At 8:00 PM sharp, the new episode aired.
The interface of the "iCool" streaming platform was instantly flooded with a barrage of bullet comments, the scrolling text densely packing the narrow playback frame.
However, Masahiko didn't watch it immediately. Instead, he remained immersed in the [Performance Instance], conducting actual combat training.
As for the feedback from the comments? He could wait until they piled up and scan them all at once later. The priority was always improving his own strength.
No matter how loudly the netizens of the Otherworld cheered for him, they couldn't help him seize more benefits during the Uchiha Clan Downfall. To forge iron, one must be strong oneself!
Inside the [Performance Instance]…
Masahiko was surrounded by Kakashi Hatake. Or rather, six Shadow Clones attacking in a coordinated cross-formation. Masahiko's main body moved like a phantom, weaving through the six figures.
Through ceaseless training and combat simulation, his usage of the [Limit-Break Body Flicker] had become increasingly refined and potent.
But then—
'Kakashi' leaped out of the melee, weaving hand signs in mid-air. In an instant, two more Shadow Clones appeared.
Immediately following that…
Lightning Style: Lightning Beast Tracking Fang!
Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu!
Two distinct Ninjutsu intersected in a lethal pincer attack. In the blink of an eye, Masahiko's afterimages—which possessed only minor deceptive capabilities—were utterly destroyed.
In the next second, 'Kakashi's' speed exploded. He charged straight at Masahiko's main body, White Light Chakra Sabre in hand.
After a single clash of blades, two lightning wolves flanked Masahiko, cutting off his retreat and forcing him into an inescapable confrontation. Compelled to force a breakthrough while tactically countered, he was defeated shortly after.
"The [Limit-Break Body Flicker] can compensate for my lack of offensive power, but relying on a single ability is still a serious fatal flaw," Masahiko sighed with regret.
And this was just the standard Kakashi—without Raikiri and without the Sharingan exposed. If Kakashi had used his trump cards, Masahiko suspected he would have been counter-killed the moment he made his move.
The Sharingan…
He now thoroughly understood how Orochimaru and Hiruko felt. The Kekkei Genkai of that clan was enough to make any civilian shinobi burn with jealousy!
Masahiko exited the [Performance Instance] and opened the system interface to quickly browse the episode.
He didn't have much screen time in this broadcast.
His conversation with Danzō had been edited down to a single resonant phrase: "Everything is for the sake of the village."
The slogan sounded righteous and noble, but the cinematography was dark and heavy. The lighting alone made it clear that neither of them was up to any good.
Aside from that, his most significant scene was sending a message to Danzō before and after submitting his application for Special Jonin. Later, receiving Danzō's reply…
Fortunately, the final segment featuring Sasuke, Itachi, and Shisui helped boost his reputation and popularity by association.
The bullet comments rolled by:
"His words might sound harsh, but Naruto really got tangible benefits from them. He's putting real effort into teaching Sasuke, too… He really is a good teacher.""I can understand him. It's way too hard for an ordinary person to rise up. After throwing his lot in with the Hokage and Danzō, look how fast he got resources.""The corporate slaves get nothing, while the privileged born with silver spoons… Man, this broke me. Damn it!""Can't a character this handsome be redeemed? Please?""Sigh, let's wait for the later plot. I hope it's not too tragic."
Thanks to Masahiko's acting and guidance, the audience's impression of him remained largely positive. His popularity wasn't dropping; it was rising.
He let out a breath of relief, his mood relaxing significantly.
The direction is correct!
Masahiko had been constantly pondering how to play a villain while maintaining high popularity and earning enough screen time.
First, you have to be handsome. On that front, his current incarnation was exceptional.
Second, the personality must have depth. The backstory must be helpless—a lack of choice—and the goal must be grand.
He was currently laying the groundwork for the second phase: The Helplessness.
As a civilian with no backing, he was already working incredibly hard. But to take that next step, he had to resort to "special channels."
Masahiko fell silent for a moment, then continued watching.
After carefully studying the segment with Sasuke, Itachi, and Shisui, a sudden inspiration struck him. He took out his notebook and flipped to the record of his exchange with Kurenai Yūhi.
"Genjutsu, Clone Jutsu, Body Flicker Technique…"
"Using the Body Flicker to swap places with Clones. Using Genjutsu to mask movements and subtle flaws, leaving the opponent in a state of panic and confusion."
Shisui's Body Flicker is a convergence of multiple abilities!
[Limit-Break] was not the absolute ceiling of a technique. As long as one possessed enough knowledge, a [Limit-Break] skill could continue to evolve and be perfected.
Until it became an entirely new Jutsu.
Masahiko wondered if he could learn from the concept of Shisui's Body Flicker and integrate Genjutsu effects into his own movement.
But… it will be difficult.
He continued watching until the progress bar finally reached the end, ushering in the ending theme song.
Simultaneously, the System chimed.
[Popularity Rating: S]
[Comprehensive Assessment…]
[Rank Achieved: S-Rank Golden Supporting Actor]
[Reward: Intermediate Random Ninjutsu Card]
This reward…
Masahiko glanced at it and understood immediately.
A 'Random Ninjutsu Card' allowed him to draw a Ninjutsu based on his mastered Chakra attributes, starting at [Entry] proficiency.
With a 'Low-Rank Card,' the probability of drawing a B-Rank or higher Jutsu was only 10%. However, with an 'Intermediate Card,' the chance for a B-Rank rose to 50%, with a 10% chance of hitting an A-Rank Jutsu.
There was no need to hoard this.
Masahiko activated the draw.
Moments later.
[Water Style: Water Surfing Strike (Entry)]
(Suiton: Naminorige)
Seeing the name of the Ninjutsu, Masahiko paused for a second.
After fusing his memories and double-checking, he confirmed he hadn't remembered incorrectly.
It was the Second Hokage's Jutsu.
A B-Rank Ninjutsu.
Although the difficulty was only at the Jonin level, it was incredibly practical. It allowed for rapid sliding and stealth on water surfaces. When combined with other Water Style techniques or a rainy environment, it possessed devastating potential.
Once mastered, Masahiko's offensive options in aquatic environments would become far more flexible and unpredictable.
The only problem was…
He currently lacked the ability to create large volumes of water. Even if he mastered similar Ninjutsu, he didn't have the vast Chakra reserves required to terraform the battlefield.
"I still need to train my body," Masahiko lamented.
Spatial training in the System could help him master techniques quickly, but the physical strength, speed, and Chakra capacity derived from the body itself were the foundation of everything.
"Starting tomorrow, I'm intensifying my physical conditioning."
Just as Masahiko made this resolution, a soft, somewhat hesitant voice drifted up from the first floor outside.
"Masahiko-kun, are you asleep?"
Masahiko poked his head out the window.
Under the moonlight, Kurenai Yūhi stood wearing a long dress, clutching a paper bag in her hands. She was looking up at his window.
Seeing him appear, a smile bloomed on her face as she gently waved the item in her hand.
Masahiko vaulted out of the window, landing on the first floor in the blink of an eye.
"It's quite late. Is there something important?"
"Nothing serious. I made some flower tea and intended to give it to you tomorrow, but I received a temporary mission notice. I have to leave the village early tomorrow morning, so I brought it over tonight."
Kurenai handed over the paper package, smiling. "I heard you were promoted. Congratulations."
"Thank you."
Masahiko took the tea. After thanking her, he felt a bit awkward. Kurenai had given him quite a few things, but he didn't seem to have anything to give in return…
After a moment of thought, he spoke up. "By the way, regarding your notes from last time… I went back and studied them carefully. I have a theory: Is it possible to use Genjutsu to enhance the Clone Jutsu?"
"Use Genjutsu to enhance Clones?" Kurenai blinked, slightly stunned.
Masahiko nodded.
"Yes. The Clone Jutsu itself is just an illusion created by Chakra. If we could use Genjutsu to amplify the realistic presence of the Clone, and then combine it with the Body Flicker Technique, it might have miraculous effects…"
He shared the same technique and theory he had previously imparted to Sasuke.
"Clone Jutsu, Genjutsu, Body Flicker…" Kurenai fell into deep thought.
"Exactly. Also, recently I've been thinking… when I engage an enemy with kunai or a blade, if I could weave Genjutsu into the sound of the metal clashing, perhaps I could trigger an illusion silently and formlessly…"
Masahiko continued to elaborate.
Hearing this, Kurenai first frowned in concentration for a long time. Eventually, her brow smoothed out. "That is a fascinating concept. I had completely never thought of that before."
"One person's wisdom is short. Isn't the point of exchanging ideas so we can study and become stronger together?" Masahiko gave a dashing, effortless smile.
Kurenai nodded, her expression complex.
When she had given him her notes, it was purely to repay Masahiko for helping her and Yakumo, and for saving her important student. She hadn't expected Masahiko to offer any advice in return.
But now—
The first concept Masahiko provided was clearly a feasible plan, especially since she happened to know a type of Genjutsu Clone technique.
As for the second idea…
Sound-based Genjutsu…
She fell into deep contemplation.