Perfect. I'll do all three:
Konoha Streets – Evening
The day after Sakumo's visit felt… different.
Kids whispered more when I passed. Some with awe, others with jealousy.
Kushina walked beside me, carrying a small bag of dumplings. "You really think you can be like him? The White Fang?"
I smirked. "Maybe better."
She laughed, then stopped mid-step. "You're serious…"
I shrugged. "Someone has to protect people like you."
Her face flushed faintly before she looked away, muttering, "Baka…"
System Alert
Affection Meter – Kushina Uzumaki: 12% → 18%
Title Acquired:Protector's Resolve (+2 CHA when near allies)
I blinked. …This System has an affection meter?
Event Trigger – Warning
As night fell, I noticed something strange: an unfamiliar chakra signature flickering at the edge of my sensory range (thanks to a System perk unlocked yesterday).
[Event Warning]: Target: Kushina Uzumaki. Threat Level: C-Rank (Hidden).
My pulse spiked. Kidnappers? Already?
Orphanage Courtyard
Kushina hummed as she watered some flowers before bed. I stepped outside, pretending to stretch. My eyes scanned rooftops.
There. A faint silhouette perched above. Definitely not a villager.
System Interface
HP: 100/100
Chakra: 45/45
Stamina: 60/60
Skills:
- Chakra Threads (Lv.1)
- Shadow Bind (Locked)
- Leaf Concentration (Lv.1)
Buffs:
- Protector's Resolve (+2 CHA, +1 SPD near allies)
Ambush
A kunai whistled through the air—aimed straight at Kushina's shoulder.
"Down!" I shouted, tackling her to the ground as the blade lodged into a wooden post.
From the shadows emerged a masked figure. His forehead protector bore no symbol. A missing-nin… great.
He rushed in, kunai flashing.
System Combat Mode
New Mission: Defend Kushina
Fail Condition: Kushina Injured or Taken.
Reward: Shadow Manipulation Bloodline (Lv.1).
My heart thudded. Bloodline unlock? Damn… no pressure, right?
Fight
He swung fast—too fast for my level. I ducked, throwing chakra threads to snag his wrist, but he cut them easily. So much for puppeteer tricks.
I activated Slow-Time Assist, the world slowing slightly. One shot… make it count.
I lunged, twisting behind him, using my threads on his leg this time—anchoring him to a post.
He hissed and ripped free, slashing toward my torso.
Pain
[HP -14] flashed red in my vision as the blade grazed my ribs. I staggered but grinned through the pain. Still alive… barely.
Kushina Awakens
Kushina's eyes blazed, her chakra flaring faintly red (Uzumaki heritage). She threw a rock—hitting the attacker squarely on the forehead. "Get away from him, ya know!"
The second of distraction was all I needed. Threads shot again, wrapping his arm and neck, and I pulled hard. He stumbled—right into my fist.
Critical Hit!
Enemy HP: 20%
He cursed and retreated into the shadows, vanishing.
System Update
Mission Complete: Defend Kushina.
Reward Unlocked: Shadow Manipulation Bloodline (Lv.1)
Stat Boost: Chakra +5, Intelligence +3.
Skill Unlocked:Shadow Bind (Lv.1).
My hands trembled as black shadows curled faintly around my fingers. This… is power.
Aftermath
Kushina crouched beside me, eyes wide. "You're bleeding! Why would you do that for me…?"
I winced but smiled. "Because… I said I'd protect you, remember?"
Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly turned away. "…Idiot…"
Affection Meter – Kushina Uzumaki: 18% → 28%
Suspense Ending
As we returned inside, I glanced at the roof where the attacker stood earlier.
No trace remained.
But deep inside, I knew this wasn't random.
This was targeted.
And somewhere in the shadows of Konoha, someone wanted Kushina gone… and I'd just made myself their enemy.