Chapter 13. Kakashi: You’ve Caught My Interest

Chapter 13 - 13. Kakashi: You’ve Caught My InterestHanekawa watched Kurenai Yuhi practicing genjutsu, but her attention was focused on the system in front of her. Three genjutsu entries had been collected, making it possible to synthesize a new entry. [D-Rank Talent Entry: Genjutsu Genin] [Trigger Condition: Possess three genjutsu entries.] [Effect: Increases the power of all genjutsu by 30%.] [Note: Learning more genjutsu can advance this entry to C-Rank, Genjutsu Chunin.] According to the standards of the ninja world, mastering the three basic techniques qualifies one to become a genin. Searᴄh the ηovelFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Having mastered three genjutsu techniques, Hanekawa truly lived up to the title of Genjutsu Genin. The 30% increase in genjutsu power was enough to give him a significant edge in combat—perhaps even allowing him to face off against someone with an ordinary Sharingan. The only thing that surprised Hanekawa was how straightforward this entry was. It felt as if it had a clear ceiling, resembling the path Kurenai Yuhi had taken. But on second thought, it made sense. In the ninja world, no matter how powerful genjutsu is, can it surpass the Mangekyō Sharingan? Genjutsu was merely a stepping stone. Ninjutsu and taijutsu were the real investments, offering much higher potential. Unless the system decided to gift her a pair of Sharingan. After recovering his chakra, Hanekawa greeted Kurenai and headed to the small forest outside. His chakra reserves were insufficient to support learning advanced ninjutsu for now. That would have to wait until his foundations were stronger. Hanekawa stopped in front of a wooden stake, casually pulling out a senbon he had prepared earlier. Senbon, essentially long, needle-like ninja tools, were one of the three most commonly used weapons alongside kunai and shuriken. With a casual flick of his wrist, Hanekawa hit the bullseye perfectly. Senbon shared similarities with shuriken as throwable weapons, and the techniques for using them weren't too different. The pleasant Sunday passed quickly. Looking at the progress bar for the "Seven Types of Ninja Tools" entry steadily advancing, Hanekawa smiled with satisfaction. A new week began. Early Monday morning, the classroom of First-Year Class A was lively, even before class had started. Everyone gathered in pairs, chatting away. Kurenai Yuhi, resting her chin on her hands, felt nothing but irritation. Sarutobi Asuma was sitting beside her, chattering non-stop about his weekend adventures. She had zero interest. Instinctively, Kurenai's eyes drifted to Hanekawa. At that moment, Hanekawa was engrossed in a book, his serious expression making Kurenai hesitant to interrupt. From the day Hanekawa had joined the academy, he had been like this—always diligent. Kurenai, on the other hand, couldn't even manage to read for more than half an hour before her attention began to wander. The slightest distraction could pull her focus away. She found herself staring absentmindedly. Her little junior really was quite handsome. Though she had given up on defeating him, her dream of being a "big sister boss" hadn't faded. After all, life without dreams would make her nothing more than an useless person Sarutobi Asuma noticed the issue while he was talking. Following Kurenai's gaze, he saw the problem immediately. It was him! It was him again! That Hanekawa brat! Sarutobi Asuma was fuming, his frustration evident. No way—he couldn't let Hanekawa steal the spotlight. "Kurenai," Asuma said, lifting his chin with a smug expression, "I learned a Wind Release jutsu yesterday." At the ninja academy, mastering techniques beyond the three basic jutsu was a mark of genius. Especially considering they had only been enrolled for two months. In the entire class, only Kakashi Hatake could match him. Asuma could already imagine Kurenai's awed reaction, his grin widening. He was almost ready to cackle. "So what?" Kurenai asked absentmindedly. Asuma's smile froze. Wasn't this impressive? Couldn't she at least say something nice? "Hanekawa learned three genjutsu techniques yesterday!" Kurenai said proudly, noticing his expression. It was as if she had been the one to master three genjutsu techniques. "Impossible! Absolutely impossible!" Sarutobi Asuma leaned back slightly, speaking with disbelief. "Adaptation isn't fabrication, and dramatization isn't nonsense. How could anyone learn three genjutsu techniques in a single day?" "You don't believe me?" Kurenai Yuhi snorted softly, challenging him. "Of course not." Sarutobi Asuma replied matter-of-factly. Liars deserve to swallow a thousand needles. As the Hokage's son, with an elite jonin as his tutor, his knowledge was unparalleled among his peers. Clearly, Kurenai had been deceived by that cunning Hanekawa brat. Learning three genjutsu techniques in one day? He'd never heard of such a thing. "Just you wait," Kurenai said, smirking with a mix of mockery, pride, and nonchalance. She stood up and walked over to Hanekawa. However, when she reached him, she hesitated. Would she cause him trouble by bringing this up? "Something wrong?" Hanekawa looked up at her, speaking calmly. Kurenai bit her lip and explained the situation. "No big deal," Hanekawa replied. Immersed in training the past few days, he had nearly forgotten about Sarutobi Asuma and their three-month challenge. Why wait three months to defeat him? Why not today? With the "Ninja Tool Throwing" and "Genjutsu Genin" entries newly unlocked, Hanekawa was itching to test them out. Even if Kurenai hadn't said anything, he would've found a way to bring the fight forward. "Asuma," Hanekawa said as he walked over to Kurenai's desk and sat down. "What is it?" Sarutobi Asuma replied, scowling, sparks practically flying from his eyes. Nearby, Mizuki instinctively perked up, eager to eavesdrop on the juicy drama. "I want to move our duel forward," Hanekawa said directly. "How about today?" "Move it forward?" Sarutobi Asuma was momentarily stunned, but his expression quickly turned into one of outrage. This was pure disrespect! Did Hanekawa think he had a chance after only one week? What utter nonsense! "Fine! After school, meet me!" Sarutobi Asuma crossed his arms, adding with a smug tone, "And don't cry when you lose!" Hanekawa nodded slightly. Exchanging a brief glance with Kurenai, he returned to his seat. The duel with Sarutobi Asuma was just a side event for him. His primary focus was still securing the top spot in the theoretical exam to unlock new entries. Fortunately, having memories from two lifetimes gave him a significant advantage. Compared to his peers, studying wasn't too difficult. "Damn it!" Sarutobi Asuma muttered angrily, irritated by Hanekawa's calm demeanor. Couldn't he show some respect? Did Sarutobi Asuma not even qualify as a worthy opponent? Grinding his teeth, Asuma swore to defeat Hanekawa after school—maybe even win Kurenai back in the process. "What's wrong, Kakashi?" Rin Nohara noticed Kakashi Hatake's gaze and followed it to Hanekawa. "They're going to duel after school," Kakashi replied in his usual calm tone. "Man, you've caught my interest." Hanekawa had only been at the academy for a week, yet he dared to challenge Sarutobi Asuma. That was unexpected. Sarutobi Asuma wasn't weak. Even Kakashi himself had to put in effort to defeat him. Kakashi sensed a kindred spirit in Hanekawa. "How do you know they're dueling?" Obito Uchiha asked, confused. "I heard it," Kakashi replied, giving him a glance. "As a ninja, having sharp senses is pretty standard, isn't it?" "You jerk!" Obito, clearly offended, snapped. "Let's go fight outside!" "Not interested," Kakashi said, his expression indifferent. "Obito," Rin said quickly, trying to mediate. "Don't fight, class is about to start." "Fine! For Rin's sake, I'll let it slide today!" Obito huffed, looking away in annoyance.