The small woods behind the house.
"As a ninja, the most commonly used tools are shuriken and kunai..."
Yuuhi Kurenai imitated their academy teacher, swaying her head as she lectured.
Shuriken, commonly known as throwing stars, were handheld projectile weapons. Kunai, shaped like small daggers, could be used for close combat or thrown as projectiles. These two tools were absolute necessities in a ninja's waist pouch. There were also advanced techniques, like Wire-Guided Shurikenjutsu or Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu.
"Today, we'll be practicing kunai throwing."
Kurenai pulled out a kunai and declared. The real reason was simple—she had just started at the academy, and kunai throwing was the only thing they'd taught so far. And she wasn't entirely confident in her skills. Especially in front of Satoru, she felt a little nervous, afraid of failing.
Kurenai tightened her expression and threw the kunai with all her might.
Thunk!
The kunai hit the wooden post—but missed the target completely. Kurenai's face immediately flushed red. Meeting Satoru's gaze, she quickly defended herself. "I—I was aiming for outside the target!"
Sure, sure. Keep talking, and maybe I'll believe you.
Satoru suppressed a laugh and nodded. He had been professionally trained—no matter how funny, he wouldn't laugh.
"Now for the real kunai throw!"
Kurenai stared at the wooden post, her expression serious as she hurled the kunai again. With the power of a maiden's prayer, the kunai struck the bullseye—a perfect score.
Hmph, not bad. My aim's pretty good after all.
Kurenai couldn't suppress her grin. "Well? How was that?"
Adorable.
Satoru smiled and praised her. "Impressive."
"Your turn!"
Pleased with his response, Kurenai walked over and shoved a kunai into his hand. Satoru steadied his breathing, flicked his wrist, and threw the kunai. If nothing unexpected happened... then something unexpected was about to happen.
He missed the post entirely.
Kurenai felt a little relieved seeing this. So his talent lies in chakra control, not weapon throwing.
Satoru thought this was normal. In his previous life, he could only skip stones three or four times at most. But it didn't matter—he had his trait system. As long as he kept practicing until the trait appeared, everything would work out.
"Missing on your first try is normal. Just keep practicing," Kurenai comforted him while handing him another kunai.
Satoru took it and continued throwing.
Time passed slowly. After less than an hour, Satoru felt completely drained and collapsed onto the grass. But his mood was excellent—the system had given him a new notification.
[E-Rank Innate Trait: Weapon Throwing (Not Yet Acquired)]
[Activation Condition: Reach beginner level in shuriken and kunai throwing]
[Current Progress: 1%]
A progress bar. Excellent. My inner engine is revving.
So it only requires shuriken and kunai? No wonder it's just an E-Rank trait.
Satoru panted as he considered this.
"Your stamina isn't great," Kurenai said bluntly. "I can usually train all morning."
"It's because I haven't trained before," Satoru felt the need to explain regarding his endurance. But Kurenai wasn't wrong—this body was pathetically weak.
Even in his past life as a university student, running 1,000 meters felt like being punched by Saitama. For ninjas, besides chakra and jutsu, physical training was equally important. Plus, Satoru suspected that physical exercise might trigger corresponding traits.
Just then, footsteps approached.
"Dad!"
Kurenai's face lit up. She ran over and took the dango from Shinku's hands.
"Here."
Instead of eating it herself, she first offered a stick to Satoru.
"Thanks."
Satoru took a bite—and immediately regretted it. It was sickeningly sweet. Now he understood why Mitarashi Anko could turn into a "sweet potato."
"You're still young. Don't train too hard," Shinku said, glancing at the wooden post and scattered kunai. "That's enough for today. Rest well—you have school tomorrow."
School, huh?
Satoru watched as Kurenai licked the dango with her pink tongue, momentarily lost in thought. He wondered which classmates he'd meet.
As someone familiar with the original story, seeing the supporting cast in person was something he looked forward to. As for the main characters... they hadn't even been born yet.
The next morning arrived quickly.
Kurenai was awakened by a familiar sound. She got up and opened the window to see Satoru practicing kunai throws.
He's this diligent?
Kurenai's mouth fell open slightly. While children in the ninja world matured early, none were this self-motivated. In her opinion, paying attention in class was enough. After school? They'd studied all day—they deserved to relax and play.
Kurenai bit her lip. She felt the threat of being surpassed. If Satoru really did overtake her, her dream of being the big sister would vanish.
No way!
Kurenai's eyes seemed to burn with determination.
"Morning, Kurenai."
Satoru wiped sweat from his forehead and looked up at her. She wore white pajamas, her slightly curly black hair messy.
Too bad she was still so young and flat. In the original story, she grew into a stunning beauty.
"From now on, train with me!" Kurenai put her hands on her hips. "No slacking off alone!"
"Sure."
Satoru agreed with a smile. Training alone couldn't compare to practicing with a cute girl—much more enjoyable.
Again, he wasn't a lolicon.
"Kurenai."
After breakfast, Shinku handed them both lunch boxes. "Remember to take Satoru to meet your teacher."
"Ugh, you already said that yesterday," Kurenai pouted. "I know!"
"See you later, Shinku-san."
Satoru waved and followed the bouncing Kurenai. As they walked, he observed their surroundings. He'd seen Konoha in the anime, but the real village felt completely different.
"Hm?"
Satoru noticed a boy standing on the left wall ahead of them. Wearing a white short-sleeved vest, he crossed his arms and stared dramatically at the sky. Only when Kurenai walked past without looking did he cough loudly.
"Asuma? What are you doing up there?"
Kurenai finally noticed him.
Sarutobi Asuma—the second son of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. In the original story, he married Kurenai and was later killed by Hidan of the Akatsuki.
Satoru raised an eyebrow. Without his signature beard, he hadn't recognized him at first.
Already interested in Kurenai at this age?
Not surprising. Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino had also competed for Uchiha Sasuke's attention in the academy.
Asuma jumped down and landed smoothly. He eyed Satoru, hands in his pockets. "Kurenai, who's this? I've never seen him before."
From his perch on the wall, he'd already spotted Satoru—and felt an intense sense of crisis.
There was no way he'd allow someone handsomer than him near Kurenai.
"This is Satoru," Kurenai answered innocently. "He's transferring into our class today."
"Oh?"
Asuma blinked. "How do you know him?"
"Because he's living at my house now."
Kurenai tilted her head.
"...?"
Asuma froze.
Wait, hold on—I haven't even held her hand yet, and you're already living together?
This is painful!
Sarutobi Asuma's face twisted into a mask of agony.