Hanekawa landed softly in the courtyard, his eyes immediately finding Minato Namikaze hanging laundry. The Fourth Hokage looked nothing like the legendary Yellow Flash at this moment—just a young father carefully spreading out tiny clothes on the line.
"Good morning, Minato-senpai."
Minato turned, offering his characteristic warm smile. "Hanekawa. Ready to learn sealing techniques today?"
"If you have time, yes." Hanekawa bowed slightly. "I appreciate your patience with me."
"Nonsense. You're a quick study." Minato returned to his task, moving with practiced efficiency. "A new sealing technique every week? Most jonin would take months."
Hanekawa didn't argue. His sealing knowledge had reached chunin level, with two more ranks to master. But there was no point explaining that to someone who'd already accepted his rapid progress as simply "genius behavior."
Inside, Kushina greeted him warmly, cradling newborn Naruto. The infant was sleeping peacefully.
"How is he today?" Hanekawa asked, keeping his voice soft.
"Perfect. Didn't cry once." Kushina beamed with maternal pride, gently pinching the baby's cheek. "He's going to be strong like his father."
If he survives the Nine-Tails sealing, Hanekawa thought, but kept smiling. "That's wonderful. I'll practice outside so I don't disturb you."
"Actually, there's something." Kushina's expression turned serious. "Could we postpone the training on Turtle Island for another year? I'm worried about leaving Naruto for that long."
"Of course. I'll inform the Hidden Cloud." Hanekawa understood completely. A newborn needed his mother.
Back in the courtyard, Minato had finished hanging the laundry. He began teaching Hanekawa the Fire Sealing Seal—a technique capable of sealing even Amaterasu's black flames. Within an hour, Hanekawa had mastered the theory. The practical application would come naturally once he performed it successfully.
"I should go," Hanekawa said, preparing to leave. "Thank you again, Minato-senpai."
"Anytime. You're always welcome here."
Hanekawa used the Flying Thunder God Technique to vanish, reappearing at the ANBU base. His schedule was packed: administrative duties as the Hokage's assistant, ANBU command, sealing techniques, Sage Mode training, Lightning Release, perception ninjutsu. The list never seemed to end.
A knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Lord Hanekawa." Aoi entered, holding a scroll. "A reply from the Hidden Sand. From Pakura."
Hanekawa opened it casually. The message was brief: agreement to their arrangement.
Good. He burned the letter to ash with a casual flame. Now for the tricky part.
"Anything else?" he asked.
"Samui from the Hidden Cloud is returning. She'll arrive in three or four days. Eight ninjas accompanying her, as before."
Hanekawa raised an eyebrow. Samui. He'd missed her composed demeanor and... other qualities. "Understood. You're dismissed."
---
The Hokage's office held an unexpected audience. Tsunade sat at her desk while Nara Shikaku and Nara Suzaku—both members of the Hokage's advisory council—presented reports.
When Hanekawa appeared, both men immediately saluted.
"Continue," Tsunade said, glancing at him before refocusing on Shikaku's presentation.
Hanekawa stood behind her desk, listening with half his attention. The reports were routine—nothing that required his input. An idea struck him, and he gently nudged her foot.
Tsunade's eyes widened. She stepped on his foot hard enough to make him wince, but her expression remained perfectly composed.
Worth it, Hanekawa thought, suppressing a smile.
When the council members finally finished and left, Tsunade immediately stood.
"Why didn't you dodge?" she demanded, raising her foot.
"Because I like you, Teacher." Hanekawa smiled innocently.
Tsunade's anger evaporated instantly. She watched him approach, then found herself wrapped in his embrace as he buried his face against her chest. The warmth of him, the slight pressure—her body responded before her mind could protest.
This brat, she thought, but her arms tightened around him anyway.
After a moment, she gently pushed him back and sat down, trying to regain her composure. Her heart was still racing.
"What do you want?" she asked, her voice carefully controlled.
"The Fourth Kazekage position in the Hidden Sand," Hanekawa said, stepping back to a respectful distance. "I need your support."
Tsunade frowned. "The Hidden Sand hasn't decided yet. Rasa seems like the obvious choice."
"Exactly. Which is why we should support Pakura instead." Hanekawa's smile was calculated. "A weaker Kazekage means internal instability. Rasa won't accept losing, and the resulting conflict will keep the Hidden Sand divided."
"You're starting to sound like Danzo," Tsunade said flatly.
"This is open conspiracy, Teacher. Everyone will know what we're doing, but no one will dare object." Hanekawa produced a scroll. "Just write a letter of support. Chiyo will handle the rest."
Tsunade considered this. The logic was sound, and it wasn't technically illegal. More importantly, it would benefit Konoha. She began writing.
"Send this to Chiyo," she said, sealing the scroll. "She'll understand."
"Won't she refuse?" Hanekawa asked. "They've never gotten along."
"She'll agree because the alternative is letting me visit the Hidden Sand personally." Tsunade's smile was sharp. "She won't risk that."
---
Three days later, the announcement came: Pakura was officially the Fourth Kazekage. Chiyo had publicly endorsed her, citing the need for stability. Rasa, furious but powerless against Chiyo's reputation, had no choice but to accept his demotion.
The rift between them was now permanent.
At Konoha's gate, Hanekawa waited for Samui's arrival. As he stood there, a notification appeared:
[A-Rank Talent Entry: 'Second Kazekage' Effect Upgraded]
[All hidden ninjutsu effects increased by 200%]
[All perception ninjutsu effects increased by 100%]
Hanekawa blinked. Pakura becoming Kazekage triggered an upgrade?
He almost laughed. Was he really becoming like Danzo—stirring up chaos everywhere just to watch the pieces fall? The comparison was uncomfortable, but the results were undeniable.
The perception upgrade was particularly valuable. He closed his eyes, activating his Heart's Eye technique. His sensing range had doubled.
In the distance, he could already feel Samui's chakra signature approaching.
Welcome back, he thought, a slight smile playing at his lips.
---