Konoha Training Grounds #3 – Afternoon
Two days passed since the academy spar. Word spread faster than I expected—"the civilian kid who beat a Hyūga on day one."
Not the kind of attention I wanted.
Kushina was all smiles, though. "You're kinda famous now, ya know! Even the upperclassmen are talking."
I groaned. Great. Just what I need—spotlight.
System Alert
Main Mission Updated:
Gain the trust of a notable jōnin instructor within 30 days.
Reward: Taijutsu Style – White Fang Variant (Lv.1).
I froze. White Fang Variant?
That name… I knew exactly who it belonged to.
A Sudden Visitor
The afternoon training ended early because of a "special observer." We lined up in the field, trying to look presentable.
Then I saw him.
Sakumo Hatake.
Silver hair like moonlight, Konoha's flak jacket stretched over a muscular frame, and a short sword strapped to his back. His presence was heavy, yet strangely warm.
The kids whispered:
"That's him, the White Fang…"
"He's stronger than the Sannin, they say."
Sakumo's sharp eyes scanned the line… and for a brief second, they locked on me.
He's… looking at me?
First Impression Test
"Who here thinks they're good enough to hit me?" Sakumo asked, voice calm.
Silence. Even Kushina looked nervous.
I raised my hand. What the hell am I doing?
Sakumo's brow lifted slightly. "You? Step forward."
The crowd buzzed, some whispering "the civilian kid?"
The Spar with White Fang
He didn't draw his sword. Instead, he motioned with his hand. "Come at me."
System kicked in:
Combat Support Activated
Slow-Time Assist (Lv.1)
Opponent far exceeds your level. Survival priority engaged.
I dashed forward, feinting left, threads snapping from my fingers towards his arm. If I can just tag him—
In a blur, he sidestepped, grabbed my wrist, and flipped me onto the grass. The world spun.
"You rely on tricks… but your instincts are good," Sakumo said, offering a hand. "Who trained you?"
I hesitated. "No one… just me."
His eyes narrowed slightly—curious, not suspicious. "Interesting. Work hard. Talent is nothing without effort."
System Update
Special Condition Triggered:
Sakumo Hatake has taken interest.
Progress: 30% (Trust Level).
I bowed slightly, suppressing a grin. Step one: done.
After Training
Kushina smacked my shoulder. "You're crazy! Challenging him like that, ya know? But… kinda cool."
Mikoto, who rarely spoke, added softly, "Not bad… for a civilian."
I shrugged. "Just wanted to test myself." And secure my mission reward before fate tears this era apart.
Nighttime Warning
Later, back at the orphanage, the System chimed again:
Urgent Event Incoming:
Someone close to you will be targeted in the next 48 hours.
Hint:Red hair.
My gaze shifted to Kushina's sleeping figure in the next bed.
Red hair. Uzumaki.