Talent System In The Naruto Universe

"Why are you happier than I am?" Hanekawa asked, looking at the bouncing and excited Yūhi Kurenai.

"Because you beat Asuma with genjutsu," Kurenai replied, tilting her head and giving a reason. "Maybe I can do that someday too."

"Then you'll need to work hard," Hanekawa said, recalling the storyline.

"I know!" Kurenai huffed in dissatisfaction.

"I'll teach you when I have time," Hanekawa said with a smile. Her puffed-up, sulking expression was rather cute.

"You said it!" Kurenai's ruby-like eyes sparkled. "Teach me how to beat Asuma!"

"Why do you want to beat him?" Hanekawa raised an eyebrow, curious. "Do you dislike him?"

"Not exactly," Kurenai pouted. "He's just always showing off in front of me, acting all smug."

It was normal for kids to show off. Perhaps in the original story, Asuma's bravado was what won Kurenai over.

But now, with Hanekawa in the picture, things were different.

"Alright, I'll teach you," Hanekawa said with a smile.

Normally, Kurenai wouldn't stand a chance against Asuma. However, with careful planning and some special training, winning a match or two wasn't out of the question.

After all, Asuma was only six years old right now. No matter how skilled he was, there were limits.

The only concern was his father, Sarutobi Hiruzen. He would definitely step in to help Asuma if needed.

---

Soon, the two arrived at Kurenai's home.

"I'm back!" Kurenai called out as she pushed open the door, slipping off her shoes to reveal her small feet.

"Welcome home," Yūhi Shinku, Kurenai's father, appeared to greet them. "Go wash your hands and get ready for dinner."

Hanekawa nodded slightly.

---

After dinner, Hanekawa thought about the new trait he had gained: which increased his wind-release aptitude by 10%.

Chakra affinities were divided into five elements: water, fire, lightning, wind, and earth, with additional special affinities like yin and yang.

Everyone had innate chakra natures, but discovering them required chakra paper.

Hanekawa had no idea what his innate affinities were.

In the original story, Kakashi tested Naruto's chakra nature after the Chūnin Exams, which was relatively late. This was likely because chakra nature transformation wasn't a focus until that rank.

For Genin, learning basic jutsu like the Clone Technique and chakra shape transformation was sufficient.

Speaking of chakra shape transformation, one couldn't ignore Rasengan, the pinnacle of the concept in the original series.

Hanekawa wondered if the training methods from the story would work in real life.

"Uncle Shinku," Hanekawa asked, "Do you have any chakra paper?"

"What's chakra paper?" Kurenai asked curiously.

"It's used to test your chakra nature," Hanekawa explained.

Shinku considered for a moment and said, "Although it's a bit early, it doesn't hurt to find out now."

He went to another room and quickly returned with two small, square pieces of paper about the size of a palm.

"Just channel your chakra into the paper," Shinku explained. "The paper will react based on your chakra nature."

"I'll go first!" Kurenai said eagerly, taking one of the papers.

The paper quickly changed. Its right half burst into flames, while the left half became damp.

"That's amazing!" Kurenai exclaimed, watching the interplay of fire and water.

"Fire and water release," Shinku said, slightly surprised. "It's rare to see opposing elements like fire and water coexist."

"Does that mean I can learn fire and water jutsu?" Kurenai asked, her eyes shining.

"You can," Shinku nodded, but added in a serious tone, "But it's unnecessary. Mastering genjutsu alone will be more than enough for you."

Becoming proficient in two chakra natures was already a feat for a Jōnin, highlighting the difficulty of such a task.

Given Kurenai's talent, focusing on genjutsu would make her a Jōnin much faster than dividing her efforts between fire and water.

---

While the two discussed this, Hanekawa tested his own chakra paper.

The paper split in two. One half burned with fire, while the other crackled with electricity.

"Lightning and fire, huh?" Hanekawa mused.

He couldn't help but wonder—without wind as an innate affinity, would mastering wind release still be possible?

Under Normal Circumstances, he would need to spend time training to improve.

But with the system, a new path had opened up for him.

"Hanekawa, you too—focus on mastering genjutsu first," Yūhi Shinku reminded him again, worried he might spread himself too thin.

"Understood," Hanekawa nodded without argument.

"You know what? Hanekawa defeated Asuma today!" Kurenai suddenly said proudly. "Genjutsu is way more impressive than Wind Release!"

The information was so unexpected that Yūhi Shinku didn't react immediately.

Had Hanekawa, who had only been studying for a week, defeated the Hokage's son? Truly a genius!

After a moment, Shinku smiled and said, "Impressive. Genjutsu can give you a significant advantage in battle."

That statement wasn't wrong—unless you were up against a member of the Uchiha clan. The Sharingan's ability to use genjutsu without hand seals was a natural counter to ordinary genjutsu users.

Hanekawa remained calm, but Kurenai was visibly motivated. After a brief rest, she threw herself into genjutsu practice.

Meanwhile, Hanekawa headed to a small grove outside the house, using the light to practice his throwing techniques with ninja tools.

---

The Next Day

Hanekawa noticed his popularity in class had skyrocketed. Many students approached him to chat, especially the girls.

In the shinobi world, strength was revered.

With Hanekawa being both skilled and good-looking, it was no surprise he became the center of attention.

After all, kids were straightforward like that.

Seeing Hanekawa surrounded, Kurenai felt an odd pang—like something that belonged to her was being taken away.

As for Asuma, he glanced at Hanekawa but didn't approach.

The previous night, Hiruzen Sarutobi had taught him a method to counter genjutsu. However, Asuma decided not to challenge Hanekawa immediately, opting to wait until he was fully prepared.

---

Saturday Arrived

Hanekawa woke up early.

Apart from his morning training, he planned to visit the orphanage.

After jogging through the streets, he made his way there.

Before he even arrived, rows of text appeared before his eyes:

> E-Rank Talent Entry: Strong Physique (Acquired)

Trigger Condition: Achieve the minimum physical standard of a Genin.

Effect: Increases stamina recovery rate by 10%.

Note: Two synthesis paths available.

Path 1: Combine with E-Rank Talents Fleet-Footed and Thousand Years of Pain to synthesize D-Rank Talent Taijutsu Genin.

Path 2: Combine with D-Rank Talent Medical Ninja and E-Rank Talent Fleet-Footed to synthesize C-Rank Talent Innate Strength.

Hanekawa paused in thought.

Acquiring Strong Physique felt like a natural progression, so he wasn't surprised. Its effect was useful, allowing him to train longer.

What caught him off guard were the two synthesis options.

Despite the increased difficulty, Hanekawa unhesitatingly chose the second path.

The C-Rank Talent Innate Strength seemed to correlate with Yang Release, making it an excellent match for his previously acquired Innate Soul.

---

"Hanekawa? You're here early. Have you eaten yet?"

The voice of Nono Yakushi, the orphanage director, interrupted his thoughts.

"Yes, Director. I had a rice ball earlier," Hanekawa replied, snapping back to reality.

"Here." Nono handed him a cup of milk. "Drink this, then I'll take you to meet Lady Tsunade."

"Alright," Hanekawa said, quickly downing the milk.

The two left for the Konoha Hospital.

---

Upon reaching the hospital, Nono led Hanekawa upstairs to an office.

There, Hanekawa saw Tsunade.

She was wearing a tea-green cloak and sitting on a sofa, her long, shapely legs crossed, exuding a sense of strength and elegance.

Her golden hair was tied into a ponytail, and the diamond-shaped Yin Seal mark on her forehead accentuated her flawless, beautiful face.

The sleeveless top she wore hinted at fair skin and a striking curve that couldn't be ignored.

Hanekawa's gaze instinctively fell into the depths of her… presence.

Magnificent. Words weren't needed.

It was even more awe-inspiring than in the anime.

That was until Tsunade's sharp amber eyes locked onto his. Hanekawa shivered.

Oh no. Auto-focus… forgot to turn it off.

_______

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