"My name is Yukawa. I don't have many hobbies. As for my dream… I want to become a ninja like the Hokage."
Yukawa's real dream was simple—to survive. But that sounded far too out of place for a child's introduction.
So, instead, he said the one dream every Ninja Academy student was expected to have:To become Hokage.
No different from how kids in his past life all wanted to be scientists or astronauts.
He even added a clever twist—he didn't say "become the Hokage," but rather, "a ninja like the Hokage."
Since he was currently under the watchful eye of Shimura Danzō, he had no choice but to temporarily side with Sarutobi Hiruzen.It was basic survival: play the role of the loyal follower and ride the political wave.
"The one who's actually going to be Hokage is me—Uchiha Obito!"Obito sprang up with pride, puffing out his chest.
Nohara Rin instinctively tugged at his sleeve to hold him back—but failed.
"Childish."Hatake Kakashi commented flatly, face unreadable.
He wasn't some toddler. He was five now—a big kid.If he wanted to be Hokage, he wouldn't argue about it—he'd prove it through action.
Yukawa glanced at Obito and suddenly remembered a dark joke from his past life:"If I can't become Hokage… then I'll become the one who kills the Hokage."
"What's so great about being Hokage anyway?"Sarutobi Asuma slowly stood up and said in a low voice,"I'm going to surpass the Hokage!"
The room instantly fell silent.
Everyone knew he was the son of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Yukawa's expression twitched slightly.
As someone familiar with the original story, he knew just how unrealistic that statement was.
Asuma's talent was… modest. Even among jōnin, he wasn't particularly outstanding—let alone someone who could surpass his own father.
"It's good to have dreams," said Yamamoto Eiichirō, clapping his hands to bring the class back on track."But to achieve your dreams, you'll need to study hard. Yukawa, your seat is the one by the window in the back row."
The classroom seating was arranged in groups of three. Since Yukawa had transferred in two months late, only the last row had space left.
But he didn't mind—a window seat in the back was actually prime territory.
His seatmate was a short-haired girl with neat, dark hair.Meeting her gaze, Yukawa said politely,"Hi, I'm Yukawa."
As a spy, there were usually only two routes to take:
Stay invisible, or
Become wildly sociable.
But with his looks and his "cheat code" ability, staying low-key just wasn't an option.
If only he'd been born into the Aburame Clan, then at least he'd have natural chakra-concealing abilities.
"I'm Shizune. Nice to meet you," the girl responded with a warm smile.
Yukawa was a little surprised.
Shizune? She's still in the Academy at this time?
In the original timeline, after Tsunade developed hemophobia (a phobia of blood) following the deaths of Nawaki and Kato Dan, she left Konoha and wandered the ninja world with Shizune.
Yukawa rubbed his chin.
Does that mean Tsunade hasn't left the village yet?
He glanced around.
In front of him sat Hatake Kakashi, Nohara Rin, and Uchiha Obito.
To the front-left were Yūhi Kurenai, Sarutobi Asuma, and a boy he didn't recognize.
"Today's lesson is on 'The History of Konohagakure.' Please open your textbooks to page 13."
Eiichirō's voice brought Yukawa back to the present.
He flipped through the book, pausing briefly at the table of contents.
It was divided into four main chapters:
The Sage of Six Paths
Senju Hashirama
Senju Tobirama
Sarutobi Hiruzen
As he turned to the first chapter, something felt off.
Very off.
According to the book, the Sage of Six Paths created all ninjutsu and even established team structure guidelines for shinobi squads—
Including the rule that every three-man team should include a medical-nin.
That… wasn't right.
Wasn't that idea first proposed by Tsunade?
Was history being rewritten?
Or was something else going on here?
"The First Hokage founded the Hidden Leaf Village during the Warring States Period and authored the Ninja Code, which forbids drinking and gambling during missions…"
Eiichirō droned on from the podium.
Yukawa zoned back in, barely resisting the urge to laugh.This had to be historical fiction.
It wasn't full-on tabloid trash, but still—Senju Hashirama was known for drinking, gambling, and reckless spending!
He flipped to the end of the textbook and found the author's name:Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Well, that explained everything.
This was propaganda. Officially licensed, no less.
He could already guess what Chapter 4 had in store…
Ding-ding-ding.
The lunch bell rang.
Eiichirō left with the textbook in hand, and the classroom instantly buzzed with chatter.
"Kurenai—"
Asuma had just started to speak when he saw Kurenai leap off her chair and walk straight up to Yukawa.
His fists clenched on instinct.
If this kept up, he was going to lose everything—his pride, his face, his girl.
"How's your first day, Yukawa?"
Kurenai smiled at him, then greeted Shizune politely before turning her full attention to Yukawa.
"It's been fine."Yukawa nodded.
As a college student going back to learn elementary material, this was like a stroll back home.
Back in his previous life, he used to tutor kids on the Yuanfudao platform.Wrecking grade schoolers academically was his specialty.
"Here, this is for you."
Kurenai handed him a notebook."It's the notes I've taken over the last two months. Hope it helps."
"Thank you."Yukawa accepted it with genuine appreciation.
"Alright, I'll leave you to it. Let's meet again at lunch."
She waved and walked off.
"You two know each other?"Shizune tilted her head, curiosity getting the better of her.
"Her father's my sensei," Yukawa replied.
"Your jōnin instructor?"
Shizune's eyes widened in surprise.
Normally, students didn't meet their assigned jōnin mentors until after graduation.
Yukawa's situation clearly broke the mold.
"Do you know Lady Tsunade?"Yukawa suddenly asked, seeing the chance to dig deeper.
Shizune shook her head.
That was unexpected.
Once again, something felt off.
In the original timeline, Tsunade and Kato Dan had met during a strategy meeting on integrating medical-nin into field squads.
But here, that same policy was apparently implemented by the Sage of Six Paths himself?
Something was definitely altered in this world.
Was it the result of his arrival?
A butterfly effect, perhaps?
Yukawa didn't dwell on it.
By midday, students either went home or looked for a place to eat.
Yukawa closed his textbook—and saw Yūhi Kurenai standing sweetly in front of him, sunlight gleaming in her ruby-like eyes.
Not far away, Sarutobi Asuma was shooting daggers at him with his glare.
"I'll leave you two to it," Shizune said tactfully, heading off to join Nohara Rin.
Kurenai naturally slid into her seat.
"You and Asuma… are you close?"Yukawa asked as he opened his lunchbox.
"Not really. We just sit together in class."Kurenai sounded a little annoyed."But he keeps hovering around me."
"I see."
Yukawa picked up a fried shrimp with his chopsticks.
As a self-declared "Pure Love Warrior," he had no intention of becoming a third wheel—at least not without reason.
But if they weren't involved…Well, he had no reason to hold back.
Note: The mention of the Sage of Six Paths and the revised team structure will be explained later. It's not a plot hole, nor is it a parallel universe scenario.