After the morning theory class, it was finally time for the lesson Yukawa had been looking forward to the most: Ninja Tool Throwing.
Under Instructor Eiichiro's lead, the students arrived at the training field.
The class was divided into two parts:
The first half was theory and key techniques.
The second half was hands-on throwing practice.
Yukawa listened intently.
After all, this directly impacted whether he could unlock a new system trait quickly.
In contrast, Asuma Sarutobi already had the basics of ninja tool throwing down before he even entered the Academy.
As the Hokage's son, he'd received personal training from a special jōnin tutor.
Aside from Kakashi Hatake, he was confident no other student could beat him.
And yet… Asuma stared at Yukawa and Kurenai, his face twisted in frustration.
Why?
He was here first!
Asuma's jealousy burned bright.
Kurenai used to always stand beside him. But today, she stood next to Yukawa.
Eh? I've got an idea!
A strategy flashed in Asuma's mind.
Simple: defeat Yukawa.
In the ninja world, the strongest ruled. That was the iron law.
And besides, the gap between him and Yukawa was obvious.
He was guaranteed to win.
---
"Alright, we're starting ninja tool throwing practice."
Eiichiro laid out a row of wooden targets and said, "I'll correct you if anything looks off."
"Sensei, I'll go first!"
Asuma raised his chin confidently and stepped forward.
Then he glanced at Kurenai with a watch me shine look.
Yukawa thought of a phrase:
Among roosters, this one's ready for war.
Right now, Asuma was overflowing with testosterone.
But Kurenai didn't catch his signal—she just looked confused.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
With a flourish, Asuma threw three kunai. All three hit the bullseye dead-on.
He turned, smug smile on his face, and looked straight at Yukawa… only to freeze.
Kurenai wasn't even watching.
She was leaning in close, whispering something to Yukawa.
"Not bad!"
Eiichiro clapped and praised.
But Asuma felt no joy.
Everyone else was having fun, and he was just… left out.
Did my plan backfire? How could this happen?
"Thanks, Kurenai,"
Yukawa said sincerely after her quiet tip about throwing form.
As for Asuma's perfect accuracy—no one was that surprised.
He was the Hokage's son, after all.
Yukawa walked to a nearby target.
Following the technique Kurenai had just shown him, he threw a kunai.
Thud.
It hit—but was still some distance from the center.
"That's it?"
Asuma muttered with a sneer, clearly watching.
"You've got this!"
Kurenai pumped her fist encouragingly.
"..."
Asuma was livid.
Why? Why does she cheer for him?
Bro, I can't breathe anymore.
---
By the end of class, Yukawa had raised his "Ninja Tool Throwing" progress bar to 10%.
Since it only required basic mastery of shuriken and kunai, the E-rank trait wasn't that difficult to earn.
"Kakashi! Let's have a duel of youth!"
A green blur streaked past Yukawa's vision.
He looked up—Might Guy.
The man who, in the original timeline, nearly kicked Madara Uchiha to death using the Eight Gates Released Formation.
An absolute legend.
Just… a bit eccentric.
"Next time, for sure!"
Kakashi vanished in a blur using Body Flicker.
Since enrolling, Kakashi had shown extraordinary talent—and had become Guy's daily target.
At first, Kakashi humored him and accepted a few sparring matches.
But Guy was like an immortal cockroach. Every day, brimming with energy, challenging him to duels in increasingly bizarre ways.
Kakashi couldn't take it anymore.
"So fast!"
Guy's eyes sparkled. "As expected of my eternal rival!"
Watching Guy chase and Kakashi flee, Yukawa remembered his own plan to start physical training.
But keeping up with Guy's regimen?
No chance.
Not mentally. Not physically.
The man who mastered the Eight Inner Gates was in a league of his own.
Yukawa figured if he even tried Guy's workouts, Kurenai would be mourning him by the end of the week.
"Yukawa!"
Asuma suddenly stepped in front of him, declaring, "I challenge you to a duel!"
Apparently, Guy had just inspired him.
"Asuma…"
Kurenai frowned. "Are you trying to bully him?"
Her impression of Asuma had been neutral at best—but now she felt he was just being unreasonable.
Yukawa had only started learning ninja basics two days ago. He was practically still a civilian.
"I-I didn't mean it like that!"
Asuma quickly backtracked. "We can fight at the end of the term, okay?"
Love had clouded his judgment.
In canon, Asuma was actually a decent guy.
Just… a bit rebellious at this age.
But honestly, you couldn't blame him. Kids were reckless.
Still, the duel offer was perfect.
Yukawa's system had just come online—how could he not accept?
Besides, Asuma made a perfect benchmark for a "normal genius."
"Sure,"
Yukawa agreed.
The end of the term was about three months away.
With his cheat system, if he couldn't beat six-year-old Asuma by then, he might as well smash his head against Tsunade's desk in shame.
Kurenai looked worried, as if she wanted to say something but stopped herself.
"Awesome!"
Asuma lit up with excitement.
He didn't realize Kurenai's attitude toward him had already subtly shifted.
---
After locking in the duel, Yukawa felt even more motivated.
That evening, after dinner, he returned to the backyard woods to continue training.
Later, he took a shower and opened the system while lying in bed.
After a full night's practice, his Ninja Tool Throwing progress had reached 15%.
At this pace, he'd unlock the trait in about a week.
But right now, he needed more traits.
Yukawa decided he'd start physical training early the next morning.
Unlocking those foundational traits would make everything else smoother.
Along with strength training, he also needed to work on the classic Three Basic Techniques and chakra control.
With plans in mind and body thoroughly exhausted, Yukawa drifted off to sleep.
"Yukawa… Yukawa…"
In the stillness of the night, a faint whisper suddenly echoed.
Yukawa sat bolt upright, rubbing his eyes.
What the hell?
Who's whispering to me in the middle of the night like a ghost?
But the voice abruptly stopped.
"…?"
Yukawa instinctively looked out the window.
In the moonlight, he saw faint traces of chakra forming glowing letters:
"Sunday morning, 9 AM. Meet at Konoha Knowledge Bookstore."
The message lasted only a few seconds before fading completely.
Yukawa's heart skipped a beat.
It was a message from a Kumo operative.
The undercover agents were finally making contact!
Though…
Why a bookstore and not a rooftop? That's… not the vibe.
Who would be showing up from the Kumo?
Yukawa's strongest memories of the village were mostly two things:
The ever-present concept of "Light Novel Raikage".
And the unforgettable Samui, whose curves could rival Tsunade's.