Academy, mastering any Ninjutsu beyond the Three Basic Techniques is considered a sign of genius, especially just two months after enrollment.

In their class, only Kakashi Hatake rivaled him. Asuma could almost predict Kurenai's impressed reaction, nearly laughing wickedly. 

"So what?" Kurenai replied dismissively. Asuma's smile froze. 

Isn't this impressive? Can't you at least congratulate me?

"Hanekawa learned three Genjutsu yesterday!" Kurenai added with a proud tone, as if she had been the one practicing the techniques.

"Impossible! No way!" Asuma leaned back, exasperated. You can't just make up stories for drama. How could anyone learn three Genjutsu in a day? 

"You don't believe me?" Kurenai huffed. 

"I don't believe you," Asuma replied naturally. He knew lies demanded consequences. As Hokage's son, with a Special Jonin as a tutor, he had unparalleled exposure among his peers. 

Kurenai must have been deceived by that mischievous Hanekawa, kept in the dark. Learning three Genjutsu in one day simply wasn't heard of. 

"Just you wait," Kurenai said with a mix of scorn, pride, and casual indifference. She approached Hanekawa but hesitated, worried about causing him trouble.

"What's up?" Hanekawa asked, looking up. 

Kurenai bit her lip, recounting the situation. 

"No problem." Immersed in training, Hanekawa nearly forgot about Asuma. He recalled their agreement for a match in three months. 

Why wait that long to defeat Asuma Sarutobi? Why not today! 

Having just acquired the "Ninja Tool Throwing" and "Genjutsu Genin" tags, he was eager for a challenge. Even without Kurenai's prompt, he would have sought an opportunity beforehand.

"Asuma." Hanekawa sat in Kurenai's seat. 

"What?" Asuma replied with a fiery gaze, his face stern. Nearby, Mizuki perked up his ears, the look of gossip on his face. 

"I want to move our duel up to today," Hanekawa said directly. 

"Today?" Asuma was taken aback, then immediately furious. 

It was clearly an insult! After just a week, Hanekawa thought he stood a chance? Pure fantasy! 

"Meet me after class!" Asuma said confidently. "Don't cry when you lose!" 

Hanekawa nodded slightly, exchanging a glance with Kurenai before returning to his seat.

The duel with Asuma was just a side event. Hanekawa's main focus was getting the top score in the theoretical exam to acquire a skill tag. 

Luckily, with his adult mind, studying was a breeze compared to the others. 

"Ridiculous!" Asuma fumed, watching Hanekawa's calm demeanor. 

Show some respect! Did he not even see me as a worthy opponent? Clenching his teeth, Asuma vowed to crush Hanekawa after school. Maybe he could win back Kurenai's attention too.

"What's up, Kakashi?" Nohara Rin noticed Kakashi Hatake's gaze towards the new student, Hanekawa. 

"They're planning to duel after school," Kakashi said calmly. Man, you've caught my interest.

Hanekawa, just a week into the academy, already challenging Asuma Sarutobi, intrigued him. 

After all, despite Asuma's strength, even Kakashi would need effort to defeat him. Kakashi sensed a kindred spirit.

"How do you know they're dueling?" Obito Uchiha asked, puzzled. 

"I overheard," Kakashi said with a glance, stating, "As a ninja, isn't having keen senses normal?" 

Obito frowned, offended. "You always act like you're better than everyone else, Kakashi!" he said, clenching his fists, clearly preparing to challenge him.

"No interest," Kakashi replied calmly. 

"Obito," Rin intervened, trying to calm the situation.

"Class is about to start. For you, Rin, I'll let it slide today!" Obito grudgingly agreed.