Naruto: Hidden Hokage

Yorin watched as Yūhi Kurenai practiced genjutsu, but his attention was focused on the system interface before him.

The three genjutsu-related perks had been collected, allowing a new perk to be synthesized.

[D-Rank Talent Perk: Genjutsu Adept]

[Trigger Condition]: Possess three genjutsu-related perks.

[Effect]: All genjutsu techniques' effectiveness is increased by 30%.

[Note]: Learning more genjutsu techniques can evolve this perk to the C-Rank perk Genjutsu Chūnin.

By the standards of the ninja world, mastering the three basic techniques could already qualify one as a genin.

Yorin had now mastered three genjutsu techniques, making "Genjutsu Adept" a title he truly deserved.

The 30% enhancement in genjutsu potency was a game-changer in combat.

Perhaps he might even hold his own against a standard Sharingan user.

The only surprising aspect was how straightforward this perk seemed—it laid out a clear path resembling the one Yūhi Jinhong had taken.

However, in the grand scheme of the ninja world, genjutsu prowess would struggle to outshine Mangekyō Sharingan-level abilities.

Genjutsu served more as a transitional specialty.

Investing in ninjutsu and taijutsu offered higher potential ceilings.

Unless, of course, the system gifted him a pair of Sharingan someday.

Having recovered some stamina, Yorin excused himself and headed to the small grove outside.

His current chakra reserves weren't enough to support learning more advanced techniques, so he decided to strengthen his foundations first.

Yorin stopped before a wooden stake and pulled out a slender senbon needle, one of the essential ninja tools beyond kunai and shuriken.

He casually tossed the senbon, which landed dead center on the target.

A satisfying end to a beautiful Sunday.

As Yorin glanced at the rapidly increasing progress bar for Seven Ninja Tools, a pleased smile formed on his face.

A New Week Begins.

Early in the morning, the Year 1 Class A classroom bustled with noise.

Since lessons hadn't started, students were scattered in groups, chatting.

Yūhi Kurenai, supporting her chin with both hands, found herself growing increasingly irritated.

Sarutobi Asuma sat beside her, chattering endlessly about his weekend exploits.

She wasn't interested in the slightest.

Her gaze naturally drifted to Yorin.

He was engrossed in a book, his focus so unwavering she felt hesitant to interrupt him.

Since his first day, Yorin had been this diligent.

Something she could never emulate.

After half an hour of studying, her attention would invariably falter, distracted by the smallest of noises.

As Kurenai stared, a thought crossed her mind.

Her "little brother" was undeniably good-looking.

Though she had abandoned the idea of surpassing him, her dream of becoming the "big sister figure" remained alive.

After all, without dreams, you're just mindlessly going through the motions.

Sarutobi Asuma's monologue faltered as he noticed Kurenai's focus shifting.

Following her gaze, he froze, his frustration evident.

It's him again! It's always him!

That infernal Yorin!

Sarutobi Asuma seethed internally.

"Kurenai."

Asuma straightened up, wearing a smug expression.

"Over the weekend, I learned a Wind Style ninjutsu."

In the academy, mastering ninjutsu beyond the Three Basic Techniques was a hallmark of genius.

For someone who had only been in school for two months, it was an impressive feat.

Only Kakashi Hatake might match him.

He could almost see Kurenai's awe-stricken expression, his grin widening in anticipation.

"What's the big deal?" Kurenai replied offhandedly.

Asuma's smile froze.

Isn't this impressive?

Not even a word of praise?

"Yorin learned three genjutsu techniques yesterday!" Kurenai stated proudly.

Her tone made it seem as if she were the one who had mastered them.

"Impossible! No way!"

Asuma reeled back, practically shouting.

Rewriting reality? Or complete nonsense?

Who could learn three genjutsu techniques in a single day?

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

"Of course not!" Asuma retorted, his tone firm.

Kurenai approached Yorin to explain the situation.

"Small matter," he replied nonchalantly.

Yorin's mind flashed back to their agreement for a duel in three months.

Why wait that long?

Let's settle this today.

"After school, let's duel," Yorin declared to Asuma.

Asuma blinked in shock, quickly replaced by fury.

Did Yorin think so little of him?

"Fine! After school, don't go crying when you lose!"

Nearby, Kakashi Hatake watched the exchange, his curiosity piqued.

"You've caught my attention," he muttered under his breath.