XX-level Hokage

"Aren't you curious why I came here?" Mashiro suddenly asked. Yakumo shook her head; she didn't care.

"The scroll you're holding is called the Book of Sealing, a forbidden book in the village. Someone stole the Book of Sealing just now, and I chased him to this location. Before he died, he threw the book away, so I followed the direction of the book here," Mashiro explained.

After listening to Mashiro's words, Yakumo handed the scroll to her. Taking the scroll, Mashiro continued, "Are you here alone?"

“I am atoning for my sins,” Yakumo said after a moment of silence. “Do you want to go out and play?” Mashiro asked.

Yakumo looked somewhat troubled, then shook his head.

"I came all this way to see you. Is there anything you'd like to eat?" Masahiro asked, but Yakumo didn't answer.

Mashiro didn't pay any attention and turned to leave when a soft voice called out, "Candy." Mashiro paused for a moment, then disappeared into the shadows.

It was late at night when Mashiro returned to the Hyuga clan compound. He turned on a lamp in his study and began copying the Scroll of Sealing. He finished copying it in the early hours of the morning, then got up and delivered the Scroll of Sealing to the Hokage's office.

In the morning, after signing in at the Ninja Academy, Iruka went to the Hokage's office. He needed to explain the Scroll of Seals to the Hokage, and Iruka was prepared to take responsibility for the incident himself.

"Iruka, what's wrong?" the Third Hokage asked.

"It's like this, Hokage-sama, last night... and then Mizuki escaped with the Scroll of Seals. Please punish me, Hokage-sama," Iruka said. "About this, Mashiro already killed the rogue ninja Mizuki yesterday, and the Scroll of Seals has now returned to where it belongs, so you don't need to blame yourself."

"Go to class," the Third Generation said with a smile.

Hearing the Third Hokage's words, Iruka breathed a sigh of relief, expressed his gratitude respectfully, and then left the Hokage's office.

A moment later, Danzo walked in.

"Sarutobi, what happened to the Scroll of Seals?" Danzo asked.

Everything was going according to plan, but right after Mizuki took the Book of Seals, my monitoring crystal was cut off. It seems Mizuki used some kind of secret technique to block the crystal's monitoring. "The Third Hokage said, puffing on his pipe.

"You suspect there's someone else behind Mizuki?" Danzo said, squinting.

The Third Hokage remained silent for a moment before uttering three words: "Orochimaru." (Author's note)

Many of the things the Third Hokage is doing now are orchestrated by Mashiro, such as framing Orochimaru this time.

Chapter Seventeen: The Taste of Chocolate

After the Scroll of Seals incident, Naruto successfully passed the test and became a genin, and then it was time to be assigned to a squad.

After Mashiro graduated, there were no other changes in the team assignments. Naruto, Sasuke, and Koro were assigned to Kakashi's Team 7, while Shino, Kiba, and Hinata were assigned to Kurenai's Team 8.

Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji were in Team 10, which was under the command of Sarutobi Asuma. These divisions were naturally decided in secret.

Team 8 consists of reconnaissance-type ninjutsu: Shino's insects, Kiba's sense of smell, and Hinata's Byakugan. Furthermore, Aburame and the Inu clan are on good terms with the Hyuga clan, thus forming a team.

Class 10 is entirely composed of families with secret techniques. The Ino-Shika-Cho trio has been a combination for generations, and with the addition of Sarutobi Asuma from the Sarutobi clan, it is a complete product of family alliances.

The same applies to Team 3, which consisted of Neji, Lee, and Tenten, who graduated a year earlier. To put it nicely, this was because they were martial arts-type ninjas.

To put it bluntly, they were all commoners with certain talents, including their team leader, Kai.

The composition of Team 7 was the most unusual. Naruto, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and the orphan of the Fourth Hokage, and Sasuke, the orphan of the Uchiha clan and Itachi's younger brother who was an undercover agent, were both included. Whether it was because the Third Hokage had high hopes for them or felt guilty, he specially invited Kakashi to join the team. Sakura was the most out of place in this team. According to Mashiro's guess, it was probably the Third Hokage's personal preference. After all, the Third Hokage had always encouraged commoner ninjas to rise to the top. Sakura was a top student in the class and had a good relationship with Naruto and Sasuke, so the Third Hokage made an exception and let her in.

Of course, this is what would have happened if Mashiro hadn't existed. If Mashiro hadn't used the "Kakei" technique to control the Third Hokage and graduate early, then given her status as the young lady of the Hyuga clan, her top grades, and her friendship with Naruto and Sasuke, the third spot in Team 7 would definitely have been hers. As for Sakura, she was just a commoner; she could have been placed in any commoner class.

This is why Mashiro told Sakura that she could help her be placed in the same class as Sasuke. As long as Mashiro skipped the class assignment process, the spot in Team 7 would naturally still belong to Sakura.

The class assignments were already finalized, and Mashiro didn't have time to worry about it; she had more important things to do. "Yakumo, I brought you chocolate and marshmallows today," Mashiro said as she arrived at Rikichika Manor.

Yakumo was drawing nearby and nodded when Mashiro arrived. "Still drawing?" Mashiro asked, walking up behind Yakumo.

These past few days, Mashiro has frequently visited Yakumo at Rikichiyama Manor, and she paints almost every day. "I don't know what else to do besides painting," Yakumo said calmly.

"Want to go out and play? I can take you out," Mashiro said, sitting down on a chair nearby. "No, I can't go out," Yakumo said, shaking his head.

"Why? You actually really want to go out, don't you?" Mashiro said, squinting her eyes.

Yakumo hesitated for a moment, then said, "Actually, there's a monster inside me." "Ido?" Mashiro said with a smile.

This startled Yakumo, but she quickly understood, her expression turning cold: "You were sent by those people from the village, weren't you?" Mashiro didn't answer Yakumo's question, instead saying, "You've always hated the villagers; you believe the Hokage killed your parents."

"What are you talking about?" Yakumo's gaze was icy as he looked at Mashiro. The system notification that favorability was decreasing kept ringing in Mashiro's mind. Mashiro got up and slowly walked towards Yakumo.

"Have you ever thought that it was actually Ido who killed your parents? You've just been running away from reality." "What nonsense are you talking about?" Yakumo became extremely agitated, and some memories began to surface in her mind. Her paintbrush moved across the canvas, and many vines appeared out of thin air, wrapping around Mashiro.

Feeling the realism of the vines, Mashiro couldn't help but sigh. It was truly a strange ability, but unfortunately, she was still too naive. Flames erupted from Mashiro's hands, burning the vines away completely, and then she walked step by step towards Yakumo.

As Yakumo was about to continue painting on the canvas, a dark gray hand appeared out of thin air in the shadow of the easel, pulling the easel and canvas into the shadows.

Then Mashiro walked up to Yakumo and said softly, "That wasn't really your fault."

"What do you know! That monster was inside my body, and I killed them." Yakumo kept crying, and her body began to change. Ido gradually began to awaken.

"I understand, but this is not your fault."

Mashiro stepped forward and hugged Yakumo, gently stroking her hair.

“Actually, there’s a monster inside me too. When I was very young, I was kidnapped by the Cloud Ninja. Many people died that day, and I fell seriously ill. Then that monster appeared inside my body,” Mashiro said softly, holding Yakumo.

Whether it was because of Makoto's embrace or because of Makoto's story, Yakumo stopped crying, and her body returned to normal.

“That monster kept tempting me, causing me to do many wrong things. Because of that monster, my father was imprisoned, my people killed each other, and I myself had to leave school,” Mashiro said softly.

Then Mashiro gently wiped away Yakumo's tears, looked directly into Yakumo's eyes and said, "I didn't come here on behalf of the village. I came here for myself. I've heard your story, and the reason I came to find you is because we are the same kind of people."

“The same kind?” Yakumo murmured.

"We all have demons that cause us pain because of the darkness within us, so you don't need to be afraid or panicked. I will always understand you."

"I support you," Mashiro said seductively.

Looking into Yakumo's pure and innocent eyes, a warm feeling welled up inside him.

This was the first time someone had said these words to her. She was not alone; she was not a monster.

"I'll take you out to play in a few days. Girls should wear some pretty clothes," Masashi said with a smile.

The intense emotional shift caused Yakumo to avert her gaze from Mashiro's smile. "Hmm."

Finally, she nodded in agreement. [Name: Kurama Yakumo]

Gender: Female Age: 12 Affection Level: 45 Relationship: Friends

Favorability Bonus (50): Reality/Illusion Conversion Favorability Bonus (90): Five Senses Domination

Soon after, Mashiro and Yakumo sat together on the steps.

"Do you like chocolate?" Mashiro asked. "I've never had any," Yakumo shook his head.

"Didn't you eat the food I brought directly to you?" Mashiro asked.

"No, I thought you were sent by the Hokage. I always thought the Hokage wanted to kill me, so I didn't eat any of the food you brought the other day," Yakumo said.

Upon hearing this, Mashiro unwrapped a chocolate and popped it into her mouth, then kissed Yakumo under her questioning gaze.

Their lips met. For a long time.

Mashiro licked her lips and said, "Now you know what chocolate tastes like. Do you like it?"

Yakumo's gaze was somewhat unfocused, her face flushed. Upon hearing Mashiro's words, she nodded gently: "I like it." "Kurama Yakumo's favorability +15, reward: Reality-Illusion Conversion."

Mashiro left Rikyuu Manor and emerged from the shadow of a tree not far away.

What she told Yakumo wasn't actually a lie; it's just that the monster was herself.

Chapter 18: The Wind Rises

Mashiro strolled leisurely along the path near Richu Manor. Although she could quickly return to the village via the Shadow Legion, Mashiro preferred the feeling of walking alone, as it allowed her to better consider her future plans.

Just then, a beautiful figure approached from the front. As the figure drew closer, Mashiro narrowed her eyes. (Red.)

After agreeing to become the teacher of Class 8, Kurenai had been looking for an opportunity to visit Yakumo. As Yakumo's former teacher, Kurenai felt a vague sense of guilt towards him.

After meeting with their respective students today, the teachers in charge of the teams had a short gathering. Kurenai also received Asuma's love confession again. In fact, Kurenai had always had a good impression of Asuma.

Everything changed after that dream. Unlike others, that strange dream almost became Kurenai's nightmare. Even though she knew that the person did not exist in the world, Kurenai felt extremely panicked. As a result, Kurenai was never able to accept Asuma's pursuit.

After the gathering, Hong strolled around outside the village for a long time and unknowingly arrived near Rikyu Manor. She thought she would take the opportunity to visit Yakumo. "Who are you?" Hong looked at Mashiro's appearance and had a guess in her mind, but still asked.

"My name is Hyuga Mashiro. You must be Kurenai Yuhi, the Jonin. I've heard our teacher mention you." Mashiro said to Kurenai with a faint smile. "Oh, it's you, Miss Mashiro. I'm Yuu's team leader. It's a pleasure to meet you. I think we'll see each other often in the future," Kurenai said with a smile.

“Then, Ms. Hong, I’ll be entrusting Tian to you from now on,” Mashiro said brightly, extending her hand. Hong smiled and nodded, taking Mashiro’s outstretched hand.

After exchanging pleasantries, Mashiro suddenly asked, "Is something troubling you, Ms. Kurenai?" "Why do you say that?" Kurenai asked, startled.

“I have a habit of wandering around alone in secluded places when I’m troubled, and I unconsciously wiggle the fingers of my left hand. I saw that Ms. Hong was also walking alone in the woods, and her left hand was wiggling unconsciously when she was talking just now. Of course, this is just my subjective guess, Ms. Hong, don’t worry about it,” Mashiro said softly.

Hearing Mashiro's words, Kurenai smiled wryly, patted Mashiro's head, and said, "It seems we have similar habits. You weren't wrong, I am..."

I have some worries.

"Is it about feelings?" Mashiro asked with amusement.

Hong paused for a moment, her expression quite complicated, as if asking how you knew.

“There are very few things that could bother a young Jonin like Kurenai-sensei. Besides, Kurenai-sensei is so beautiful and at the perfect age, so I suspected it was a romantic relationship. And it seems I was right,” Mashiro said, looking at Kurenai’s face.

Hearing Mashiro's words, Kurenai couldn't help but sigh. Mashiro was so precocious; no wonder she was the current head of the Hyuga clan and a disciple of the Hokage. Just as Kurenai was about to refute Mashiro, Mashiro suddenly asked, "Doesn't Kurenai-sensei like Asuma-sensei?"

Kurenai was completely shocked and puzzled. Although Asuma's pursuit of her was not a secret among Konoha's Jonin, why did Mashiro know about it?

"Why do you make that guess?" Hong couldn't help but ask.

“I heard from you before that Asuma-sensei is pursuing you, and given that you’re currently troubled by relationship issues, it’s clear that you’re bothered by Asuma-sensei. But considering that Asuma-sensei has been pursuing you for so long, it seems that you’re not exactly popular with Asuma-sensei,” Mashiro said softly.

"Mashiro, you are really smart." Kurenai exclaimed again, as if she now understood why the Third Hokage had taken Mashiro as his disciple.

"Teacher Hong, you flatter me. I'm just speculating based on a lot of information I have. More importantly, I seem to know the reason for Teacher Hong's worries." Mashiro's tone became strange as she spoke.

For some reason, Kurenai felt that Mashiro was giving her a strange feeling right now. Mashiro leaned close to Kurenai's ear and whispered, "Uchiha Zero."

Upon hearing this name, Hong's face changed drastically; her expression became serious and complex. "You..."

Just as Kurenai was about to ask something, Mashiro turned and left.

"Come to the Hyuga residence tomorrow, and I will give you the answer you seek."

Hong stood there for a while, then finally sighed and continued walking towards Richu Manor. [Name: Hong Xi]

Gender: Female Age: 27 Favorability Rating: 15 Relationship: Strangers

Favorability Bonus (50): Illusion Mastery Favorability Bonus (90): Illusion Immunity

She closed the display panel and looked at the setting sun with a somewhat indifferent expression.

It was late autumn, and most of the leaves on the trees had withered and fallen to the ground, making a "rustling" sound when stepped on. Suddenly, a cold wind blew by, blowing away the withered leaves that were about to fall, stirring up the fallen pale yellow leaves on the ground, and also blowing the pure white dress.