After greeting Shino and taking my seat, I once again noticed a slight increase in my reputation with him.
Strange.
Not just the fact that he always notices me, but also that I keep gaining at least one point with him just by casually interacting.
For a while, I sat lost in thought, only vaguely noticing how Kiba, Saya, and Aya kept glancing at the entrance, and even Ino seemed to be waiting for someone.
Finally, Iruka arrived.
"Alright, it looks like Aburame Shino and Uzumaki Naruto are off wandering around again."
...No, he's definitely messing with us!
Why does he dislike us so much that, if we don't actively speak up, he automatically assumes we're skipping? I haven't missed a single class!
"Actually, we're right here, Sensei."
Ah, the signature speech pattern of the Aburame Clan.
"Again, at the last minute."
He shot us both a disapproving look, occasionally glancing at the nearest windows.
"We've been here since the very beginning!"
That was me speaking up this time.
Why did Kiba jump back like that, knocking a sleeping Shikamaru to the floor?
And this wasn't even the first time.
Still, pushing my doubts aside, I finally decided to check yesterday's notifications.
...I'm in shock!
Activating Taming the Lone Wolf early was obvious from today's quest messages, but even so, I really overdid it.
For one, Tsume already had four hearts, meaning the hearts displayed in the quest weren't conditions but a confirmation of my current success. So the extra one would completely fill the bar…
As long as I don't fall into the hands of another one of these… setacon enthusiasts.
What else am I supposed to call people who are this into kids—ahem, I mean, the Inuzuka Clan?
And what's with Hana suddenly having three hearts?! That's already the early stages of infatuation, though it seems stuck at that level.
I know exactly why—
Someone convinced herself that she couldn't possibly feel anything for a child, and Hana's self-suggestion is strong enough to stop me from gaining more points.
Well, whatever. That's not the main issue right now.
Mizuki's lesson was next.
Damn… even though he's a traitor, he really is a good teacher.
The way he presents material, the passion he has for teaching—it's genuinely admirable.
Probably the only teacher whose classes I never slept through…
At first, because of my paranoia, but still.
It's a shame—such a damn shame—that things will turn out the way they do for him.
After that was training, where I was already expected by two Green Beasts.
"Stay strong, my comrade."
That was Shino, patting my shoulder and giving away my position.
Bastard!
Still, this time, the fight felt less like a one-sided beating.
My agility had improved significantly, and I had gotten better overall, but it was still a one-way game.
I did manage to land a couple of hits, but he won by a landslide, and there was nothing I could do about it—except train during the fight.
So I'd need to repeat this a few more times.
---
During lunch break, the same three people were having another staring contest.
This time, exhausted from my fight with Lee and starving like no one's business, I accepted all of their bento boxes.
I actually unlocked an achievement for it—"Iron Stomach"—and gained the ability to eat even nails…
Did Ino spice up her food again?
Because it was way too spicy… though, to be fair, much more edible than her previous disasters.
Honestly?
Didn't care.
I devoured everything.
Even both of my own portions that I had brought from home.
Yeah, I'm still following Hitomi's diet plan.
And why wouldn't I?
I get enough energy, nothing excessive, I've grown taller, and I haven't bulked up too much or turned into some twig.
If the balance is there, why change it?
Though, to be fair, I think my training helped a lot more in that regard.
---
At the Academy gates, as always, I was—
Oh, wait.
Not as always.
This time, I was greeted by Hitomi and Hana.
Unexpected, but not entirely surprising.
I even considered the possibility that Yūgao, missing me, might join them.
"Can we stop by the Inuzuka Compound today?"
Mustered up the courage and asked halfway home.
Both girls stumbled on flat ground.
"WHAT?!"
Perfect synchronization!
"Well…"
I quickly summarized my conversation with Tsume, though I left out a few minor details.
Hana froze mid-step, mouth hanging open.
Honestly?
I kind of understand her reaction.
Sigh.
Maybe this was too hasty, but considering Tsume's own actions…
It's easier for me to step past my own childish feelings.
Besides, it would be stupid to reject an apology, especially when they're even willing to make it official (and already apologized unofficially), just to spite them.
Not when I could gain valuable skills and knowledge from the head of the Inuzuka Clan.
Especially considering what lies ahead…
Exams, a run-in with a psychotic Jinchūriki, and even before that—a rogue shinobi from Kirigakure.
Not to mention, I have no idea what team or sensei I'll end up with.
And later—Pain, Obito, Madara…
And I still need to live long enough to even reach Kaguya.
I can tell myself a hundred times that I'll have plenty of chances to train, to grow stronger, and so on…
But wouldn't it be smarter to build the best foundation right now?
A single day wasted at this age could cost me years down the line.
Example?
Flexibility.
As I age, my body will get stronger, sure… but less flexible.
So I need to squeeze everything I can out of it now, to prevent losing ground later.
I'm not even sure if that logic applies with the System, but what if it does?
And that's just one example.
Most importantly—I'm not Asura.
Which means that, in the end, things will be at least ten times harder for me.
I need to compensate for that somehow…
Ideally?
By getting my hands on Hashirama's body—since he was Asura.
…Yeah, my thoughts are really getting away from me.
But I get the core idea.
And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to grow stronger.
I need to play the role of canon Naruto and try to beg "Grandpa Hokage" for Shadow Clones.
Without them, I'll literally work myself to death.
Actually, no—
I already collapse after every increase in my training load.
And even then, I barely function in Academy classes!
If not for the Jinchūriki stamina and the System constantly reinforcing my body with stat growth, I'd be done for.
…No, actually, not done for.
All my teachers are reasonable and don't push me too hard—
Except for the twins…
But even they don't mean any harm—just young and inexperienced, genuinely trying to help.
If Hokage says no…
Well, based on canon, most Jōnin seem to know that technique anyway.
No stealing scrolls—
I'll just annoy the hell out of them, Naruto-style, until someone finally gives in.
For most people, Shadow Clones are too chakra-expensive to be useful.
But for me?
With a chakra pool that already rivals weaker Chūnin (mental note—each release of Kurama's chakra increases my reserves), this technique will be mine sooner or later.
The only real obstacle?
Control.
Can't afford to mess that up!
And I definitely can!
I managed to convince my two escorts (+3 to Persuasion, +1 to Naruto Therapy), passionately arguing that you shouldn't treat a person who's realized their mistakes this way—
Especially when they made the first move!
Everyone deserves a second chance!
So yeah, I basically talked Hitomi and Hana's ears off.
But it was worth it—
Because Tsume's expression when she saw me again that very same day…
That was priceless.
Looks like the "jaw-drop freeze" is a family trait!
By evening, we headed home.
Where I got to cooking—for three.
Yūgao was on a mission, since her guardian status had only been officially updated today.
So she was probably clearing up any urgent assignments before taking on her new role as my babysitter.
Which made perfect sense.
Only…
The next morning, I woke up alone.
And Yūgao's futon?
Untouched.
That was the first time I felt a real sense of unease.
And my intuition agreed, jumping two levels.
I didn't show it, but I casually asked Hitomi where Yūgao was—
(Since they're colleagues, she might know something.)
Either she really didn't know…
Or she didn't want to answer.
In a bad mood, I stomped my way toward the Academy.
Damn it…
Am I really worried about that clumsy mess who, in just a month, could turn an apartment into a pigsty?
...Yeah.
Yeah, I am.
Hah.
Double-edged sword.
I wonder…
Instead of seeing how many hearts they have for me…
How many do I have for them?
Damn it!
Don't think about it.
...It's not working.
Maybe I should check the hospital?
Skill "Intuition" has leveled up +3!
…System.
You might be a trolling bastard, but even canon Naruto couldn't miss that kind of hint.
Thanks.
Pivoting on my heel, I sprinted toward the hospital—
Easily leaping onto rooftops and moving through the high ground…
On all fours.
At this point, it was practically automatic.