Hinata Haruki's peaceful academy days had arrived.
He used Shadow Clones to attend class for him, taking the opportunity to rest and recover his mental energy during history or political lectures—after all, the fatigue from the clones would eventually return to his real body. But when it came to classes on chakra control, ninjutsu, or taijutsu, Haruki paid close attention. Whenever Iruka-sensei's substitute, Ebisu, had time, he would even give Haruki private lessons, teaching more advanced chakra manipulation techniques.
Haruki quickly realized that the academy's lessons in chakra usage were far more systematic than what he already knew. By studying them thoroughly, he could reinforce his foundation. He learned things such as the optimal amount of chakra to use for defense, the maximum limits of chakra shielding, and how to move with silent footwork while conserving chakra. Even without opening the Eight Gates or using secret techniques, he now understood how to distribute chakra for the greatest possible boost to his strength and speed. He also gained valuable insights into certain taijutsu moves and finer execution details.
In ninjutsu training, he studied the best chakra pathways for certain techniques, how to use chakra to protect himself while performing elemental releases, the precise control methods for each hand seal, techniques to shorten seal sequences, and even the principles behind one-handed seals. Every bit of this knowledge was of immense benefit.
During physical activity classes, Haruki intentionally kept a low profile, aiming for average scores. Meanwhile, an Uchiha boy in the class always took first place, as if it were reserved for him, wearing an increasingly arrogant expression as though convinced of his own genius. At first, Uchiha Jun had secretly paid attention to Haruki, but when he noticed Haruki's "average" results, he lost all interest. Haruki didn't mind—many members of the Uchiha clan had that same self-important air.
Of course, Haruki's real body wasn't idle either. When not training diligently, he was at the academy library, poring over records about the shinobi world—geography, politics, customs, technology, and religion. He absorbed every bit of knowledge he could find.
Whenever he had free time, he sparred with Kushina. Her sealing techniques were truly formidable, opening Haruki's eyes to their depth. In return, he taught her various taijutsu moves and even passed on the Shadow Clone Technique. With Kushina's massive chakra reserves as an Uzumaki—and being the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki—the technique was a perfect fit for her, allowing her to wield its power with a force that rivaled Naruto's in the future.
Using the moves Haruki taught her, Kushina gave a beating to anyone who dared call her "tomato" or "redhead," earning the nickname "Red-Hot Habanero" throughout the academy. With Haruki and other friends around, she began to accept her red hair and grew much more cheerful.
Haruki often invited his friends—Akimichi Chōza, Yamanaka Inoichi, Nara Shikaku, and Kushina—to his home for meals. They brought along two new companions: Aburame Shibi and Inuzuka Claw. Haruki's cooking was a hit—his spicy stir-fried dishes had everyone praising him endlessly. Chōza alone ate enough for five people, forcing Haruki to make three whole plates of stir-fried chicken just to keep Shikaku and Inoichi from missing out entirely.
After dinner, everyone watched Haruki and Shikaku face off in a tense chess match. The mental battle between them was as intense as any real fight. Shikaku was indeed a tactical genius, often catching Haruki off-guard. But Haruki's greater experience with the game allowed him to hold his own. The two clashed like rival strategists on the battlefield, ending the night in a hard-fought draw.
Inoichi brought a few potted plants, and Haruki demonstrated grafting techniques as well as a florist's secret weapon—floral foam. Inoichi was delighted. Shibi, Claw, and her ninken, Kuromaru, also enjoyed Haruki's cooking. Haruki himself was fascinated by Kuromaru's ability to speak.
They even organized a camping trip. It was equal parts exciting and terrifying—especially when Haruki told ghost stories with the help of his Shadow Clones.
"Suddenly… the candle went out… and the evil spirit… the oni… was standing right behind you…"
The flickering light cast eerie shadows over Haruki's face—and then the candle actually went out.
"Ah!!""What was that?""A ghost?!"
Panic spread through the group just as a pale white figure with long, black hair drifted past them from behind. Its ghastly face was hidden by its hair, and its rotting, wrinkled skin looked like it had been soaked in preservative fluid. Long, filthy black nails completed the horrifying sight—it was none other than "Lady Sadako."
A muffled, guttural moan came from the apparition—Haruki's Shadow Clone under a white sheet. The effect was far better than he'd expected.
Inoichi froze. "It's… floating… a ghost…"Kushina screamed, retreating to the farthest corner. "Stay away from me!" (No wonder Naruto inherited her fear of ghosts.)Shikaku's face tightened. "Hey, hey… that can't be a real ghost, right?"Even the normally unshakable Shibi's voice trembled: "Perhaps… it has come to claim a soul…"
Chōza, Inoichi, and Shikaku all turned pale, huddling together and backing away. Kuromaru, however, ended up pushed to the front as a reluctant shield.
Then the white ghost vanished, leaving only its robe behind. As the group looked around in confusion, a disheveled figure with loose black hair crawled out of a tent, bones cracking as its pale hands reached forward—Haruki's real body, transformed with the Transformation Technique to perfectly mimic Sadako's famous TV-crawl scene.
"Ahhhh! Help! Ghost!"
The group scattered in all directions. Kushina fainted outright.
"…Seriously? That was enough to scare them off?" Haruki pulled off the black wig. Everyone except the unconscious Kushina was already gone. It took him until dawn to find them all again.
Later, he learned that Kushina's two ANBU bodyguards—likely rookies—had also panicked. One fainted, and the other ran back to request reinforcements. The Third Hokage had them severely scolded and reassigned. Haruki couldn't help thinking those rookies were far too timid for ANBU work.
And so, three blissful months passed.
An Unexpected Visitor
One morning, while eating breakfast at home, Haruki heard a knock on the door. Holding a piece of bread, he went to answer it.
On the doorstep stood a man in a long robe, a pipe in his mouth, with short black hair, a sharp face, and a small beard on his chin. He smiled warmly, his eyes studying Haruki.
Wait… that's… Hiruzen Sarutobi!
With his mouth still half-full, Haruki greeted him, "Good morning… You're the Third Hokage, right? Is there something you need?"
The Hokage chuckled. "You're Hinata Haruki, correct?"
"Yes," Haruki nodded.
"What's this? Not going to invite me in?"
"Ah—please, Hokage-sama, come in!" Haruki quickly stepped aside.
The Third entered Haruki's modest, spotless home and took a seat. Haruki poured him a cup of tea, wondering why the Hokage would visit in person rather than summon him to the office.
In truth, Hiruzen had his reasons. Calling Haruki to the office would draw attention—from the Hyūga Main House, the Uchiha clan, ANBU's Root division, and others—and his talent would be exposed too soon.
Hiruzen had seen too many prodigies fade into mediocrity for lack of proper guidance… and too many geniuses die young. He wanted to shield Haruki from interference, to ensure the boy grew into his potential without being manipulated or ruined by factional politics. Haruki could only ever be Konoha's shinobi—not someone else's pawn.
"Are you managing alright on your own?" Hiruzen asked after a sip of tea.
"I am, Hokage-sama."
"Good. I came today to speak about your upcoming graduation. A five-year-old graduating as a genin… and possibly reaching chūnin not long after… is remarkable. Even my three students didn't graduate until they were six or seven. Your talent will soon draw attention—especially from the Hyūga Main House. I'd rather not see your growth hindered by politics. Do you understand?"
"I do, Hokage-sama." Haruki knew this was inevitable. At least if powerful people were watching him, it would be harder for the Main House to quietly eliminate him.
"That's why I'd like to find you a mentor. I could teach you myself, but my duties keep me busy. Instead, I'll recommend you to one of my three students—currently on the front lines of the Second Shinobi War. Would you like to apprentice under one of them?"
"You mean Jiraiya-sama, Orochimaru-sama, or Tsunade-sama?"
"That's right. Orochimaru excels in ninjutsu and taijutsu, and is always creating unusual techniques. Tsunade is unmatched in medical ninjutsu and taijutsu. Jiraiya is skilled in ninjutsu, taijutsu, and sealing, though his genjutsu is weaker. I'll recommend you to whichever one you choose."
Haruki thought quickly.Jiraiya is a great teacher, but I already have Kushina for sealing techniques. Orochimaru… well, his experiments and forbidden jutsu make him dangerous to be around. Tsunade, though… Medical ninjutsu and taijutsu are exactly my style. My chakra control is excellent, and the Byakugan's microscopic vision would be a surgical gift. With my prior medical knowledge, I could become the strongest medical ninja alive.
"I've decided, Hokage-sama. I'd like to study under Tsunade-sama."
"Oh? Not going to think it over? Orochimaru is my most gifted student," Hiruzen prodded, secretly hoping Haruki might choose him.
"My mother was a healer. I've always been interested in medicine, and Tsunade-sama can teach me both taijutsu and medical arts."
"…Very well." Hiruzen nodded approvingly. The boy was decisive, perceptive, and mature beyond his years. Tsunade was indeed the best fit—being a descendant of the Senju clan, like Haruki himself in part.
"I'll speak to her when the time comes. Until you become a chūnin, I won't let anyone obstruct your growth."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama!" Haruki bowed deeply.
"One more thing," Hiruzen said. "How have you been training? Most people can't reach genin level until they're ten."
"Half from my own study—my father left me many scrolls—and half from what my sister figure, Mizuki, taught me."
At the mention of his father, Hiruzen's expression softened. "Haruki… your father… fell in battle…"
"I know, Hokage-sama." Haruki's tone was calm, though his eyes dimmed briefly.
They moved on. Haruki described how he had unlocked his chakra in mere hours using his father's scrolls, invented his own shuriken throwing method, and trained in tree-climbing and water-walking. Hiruzen listened with growing admiration. More than Haruki's raw talent, it was his unwavering perseverance that impressed him.
When Haruki explained his Gentle Fist research—how, through the Byakugan and medical study, he had discovered sensitive non-chakra points such as one beneath the earlobe that could cause dizziness—Hiruzen was certain: this boy was destined for greatness in the medical arts.
Before leaving, Hiruzen handed Haruki a scroll. "A little gift—congratulations in advance on becoming a genin."
Haruki saw the title and his eyes lit up.
"The Body Flicker Technique!"