"So, Nagi-kun, what do you think of me?"
"Could we be placed in the same squad?"
As soon as squad assignments were mentioned, Ino eagerly expressed her wish to be on the same team as Nagi. That way, they'd have more time together.
"Uh…"
Both Nagi and Inoichi were a little embarrassed by her question.
Because they knew—there was little chance of them ending up on the same team.
"Well, no matter what, you're still friends. It's not like you won't see each other."
Inoichi chuckled, smoothly steering the topic away.
Though in his heart, he was growing more and more satisfied with Nagi.
"Thank you, Uncle."
Nagi didn't mention that his squad plan had been carefully thought out.
Given that he had a system, being tied to teammates would only hold him back.
After the Yamanaka family's dinner wrapped up, Nagi walked home through the village. Along the way, he overheard snippets of conversation from the crowd:
"Hey, did you hear? That demon fox brat stole the Scroll of Seals!"
"I knew it! I've always said we should keep that fox under strict watch!"
"This time, Lord Hokage better give him a serious punishment!"
Nagi didn't even glance at them and quickly made his way home.
"It's time to tally up the loot."
He first reviewed the forbidden jutsu he'd copied today—at least several dozen in total.
"Not bad at all."
Once midnight passed, Nagi activated his daily sign-in.
"System, begin today's check-in."
Ding! Congratulations, host! You've successfully checked in and received: Purple-tier entry – Piercing Sight: Illusion-type and mist-type jutsu can no longer obstruct your vision.
"Piercing Sight?"
"System, are you kidding me? If any genjutsu and mist-based jutsu can't block my vision, how is that only a purple-tier entry?!"
Nagi was baffled.
In the world of Naruto, those genjutsu users were some of the nastiest fighters around. If this perk made him immune to illusions, there's no way it should be just purple-tier.
Ding! Please note: This entry only prevents illusion-type and mist-type jutsu from blocking your line of sight, the system explained.
Technically, Piercing Sight wasn't a true counter to genjutsu.
It was more effective against mist-based techniques—like being able to see clearly even when surrounded by fog.
"Oh, I see. So it's not a genjutsu killer… It's a Kirigakure killer."
After all, Kirigakure was famous for its Silent Killing technique and Hidden Mist Jutsu.
"Too bad. I was hoping I'd pull something like genjutsu immunity."
Nagi sighed with mild disappointment.
As night passed, morning arrived quickly.
First thing the next day, Nagi went to find the Third Hokage.
He told him his wish to be placed in a one-man squad.
"Tch…"
"Nagi, are you sure about going solo?"
Hiruzen tried to talk him out of it, but Nagi's expression remained firm.
"I've already made up my mind. With my current strength, being teamed up with others might put them in danger. For the sake of the other students…"
"I'd rather go solo."
Of course, Nagi wasn't going to bluntly say that none of his classmates were worth teaming with.
If he said that, the Third Hokage probably wouldn't agree at all.
But if it benefited the village, then Nagi could claim to "love Konoha" all he wanted.
In this world of ninja actors, putting on a show was standard. From Uchiha Obito, the tragic romantic warrior, to Uchiha Itachi, the sacrificial older brother—they were all elite performers.
So Nagi wrapped his request in the spirit of the Will of Fire, and it sounded perfectly reasonable.
"…Very well."
Hiruzen couldn't find a convincing argument against it.
Given Nagi's strength, even most jōnin would struggle against him. Plus, the original squad assignment list didn't include Nagi anyway.
"In that case, let's have Sakura join Team 7 instead."
Hiruzen began rethinking the fill-in for the vacancy Nagi left.
But Nagi didn't really care about any of that.
When he arrived at the Academy, Iruka had already begun announcing the squad assignments.
"It's Nagi!"
Someone in the crowd shouted, and in the blink of an eye, the entire class swarmed around him.
"Nagi, Nagi! Who are you teaming up with?!"
"Yeah, Nagi, how about we pair up?"
A swarm of girls surrounded him, all hoping to be on his team.
"Everyone, please don't pressure Nagi. He probably has his own thoughts about this."
Iruka stepped in to defuse the situation.
After all, Nagi was his most outstanding student.
"I don't plan on joining any team."
Even with Iruka's help, Nagi plainly stated his decision.
After all, he had already spoken to the Third Hokage.
"…Wait, what? You're not joining a team?"
Iruka was stunned.
His top student didn't want to be in a squad?
"Nagi, think it over! Being in a squad could really help your growth!"
Iruka grew anxious—so much so that the wound on his back nearly reopened.
"You're still recovering, Iruka-sensei. Try not to overexert yourself."
Nagi noticed Iruka's distress and gently reminded him.
Iruka felt a warmth in his chest. Even now, Nagi was paying attention to him.
"Haha! I'm here!"
At that moment, Naruto strode into the classroom.
Unlike previous days, he was in great spirits.
All the way in, he kept rubbing his forehead protector like he wanted to show it off to everyone.
"Why is Naruto here? Didn't he fail the exam?"
His arrival sparked whispers across the room.
"What's everyone talking about?"
Naruto jogged over to ask.
"Oh, nothing. We were just talking about how Nagi said he doesn't want to join a squad."
"WHAT?!"
Naruto nearly jumped.
[End of Chapter]