"A Game of Shadows and Sketches"
Naruto could feel the tension rising in the air. The sudden warning from the System about a potential threat left him restless. He had to play his cards carefully—keeping his manga identity hidden while dealing with Team 7's investigation wasn't going to be easy.
The Interrogation Begins
The next morning, Team 7 assembled at the Hokage's office. Kakashi gave their report, presenting Naruto's "suspicious sketch" alongside testimonies from the printing district.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, studied the drawing with a critical eye. "So, this is the only lead?"
"Not much to go on," Kakashi admitted. "But the team did their best."
Naruto avoided eye contact, trying not to sweat. He noticed Sasuke giving him side glances, as if he suspected something.
"Very well," Hiruzen said. "This author may be a risk, but they haven't shown malicious intent. For now, proceed cautiously. Keep investigating, but do not alarm the public."
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Kakashi replied.
As they left the office, Naruto exhaled in relief.
System Shenanigans
The moment they were alone, the System popped up with another prompt:
New Quest: Deflect Sasuke's Suspicion.
Reward: Improved "Clueless Innocence" Passive Skill.
Naruto groaned inwardly. Why is it always Sasuke?
To make matters worse, Sasuke turned to him almost immediately.
"Something's off," Sasuke said. "You've been acting weird since this mission started."
"Weird? Me? No way!" Naruto said, putting on his best clueless expression.
"You just happen to find a drawing of the person we're looking for? And you didn't even mention it until now?"
"It's not my fault I have a good eye for suspicious stuff!" Naruto shot back. "Maybe you're just mad because you didn't notice it first!"
Sasuke scowled, but before he could press further, Sakura interjected. "Enough, you two! We're supposed to be working as a team!"
Naruto silently thanked her.
The Manga Buzz
After their mission debrief, Naruto wandered the village, trying to figure out his next move. Everywhere he went, people were talking about the manga. Merchants were restocking shelves, shinobi were speculating about the author's identity, and kids were reenacting scenes from the story.
Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. They're loving it. Maybe too much.
At one point, he passed by Shikamaru and Choji, who were lounging near a food stall.
"This manga is such a drag," Shikamaru said, flipping through a copy. "But I can't stop reading it."
"I know, right?" Choji replied, munching on chips. "That part where the main character eats like five bowls of ramen in one sitting? Classic!"
Naruto chuckled to himself. Guess I nailed the details.
Enter the Shadow
As the day wore on, Naruto felt a strange presence following him. The System's warning replayed in his mind:
Threat Detected. Prepare for Unexpected Challenges.
Deciding to confront it head-on, Naruto ducked into an alleyway and waited. Moments later, a figure emerged from the shadows—a shinobi wearing a black cloak and a mask.
"So, you've noticed me," the figure said, their voice low and gravelly.
Naruto tensed. "Who are you?"
"That's not important," the shinobi replied. "I'm here for answers. You seem to be… connected to this 'manga.'"
Naruto's mind raced. Did they figure me out? No, stay calm.
"What makes you think I know anything?" he said, trying to sound casual.
The shinobi took a step closer. "Don't play dumb. You've been moving differently lately. And that sketch… it's no coincidence."
Naruto forced a laugh. "Sketch? That was just something I found! Maybe you should be investigating the real culprit instead of harassing me!"
The shinobi didn't respond, but their eyes narrowed.
System Intervention
Just as the tension reached its peak, the System chimed in:
Skill Unlocked: Ink Clone Jutsu
Create a temporary distraction by animating a hand-drawn clone.
Naruto grinned. Perfect.
He quickly pulled out a scrap of paper and a pencil, sketching a rudimentary figure of himself. The drawing glowed faintly, and in an instant, an ink clone leapt off the page, mimicking his appearance.
"Catch me if you can!" the clone shouted, darting down the alley.
The shinobi hesitated for a split second before chasing after it. Naruto seized the opportunity to slip away in the opposite direction.
A Close Call
Back at his apartment, Naruto flopped onto his bed, exhausted.
"That was way too close," he muttered. "Who was that guy? And why do they care so much about the manga?"
The System chimed in again:
Quest Completed: Successfully Escape the Shadow.
Reward: Passive Skill: Artful Misdirection Unlocked.
Naruto smirked. "At least I'm getting something out of this."
The Mystery Deepens
Meanwhile, the masked shinobi stood on a rooftop, clutching the ink clone's remains—a smear of animated ink that had dissipated.
"Interesting," they murmured. "This isn't ordinary ninjutsu. Whoever you are, you're more dangerous than I thought."