Chapter 37: The Rising Fame of Akiyama Makoto
Akiyama Makoto wasn't originally in a hurry to simulate with Ino, as he still needed some time to train and master the various gains from his previous simulations in reality. But now that Uzuki Yūgao had stopped monitoring him, he was responsible for his own safety. Therefore, he needed to use a simulation to ascertain future developments.
According to his current plan, running a simulation like this about once a month should be enough to ensure he wasn't caught by a surprise attack.
As for the simulation target, he had likely reached a bottleneck with Tenten. He would only see greater returns from simulating with her again after he found a way to raise her own talent ceiling. On Yūgao's side, there were too many variables, which was not conducive to a simulation focused on intelligence gathering.
That only left Yamanaka Ino.
Conveniently, the Yamanaka clan specialized in the development of spiritual energy. While it was a pity they didn't excel in genjutsu, it should still be able to raise his own mental attributes. If, through this simulation, he could gain the ability to store one more simulation result, that would be for the best.
Speaking of genjutsu, Makoto thought of Yūhi Kurenai, whom he had met today. It seemed she and Sarutobi Asuma were still just ordinary friends. In terms of improving his genjutsu ability, Kurenai was undoubtedly the most outstanding female genjutsu user he knew of at present. But unfortunately, he had no reason to even approach her, so he wouldn't risk getting himself killed.
After saying goodbye to Tenten and Ino and returning to his home, Makoto locked his doors and windows and began the new simulation. With his elementary sensory ability, he could perceive some enemies even with his doors and windows closed. It should be enough for his current situation.
Over the past two days, Makoto had accumulated another simulation attempt, so he had to ensure he succeeded with Ino in one go.
So, what kind of person did Ino like?
In this respect, she was probably easier to pursue than Tenten, because her preferences were very clear. In her early years, she liked Sasuke. Sasuke's characteristics were his great strength, his cool temperament, and his handsome appearance. However, this stage didn't require much attention. On one hand, Ino was destined to be the loser in this phase; on the other, her preferences changed greatly in her later years.
As an adult, Ino ultimately chose Sai. Although it seemed the reason was that Sai bore some resemblance to Sasuke, Makoto believed that the root cause was that Sai was more thoughtful, supportive of her career, and most importantly, willing to marry into the Yamanaka clan to be with her.
In summary: Yamanaka Ino needed a pragmatic partner. Of course, it was best if he was also handsome.
Conveniently, Akiyama Makoto fit all these conditions perfectly.
Having clarified his line of thinking, it was time to formulate the plan for this simulation.
[Simulation starting...]
[Remaining Simulation Attempts: 0]
[Simulation Target: Yamanaka Ino]
[Initial Relationship: She has a favorable impression of you.]
[Ding! The simulation is about to begin. You have three free opportunities to guide the simulation's direction.]
[Guide the simulation's direction now?]
Makoto looked at the prompt in surprise. Ino already had a favorable impression of him? While inputting his simulation plan, he wondered where this favorable impression had come from. Although they had talked a lot and he had intentionally tried to win her favor, "favorable impression" in the simulator was clearly not the same concept as friendship.
In the end, it's probably because of my looks, right?
Makoto was hesitant about this answer. He didn't think Ino would fall for him at first sight.
Before he could come to his own conclusion, the simulation began.
[A new morning arrives. You go out to buy rice and vegetables as usual and discover that your life in Konoha has entered a new stage.]
[Many people you don't know take the initiative to greet you, respectfully calling you 'Proprietor Makoto.' This means you have officially gained the identity of a barbecue restaurant owner.]
[Even some ninja have begun to greet you. Although they are just customers of the restaurant, it is a testament to your growing network.]
[You are no longer the weak orphan whose life could be forfeit at the whim of any random Genin.]
[Ding! Your reputation level in Konoha has been upgraded from 'Unknown' to 'Rising Fame.']
Makoto's eyes lit up slightly. This was the first time he had seen such a description in a simulation. He had clearly achieved greater accomplishments in both Konoha and the Sand Village before, so why had there never been such a description?
After a moment's thought, he felt he had found the answer. This description was a summary of his current situation, not a summary of the simulation's results. He probably wouldn't see a similar description again until his circumstances in reality changed dramatically.
[On this day, Tenten continues to come find you for training, but she tells you she cannot accompany you every day in the future. Might Guy also has training requirements for his students, and Tenten has to do team missions from time to time, as well as devote some of her energy to the production of ninja tools.]
[Ino, because school starts on Monday, only comes to your place in the evening and has to go home for dinner after only half an hour. You insist on walking her home.]
[You still buy flowers from Ino's family shop, but this time, you give the tulip you bought to Ino herself. She is very happy about this; it is the first time in her life she has received flowers from a boy.]
[After this, your life enters a stable state: training in the morning, gathering materials in the afternoon, and spending the evening with Ino and writing your novel. If Tenten is free, you train with her.]
[A month quickly passes. Your strength has made great strides. Your body is no longer weak, and your chakra has rapidly grown to the Chūnin level. You can now cast many of the jutsu from your memories.]
"One month... It's great to have high talent!"
Makoto sighed. If it were his original body, he would have been lucky to break through to the Chūnin level by the time of the exams. But now, his 'Taijutsu' score had already reached eight, which meant his physical talent was in the top tier among ninja. At this rate, by the time the Chūnin Exams began, an average Chūnin probably wouldn't be his match in taijutsu alone.
Just as he was looking forward to further development, the plot took a sudden turn.
[On this day, you are training alone outside the Konoha village when you are suddenly ambushed. You easily defeat the enemy, but you are hit by a jutsu from a mysterious ninja. A kunai then pierces your chest, and you are grievously wounded.]
Makoto immediately chose to use a guidance. His brow was tightly furrowed. He hadn't expected them to actually dare to make a move in Konoha. Moreover, he felt that with his strength, even two Shimura Taijis shouldn't be able to seriously injure him. Who was this mysterious ninja?
No matter. Saving my life is more important.
Under his guidance, the simulation began anew.
[You are forced to try and use the Mystical Palm Technique. Fortunately, you have a wealth of accumulated experience, coupled with decent talent. You barely manage to preserve your life, but you still faint.]
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