Chapter 76: Chapter 77: Little Sakura, Why Are You Acting Like Hinata
Naruto sighed, exasperated. Haruno Sakura's behavior had him at a loss. He gently patted her shoulder and said, "Sakura, there are some things in life that can't be forced."
He paused, his tone softening. "We're still young. Talking about love now isn't practical. Maybe in six years, when we're older, we can revisit this conversation."
Sakura's eyes widened, a flicker of hope lighting up her expression. "Really? You're not lying, Naruto?"
Naruto ran his fingers lightly through her soft pink hair, his gaze earnest. "When have I ever lied to you?"
For a moment, Sakura stared at him, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson. Overwhelmed by emotion, she swayed slightly and then—without warning—collapsed into Naruto's arms.
"Eh?" Naruto blinked in shock. "What's happening?"
He looked around nervously, aware of the stares directed his way. "She just fainted! I didn't do anything!"
Naruto was utterly flabbergasted. Sakura, the fiery and headstrong kunoichi, was suddenly acting like Hinata—a personality shift that left him deeply unsettled. Resigned, he gently carried her back to her house.
---
At the Haruno household, her parents greeted Naruto with equal parts surprise and scrutiny. After he explained the situation, their expressions softened into approval, and they invited him to stay for dinner.
As they ate, the warmth of the Haruno family became clear. Naruto noted how Sakura's parents seemed thrilled about their daughter's relationship with him.
Naruto, slightly uneasy, thought to himself, They're treating me like their future son-in-law already. I can't refuse their hospitality now.
---
After dinner, Naruto helped Sakura with the dishes. As they stood side by side, she smiled shyly. "Thank you, Naruto. I'll remember everything you told me."
He chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Don't forget."
Sakura watched him leave, her heart swelling with hope. She thought, All these years of patience and persistence are finally paying off.
---
Naruto strolled through Konoha's dimly lit streets, his mind wandering. The impromptu visit to the Haruno home had disrupted his original plans, so he resolved to leave the village the next day.
That night, before going to bed, he decided to use the simulation system to gain a new skill.
"The Flying Thunder God Technique," he murmured, eyes lighting up.
This space-time jutsu was iconic, second only to the Sharingan in terms of prestige and power. It would drastically enhance his combat abilities and mobility.
"System, start the simulation," he commanded.
---
The system buzzed to life.
[Ding! Simulation initializing. Creating character...]
The process took a few moments, and soon, Naruto's simulated character appeared.
[Name: Shan Qing
Talent: Yamanaka Haiichi
Health: Excellent
IQ: Average
Temperament: Hot-headed
Relationships: Few
Appearance: Striking resemblance to Naruko
Skills: Basic taijutsu]
Not great, Naruto thought, unimpressed by the stats. But he decided to proceed.
---
The simulation placed Shan Qing in Konoha after the Nine-Tails attack. Though she possessed decent health and taijutsu skills, her temper alienated her peers.
When the Konoha Crush occurred during the Chūnin Exams, Shan Qing's lack of versatility and allies proved fatal. She died during the attack, her life largely unremarkable.
[Simulation complete.]
[Evaluation: The ordinary life of a ninja.]
[System rating: 2/10.]
[Reward: Level 2 physical enhancement.]
Naruto sighed. "Well, that was underwhelming."
The only silver lining was the physical enhancement reward. He redeemed it, feeling his body grow stronger.
---
Before starting another simulation, Naruto decided to improve his odds. He retrieved some incense from his home and lit it, muttering, "Buddha, Ōtsutsuki, anyone—bless me this time!"
Satisfied with his offering, he resumed.
"System, let's try again."
[Ding! Simulation initializing. Creating character...]
This time, Naruto drew a surname that piqued his interest.
[Name: Uzumaki Luna
Talent: Space-time ninjutsu
Health: Exceptional
IQ: High
Temperament: Determined
Relationships: Close bonds with allies
Skills: Advanced sealing techniques]
Naruto grinned. "Now we're talking."
---
The simulation began with Luna as a member of the Uzumaki clan. Her natural affinity for sealing jutsu and time-space techniques made her a prodigy. Under the guidance of her clan's elders, she mastered the basics of the Flying Thunder God Technique.
As the simulation progressed, Luna's skills grew. Her determination and intelligence earned her respect across Konoha. She became a key player in battles, using her teleportation abilities to outmaneuver enemies.
When Konoha faced a major threat, Luna's mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique saved countless lives. She transported injured comrades to safety and launched surprise attacks on adversaries.
By the end of her simulated life, Luna was a celebrated hero.
[Simulation complete.]
[Evaluation: Exceptional. A true master of space-time ninjutsu.]
[System rating: 9/10.]
[Reward: Advanced Flying Thunder God Technique blueprint.]
---
Naruto leaned back, a triumphant smile on his face. "Finally!"
He felt a surge of excitement as the knowledge of the Flying Thunder God Technique flowed into him. While he would need to practice extensively to perfect it, he now had the foundation he needed.
"This will change everything," he murmured.
---
The next morning, Naruto woke early, invigorated. He packed his belongings and prepared to leave the village. Before heading out, he left a note for Sakura, reminding her to pursue her training diligently.
As he stepped outside Konoha's gates, he glanced back briefly.
"I'll return when the time is right," he said softly, his determination unwavering.
With newfound strength and purpose, Naruto disappeared into the horizon, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
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