Naruto: Not a Ninja, the System

Although I had noticed some things were off earlier, they still fell within the bounds of normalcy.

But now, with these strange events happening one after another, it was obvious—something was definitely wrong!

"Guards! Drag them all out and kill them!"

The Daimyo's face was grim as he stared coldly at the trembling figures kneeling before him. He didn't know who among them was responsible, but he was certain the culprit was here.

Rather than let the instigator keep stirring trouble, he decided to wipe out everyone involved.

Better safe than sorry.

As guards rushed forward to carry out the brutal order, a lone figure hidden in the shadows silently observed the chaos. A subtle smirk crept across his face before he vanished into the darkness.

. . .

Land of Fire, Outskirts of the Capital

A carriage rolled to a stop in the middle of a forested path. The crisp breeze of late autumn rustled the golden leaves along the roadside.

Just as Jaxon stepped down from the carriage, a blur of red slammed into him and tackled him to the ground.

Before he could react, soft arms wrapped tightly around his waist, and a warm head burrowed into his chest, rubbing against him like a cat.

After a moment of stunned silence, the two slowly got up. Jaxon dusted himself off, casting an exasperated look at the girl in front of him.

The girl's hair was an eye-catching crimson, vibrant and lively, cascading in a long ponytail that danced behind her like flames in the wind. Her bangs fell naturally over her forehead, silky smooth, gently brushing against her deep, obsidian-black eyes.

Those eyes were clear and bright, like starlit pools, as if they could peer directly into a person's soul.

Her complexion was as fair as snow, delicate and soft like mutton-fat jade. A slight pink flush colored her cheeks, bringing out the innocent charm of a young maiden just coming of age. Her face was slightly round, but rather than looking bloated, it enhanced her sweetness and playfulness, amplifying her youthful appeal.

Her figure was surprisingly tall and slender for her age, as though her body had matured ahead of her years. Her clothes hugged her curves in ways that seemed beyond her age, exuding a beauty that hadn't fully blossomed but promised great potential.

What truly stood out was her attire. Despite the chilly wind and the fact that winter was just around the corner, she wore tight shorts, open high-heeled sandals, and a crop top that exposed her belly button.

It was the kind of outfit more suited for the peak of summer, not the brink of winter.

But this—this was the signature trait of a Whirlpool Clan ninja.

Only someone from the Whirlpool Clan would have the luxury to use Chakra for warmth, ignoring seasonal changes altogether. If someone like Kakashi tried it in the future, he'd probably run out of Chakra in a matter of hours.

Still, her smile was radiant, and her posture proud as she placed her hands on her hips, eyes sparkling with anticipation as she looked at Jaxon.

"Jaxon! Long time no see!"

He couldn't help but smile as he reached out and pinched her cheek.

"Yunnai... it really has been a while."

The girl was Xuanwo Yunnai—one of the most promising young talents left in the Whirlpool Clan.

"Pfft! You're really shameless, saying that like nothing happened! You haven't visited us in at least half a year!" Yunnai puffed her cheeks, pouting dramatically.

"But you're still staring at me like you missed me every day," Jaxon teased.

"Yunnai! Don't be rude!" an elder from the Whirlpool Clan scolded gently, stepping forward. "From now on, you must address Jaxon as Young Master."

Though his words sounded serious, there was no real anger behind them. After all, Yunnai had always been this way—unfiltered and lively since she was a child.

Yunnai playfully stuck out her tongue in response.

"I really did plan to visit," Jaxon said with a shrug. "But things have been hectic lately."

"Hmph! Fine, I forgive you. Because no matter what happens now, I'm going to stay by your side!"

She beamed as she took his arm without hesitation, clinging to him with the kind of affectionate boldness only someone deeply infatuated could muster.

Whirlpool women sure are something else.

Jaxon couldn't help but think back to Xuanwo Xiangling, who he expected would appear sometime in the future. These women were undeniably passionate.

Still, Yunnai's beauty was exceptional. She hadn't even fully matured yet, and already her charm was evident. Once she grew up, she'd likely turn heads wherever she went.

Back in the carriage, Yunnai snuggled close to Jaxon, her head resting on his shoulder. She looked up at him with clear expectation in her eyes.

"Be honest—did you miss me?"

Jaxon chuckled. "Of course."

"Really?"

"Really."

A smile immediately bloomed on her face. "I missed you too!"

She shifted even closer, clearly content.

"How's your training going these days?" Jaxon asked, reaching up to tousle her fiery red hair.

"Training? I've already learned everything they have to teach me!" Yunnai said proudly, sitting up straighter. "Even our clan's top-tier Adamantine Sealing Chains—I've mastered them! Aside from a few forbidden techniques, there's almost nothing left!"

She flashed him a smug smile, clearly waiting for praise.

"You do have a natural talent," Jaxon acknowledged. "You've progressed quickly—but keep in mind, most of your clan's abilities are defensive. You're great at protecting yourself, but your offensive capabilities still need work. There's a lot more to learn."

His tone was even and measured. He wasn't trying to belittle her—just speaking truthfully.

The Whirlpool Clan was undeniably powerful. Thanks to their Senju lineage, they possessed enormous Chakra reserves. Any random member already had more Chakra than most elite Jonin.

But that came with a drawback.

Their abilities were heavily skewed toward defense. Sealing techniques, barriers, and resistance—they were excellent at all of that. But pure offensive power? Lacking.

You can't win a war by defending forever.

That imbalance, in the end, had been one of the reasons the clan was nearly wiped out.

Yunnai understood this perfectly. She didn't pout or get defensive. Instead, she nodded, her expression serious.

"You're right."

A brief silence passed between them. Then, her voice turned soft.

"Jaxon… when we get to Konoha Village, my sister should be there too. Do you think... maybe we can—"

Her sentence trailed off.

It was like her words were a kite whose string had suddenly been cut, drifting silently into the void. Her lips parted slightly, but she held back whatever she was going to say.

Jaxon noticed immediately and raised his hand, gesturing for her to stop.

"It's not that easy to meet her now," he said quietly. His voice was calm but firm. "She has a unique status in Konoha. Even if we go, there's a high chance we won't be allowed to see her."

Uzumaki Kushina.

Yunnai's sister—technically her cousin—was the daughter of the former clan head, making her a princess of the Whirlpool Clan.

But she had been sent to Konoha long ago.

Now, Kushina was someone important to the Leaf Village, someone tightly protected. Meeting her wouldn't be simple.

Yunnai bit her lower lip, clearly disappointed but understanding.

"I know…"

Jaxon looked at her quietly for a moment, then gently rested a hand on her head.

"No matter what happens, I'll do what I can."

The carriage rumbled on toward Konoha, its wheels turning steadily across the dirt road, carrying the two forward into an uncertain future.

Øóffer going on for diamond tier

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