Talent System In The Naruto Universe

A new day.

At the breakfast table, Kurenai Yuhi was sulking.

She had just learned that Hanekawa was leaving today for a mission.

That wasn't the worst part—the mission would take one or two weeks, maybe even longer.

"Kurenai."

Her father, Shinku Yuhi, glanced at Hanekawa, then forced a smile and asked her, "Do you want some milk? I can pour it for you."

"No!"

Kurenai turned her head away, giving him no attention at all.

Shinku's expression stiffened, and he hesitated to say more.

"Kurenai, this mission came up suddenly. I only found out about it last night," Hanekawa said as he poured a glass of milk and handed it to her. "Next time, if I get the chance, I'll take you with me."

"Really?"

Kurenai immediately turned to look at him.

"For sure," Hanekawa nodded slightly. "I promise."

Typically, after graduating from the Ninja Academy, teams are assigned. Hanekawa was already planning to have Tsunade work behind the scenes to ensure Kurenai was on his team.

As for the third teammate, he hadn't decided yet.

"Okay!"

Kurenai took the milk and happily took a sip.

"…"

Shinku, completely ignored, instinctively clenched his fists.

Damn it, Hanekawa! You better take care of Kurenai!

Shinku sighed deeply.

What else could he do? He was utterly resigned.

"Will you see the ocean when you go to the Land of Water?" Kurenai asked curiously.

"Probably," Yuchuan replied, taking a bite of his egg roll. "Do you like the ocean?"

"Not really, but I want to see it," Kurenai said, pushing her milk toward him. "Here, you can have it."

"No need," Hanekawa shook his head. "I can pour my own."

"I can't finish it," Kurenai said, looking a little embarrassed.

"Can I drink it then?" Shinku couldn't help but interject.

"Dad, you're an adult. Why are you still drinking milk?" Kurenai quickly shot him down.

Fine! So that's how it is!

His last hope was crushed!

Shinku felt completely defeated.

---

After breakfast, Hanekawa and Kurenai left the house together.

"Come back as soon as you can," Kurenai said, her mood dropping as they prepared to part.

"I will," Hanekawa reassured her, patting her head. "Help me explain to Kakashi and the others that I can't train with them for a while."

"Okay." Kurenai nodded.

"Go on to school now," Hanekawa said, pulling his hand back.

Kurenai lingered for several seconds, looking back repeatedly before finally saying goodbye and leaving.

Hanekawa waved her off, then turned toward Konoha's village gate.

At the gate, two guards checked his paperwork before letting him through.

As a ninja, leaving the village required the Hokage's approval.

Hanekawa didn't go far; instead, he stayed to wait for Tsunade.

While waiting, he studied the two gate guards.

Clearly, they weren't the same Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki from the original story.

"Sensei, you're late!"

Fifteen minutes later, Hanekawa saw Tsunade approaching and couldn't resist teasing her.

"Being late is a teacher's privilege," Tsunade replied, raising a hand to flick his forehead. "Don't be so nosy, kid!"

"You're a ninja—mmph!"

Before Hanekawa could finish, Tsunade covered his mouth.

A faint, pleasant fragrance filled his nose.

Hanekawa resisted the urge to bite her.

"During the mission, you must follow your my orders. Understood?"

Tsunade let go of her hand and asked.

"Understood."

Hanekawa forced a smile.

You're the boss, so you're always right.

"Take out the map," Tsunade said with a satisfied smile. "The first thing you need to do is plan a proper route."

"Got it."

Hanekawa took out the map he had purchased the day before.

The Land of Water was located southeast of the Land of Fire and required travel by ship.

With a ninja's average running speed, it was a three- to four-day journey.

Opening the map, Hanekawa quickly drew a route.

"Not bad," Tsunade said after glancing at it.

"You avoided crowded areas but didn't take unnecessary detours."

"I am the top student at the Ninja Academy," Hanekawa replied with a smile, putting the map away. "This kind of task is a piece of cake."

"Being top of your class means nothing," Tsunade said as she suddenly pulled him into a tight hold, her tone serious. "Out here, even the smallest overlooked detail can cost you your life!"

What kind of rough teaching method is this?!

Pressed tightly against her, it took Hanekawa a moment to process what she was saying.

He realized Tsunade was far stricter than he'd expected.

"Yes, sensei," Hanekawa said obediently.

"That's more like it."

Tsunade released him and said, "Let's move out!"

With a leap, she began running in the classic ninja sprint.

Hanekawa followed closely behind.

Tsunade adjusted her speed to accommodate him, ensuring she wasn't running too fast.

While running, she didn't remain silent but instead began lecturing him—covering topics like spotting potential traps or identifying traces left by humans and animals.

These subjects had been taught in class, but never in such detail.

Hanekawa listened while running, and time passed quickly.

---

As night fell, the two reached the southeastern edge of the Land of Fire, not far from the coastline.

"Hanekawa," Tsunade said, stopping. "Find a spot to set up the tent. We'll head to the port tomorrow."

"Understood, sensei."

Activating the 8x zoom effect from his D-rank trait, Tool Mastery, Hanekawa quickly found a good spot.

It was a secluded area in a small forest near a river, dense with branches, leaves, and tall grass, providing excellent cover.

Hanekawa set up the tent and laid simple traps around it—both to ward off wild animals and as an early warning system.

Tsunade silently observed his every move.

She had to admit that Hanekawa's reputation as the Academy's top student was well-deserved; she didn't find any major issues in his approach.

"One tent is enough," Tsunade said as she entered the tent and turned back. "Come in and sleep together."

"Huh?"

Hanekawa froze in shock.

No, sensei, please no!

"I'm not going to eat you," Tsunade said with amusement, seeing his reaction.

"Alright, I'm coming in," Hanekawa said reluctantly as he entered the tent.

"In the wild, the less noise you make, the better," Tsunade said, sitting across from him. "And when sleeping in a sleeping bag, always sleep in your clothes to be ready for emergencies."

"Understood," Hanekawa replied, feeling a twinge of disappointment.

It was clear Tsunade was serious.

Throughout the day, she had been meticulously teaching him even the smallest details, as if she were trying to spoon-feed him.

"Eat and then sleep," Tsunade said, pulling out two portions of rations.

Hanekawa sighed.

The so-called rations consisted of pre-made rice balls and sushi.

They were… edible, but nowhere near as satisfying as hot food.

---

After eating, the sky was completely dark.

Without a candle, the tent was pitch black.

Tsunade slid into her sleeping bag, leaving only her head exposed.

She looked at Hanekawa and said, "Come here."

-

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