Yuichi wasn't surprised by the voice coming from behind.
He had already guessed the system would appear before Sasuke made his move.
[Character: Uchiha Sasuke detected. Contact with Host established.]
[Would you like to unlock this character's development line?]
[Note: The Host can only unlock three development lines at the same time.]
Seeing the system prompt, Yuichi didn't hesitate.
Even though he didn't know exactly what Sasuke's development line would bring, since it had been triggered, there was no reason not to open it.
Open it! Yuichi commanded silently in his heart.
The system quickly responded.
[Character development line unlocked.]
[Generating choices for character relationship development with Uchiha Sasuke…]
[First contact with Uchiha Sasuke — please select communication attitude:]
Interact with Uchiha Sasuke in a friendly manner. Reward: Fire Style — Great Fireball Technique.
Interact with Uchiha Sasuke in a hostile manner. Reward: Water Style — Water Turbulence Technique.
Interact with Uchiha Sasuke in a neutral/plain manner. Reward: Uchiha Throwing Skills.
Three choices. Three different attitudes. Three different rewards.
The rewards weren't too far apart, except that the throwing technique was obviously a little weaker compared to ninjutsu.
For Yuichi, who had unlimited chakra, mastering more ninjutsu was clearly more valuable.
Now the real question was whether to choose Fire Style or Water Style.
If he chose Fire Style, he'd face a problem—Yuichi's chakra nature was water. Without a fire attribute, he wouldn't be able to use Fire Style ninjutsu yet.
Of course, with the system, Yuichi believed that one day he would master all five chakra natures. But for now, Water Style was far more practical.
If I pick Fire Style now, who knows how long it'll be before I can actually use it…
That left only one option.
"Before asking for someone's name, shouldn't you state your own family first? Or is the Uchiha clan always this rude?"
[Congratulations, Host. You selected Option Two — Hostile interaction with Uchiha Sasuke.]
[Reward: Water Style — Water Turbulence Technique acquired.]
[Current mastered ninjutsu: Substitution Technique (Perfect), Water Style — Great Waterfall (Intermediate 630/2000), Water Style — Turbulence (Elementary 0/700).]
Yuichi closed the prompt and glanced back at Uchiha Sasuke, who was standing under a nearby tree.
Sasuke's expression darkened.
This guy clearly knew who he was, yet still demanded he declare his family name. That was anything but friendly.
"…Uchiha Sasuke."
"Nagano Yuichi."
"Nagano? Never heard of that clan."
Civilians, huh? Figures. But that doesn't matter.
Sasuke's gaze sharpened. "Hey! Fight me. You seem strong—different from the weaklings at the Academy. Fighting you should be fun."
His request triggered another system choice for Yuichi.
[Character: Uchiha Sasuke]
[Relationship: Hostile Stranger]
[New Choice Triggered:]
Accept Sasuke's challenge. Reward: Water Style — Water Dragon Bullet Technique.
Reject Sasuke's challenge. Reward: Water Style — Water Barrier.
This time, the system offered offense versus defense.
Yuichi paused to think.
He already had two offensive Water Style ninjutsu. In terms of overall combat effectiveness, a defensive technique would actually be more valuable.
Water Style: Water Barrier… not bad at all.
Yuichi raised his eyes to meet Sasuke's, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
He replied gently, "No. I know the strength of the Uchiha clan very well. An ordinary person like me isn't a match for Uchiha."
At his age, most kids were eager to fight. Sasuke hadn't expected Yuichi to refuse outright.
Is he scared?
Or worse… Is he looking down on me?
Yuichi's calm, dismissive tone only made it sting more. Sasuke clenched his fists.
This guy… he's mocking me.
A mere civilian dares to look down on Uchiha?
I'll show him the power of our clan!
While Yuichi's system quietly confirmed his reward — Water Style: Water Barrier — Sasuke suddenly raised his hands and began weaving seals.
His chakra flared sharply, stirring the air around him. A faint cyclone began to gather.
Sensing danger, Yuichi instantly closed the system interface and focused on Sasuke.
He actually attacked without warning?
Tch. Truly a problem child.
Still, the reward was already secured.
So why not play along?
Yuichi wanted to test just how strong Sasuke was at this stage.
The rapid seals made it obvious what Sasuke was preparing—Fire Style.
Perfect. A good chance to test my new Water Style.
Yuichi began forming his own seals in response.
Sasuke, having finished first, inhaled sharply.
"Fire Style — Great Fireball Technique!"
He exhaled, releasing a massive fireball that roared toward Yuichi, the searing heat distorting the air.
The instant the flames left his mouth, Sasuke's face stiffened.
Damn it! Too much chakra… The power's way stronger than usual. If it hits, he'll die!
He hadn't intended to kill Yuichi—just to scare and humiliate him.
But it was too late for regret.
Sasuke could only pray that Yuichi would survive.
Yuichi's hands completed their final seal. His calm voice rang out:
"Water Style — Water Barrier!"
A surge of rushing water exploded forth, colliding head-on with the fireball!