Uchiha Tatsumi lay on his bed, visibly excited.
He couldn't suppress the grin on his face.
His right hand began to tremble uncontrollably.
He raised it—and with a thought, summoned his virtual system panel.
A translucent interface unfolded before his eyes:
Host: Uchiha Tatsumi
Affiliation: Land of Fire
Age: 6 years old
Overall Strength Index: Unmatched within the Academy
• Chakra Control: Level 4 (0/4000)
• Taijutsu: Level 7 (0/12,000)
• Shurikenjutsu: Level 5 (0/6000)
• Hand Seals: Level 4 (0/4000)
• Ninjutsu: Level 4 (0/4000)
• Genjutsu: Level 5 (0/6000)
• Wind Release: Level 4 (0/4000)
• Fire Release: Level 4 (0/4000)
• Lightning Release: Level 4 (0/4000)
• Water Release: Level 0 (0/100)
• Earth Release: Level 0 (0/100)
• Yang Release: Level 0 (0/100)
• Yin Release: Level 0 (0/100)
Remaining Ninja Points: 100
Even though he'd seen the number many times, his heart still pounded at the sight.
He had started with only 600 ninja points. After winning several battles during the Academy entrance exam, his total had skyrocketed to 27,100.
Now, after today's results…
"Congratulations, host. You have completed the first three trial tasks of the Academy entrance exam and earned the title: Technical Champion."
"You are awarded 5,000 Ninja Points for task completion."
"Additionally, for completing the first system-issued mission, 3,000 bonus Ninja Points are awarded."
"Total Points: 35,100."
"Hah! As expected, only system missions give huge payouts," Tatsumi grinned.
If he had to grind normally, who knew how many years it would take to earn enough points to buy a house in Konoha? Or a car? (Well, maybe a chakra-powered rickshaw.)
Without hesitation, Tatsumi dumped a huge chunk of points into his Taijutsu stat.
"Physique upgraded to Level 6. Speed, stamina, perception, and mastery of close-quarters combat have greatly improved."
"Physique upgraded to Level 7."
"Perfect. I won't have to fear physical challenges anymore," he murmured.
Next, he invested another 8,000 points to raise both Shurikenjutsu and Genjutsu to Level 5.
Finally, with a cruel glint in his eye, he boosted Chakra Control, Hand Seals, Wind, Fire, and Lightning Release to Level 4 across the board.
He stared at his updated stats, breathing heavily like a gacha addict who'd just hit the jackpot.
"Balance is key," he reminded himself.
Dumping all points into one stat made you flashy—but also a bigger target. A well-rounded ninja could handle more situations.
Even so, Tatsumi sighed.
"Ninja points will never be enough. Just like money."
He glanced at his panel again.
Only 12,000 points away from Taijutsu Level 8.
"I'll fill that up soon. I've got time. I'm only in second grade."
With the system temporarily satisfied, Tatsumi finally exhaled.
"Hmph. Soon I'll be free from your control, System Lady."
"It's alright, host. After you complete this task, the next one will begin. Please don't worry."
"…"
"Despicable."
"Foresight, actually."
"…"
Feeling both amused and defeated, Tatsumi got off the bed.
"I should walk off this excitement."
He tossed on a black windbreaker and stepped outside into the cool Konoha evening.
He deliberately avoided the busy shopping district and took a quiet, winding path toward Hokage Rock, the great monument overlooking the village.
The view there was always calming.
But as he rounded a corner, he stopped.
There was someone standing at the crossroads.
A slim figure in a Hyūga clan uniform, her pale eyes reflecting the moonlight.
Hyūga Himeji.
She stood silently, unmoving.
Was she… waiting?
Tatsumi's eyes narrowed. He instinctively surged chakra through his system pathways.
She hadn't said anything—but her presence made him uneasy.
His positioning was defensively sound on the surface—but he knew that to a Hyūga, it was full of openings.
"Is she here for revenge?" he thought, recalling their match earlier.
Wasn't his half-hearted "Talk no Jutsu" enough?
"...Yo, Himeji-san. What a coincidence running into you here," Tatsumi said with a disarming smile, trying to mask his wariness.
Hyūga Himeji didn't answer. Her blank white eyes stared straight at him.
It was eerie under the moonlight.
After a long silence, Tatsumi broke first.
"...Sooo, can you explain what kind of 'accident' led to us meeting in this remote alley?"
"It's just coincidence," she replied flatly.
"Stop lying," Tatsumi said, laughing awkwardly. "Who coincidentally shows up in a deserted alley at night dressed like a Hyūga assassin?"
He gave his best 'Ahahaha'.
Inside, though, he was screaming.
"No way this is a coincidence—right?!"