Konoha: Naruto's abnormal life choices

"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"

Sasuke formed the hand seals quickly and unleashed a massive fireball, scorching one of the enemy ninjas to death. Even though it had started as a two-on-one fight, Sasuke maintained the upper hand the entire time. Now, with only one opponent left, the outcome was already clear.

The remaining attacker tried to strike while Sasuke was performing his jutsu—but Sasuke anticipated it. He snapped his leg up and kicked the man high into the air.

"Hmph. Compared to Naruto, the two of you are still far too weak," Sasuke said coldly. His eyes briefly shifted in Naruto's direction, filled with pride and challenge.

Did you see that, Naruto?

I've been pushing myself to the edge for two months just to surpass you. This is the proof.

And soon… I will truly defeat you.

With a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, Sasuke dashed after the final enemy.

While Sasuke basked in his moment, Naruto wasn't watching. He wasn't impressed. He was too busy wrestling with something far more important—his Selector System had triggered again.

[You are currently far from Konoha. Kakashi is at a distance. Sasuke is engaged in combat. Only the civilian, Tazuna, is nearby. A perfect opportunity for your darker urges. What choice will you make?]

Option 1 (Friendly): Restrain your desires and protect Sakura. Reward: 10,000 Ryō.

Option 2 (Strategic): Trick Sakura into holding your hand. Reward: Gain 2% control over the Nine-Tails.

Option 3 (Reckless): Boldly tie Sakura up using tortoiseshell rope technique and drag her into the woods. Reward: Demon Contract x1.

Option 4 (Cruel): Kill Sakura and take her body to preserve it as a specimen. Reward: New Talent: "Easier to Locate Corpses."

Naruto's eyes narrowed at the list, lingering briefly on Option 4.

So this is what "talent" rewards look like… But nah, not worth it.

Even if Sakura could be annoying with her constant talking, that wasn't enough reason to kill her. And besides, taking her corpse and sneaking off under Kakashi's nose? Too risky. Not to mention—it simply wasn't Naruto's way.

Still, missing out on a reward felt like a waste.

Tsk… annoying system.

Naruto also recalled something: Wasn't Sakura supposed to become Sasuke's wife eventually? If he chose one of the darker options now, that might create friction between him and Sasuke.

After weighing the consequences, Naruto decided to aim for the middle ground.

If you're going to be offered a reward, why not take it?

"Sakura."

She turned, startled, her face gradually recovering from the earlier fear.

"Huh? What's wrong?"

"Hold my hand."

"Eh?! Th-this…" Sakura stammered. Her cheeks began to flush. Naruto asking to hold hands—that came out of nowhere. Especially after just surviving a life-or-death moment. She wasn't mentally ready for this.

Her voice dropped to a whisper. "W-why would you say that all of a sudden?"

"Why so many questions?" Naruto said flatly. "Just take it."

"You're so bossy." She pouted, then grabbed his outstretched hand with both of hers. The warmth of Naruto's palm spread into hers—and suddenly her heartbeat quickened.

Is this… his hand? It's warm… firm… and kinda nice…

Did Naruto just… order me? Is it weird that I kind of like that?

"Dun-dun-dun…"

Wait… is that my heartbeat?

Before she could figure out how to respond, Naruto abruptly pulled his hand away.

Sakura blinked in confusion. "Wait—weren't you the one who told me to hold your hand?!"

But Naruto just shoved his hands into his pockets and muttered, "Oh. It's already done."

Sakura's face turned red with frustration. "Ugh! You're so annoying!"

Ding!

Congratulations! Objectives 1 and 2 complete.Rewards issued: 10,000 Ryō and 2% Nine-Tails Control.

Naruto didn't even hear her complaint. He was focused inward, quietly sensing the flow of Nine-Tails chakra inside him.

Interesting… I thought I wouldn't get any more of this reward after making that agreement with Kurama. But here we are—two months later, another 2%.

That brought his total to 6% Nine-Tails control.

So… if I reach 100%, will I be able to fully command Kurama? Or will he merge with me entirely?

While Naruto pondered the mysteries of his system, Sasuke successfully captured the second enemy ninja alive.

Hands in his pockets, Sasuke looked smug, with a twisted, satisfied smile. "The battle's over. You guys can come now."

"Well done, Sasuke."

Kakashi emerged from the trees, praising Sasuke so much that his ego nearly floated into the sky.

But the admiration he expected from Naruto or Sakura never came.

Naruto looked completely indifferent, like the whole fight had been a waste of time.

Sakura… well, she was still staring at Naruto. Her expression shifted every few seconds—angry, dreamy, confused.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at the both of them.

Suddenly, his victory felt hollow.

Tch… showing off doesn't even feel good when nobody's watching.

Sasuke's face darkened. He looked at Naruto and grumbled internally: Go ahead, waste time flirting with girls. Sooner or later, I'll leave you behind.

After some... enthusiastic "persuasion" from Kakashi, the captured ninja confessed the truth:

They had been sent by Gato, a corrupt tycoon, to kill Tazuna.

Tazuna finally admitted the full story.

The Land of Waves was an island nation, completely dependent on its water routes. Gato controlled the seas and the shipping industry, effectively strangling the country's economy and exploiting its already impoverished people.

Tazuna's plan to build a bridge would cut into Gato's profits—so Gato hired assassins to eliminate him.

With not enough money to afford high-level protection, Tazuna had lied and hired Team 7 under the C-rank cover.

Once he explained everything, he went on to complain about his daughter and granddaughter, drawing disapproving stares from both Sasuke and Sakura.

They were seriously considering smacking the old man.

"Well, what's done is done," Kakashi sighed, scratching the back of his head. "We'll continue the mission."

He wasn't the type to run from danger, especially when this was a valuable training opportunity for Team 7.

Naruto had no complaints either. If he had wanted to refuse the mission, he would've done so back at the Hokage's office.

In fact, this journey to the Land of Waves presented him with an opportunity.

If Kakashi collapsed like he did in the original timeline… then Naruto could finally put that Demon Contract he'd been saving to good use.