Naruto: Clan Simulation and Bloodline Evolution from Scratch

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*****

"I still want to hear more stories about the Uchiha clan. That's the real reason I came here."

Ino spoke with enthusiasm, and her excuse sounded reasonable. Tenten nodded and took her leave after saying goodbye to the two of them.

Now that only she and Ximen Zhen remained, Ino began mentally preparing herself to find the right moment to apologize to him.

But just then, an elderly lady entered the room, leading her young granddaughter by the hand. With a cheerful smile, she began chatting casually with Ximen Zhen and then proceeded to share her own stories about the Uchiha clan from her perspective.

This old woman was just an ordinary person, and her tales about the Uchiha were nothing more than trivial everyday occurrences.

Even so, Ximen Zhen continued to take notes seriously. He didn't dismiss her or act perfunctorily, despite her not being a ninja and thus unable to contribute simulation data.

This attitude gradually calmed Ino's emotions. Quietly sitting by his side, she found herself drawn into the heartwarming and interesting memories being shared.

Little by little, Ino felt like she was seeing another side of Ximen Zhen.

If someone could be so kind and patient even toward strangers, then surely he would treat his own family just as gently, wouldn't he?

With that thought in mind, Ino didn't even realize it herself.

Her attention slowly shifted from the details of the story to Ximen Zhen himself—and it remained there until sunset.

It wasn't until someone suddenly patted her head that Ino turned in surprise, only to see it was the old woman who had finished her story.

"Granny, is something the matter?"

Ino asked in confusion. The old woman chuckled and replied, "Good child, thank you for keeping me company all afternoon. There aren't many patient young people like you and Ximen-kun nowadays."

Ino smiled sweetly and said, "I should be the one thanking you, Grandma. You told us such a wonderful story."

"No need to thank me. But if you really want to, then let me see a story that belongs to your generation soon."

"Ah, youth… how wonderful."

With a nostalgic sigh, the old lady left, supported by her granddaughter, leaving behind a thoroughly blushing Ino.

Fortunately, Ximen Zhen had gone off to sort through the written materials, or she wouldn't have known how to face him at all.

Later, Ximen Zhen recorded another elderly woman's story, and by then, night had fully fallen.

The people in the courtyard had dispersed. After washing his brush, Ximen Zhen tilted his head and asked, "Dinner?"

"Yes!" Ino replied without hesitation. After all, she still had to help him with chakra training—and more importantly, she hadn't apologized yet.

Even though, in theory, the conflict between them had already been resolved, Ino still felt the need to say sorry.

Because her apology wasn't about justifying the mission—it was about preserving their friendship.

An hour later, after eating and drinking their fill, Ximen Zhen cleaned up the dishes and sat down cross-legged to begin refining chakra.

Ino thought it was a good opportunity. Just as she was about to speak, Ximen Zhen reached out his hand and asked, "Can you still guide my chakra training tonight?"

Ino looked at him in shock, completely caught off guard by his gesture of absolute trust.

Her heart, which had been unsettled the whole afternoon, suddenly melted away in a mixture of emotions, finally breaking out in a fit of laughter.

She laughed so hard that tears came to her eyes. Then, placing her hand in his, she looked at Ximen Zhen with warm eyes and said, "You really are something, Ximen-kun."

"Me? What did I do?"

Ximen Zhen seemed genuinely puzzled, but Ino assumed he was just pretending.

As for why she thought that… Ino didn't have concrete evidence. But her instincts as a girl told her that Ximen Zhen was intentionally trying to cheer her up.

Which, in truth, was exactly what he was doing. After spending the whole afternoon together, how could he not notice her gloominess?

Given Ino's sensitive and thoughtful nature, it was obvious she was still bothered by the mission being exposed.

So Ximen Zhen chose to act in a way that told her not to worry about such things.

"If you won't say it, that's fine… but I still will."

"Listen carefully… I'm sorry!"

Ino said loudly, "I shouldn't have lied to you. I won't do it again!"

Though her words were simple, saying them brought her immense relief. Yet she didn't understand why her face was suddenly burning red.

Maybe it was because their chakra had already begun circulating through each other's bodies?

Seeing Ino blushing all the way to her ears, Ximen Zhen didn't say anything more. He simply accepted her apology calmly.

In his view, Ino had just carried out a mission—neither of them owed the other anything.

Perhaps that was part of Ino's charm. In her friendship with Sakura, she had always been the one silently supporting and ultimately stepping aside.

The room fell quiet, with only the sound of the two refining chakra peacefully together.

Their interaction was witnessed from the shadows by Uzuki Yugao, who had come after nightfall to complete her mission.

At that moment, she felt a pang of envy toward Yamanaka Ino.

Not just for her circumstances—but for her personality.

If only she too had the courage to speak so honestly…

Two hours later, Ximen Zhen finished his cultivation.

Ino stretched lazily and said in amazement, "You're progressing fast. At this rate, you might not need my guidance for much longer."

"That won't do. I've heard chakra training includes other methods like tree climbing and walking on water. I'll still need your help for those."

Ximen Zhen seemed eager for more. Ino gave him a curious glance, then smiled playfully and asked, "Are you trying to keep me around?"

"Geez—you flirt! Don't you already have Tenten?"

"Tenten will probably be sent on a mission in a few days. She has her own duties. I can't keep troubling her."

"So instead, you'll come trouble me?"

Looking at Ino's smug expression, Ximen Zhen laughed and said, "As long as you come, I'll treat you to a meal—and walk you home every day, maybe even pick up a few flowers on the way. How does that sound?"

Ino's eyes sparkled. She nodded and said, "Now that sounds more like it… let's go. Weren't you going to walk me home?"

Ximen Zhen happily stood up. When he returned, he had a few fresh flowers in hand, ready to replace the ones in the vase that were beginning to wilt.

Of course, he didn't forget to place another tulip on the windowsill—after all, Uzuki Yugao had not yet completed her mission.

The next morning, the tulip on the sill was gone again, replaced by a small, thin scroll.

Ximen Zhen opened it curiously and saw a line of elegant handwriting.

But the message left him confused.

"I understand your feelings, but duty comes first—I must not forget my origin."

"From this day forward, my task is complete. Barring unforeseen circumstances… we shall not meet again."

(End of Chapter)