Chapter 2 - Chapter 2: Predator vs. Paper Bombs (And Naruto's Noodles)

Ren Uchiha strolled back into the academy courtyard like he owned it, hands in pockets, whistling the Slime OP tune (muffled, for stealth). The lunch bell rang—perfect timing. No one had seen the alley drama except three traumatized genin who'd probably swear it was a genjutsu.Great Sage, damage assessment?[Zero witnesses. Social reputation: +5 (Mystery Factor). Bullies' morale: Crushed. Recommendation: Test Predator on low-risk target next.]"Low-risk, huh? Like what—a sparrow?" Ren muttered under his breath.He spotted his next "target" crashing through the crowd: Naruto Uzumaki, ramen bowl in hand (don't ask how he smuggled it), yelling challenges at anyone who'd listen."Oi, Sasuke-teme! Bet I can hit more targets than you!"Sasuke Uchiha, perched on a bench like a goth raven, didn't even look up. "Hn. Prove it."Ren snickered. Classic. Time to insert wildcard. He sauntered over, plopping down between them. "Room for one more in this rivalry circus? I'll referee—and provide snacks."Naruto blinked orange goop off his whiskered face. "Who're you? Another Uchiha? You look... squishier than teme.""Squishier? Rude. Name's Ren Uchiha—distant cousin, massacre survivor, professional troll." Ren flashed a grin, subtly shifting his fingers to jelly under the table for flex. "Wanna bet? Loser buys winner's ramen for a week."Sasuke's eyes flicked over, calculating. "Pointless."Naruto pumped a fist. "You're on! Watch this—Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Poof! Three mini-Narutos spawned, two exploding into smoke from bad chakra control.Ren facepalmed. "Sage, analyze that mess."[Chakra efficiency: 23%. Multi-Shadow Clone potential detected—Kage Bunshin variant. Predator could replicate if absorbed.]The taijutsu teacher, Iruka, blew his whistle. "Target practice! Paper bombs on the range—safety first!"Perfect. Ren's eyes lit up. Low-risk target acquired.The class lined up. Naruto went first—flung three tagged kunai. Boom boom fizzle. Two exploded, one dud.Sasuke: Precise throws, all three detonating dead-center. Predictable prodigy.Ren's turn. He palmed a kunai, but let his slime core hum. Predator prep—non-lethal sample. He hurled it casually—straight hit. KABOOM!Iruka blinked. "Good form, Ren!"As smoke cleared, Ren's hand brushed the blast zone "accidentally." A tiny paper bomb fragment stuck to his skin—glurp. Absorbed.[Predator success! Acquired: Explosive Tag formula (basic), minor fire chakra affinity. Synthesis possible.]Jackpot, Ren thought, suppressing a manic grin. Under his sleeve, he molded a slime duplicate tag—perfect copy."Hey, Naruto," he whispered, palming it. "Catch!"Naruto snatched it mid-air. "Huh? Whoa—"Ren triggered it remotely with a chakra pulse. Pop! Tiny explosion—harmless confetti burst, coating Naruto in colorful paper.The class erupted in laughter. Naruto flailed. "Prank war! You're dead, squishy Uchiha!"Sasuke smirked faintly—the closest he got to smiling.Iruka sighed. "Ren! No explosives in class!""Sorry, sensei! Must've been a dud." Ren bowed innocently, but internally: [New skill: Remote Detonation. Fire affinity +1%. Evolution progress: 12%.]After class, Naruto tackled him. "That was awesome! You're weird, but cool. Team up for pranks?"Ren chuckled, shapeshifting his arm briefly to boop Naruto's nose with a gooey finger (instantly retracting). "Deal. But first—ramen. Your treat?"As they dashed off, Sasuke watched from afar, Sharingan tomoe twitching. What was that...?[Alert: Uchiha Sasuke—suspicion level: Rising. Countermeasure: Deflect with humor.]Noted. This timeline's getting fun. Ren grinned at the sunset. Bullies down, skills up, fox-boy ally acquired. Next: Real spar. Predator time.Little did Konoha know, its slimiest shinobi was just warming up.