[Congratulations to the Host for obtaining Wind Style: Great Breakthrough]
The reward was in hand.
So, Sasuke was defeated.
Yuichi glanced at Sasuke, who was lying unconscious on the ground.
"The power… it's a little stronger than I expected."
Stronger? It was far more than just "a little."
If Sasuke didn't have such a sturdy physique, his jaw would've been completely dislocated—or worse, he might have died.
Looking at Sasuke lying motionless, Yuichi sighed helplessly.
[Character: Uchiha Sasuke]
[Relationship: Enemy]
[New Selection Triggered]
[Please choose]
[1. Bring fainted Sasuke back to Konoha → Reward: Lightning Style – Walk]
[2. Leave him here → Reward: Earth Style – Earth Flowing River]
Turns the ground beneath the enemy into a flowing river of mud. The power of the current can be adjusted with Chakra.
Yuichi looked at the two options. Neither was exactly what he wanted, but both were acceptable.
At Konoha Park, the night wind carried a cool breeze.
Sasuke, lying on a park bench, stirred and woke up as the chill brushed his skin.
He opened his eyes, confused.
Yuichi stood not far away, shrugging with a helpless smile.
[Congratulations to the Host for obtaining Lightning Style – Walk]
[Note: Since the Host does not possess the Thunder attribute Chakra, the power of this ninjutsu will be weakened.]
'Weakened?' Yuichi thought.
'That means it still works!'
Even though he didn't naturally have the Lightning attribute, the system would perform the Chakra Nature Transformation for him whenever he used Lightning Style. It might be weaker for now, but it was usable—and once he truly gained the attribute, he could unleash its full power.
There were seven basic Chakra attributes, plus Yin and Yang.
Yuichi was confident he would eventually collect them all.
There's no way the system can't do this, he thought.
Still, Sasuke delayed him.
He had planned to visit Ichiraku Ramen and find Naruto to trigger more system events. Now, it was already too late.
Besides, after all that physical training today, Yuichi's body was exhausted.
All he wanted was to go home and sleep.
The streets were dark and quiet near Yuichi's house.
He opened the door.
And froze.
A man was sitting at his small wooden table, a single candle flickering between them.
'Third Hokage?!'
Yuichi's entire body stiffened.
Why was Sarutobi Hiruzen in his home?!
"Are you back, Yuichi?"
The old Hokage's tone was gentle, addressing him directly by name—no surname, no formality. The warmth in his voice felt almost… intimate.
But Yuichi had never spoken personally with the Third before.
[Character: Sarutobi Hiruzen is in contact with Host]
[Would you like to open the Character Development Line?]
Yuichi forced himself to stay calm. "Th-Third Hokage… why are you here?"
He glanced at the system interface. Out of the three fixed character slots, only one remained.
Should he really use it on Sarutobi Hiruzen?
What could he gain?
Plenty of ninjutsu, surely—but the Five Basic Styles weren't rare. The system could hand him those any day.
[No]
[Host declines to open the Character Development Line with Sarutobi Hiruzen. Re-contact possible after 30 days.]
The Hokage rose slowly and smiled kindly.
"Your parents gave their lives for Konoha. It's my duty to look after children like you. But I've been busy… far too busy. I'm sorry it took me this long."
"Though a little late—congratulations on graduating successfully."
He walked closer and crouched down, gently patting Yuichi's shoulder.
"Yes, the Konoha forehead protector suits you well."
"…Thank you, Lord Hokage."
"It's late. Where have you been? Missions don't usually run this long."
Yuichi's mind spun. The Hokage wasn't just the leader of Konoha—he was its highest authority.
Why would someone like him personally visit a commoner's house in the dead of night?
Impossible.
This wasn't "kindness."
Yuichi thought quickly. If he lied, he might be exposed.
"…I was practicing."
"Training, hm? That's good. Very good." The Hokage smiled approvingly. "Keep working hard, Yuichi. Children like you are Konoha's future."
"I will," Yuichi replied with a smile.
The Hokage slowly stood, still carrying that gentle expression.
"I heard from your Jōnin instructor that you possess three Chakra attributes."
"Yes," Yuichi answered with a proud smile, though his heart raced.
'So that's what caught his attention. Still, three attributes aren't so rare that he'd personally visit me at home. At most, he should've just summoned me to his office…'
The Hokage studied him, then said warmly,
"Tomorrow, after your mission, come to me. Your potential shouldn't be wasted. With three Chakra attributes, you'll surpass even your parents one day."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
"Good. Rest well."
The Hokage started toward the door, then paused.
"Oh, and I'll have someone repair the lights in your room tomorrow. Relying on candles too often will damage your eyes."
With that, the Hokage left.
Yuichi closed the door.
The polite smile on his face instantly vanished.
He sat heavily on his bed, lost in thought.
'Why? Why did the Third Hokage suddenly come here?'
Tomorrow, after the mission, he'd have to see him again.
But what did Hiruzen really want?
One thing was certain: he wouldn't kill Yuichi.
Yuichi had done nothing to harm Konoha.
Still… Yuichi's opinion of Sarutobi Hiruzen wasn't positive.
The so-called "Kind Hokage" had committed plenty of deeds that betrayed his conscience, all in the name of the village.
But leaving Konoha wasn't an option.
This was the protagonist's village—the center of the original story. For Yuichi, staying here was more beneficial than wandering outside.
The system could only be triggered through interactions. And Konoha was full of powerful characters.
Being discovered was inevitable; he couldn't hide forever.
Perhaps catching Hiruzen's attention wasn't entirely bad.
'But this little attention isn't enough. I need more.'
If he could stay in Konoha, interact with more characters, and even step into Hokage's office itself… the rewards would surely be greater.
Yuichi looked at the candle on his table, its flame flickering low.
He blew it out gently.
The candle extinguished, and dust stirred on the wooden table.
"…It's a little dirty."
'Maybe it's time to clean up.'