Chapter 5: Playing the Lone Wolf, Isn't That Nice?
"Really? I can actually become Hokage?"
Naruto's eyes lit up with pure joy the moment he heard Mingyu's words.
What he craved most in the world was recognition from others. For the first time in his life, someone had told him he could become Hokage. The feeling was overwhelming.
"Not bad," Mingyu nodded. "As long as you believe in yourself, you'll definitely succeed."
He wasn't just saying it for Naruto — he was reminding himself too. Where there's a will, there's a way.
Of course, as a transmigrator, Mingyu already knew Naruto would eventually become the Seventh Hokage. Since he had already stolen Hinata from him, snatching the Hokage position as well would be too much. Besides, he had zero interest in the job. Dealing with village paperwork and everyone's problems every single day? Just thinking about it gave him a headache.
"Yeah! I'll work hard and won't let you down! Thank you, Mingyu!"
"Alright, it's getting late. I should head back. Keep training hard. Do your best to pass the academy exam in a few days so we can become proper ninjas together!"
"Real ninjas… I'll do it!" Naruto nodded firmly, full of determination.
After they parted ways, Mingyu didn't go to sleep. Instead, he sat in his room thinking about how to get his hands on the Scroll of Seals and learn the forbidden jutsu inside — especially the Second Hokage's Flying Thunder God Technique. That was the one he wanted most.
"I'll have to count on Naruto for this one," he thought with a smirk.
He knew that in the original story, Naruto wasn't punished for stealing the scroll because he was the Fourth Hokage's son. The Third Hokage had turned a blind eye. If anyone else — even Mingyu — tried the same thing, the punishment would be severe. Stealing the village's most guarded secret was a major crime.
Having a strong background really is nice…
If he had transmigrated into the Uchiha clan, the Senju clan, or any other major family, would he still need to grind missions and train like this every day?
Time flew by. In the blink of an eye, five days had passed.
On the morning of the academy graduation exam, Mingyu woke up early and headed to school. He wasn't worried at all. With his current strength, he could even handle the Chunin Exams. What he cared about most was the Scroll of Seals.
He knew today was the day Naruto would be tricked by Mizuki into stealing it.
Not long after arriving at school, he spotted Hinata standing quietly near the entrance, looking around as if searching for someone.
"Hinata, you're here!"
"Big Brother Mingyu… I…"
The moment she saw him, Hinata's face turned bright red. After several days apart, her feelings had only grown stronger. Today was the first time her father had let her out, and she had wanted to see Mingyu more than anything.
"Sorry I've been so busy these past few days…"
"It's okay! I don't mind at all!"
"What a silly girl," Mingyu smiled warmly and gently ruffled her hair, making her blush even harder.
Honestly, a girl like Hinata — kind, gentle, beautiful, and sweet — was every man's dream. In his previous life, he had even envied Naruto for being able to marry someone like her.
But now that he was here, there was no way he was giving her up.
As for Naruto… Sakura was pretty good too, right? He planned to play matchmaker between those two.
And Sasuke? Let him stay single. Isn't that nice? If that didn't work, there was still Karin. She wasn't bad either.
Mingyu took Hinata's hand and walked into the school with her.
The moment they entered the classroom, he saw Naruto sitting awkwardly in his seat, looking nervous and fidgety.
"Naruto, what's wrong?" Mingyu asked as he walked over.
"Today's the graduation exam… I'm a little nervous," Naruto admitted. Even though he had trained hard, he still had no confidence in himself.
"Don't worry. Remember what I told you before? Believe in yourself and you'll succeed. I believe in you."
"Thanks, Mingyu!"
"No… I should be the one thanking you," Mingyu thought to himself.
He knew Naruto was going to fail the exam today, and he needed him to steal the Scroll of Seals so he could learn the forbidden techniques.
As they talked, the rest of the class waited anxiously for the exam to begin. This test would decide whether they became real ninjas. It was impossible not to be nervous.
In the corner, Sasuke sat alone, staring coldly at Mingyu.
This time, I will surpass him.
Despite his cool exterior, Sasuke was extremely proud. He refused to let any peer outperform him. The Uchiha clan was supposed to be the strongest in Konoha, after all.
Soon, the exam began.
The graduation test for the beginner class was simple — they only needed to perform the Transformation Jutsu.
For Mingyu, it was child's play. If he wanted to show off, he could have created five clones. Instead, he casually made two perfect transformations, leaving the examiner stunned.
"A genius… an absolute genius!"
Mingyu smirked inwardly. Love that shocked look on your face.
The exam ended quickly. Some students were celebrating, while others looked devastated.
Only one person was truly miserable — Naruto.
He sat alone on the swing outside the school gate, looking utterly dejected.
This time, Mingyu didn't go over to comfort him. He knew the real show was about to start.
"Big Brother Mingyu, want to go eat together later? I know a really good restaurant!" Hinata said cheerfully as they walked down the Konoha streets. She seemed more playful and confident than in the original story after spending time with him.
"About that… I have something important to do later, so I might not be able to. How about tomorrow instead?"
"Ah… okay," Hinata replied, clearly disappointed.
"Silly girl, this is our first real date. Of course we need to prepare properly! Tomorrow I'll wear my coolest outfit, and we'll go together. That'll be perfect, right?"
When it came to coaxing innocent girls, Mingyu had never failed — especially with someone as pure-hearted as Hinata.
"First… date?" Hinata's face turned crimson again, her heart filled with sweetness.
"Sorry, I thought you…"
"How could I possibly turn down dinner with such a beautiful young lady? Don't overthink it. Come on, I'll walk you home."
"Mhm!"
They strolled together until they reached the Hyuga clan compound.
"I'll head back now, Big Brother Mingyu."
"Alright. Tomorrow at this time, I'll come pick you up."
After watching Hinata leave, Mingyu's expression changed. His eyes flashed with excitement.
"Timing should be just right. The Scroll of Seals… I'm coming for you!"