Support me and be 30 chapters ahead of webnovel:
patreon.com/Draco_
*****
Ximen Zhen's subtle movements did not escape Tenten's notice, but she mistakenly thought it was because her embrace wasn't gentle enough.
"Sorry, did I hurt you?"
"Please bear with it a little longer. We'll be at Konoha Hospital soon."
Tenten turned her face slightly toward Ximen Zhen and gave him a sincere smile. Under the night sky, her smile looked as gentle as moonlight.
Looking at her face—so familiar, yet so unfamiliar—Ximen Zhen was overwhelmed with emotion.
He had countless things he wanted to say to his old friend, but to this version of Tenten, still a stranger to him, all he could manage to say was, "Thank you."
"You're welcome. Just close your eyes and get some rest. I'll stay with you until morning."
Seeing Ximen Zhen's ever-changing expression, Tenten assumed he was still scared and resolutely promised to support him to the end.
She had at least a week of vacation ahead anyway, so staying with Ximen Zhen a bit longer didn't seem like a big deal.
As for why she was so serious about this—aside from her sense of duty and justice—Tenten had to admit that this boy in front of her was kind of good-looking.
For a girl her age, being a bit of a face-con was totally normal!
Soon, Tenten brought Ximen Zhen to Konoha Hospital.
Even after being placed on a hospital bed, the unconscious Ximen Zhen was still tightly holding onto Tenten's hand.
Tenten couldn't bring herself to pry his hand off. While explaining the situation to the doctors, she kept apologizing with an awkward smile. In the end, she watched closely as the doctors treated his wounds.
Given Ximen Zhen's current identity and the severity of his injuries, he wasn't qualified to receive healing chakra techniques like the Mystical Palm Technique from medical-nin.
Instead, the doctors applied medicinal ointment to his wounds and placed a neck brace on him.
Once everything was finished, Tenten suddenly noticed that Ximen Zhen had already fallen into a deep sleep.
She glanced at the clock—it was already 2:00 AM.
Exhaustion swept over her. Stretching with a yawn, she kicked off her shoes and decided to rest for a few hours in the caretaker's chair beside the bed.
Before long, Tenten's breathing became calm and steady, signaling that she had fallen asleep. At that moment, Ximen Zhen slowly opened his eyes.
Looking in her direction, a string of glowing characters appeared before his eyes.
[Ding! You have spent over one hour in contact with a female ninja possessing excellent bloodline traits. Enough pheromone data has been collected. The Family Simulation System is now bound.]
[This system will help the host simulate future life paths and guide you in producing offspring with female ninjas.]
[Once a child is successfully conceived, their bloodline talents will be copied and fed back into the host.]
[The host may also gift duplicate bloodline talents (that are inferior to the host's current level) to simulated female ninjas, but only if the recipient accepts willingly. The higher the mutual affection, the more effective the inherited talent.]
[Current number of available simulations: 1. Number of available targets: 1.]
[To obtain more simulations: deepen contact with Tenten or spend an hour with another high-quality female ninja.]
[Would you like to begin simulation now?]
Ximen Zhen chose to start without hesitation.
Even if this was all an illusion—or genjutsu cast by a ninja—he didn't care.
Right now, all he wanted was the power to change his fate.
Otherwise, next time, he might die quietly in some remote corner, without anyone ever remembering his name.
[Simulation Start]
[Remaining Simulations: 0]
[Simulation Target: Tenten]
[Initial Relationship: She likes your looks]
Ximen Zhen instinctively touched his face. Tenten was attracted to his looks?
In this life, Ximen Zhen had a gaunt face, and his sickly pallor came from long-term malnutrition. He had never once thought his appearance could be considered attractive.
So this was Tenten's type?
Suddenly, a memory came to mind.
When he was 13, he had tried to find work. But he was so thin and frail that no one thought he could handle physical labor. He was rejected by several shop owners.
It wasn't until recently that he managed to land a job as a server in a barbecue shop. Could it be that the boss lady hired him for his looks too?
A mix of emotions surged within Ximen Zhen, and his desire to become stronger grew even more intense.
Surviving on looks alone might be a lifestyle, but without knowledge of Yin Seals or ways to preserve youth, it seemed unreliable. Gaining power was the more dependable path.
[Ding! Simulation will now begin. You currently have 3 free chances to guide the direction of the simulation.]
[To get more guidance chances, you'll need to exchange simulation attempts.]
[Would you like to guide the simulation now?]
Guide the simulation direction? What does that mean?
As if sensing Ximen Zhen's confusion, the system presented him with three options:
[1. You are deeply grateful to Tenten and treat her as a benefactor, using this to build a closer relationship.]
[2. Maintain a cold and aloof demeanor, channeling the cool Uchiha Sasuke vibe to draw her attention.]
[3. Create and customize your own approach.]
Now Ximen Zhen understood—this was basically a method to "romance" Tenten!
Before crossing over, he had played many types of games, so he quickly grasped how the simulation system progressed.
But… what should he do?
He racked his brain for information about Tenten and came to a slightly exasperated realization: despite her cheerful and approachable exterior, Tenten was surprisingly difficult to win over.
Even during the Boruto era, Tenten remained single. Her only known passion was studying ninja tools.
She even opened her own ninja tool shop, using the Sage of Six Paths' legendary weapons as a theme. She designed a special hot spring kunai that became wildly popular among nobles and socialites.
In other words: Tenten not only ran an arms shop in Konoha, but her artisan creations were also beloved by the public. She was essentially a little rich woman.
So how was someone like Ximen Zhen supposed to pursue a girl like that?
After pondering for a while, he touched his face again… Well, since looks are a type of currency, who says it's inferior to any other?
If Tenten liked his aesthetic, then all he had to do was maintain that style.
Still, the details needed some fine-tuning…
After thinking carefully, Ximen Zhen entered his chosen character style, and the simulation resumed.
[Ding! You have set your style as a humble yet melancholic and frail literary youth. The simulation will proceed. You still have 2 guidance opportunities left.]
Seeing the message flash before him, Ximen Zhen's face flushed slightly. Fortunately, the simulation was private.
[You open your eyes on the hospital bed. Tenten has already woken up. You two begin your first real conversation.]
[After hearing your story, Tenten is indignant on your behalf and impressed by your elegant speech. You explain that you never attended the academy but are self-taught and even plan to write a book.]
[Tenten encourages you, then pays your medical fees using compensation from a mission reward. She quietly leaves afterward without even giving you her contact info. Your carefully crafted persona doesn't seem to be working as intended.]
Seeing this, Ximen Zhen's heart tightened.
(End of Chapter)