The Ninja Academy's grand opening had transformed Konoha's training landscape. Six months of construction had finally paid off—the facility was twice the size of the adjacent ninja school, though Hanekawa already knew it would need expansion. No point building too large when enrollment was still ramping up.
"Hanekawa!"
Asuma Sarutobi's voice cut through his inspection. Shisui Uchiha stood beside him, both wearing the purposeful expressions of men with reports to deliver.
After Kurenai's birthday, Hanekawa had tasked Shisui with overseeing the Academy's reconstruction. The man had taken to the role naturally. Asuma, meanwhile, had surprised everyone by volunteering after his stint in the Mining Department—apparently the prospect of building something new appealed to him more than managing existing operations.
The Academy needed two administrators. These two fit perfectly.
"Status report," Hanekawa said as they approached.
Shisui produced a scroll with practiced efficiency. "Current enrollment: first cohort of academy graduates, ages twelve and up. All three basic jutsu certified. Attribute testing complete."
Hanekawa unrolled it, scanning the breakdown. Seven departments—Medical Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, Fire Style, Wind Style, Water Style, Lightning Style, and Earth Style. The distribution looked solid.
"We're understaffed," he noted.
"Significantly," Asuma admitted. "We could use—"
"Contact the major clans. Tell them to send eligible candidates." Hanekawa rolled the scroll back up. "If they have questions, direct them to me."
Asuma exchanged a glance with Shisui. The real target was obvious to anyone paying attention—the smaller villages would follow once the clans committed. Hanekawa's vision extended beyond Konoha's borders.
"There's one more thing," Hanekawa continued. "I want a Scientific Research Division added. Three-year rotation: students learn ninjutsu first, then those without aptitude transition to research applications. Wood Style for construction, Water Style for irrigation, that sort of thing."
Shisui nodded, already making mental notes. "We'll begin recruitment immediately."
After they left, Hanekawa felt a familiar presence materialize beside him.
"The old Academy was better," Kaguya said flatly, her ANBU mask catching the light.
"The old Academy doesn't exist anymore." Hanekawa didn't bother turning. "Times change."
"I do not care about times." Her tone suggested this was a well-worn argument. "I cared about what we built there."
Ah. That explained the nostalgia. Not for the institution itself, but for the memories they'd made within it.
"Would you want to lead it?" he asked.
"No. No chakra to cultivate." She tilted her head, considering him. "Why would I?"
"You're remarkably practical."
"...?"
"Never mind." He reached out, pinching her thigh through her ANBU uniform. "Want to head home?"
"Tonight," she said, catching his wrist. A statement, not a question.
"We'll see," he replied with a slight smile.
Kaguya was insatiable—a greedy little cat who'd learned to exploit every opening. Sometimes he had to pace himself just to maintain sanity.
---
The Hokage's office materialized around them as Hanekawa used the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Kurenai jumped to her feet from the sofa. "You're back."
"How long were you waiting?" He wrapped an arm around her waist, breathing in the subtle fragrance of her hair.
"Not long." She glanced at Kaguya, then back to him, a flush creeping up her neck. "There's someone here."
"She's ANBU. Her discretion is assured." He lowered his head toward her neck. "What brings you by?"
"There's—" Kurenai's breath hitched as his lips brushed her skin. She pushed gently against his chest. "There's someone here, and I have reports."
He reluctantly straightened. "Go ahead."
"First, I need you to dismiss her."
Hanekawa glanced at Kaguya, who nodded and vanished without a sound.
Kurenai immediately relaxed, though her cheeks remained flushed. "The Hidden Sand and the Hidden Stone have announced a formal alliance."
"Expected." Hanekawa settled onto the sofa, pulling her down beside him. His hand found her thigh. "They're predictable."
"Should we respond?" She tried to maintain focus, but her voice wavered slightly as his fingers traced patterns on her skin.
"No. We wait." He leaned back, studying her. "Have the ANBU monitor them. That's all."
"Understood." She took a breath, steadying herself. "There's more. Otogakure has taken the Land of Hot springs. After the Iron Kingdom."
Hanekawa accepted the scroll she offered, scanning the contents. The Land of Hot springs housed Yugakure Village—minor players, mostly. The real concern was the cult of evil gods Tsukihime had already neutralized.
"Anything else?" he asked.
"That's everything for now." Kurenai stood abruptly. "I should return to work."
"Sit." It wasn't a request.
She hesitated, then settled back down. His hand resumed its journey along her thigh, and she bit her lip to suppress a reaction.
"You're enjoying this," he observed.
"I am not," she said unconvincingly.
He smiled and continued anyway.
---
By evening, the reports had accumulated. The Sand and Hidden Stones weren't just posturing—they were mobilizing. Scouts reported troop movements, supply lines being established, diplomatic envoys being dispatched to smaller nations.
They were building a coalition.
Hanekawa reviewed the intelligence with detached interest. Let them unite. Let them march. Four countries moving in concert still amounted to a mob without proper coordination.
And he could handle mobs.
Kaguya appeared as he was reviewing maps. "They are preparing for war."
"Yes."
"You will fight them alone?"
"Mostly." He glanced at her. "You'll come if needed."
She inclined her head. "I will."
That was all the reassurance he required.
---