Hanekawa glanced around, eventually fixing his gaze on a distant rock.
With a swing of the Thunderfire Sword, he unleashed a bolt of lightning that shattered the rock into pieces.
He nodded in satisfaction.
Under normal circumstances, destroying that rock would have consumed a significant amount of chakra. However, by channeling natural lightning, his chakra expenditure was halved, and the destructive power was even greater.
Hanekawa sheathed the Thunderfire Sword and took out the intel Haru had delivered.
There were two main pieces of information:
1. Kakashi Hatake had been promoted to Special Jōnin.
2. Sakumo Hatake had led a team deep into the Land of Lightning to disrupt the supply convoy sent by the Daimyō.
Hanekawa rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
What a coincidence that both father and son were making waves at the same time.
In the original storyline, Kakashi became a Jōnin at the age of twelve, but here he was only a Special Jōnin. It was clearly due to Hanekawa's butterfly effect.
From Hanekawa's perspective, Kakashi was even stronger now than his original counterpart at the same age. After all, Hanekawa had been pushing him hard from an early age.
Once the conflict with Iwagakure erupted, Kakashi's promotion to full Jōnin would likely follow naturally.
As for Sakumo, when did he move to the battlefield in Kumogakure?
Hanekawa hadn't been informed earlier, so it must have been a recent development. It seemed Orochimaru and Danzo Shimura were under significant pressure.
But what surprised him was that Hiruzen Sarutobi allowed Asuma Sarutobi to operate in such a dangerous area.
---
"What are you doing, brat?"
Tsunade's irritated voice came from behind him.
"Sensei, did I disturb you?"
Hanekawa turned to face her.
"Is that the point?"
Tsunade crossed her arms and glared. "At this rate, every tree and rock near my house will be destroyed by you!"
"Ah, that..."
Hanekawa coughed awkwardly. "I'll go further away next time."
He had been eager to test the sword's abilities.
"Sensei, here's the intel from Haru."
As he handed over the scroll, his gaze involuntarily drifted to her sleepwear. The neckline revealed a fair expanse of skin.
"Do you want to become a Jōnin?"
Tsunade asked after reading the intel.
"I'm in no rush," Hanekawa replied casually.
"Jōnin can lead teams and earn better rewards," Tsunade said nonchalantly. "Aren't you tempted?"
"Not really," Hanekawa said with a grin. "I prefer having you lead me."
Money wasn't an issue for him. If he ever wanted to take on students in the future, becoming a Jōnin might make sense. But for now, he enjoyed staying under Tsunade's wing.
"Not a bad reason."
Tsunade chuckled and remarked, "Then let's wait a few more years."
She wouldn't feel at ease sending Hanekawa to lead a team on his own. While his strength was sufficient, his experience was still lacking, and leading a team could expose him to unnecessary risks.
---
Not long after, Kurenai Yuhi and Rin Nohara arrived.
Hanekawa informed them about Kakashi's promotion to Special Jōnin.
"Damn it!"
Kurenai's eyes widened. "He got there before us!"
She had always believed that Hanekawa would be the first of their generation to become a Jōnin or Special Jōnin, but Kakashi had taken the lead.
"Too bad we can't congratulate him in person," Rin said with a smile.
"Is it just Kakashi?" Kurenai suddenly asked. "What about Guy and Obito?"
"They didn't make it," Hanekawa replied.
"Good!"
Kurenai clenched her fists with determination. "I'll be the second, then!"
"Good luck!" Hanekawa said with a smile, ruffling her hair.
"What about you?"
Kurenai's eyes sparkled like rubies. "You'll definitely be the first among us to become a full Jōnin!"
Special Jōnin and Jōnin had subtle differences. Jōnin were versatile ninjas, while Special Jōnin excelled in specific areas.
Hanekawa guessed Kakashi had been promoted based on his skills in kenjutsu or assassination.
"You're already stronger than most Jōnin," Rin chimed in. After all, Hanekawa had defeated Kushimaru Kuriarare, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
"We'll see," Hanekawa said indifferently.
"Titles like that don't really mean much to me."
"If that's the case, maybe I'll beat you to it!" Kurenai declared, placing her hands on her hips with a triumphant expression.
"Not bad, you've got spirit," Hanekawa said with a smile.
Hanekawa smiled and said, "Let's start today's training!"
"Alright, let's go!"
Kurenai grabbed his hand and dragged him outside. Rin quickly followed behind them.
Kurenai was working on her Water Release ninjutsu. She had already mastered Darkness Technique she exchanged earlier, while Rin was still making progress on her Spirit Transformation Technique.
Not far from Hanekawa, Rin closed her eyes, and soon her soul left her body.
Hanekawa kept an eye on her while forming hand signs.
Ninja Art: Creation Rebirth – Strength of a Hundred Technique!
The diamond-shaped mark on his forehead began to spread, forming dark red markings.
However, the markings stopped at his neck, indicating the technique had failed.
In a successful attempt, the dark red markings would cover his entire body.
Hanekawa didn't feel discouraged—it was an S-rank jutsu, after all, and mastering it was no easy task.
---
Two months passed in the blink of an eye, and as December arrived, Konoha Village began to take on a festive atmosphere for the New Year.
This year, however, was noticeably quieter, as more than 4,000 Konoha shinobi stationed on the Kumogakure battlefield were unable to return home.
---
Earth Style: Swamp of the Underworld!
Standing outside Kurenai's house, Hanekawa formed hand signs.
Before him, the ground turned to mud, creating a massive swamp.
This jutsu was particularly effective against large summoning beasts. In the original series, Jiraiya had used it to trap Orochimaru's giant snakes.
After using the jutsu, Hanekawa's progress bar finally hit 100%, and he unlocked a new trait.
[B-Rank Talent Trait: Earth Release Specialist.]
Trigger Condition: Mastery of nine Earth Release jutsu traits.
Effect: Enhances all Earth Release jutsu effects by 100%.
Note: Mastering additional Earth Release jutsu can upgrade this to the A-Rank trait, Earth Release Master.
Although it wasn't a particularly surprising trait, it brought him one step closer to unlocking his A-Rank trait: Universal Jōnin.
Now, he only needed the B-Rank traits Wind Release Specialist and Sensory Specialist to complete the synthesis.
Hanekawa exhaled in relief.
The past two months of effort hadn't been in vain.
In addition to the Earth Release Specialist trait, he had also gained another B-Rank trait. However, this was not a talent trait but a jutsu trait—Lightning Water Dragon Bullet, the composite jutsu given to him by Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Composite jutsu combined multiple elements, requiring a deep understanding of each. In combat, while the enemy might only need to use one jutsu, Hanekawa had to execute two or more simultaneously.
This was why Hiruzen had mentioned how challenging composite jutsu were, as they demanded exceptional proficiency and speed.
Fortunately, Hanekawa had a cheat-like ability that enhanced his hand-sign speed.
---
Returning to his senses, Hanekawa began practicing sensory jutsu.
With his eyes closed, his surroundings appeared clearly in his mind.
Not far away, Kurenai was practicing Water Release: Water Trumpet Technique.
Hanekawa could even sense the chaotic flow of water across the ground.
---
By dusk, Kurenai wiped the sweat from her brow.
After a day of training, her chakra was nearly depleted. Unlike Hanekawa, who had a system that instantly granted proficiency, Kurenai had to spend a lot of time training to master her techniques.
"Hanekawa!"
Kurenai bounced over to him, her previous exhaustion replaced with excitement.
"Kurenai."
Hanekawa smiled and said, "I had an idea—how about we spend New Year's at our teacher's house this year?"
Usually, he spent New Year's at Kurenai's house before visiting Tsunade's the next day.
"Huh?"
Kurenai froze, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Why the big reaction?" Hanekawa asked curiously. "Don't you want to go?"
"I do!" Kurenai replied instinctively, but her cheeks turned a faint shade of red.
"…?"
Hanekawa was puzzled.
Why is she blushing? Isn't she used to seeing Tsunade every day?
"Are you coming or not?"
Hanekawa pinched her cheek lightly, finding her reaction amusing.
"Of course I'm coming!"
Kurenai bit her lip, her expression conflicted but her response firm.
"I need to think about what dishes to prepare," Hanekawa said, already planning.
"Let's focus on gifts first."
Suddenly grabbing his wrist, Kurenai asked nervously, "What kind of New Year's gift would Tsunade-sensei like?"
"Huh? We need to bring gifts?"
Hanekawa blinked and shook his head. "No need to make it so complicated. Even if you don't bring a gift, Sensei won't mind."
"How could we not bring something?" Kurenai glared at him. "This is the first time we're celebrating New Year there!"
"She likes money," Hanekawa said with a chuckle. "If you give her money, she'll definitely be happy."
"That's way too casual!" Kurenai protested indignantly.
"You're never this formal otherwise," Hanekawa said, raising an eyebrow.
"New Year's is different!" Kurenai crossed her arms, then suddenly seemed to think of something and dropped them. "Let's go buy some kimonos!"
"Sure," Hanekawa nodded. "We can also pick up groceries while we're out."
"What kind of gift should we bring?" Kurenai tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"If you really want to bring a gift, a kimono would be a good choice," Hanekawa suggested after some thought.
"That's a great idea!" Kurenai's eyes lit up. "Tsunade-sensei doesn't seem to wear kimonos often. We could get her one to wear for New Year!"
Tsunade had worn kimonos before, though rarely. She found them too cumbersome.
Hanekawa mused that he might have the chance to help her wear one in the future—he was quite confident in his skills at dressing someone in a kimono.
---
"Come inside for dinner," Hanekawa said, taking Kurenai's hand as they walked into the house.
"Wash your hands first," Kurenai's father, Yūhi Shinku, said, used to their close behavior and paying no mind to their hand-holding.
During the meal, Hanekawa suddenly realized something.
Kurenai was putting so much thought into this—was she thinking of it as meeting his family?
After all, Hanekawa was an orphan, and Tsunade was his only family-like figure, essentially acting as his guardian.
Considering it was New Year, it wasn't surprising Kurenai might misunderstand.
Hanekawa smiled to himself. This girl was growing up, already paying attention to such details.
---
December 31st, New Year's Eve.
"Let's go, Dad!" Kurenai exclaimed after breakfast, pulling Hanekawa out the door.
Yūhi Shinku sighed deeply.
He understood all too well what it meant for his daughter to spend New Year's elsewhere.
His little girl was growing up and slipping away.
Still, with Hanekawa's exceptional character, he had no objections.
---
"Wow, it's so lively!" Kurenai said excitedly, watching the bustling crowds on the street.
"Well, tomorrow is New Year's," Hanekawa replied, brushing snow off her coat. "Should we buy an umbrella?"
"No need, the snow isn't heavy," Kurenai said, her cheeks slightly red. "Besides, snow makes it feel more festive."
"Here, a scarf," Hanekawa handed her a white scarf.
Kurenai wrapped it around her neck, her red coat and the scarf making her look soft and cozy.
Seeing this, Hanekawa couldn't resist patting her head.
"Hey, don't mess up my hair!" Kurenai shot him a glare but didn't stop him.
"How about that kimono shop over there? Looks like it's doing well," Hanekawa said, noticing a store in the distance.
"Let's check it out!" Kurenai eagerly entered the shop and began looking around.
"What about this black-and-red kimono?" Hanekawa pointed to one on the wall. "I think you'd look great in it."
"Then I'll take this one!" Kurenai glanced at him, then at the kimono, and made her decision.
"Huh?" Hanekawa looked surprised. "Aren't you going to pick a few more to try?"
"I trust your taste," Kurenai said, her face slightly flushed.
"Just pick what you like," Hanekawa said with a smile. "I'm only giving suggestions."
"Who said I don't like this one?" Kurenai huffed.
"I'll buy it for you," Hanekawa said, then added, "Why don't you also pick one for the teacher?"
"Oh no!" Kurenai suddenly remembered something. "I forgot to ask about Tsunade-sensei's size!"
"It's fine. I know her size," Hanekawa said casually.
"How do you know that?" Kurenai asked instinctively, looking at him.
"I've bought clothes for her before," Hanekawa replied, keeping a straight face while changing the subject. "What do you think of this kimono?"
Kurenai looked over. It was a white kimono with a pale green and gold overlay on the upper part.
"It kind of looks like what Sensei usually wears," Kurenai said thoughtfully.
Hanekawa nodded.
The design reminded him of the Heroic Tsunade outfit from the Naruto mobile game. (Naruto: Wandering Swordsman)
---
(Initially, I wanted to use the pic as the novel cover. But it's too NSFW and the web rejected it)
_
Patreon.com/rashta
1. 320 adv ch of Talent System In Naruto
2. 560 adv ch of Qian Renxue's Younger Brother
3. 270 adv ch of Uchiha Madara's Cousin
4. 163 adv ch of WDQK: Divorcing Ling Qingzhu (Complete)
5. 487 adv ch of This Danzo Is Weird