Had me stumped! I should have looked at the title closer..
Becky J constructor · 2021-05-20T01:11:50.598Z
I was definitely happy with how much of a theme I could cram into this one, but I can definitely see why it'd be difficult if you didn't see the title! Thanks!
2D2DThe Tale of Genji was the first modern one (as I learned playing Carmen Sandiego, once upon a time)[-----], to a Deutscher; alternately, an ear-lender?
7A
Turn inside out; one letter off from how one might turn one's gaze
8A
A type or flavor of 2D2DThe Tale of Genji was the first modern one (as I learned playing Carmen Sandiego, once upon a time)[-----]
9A
Born earlier
Down
1D
"All systems ___"
2D
The Tale of Genji was the first modern one (as I learned playing Carmen Sandiego, once upon a time)
3D
Modify, as a law or Constitution
4D
John Le ___, who has created a 2D2DThe Tale of Genji was the first modern one (as I learned playing Carmen Sandiego, once upon a time)[-----] or several