Sign in From Naruto

Xu Fan frowned. He had assumed that the sign-in reward's "proficiency" was similar to the skill mastery system in games like Dungeon & Fighter.

"Check."

After giving an affirmative answer, a panel appeared in front of Xu Fan, explaining the system's mechanics.

The proficiency levels were divided into four tiers: Mastery, Proficiency, Excellence, and Extreme.

Currently, Xu Fan was at the Mastery level, which allowed him to easily learn ninjutsu below B-rank. Excellence corresponded to A-rank techniques, and Extreme to S-rank.

However, the panel didn't explain how to progress from one level to the next.

"It seems I'll need to complete future sign-ins to receive rewards and improve," Xu Fan concluded.

He felt a surge of anticipation for the upcoming sign-in opportunities.

Ding! A new sign-in mission has been released!

There is no time limit. Please proceed to Ichiraku Ramen to sign in!

A successful sign-in will result in a reward!

Ichiraku Ramen was a legendary spot in the Naruto universe. Fans had even come up with wild theories about its owner.

For example, some speculated that the owner, Teuchi, was actually an Otsutsuki named Otsutsuki Ichiraku, whose true power far surpassed the Six Paths Sage. Tired of the ninja world's conflicts, he had chosen to live in seclusion in Konoha, passing the time by making ramen.

There was even a theory that Naruto Uzumaki, as the reincarnation of Asura, was essentially the son of the Six Paths Sage. If Ichiraku was the Six Paths Sage's older brother, that would make him Naruto's... grandfather.

"Ahem..."

Just as Xu Fan's imagination was running wild, Iruka cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.

"Alright, that's enough for today's practical training. Class dismissed!"

At Iruka's announcement, the students began to leave, though there were no cheers or excitement.

Sasuke glanced at Xu Fan but said nothing, striding away with his usual aloofness.

The girls who adored Sasuke shot Xu Fan blank stares as they left.

"Alright, Senju-san," Iruka said, taking a deep breath. "Make sure to come to class on time tomorrow."

Even though Iruka felt that Xu Fan's strength and talent far surpassed his own, this was a direct order from the Third Hokage.

"That's really surprising..." Mizuki chimed in, cozying up to Xu Fan.

But Xu Fan had no interest in Mizuki. The man was not only jealous but also scheming.

"Do you want to grab a meal together?" Mizuki offered.

"Haha, Mizuki-sensei is being unusually generous," Iruka teased.

Though Mizuki was usually friendly, it was rare for him to treat a student to a meal.

"No, thank you," Xu Fan declined with a polite smile.

Despite the Senju clan's decline, Xu Fan wasn't short on funds. The cost of living in Konoha wasn't high, and even a genin could cover their expenses by completing a couple of D-rank missions a month.

As a descendant of the Senju clan, Xu Fan had no financial worries.

"Ah, of course," Mizuki replied, his smile unwavering. He exchanged a few pleasantries with Iruka before leaving.

Iruka chatted with Xu Fan for a bit longer before heading back to his office to organize the day's records.

"Hmm?"

Xu Fan had planned to leave the academy and head straight to Ichiraku Ramen to complete his sign-in mission.

But as he turned to leave, he noticed Naruto sitting alone on the playground swings, his shadow stretching long in the sunlight.

Xu Fan wasn't heartless. While Naruto was the protagonist of the series, to Xu Fan, he was a real person—a six- or seven-year-old child who had lost his parents and was ostracized by the entire village.

Many times, Xu Fan wondered how Naruto remained so optimistic. If he were in Naruto's shoes, he might have already snapped.

The orphan of the Fourth Hokage, the son of a hero, forced to become the village's jinchūriki. Yet, the villagers treated him with disdain, not even bothering to hide their contempt.

Did they not realize that Naruto was Kushina's son? That he was Minato's child?

Xu Fan wasn't asking them to worship Naruto, but at least treat him like a normal person. Was that too much to ask?

Even if the Nine-Tails had caused destruction, was that Naruto's fault?

"Sigh."

Xu Fan sighed and walked over to Naruto.

"Hey, Naruto," Xu Fan greeted. "Why aren't you heading home?"

"Huh?"

Naruto was surprised to see Xu Fan approach him. Although he had been touched by Xu Fan's earlier support, he hadn't expected someone like Xu Fan—who had just defeated Sasuke—to talk to him.

Naruto froze, unsure how to respond.

"I... just wanted to enjoy the swings by myself for a bit," Naruto said, forcing a laugh as he swung back and forth.

But then, a loud growl came from his stomach.

Naruto's face turned red with embarrassment.

Seeing Naruto's attempt to act tough, Xu Fan felt a mix of emotions.

"I was just about to go get some ramen. Want to join me?" Xu Fan offered. "My treat."

"Really?!" Naruto's eyes lit up.

This wasn't just about ramen—it was about someone willingly inviting him to eat. Someone who didn't look at him with coldness or disdain.

But then, Naruto's excitement faded. "Is it... really okay?"

He remembered times when others had offered to spend time with him, only to be pulled away by their parents, who warned them to stay away from him.

"Of course it's okay," Xu Fan said with a smile. "Unless... you don't like ramen? That would be a shame."

"I love ramen! Ramen is the best!" Naruto shouted without hesitation.

As the two walked toward Ichiraku Ramen, a few Root operatives watched from the shadows.