Naruto: Naruto's Uchiha girlfriend is too tsundere

Just as Naruto was about to step forward to comfort her, the system's voice rang out again.

【Ding! 】

[Congratulations, host: You have established a level 8 bond with the original character "Iruka Umino" (The relationship has undergone a qualitative change! It has become familial).]

Chapter 68 The Most Needed Cards

Night had fallen. After the birthday party ended and Naruto safely escorted Iruka-sensei, who was crying so hard he was hiccuping, home, Naruto and Satsuki said their goodbyes at the crossroads. As Satsuki left, he glanced at him hesitantly, then simply snorted softly and turned to disappear into the direction of the Uchiha clan's territory.

Pushing open the door to his apartment, Naruto collapsed wearily onto the bed, but couldn't help a smile. Today's birthday party was even more successful than he'd anticipated—not only had he witnessed Iruka-sensei's rare emotional outburst, but more importantly…

The system points have skyrocketed!

He brought up a semi-transparent light screen that only he could see, on which were densely listed the bonds and relationships established within the school.

Nara Shikamaru, Bond Level 3, 300 points gained.

Choji Akimichi, Bond Level 5, 500 points gained.

Kiba Inuzuka, Bond Level 4, 400 points gained.

Akamaru, Bond Level 5, 50 Points Gained

Shino Aburame, Bond Level 3, 300 points gained.

Iruka Umino, Bond Level 8, 1600 points gained. (Note: Relationship Change - Family)

Naruto's fingertip hovered over the words "family," and a warm feeling welled up in his chest.

By the way, Nine-Tails' bond level is currently 5. Through spending time together every night, the level has increased by another level, gaining 400 points.

but......

Naruto looked at the blank space on the screen, where there should have been a name with data: Yamanaka Ino.

Since the start of the semester, he had tried to approach this future member of the "Ino-Shika-Cho" trio several times. But for some reason, every time he got close, Ino would jump away like a startled rabbit, either pretending to suddenly remember something urgent, or suddenly saying that she was feeling unwell and running away immediately.

That's strange... Could it be that the butterfly effect has given her some reason to be afraid of me?

Although this meticulous counting of points might seem somewhat utilitarian, Naruto knew in his heart that he genuinely liked these guys.

The joy of eating barbecue with Choji, the frustration of being outsmarted by Shikamaru in shogi, the playful petting of dogs with Kiba—these everyday interactions weren't just for show; Naruto genuinely enjoyed every moment with them.

Naruto's gaze lingered on the entry for "Iruka Umino".

Before tonight, Iruka's bond level had remained at level 5—which was already considered a fairly close relationship.

Even so, Naruto never expected that a single birthday party would cause this bond to break through its limits.

It jumped from level 5 to level 8.

So, Iruka-sensei... has been suppressing so many emotions all this time? Thinking of this, Naruto brought up the overview of his system points.

Current holdings: 2450 points.

This number made him whistle. The efforts of the past year had not been in vain. From the initial two people to now having so many partners around him, every bit of bond had turned into tangible rewards.

However, although he had a lot of points, he didn't save them all. Naruto should have had 3450 points, but a few months ago, he couldn't resist and did a ten-pull.

The result... was just blue skies and white clouds. The only consolation was that at least one of the ten pulls was something slightly special.

Congratulations on obtaining: Fox Mask

[Item Description: This is the same mask worn by Uzumaki Menma. It is extremely hard and can block detection-type ninjutsu, including the Byakugan.]

When Naruto first obtained the Fox Mask, he only noticed its most direct use—to hinder detection ninjutsu.

In this way, even if I encounter a wild Hyuga clan member as "Menma" in the future, I won't have to worry about being seen through by Byakugan.

He even tried it on with considerable satisfaction; the mask fit his face well, provided clear vision, and didn't feel stuffy when breathing. Although the lottery results were generally unlucky, at least the mask was practical.

However, as time went on, this seemingly ordinary prop gradually revealed its unexpected value.

In the original timeline, the fox mask worn by "Menma" was just a cheap item that could be found anywhere at a market stall.

However, ever since the Hidden Cloud Village began to widely publicize the terrifying legend of the "mask," this originally ordinary mask has gradually been regarded by the people as an ominous symbol.

As a result, the fox mask was discontinued.

That makes sense, who would buy a mask that looks like a serial killer for their child to play with?

While Naruto could easily replicate the mask's appearance using the Transformation Jutsu, something felt missing. The Transformation Jutsu is ultimately an illusion; once chakra becomes disordered or interfered with, the disguise will dissipate. The real fox mask, however, is different—even after the Transformation Jutsu is dispelled, the mask doesn't disappear, undoubtedly providing an extra layer of protection for concealing one's identity.

Besides... changing the iconic features just because production is discontinued would be too degrading.

Since the image of "Menma" is already associated with the fox mask, there's no need to change it. In fact, the mask's extinction status has become an advantage—as long as he appears wearing it in the future, no one will doubt his identity.

With that in mind, Naruto continued looking at the system interface.

Tonight's Bond Breakthrough for Iruka-sensei brought him a huge amount of income. Combined with what he'd accumulated before, he now has enough points for two more 10-pulls...

Naruto lay on his back on the bed, staring at the system interface floating in front of him. He couldn't remember when he last drew an epic item. Every time he accumulated enough points, he was full of expectations, but what he got in return was always some basic talents or chakra boosts.

"This time, we absolutely have to ship the goods!"

Naruto sat bolt upright, took a deep breath, and hovered his finger over the 10-pull button. After hesitating for a long time, he finally made up his mind. Forget it! I'm not saving up anymore! Even with the worst luck, I should at least get the pity system by now!

As he pressed down hard with his fingertip, ten cards glowing blue appeared in a row in the air. Naruto swallowed hard, his fingers trembling slightly as he tapped them one by one.

0.1 chakra... Exploding kunai... Genjutsu talent 5%... Fuma shuriken...

When Naruto opened the fifth "Ninja Tool Sealing Scroll," he couldn't help but sigh. Just when he was about to give up hope, the sixth card suddenly burst forth with a dazzling purple light!

"Nine-faced Suvaha...?"

Naruto's fingers froze in mid-air, his pupils contracting sharply. He stared intently at the text appearing on the card.

Congratulations on obtaining: Nine-Faced Suvaha

[Item Description: This item summons nine-faced beasts to fight using a summoning technique. The beasts are arranged in the order of Azure, White, Vermilion, Black, Void, South, North, Three, Jade, namely Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, Golden Serpent, Southern Dipper Immortal, Northern Dipper Immortal, Death God, and Celestial Maiden. They are transformed from the Nine-Faced Fox, and each beast possesses considerable special abilities.]

Finally... finally got it!

Chapter 69 The Undying Ninja

The next morning, a subtle atmosphere filled the classrooms of the ninja academy.

Iruka-sensei stood on the podium, her eyes visibly red and swollen, her voice much softer than usual. When Choji secretly popped a potato chip into his mouth, to everyone's surprise, Iruka simply sighed softly. "Don't do it again. I'll give it back to you after class." This unusual action stunned the entire class.

"Why is the teacher being so agreeable today?"

"Could it be that he's sick?"

The students whispered among themselves, only mentioning Naruto, who had attended the birthday party the night before. Satsuki and a few others remained silent, understanding the unspoken agreement.

In class, Iruka began explaining the three fundamental ninja techniques: the Transformation Technique, the Substitution Technique, and the Clone Technique. For ordinary students, these are essential courses that require serious study.

"Boring..." Zuo Yue listened with utter boredom, resting his chin on his hand. These basic ninjutsu were already well-known to the Uchiha children before they even entered the academy.

Naruto appeared to be listening attentively to the lesson, occasionally nodding in agreement. But unbeknownst to anyone, outside Konoha Village, one of his shadow clones had already begun its operation.

Although his physical body was still sitting obediently in the classroom, Naruto's mind had already flown far away.

------

The humid air of the Land of Hot Springs washed over Naruto as he stood in his familiar but long-unvisited room, savoring the atmosphere of the hot springs, so different from that of Konoha. More than a year had passed since his last visit, but the Flying Thunder God Technique allowed him to traverse that distance instantly with a mere thought.

The sign for the "Dog's Bath" inn still stands prominently, but the place has undergone a complete transformation. What was once a random stopover is now entirely owned by the Hiyori organization—no, to be precise, the entire street has become part of the "Ember" organization's territory.

"In order to earn operating funds for the organization, Nichiza has completely turned into a businessman..."

Naruto gazed out the window at the neat rows of shops, each displaying the uniform sign for a branch of "Dog's Soup." As the leader of the organization, he couldn't help but feel a pang of shame—aside from bringing back the Uzumaki mother and daughter, he had practically been a hands-off manager. On the other hand, Hizashi had been tirelessly working to earn money for the organization.

Having obtained the power of the Nine-Faced Beast, Naruto decided to officially begin forming the members of the [Jin] organization. He activated the jutsu mark left on Hizashi, and soon, Hizashi, having deactivated the transformation jutsu and returned to his original appearance, appeared before him.

"Lord Menma." Hizashi bowed respectfully and began to report the recent situation to Naruto, who had transformed into Menma.

Firstly, regarding the construction of the organization's base, as requested by Naruto, the base, costing several hundred million ryo (excluding land price), is now complete and perfectly meets the criteria of being easy to defend and difficult to attack. The Uzumaki mother and daughter are currently relocated there. Furthermore, for the past year, Hizashi has personally been responsible for teaching Karin basic chakra usage methods.

Next is the follow-up report on the key individuals under observation.

Deidara of Iwagakure has not officially defected, but the villagers' discontent with the explosive art of his Tsuchikage disciple is intensifying.

The whereabouts of Sasori, the puppet genius who disappeared from Sunagakure, remain unknown.

The Blood Mist policy of Kirigakure continues, and not long ago, Kirigakure Jonin Zabuza Momochi defected after his failed assassination attempt on the Mizukage.

"As for the last one, the whereabouts of the bounty hunter named Kakuzu..."

Hizashi took out a scroll from his pocket, which was densely filled with records of Kakuzu's recent transactions and activities in the black market.

------

"boom--!"

A deafening explosion echoed through a forest somewhere in the Land of Fire. When the smoke cleared, the bodies of rogue ninjas lay scattered everywhere. Amidst this carnage, a strangely shaped middle-aged man was dragging a corpse dressed in the attire of a leader.

The man was shirtless, revealing grayish-green skin covered in eerie stitches. He wore a black mask that covered half his face, revealing eyes with terrifying black sclera and greenish pupils. The stitches writhed as he moved, sending chills down one's spine.

"Hmph, is that all?" He kicked the corpse at his feet. "No wonder it couldn't even fetch a decent price on the black market... But anyway, it was just a small fry to be dealt with on the way."

This statement, coupled with his unique physical characteristics, makes his identity quite obvious.

Kakuzu is like a living fossil in the ninja world.

This legendary rogue ninja from Takigakure was once sent by the village's higher-ups to carry out a near-suicidal mission: to assassinate the ninja god, Hashirama Senju.

There are many different accounts of the truth behind that battle. Some say that he did indeed engage in an earth-shattering duel with Hashirama, and was ultimately defeated by the Wood Release technique.

Some say he merely threw a shuriken from 800 miles away, only to be chased by Hashirama's wood clone for three days and three nights...

However, with the passing of Hashirama Senju, the truth behind this battle remains a mystery forever.

However, when Kakuzu miraculously survived the clutches of the God of Shinobi and dragged his battered body back to Takigakure, he was met with the label of "deserter" and a cold prison cell.

At that moment, boiling rage consumed Kakuzu's last shred of loyalty. He had willingly challenged the gods for the sake of his village, only to be met with betrayal and disgrace.

Hatred spread through his chest, eventually turning into a resolute action—he broke free from his cage, seized the forbidden arts of the village, and cruelly harvested the hearts of all the high-ranking members.

【Earth Grudge Fear】—This forbidden technique, stained with blood, became Kakuzu's eternal power. By stealing the hearts and chakra natures of others, he not only mastered five basic escape techniques simultaneously, but also gained near-immortality.

Kakuzu, who has lived from the very beginning of the ninja village to the present day, has gradually come to understand the cruelty of eternity over the long years. Ultimately, on this endless path of immortality, he found the only partner who would never betray him.

money.

Those currencies do not age, do not die, and will not disappear in the river of time. Their eternal value perfectly matches the immortal life of the horn. From then on, he became the most feared bounty hunter in the black market—regardless of the good or evil of his target, as long as the reward is generous enough, anyone can become his prey.

"The good stuff is getting scarcer lately... looks like I'll have to leave this country for now."

Kakuzu dragged his spoils along the forest path, heading towards the nearby gold exchange, his mind racing with plans for the journey ahead.

"Roar--!"

A deafening roar suddenly came from ahead, causing the leaves to fall in a rustling sound. Kakuzu looked up sharply and saw a giant white tiger leap out of the bushes, its huge, sharp claws slashing towards him.

“What the hell?!”

His fighting instincts awakened instantly, and Kakuzu unhesitatingly dropped the corpse in his hands, crossing his arms in front of his chest. The Earth Release: Earth Spear Hardening Technique immediately covered his entire body, and his skin instantly became as hard as rock.

"boom!"

The white tiger's claws slammed heavily onto Kakuzu's arm, producing a deafening clang like metal clashing. The immense impact sent him sliding backward several meters, carving two deep furrows beneath his feet.

"This is... a summoned beast?"

Kakuzu narrowed his green-glowing eyes, warily scrutinizing the strange beast before him. Before he could retaliate, the ground beneath his feet suddenly glowed with an eerie purple light, and complex sealing techniques spread across the earth as if they were alive.

Sealing technique?!

Kakuzu's extensive combat experience allowed him to make an instantaneous judgment. He exerted his strength and leaped backward. The moment his toes left the ground, the purple sealing array was fully formed.

“Screech!”

However, a clear, melodious cry pierced the sky, and the crimson Vermilion Bird swooped down, its wings leaving a trail of fiery tails in the air. Before Kakuzu could even adjust his posture, he was slammed back to the ground by the intense heat of the impact.

"boom!"

Amidst the billowing dust, Kakuzu's body was deeply embedded in the ground. Feeling excruciating pain, Kakuzu struggled to prop himself up, simultaneously analyzing the situation before him.

These monsters are far stronger than ordinary spirit beasts. He might have a chance against one or two alone, but if he faced more at the same time... His gaze swept around.

As the smoke and dust gradually dissipated, Kakuzu's face turned completely grim. His worst fears had been confirmed.

Not far away, a man draped in a long robe and wearing a fox mask stood silently. On either side of him, nine colossal beasts of various shapes were lined up: the White Tiger and Vermilion Bird that had fought earlier, the coiled Azure Dragon, the imposing Black Tortoise, the winding Golden Serpent, and several other humanoid figures with an air of otherworldly grace. Each one exuded a suffocating sense of oppression.