Spring turned to autumn, and before he knew it, another year had passed. After nearly two years of daily tasks, Haruto had not only become more loved and recognized by the villagers, but his strength had also greatly improved.
Over the course of these two years, Haruto had gained about [-] points of ninja-level experience, which he distributed evenly across a dozen or more basic attributes. Each attribute received roughly half a bar of experience. While he hadn't yet reached the level of a full ninja, his stats were solid and much stronger than before.
Particularly, his physique and agility had come close to the level of a ninja through persistent training.
It was time to take on a dungeon. There were three novice dungeons available. Udon, Moegi, and Konohamaru would each drop an experience book for either the transformation technique or the substitution technique. Obviously, only the substitution technique was more practical, so Haruto decided to challenge Konohamaru.
As he entered the dungeon, he found Konohamaru standing across from him, eyeing him with disdain.
"Let's see how badly you get beat today," Konohamaru said with a smug grin.
The battle began. Even without knowing any ninjutsu, Haruto's superior attributes gave him the upper hand. He pressured Konohamaru relentlessly.
But Konohamaru wasn't easily defeated. He continuously used various tricks and the substitution technique to narrowly escape every dangerous situation. Watching how calm and calculated Konohamaru was, Haruto broke into a cold sweat. Is this even fair? The real Konohamaru was never this competent.
After a prolonged and fierce fight, Haruto was finally about to win. But just as he was preparing the final blow, Konohamaru suddenly lunged into Haruto's kunai, taking the hit. In the process, Konohamaru's own kunai grazed Haruto's neck.
"Damn it."
Startled by the sensation of near-death, Haruto touched his neck and cursed at the dungeon. "You've got to be kidding me. There's no way the real Konohamaru would be this skilled. If even Konohamaru's like this, then the other ninja villages wouldn't stand a chance."
The dungeon ended. Haruto checked the loot. One piece of candy.
"You've got to be kidding me," Haruto grumbled. "I risk my life for this? Konohamaru, when you grow up, we'll settle this—old scores and new."
Since each system dungeon could only be attempted once per day, Haruto used his second opportunity to challenge Udon this time.
Udon turned out to be much weaker than Konohamaru, and Haruto quickly defeated him. Udon dropped an experience book containing ten points for the Clone Skill.
Haruto decided not to use it right away. He believed these skills and stats could also be developed through training, and it would be better to improve them naturally first. The scrolls could wait until progress plateaued.
Stepping out of his room, Haruto was stunned to see Ino already awake. That's… not scientifically possible, he thought.
"Ino, what's going on with you today? Why are you up so early?""Idiot brother, have you forgotten? Today's the entrance ceremony for the ninja school!" Ino shot Haruto a look of disbelief. Pretending to sigh dramatically, she added, "Ugh, it's really hopeless having such a clueless brother."
At the school gate, Haruto ran into Naruto."Naruto, what's with those marks on your face?" Haruto asked curiously."Check it out, Boss! Don't you think they look super cool?" Naruto replied enthusiastically.
Haruto couldn't really see what was so cool about it.
Although Naruto had changed somewhat compared to his character in the original story, his love for pulling silly pranks hadn't faded. Even after more than a year with Haruto's help, very few people truly acknowledged Naruto.
Worse than being hated was being completely ignored. In an effort to be noticed, Naruto often did bizarre or humorous things. Haruto couldn't help feeling both amused and a little sad about it.
Suddenly, two people caught Haruto's attention. From the distance, a tall, handsome boy was walking while holding the hand of a smaller but equally striking boy. The visual contrast was stunning—it was Itachi and Sasuke.
Haruto's heart skipped a beat. Finally, I get to see Itachi in person. The young Itachi was still as gentle and impressive as ever. Haruto had been looking forward to this for a long time. Since Itachi had become a Chūnin at just eight years old, he was constantly away on missions. This was the first time Haruto had seen him up close.
Sasuke, holding Itachi's hand, had a slight blush and a cheerful smile. Wasn't Sasuke supposed to be the cold type as a child? Haruto mused. But he definitely changed later. It's such a shame…
Thinking of the tragic future awaiting both Itachi and Sasuke made Haruto's chest tighten.I can try to change Naruto's fate—but Itachi's? That might be beyond my power.
While Haruto was deep in thought, Ino suddenly shouted, "That boy is so handsome!"
He already knew Ino would eventually have a crush on Sasuke, but hearing his sister say it aloud still made Haruto feel strangely annoyed.
"Handsome? Please, he's nothing special. Look at me—clearly the real deal. Way more handsome than him."
Ino stared seriously at Haruto's face for a moment. Her cheeks turned a faint red before she huffed and said, "Tch, my brother is the ugliest!"
Haruto: "..."
Suddenly, Naruto shouted, "That girl is super cute!"
Following Naruto's gaze, Haruto saw Sakura—Naruto's infamous crush. So, it's love at first sight, huh?
"Naruto, what's so cute about that girl?" Haruto asked, genuinely curious.
"Boss, don't you think her pink hair is just adorable?" Naruto said, eyes sparkling.
"Pink hair, huh? Naruto, you really like rare colors—just like your father," Haruto muttered with a smile.
From a distance, Sakura spotted Haruto and Ino and quickly ran over to greet them."Good morning, Haruto! Good morning, Ino!"
Haruto and Ino responded warmly."Morning, Sakura."
Suddenly, Naruto sprang out from the side, grinning and giving a dramatic thumbs-up."Hey, Sakura! I'm Naruto Uzumaki—the man destined to become the next Hokage!"
For a moment, Haruto swore he saw Naruto's teeth sparkle. A chill ran down his spine.Why does this feel like when Guy-sensei, Lee, and Luffy meet each other in some chaotic crossover? Naruto, you're in the wrong anime…
Sakura stared blankly at the boy with the whisker-patterned cheeks. After a moment of awkward silence, she turned to Haruto and Ino."Who is this… weird guy?"
"Very weird," Haruto replied dryly.
Naruto instantly collapsed to the ground in defeat."Strike one..." he mumbled.
Haruto sighed."Naruto, you still think you can impress a girl with that kind of entrance? Your first impression was terrible. Even if you went on a hundred dates with Sakura, it'd be useless."
"This is so troublesome…""Ka-chi, ka-chi—"
The familiar sounds of snacking and muttering signaled the arrival of two more classmates—Shikamaru and Choji, unmistakably.
As the heirs of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, the three had known each other since early childhood. They were thick as thieves and inseparable.
Ino scolded them bluntly, "Why are you two always like this? Shikamaru, you're lazy as ever, and Choji—still stuffing your face."
Neither boy seemed bothered. Clearly, they were used to this kind of banter.
As more kids gathered, "Haruto's circle" started to get lively. His nickname, "Child King Haruto," wasn't just for show. Wherever he was, people naturally gravitated toward him.
Though Haruto laughed and chatted with the others, his mind wandered.
He glanced across the classroom at the quiet girl with pale eyes.
Hinata…
He whispered internally,"Naruto, I'm sorry. I'll will be taking her"
I've liked her through two lifetimes now. So go chase after your Sasuke, Naruto. Hinata is… mine.