Talent System In The Naruto Universe

"My name is Hanekawa. I don't have many hobbies, but as for my dream, I hope to become a ninja like Lord Hokage."

In truth, Hanekawa's real dream was simply to survive, but that sounded too out of place.

So, he voiced the standard dream of any ninja academy student—to become Hokage.

It was no different from kids in his past life saying they wanted to become scientists.

Plus, he had been clever with his wording: instead of saying he wanted to be Hokage, he said he wanted to become a ninja like Hokage.

Since he was currently under Danzo Shimura's scrutiny, he could only temporarily align himself with Hiruzen Sarutobi. This was a classic case of adapting to the situation, showcasing loyalty as his primary strategy.

"The one who'll become Hokage in the end is definitely me, Obito Uchiha!"

Obito Uchiha shot up from his seat, his face filled with pride.

Rin Nohara instinctively tugged at his sleeve, but failed to stop him.

"Childish," Kakashi Hatake said expressionlessly.

After all, he wasn't some three-year-old kid—he was already a five-year-old!

If he wanted to be Hokage, he wouldn't argue about it with words but prove it through action.

Hanekawa glanced at Obito and suddenly thought of a dark joke: If you can't become Hokage, just make one.

"What's so great about being Hokage?"

Asuma Sarutobi slowly stood up, speaking in a low voice. "I'm going to surpass Hokage!"

The classroom fell silent.

Everyone knew he was the son of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hanekawa's expression turned a little strange.

As someone who knew the story, he was well aware of how unrealistic Asuma's statement was.

Asuma's talent was quite ordinary. Even among Jonin, he wasn't particularly outstanding, let alone surpassing Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Having a dream is a good thing, but to achieve it, you must study diligently," Eichiro said, clapping his hands to draw everyone's attention. "Hanekawa, the seat by the window in the last row is yours."

The classroom was arranged with three students per table. Since Hanekawa had transferred in two months late, he could only sit in the back row.

But he didn't mind at all—being in the back by the window was actually a good spot.

His seatmate was a short-haired girl. Meeting her gaze, Hanekawa introduced himself: "Hello, I'm Hanekawa."

As a spy, there were usually two approaches: either blend into the background or become the center of attention.

Unfortunately, his abilities and appearance didn't allow him to stay invisible.

It was a pity he wasn't from the Aburame clan; otherwise, he'd naturally have an aura-suppressing effect.

"I'm Shizune. Nice to meet you," the girl replied with a smile.

Hanekawa was taken aback.

Shizune? Was she still in the ninja academy at this time?

In the original story, after Tsunade developed a phobia of blood following the deaths of Nawaki and Dan Kato, she left Konoha with Shizune, wandering and gambling across the ninja world.

Hanekawa rubbed his chin.

Was Tsunade still in Konoha?

Hanekawa glanced around.

In the row ahead of him sat Kakashi Hatake, Rin Nohara, and Obito Uchiha.

To his left-front were Kurenai Yuhi, Asuma Sarutobi, and a boy he didn't recognize.

"Today's class is on The History of Konoha. Please turn to page 13 in your textbooks," Eichiro's voice snapped Hanekawa back to reality.

He flipped open his book and lingered on the table of contents for a few seconds.

The contents were divided into four major sections: The Sage of Six Paths, Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju, and Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hanekawa turned to the first chapter, and a sense of incongruity hit him.

Something was wrong. Very wrong.

The text stated that the Sage of Six Paths not only created various ninja techniques but also established the rules for ninja squads.

Among the rules was one specifying that every three-person team should ideally include a medical ninja.

Wasn't this something Tsunade had proposed?

Had history been altered, or was there some kind of mistake?

"The First Hokage established Konoha during the chaos of the warring states and wrote the ninja code, including rules like prohibiting drinking and gambling during missions..."

Eichiro lectured enthusiastically from the podium.

Hanekawa snapped back to reality and couldn't help but mentally criticize, Is this some kind of apocryphal tale?

Although it wasn't as outrageous as gutter literature, Hashirama Senju was known to indulge in both drinking and gambling.

He flipped to the final page of the book and discovered it was authored by Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Well, that explains everything—this is officially biased.

Hanekawa could already predict what the fourth chapter would say.

The bell signaling the end of class rang.

Eichiro left with his textbook, and the classroom instantly became lively.

"Kurenai…"

Asuma Sarutobi started to speak but froze when he saw Kurenai Yuhi jump off her seat and head straight toward Hanekawa.

He clenched his fists instinctively. At this rate, I'm going to lose completely, even my dignity!

"Hanekawa, are you adjusting well?"

Kurenai greeted Shizune before turning her attention to Hanekawa.

"Yes."

Hanekawa nodded.

For someone who'd attended university, studying elementary-level material felt like going home.

In his past life, he had even joined an online tutoring platform and thoroughly dominated elementary students.

"This is for you," Kurenai said, handing him a notebook. "It's my notes from the past two months. I think they'll help you."

"Thank you," Hanekawa replied earnestly.

"Alright, I won't bother you anymore. See you at lunch."

Kurenai waved her small hand and walked away.

"Do you two know each other?"

Shizune, sensing something, couldn't resist her curiosity.

"Kurenai's father was my teacher," Hanekawa explained.

"A Jonin teacher?"

Shizune's eyes widened in surprise.

Normally, students wouldn't be assigned a team leader until after graduation.

Hanekawa's case clearly exceeded her expectations.

"Do you know Lady Tsunade?"

Noticing her astonishment, Hanekawa seized the moment to ask.

Shizune shook her head.

Hanekawa felt a growing sense of dissonance.

Suddenly, he realized something critical.

In the original story, Tsunade and Dan Kato had bonded during a Jonin meeting discussing the involvement of medical ninjas in ninja squads.

But here, it seemed the Sage of Six Paths had preemptively implemented this idea.

It appeared the world had undergone subtle, unexplained changes.

Could this be the butterfly effect of his transmigration?

Unable to unravel the mystery, Hanekawa decided to stop thinking about it.

Time quickly passed, and by noon, students were either heading home or searching for a place to eat.

As Hanekawa closed his textbook, he noticed Kurenai standing in front of him, her ruby-like eyes sparkling in the sunlight.

Not far away, Asuma Sarutobi was glaring at them with a resentful expression.

"You all go ahead," Shizune said, getting up to find Rin Nohara.

Kurenai took the opportunity to sit in Shizune's seat.

"Are you and Asuma close?" Hanekawa asked while opening his lunchbox.

"Not really. We're just desk mates," Kurenai replied with a hint of frustration. "But he keeps pestering me."

"I see," Hanekawa said, picking up a piece of fried shrimp with his chopsticks.

As a staunch believer in pure relationships, he had no intention of interfering in someone else's romantic matters for real.

However, since Kurenai claimed there was no connection, he felt no burden whatsoever.

(There will be a logical explanation for the changes surrounding the Sage of Six Paths later. It's neither a bug nor a parallel universe.)