The incident of rescuing Sasuke and Sakura this time finally brought another long-absent increase in blackening value.
As for the trust and dependence value, although it once dropped to its lowest point after Lock killed the Hokage's direct ANBU and openly cursed Hiruzen Sarutobi,
It later rose again by 2% because of saving people, and that portion became non-droppable.
Compared to the unstable values before, this was already a significant improvement.
Of course, Lock's greatest gain this time was venting his anger.
After all, most of the painful memories transmitted from Naruto originated from those two scheming old men.
It could be said that aside from several ninja clans in Konoha and a very small number of ordinary villagers like Teuchi,
almost everyone else had already been placed on Lock's future revenge list…
Time passed quickly.
Nearly two months slipped by in the blink of an eye.
During these two months, Danzo Shimura behaved unusually quietly and caused no further trouble.
Meanwhile, Team 7 and Team 10 underwent extremely harsh, full-day training because of Naruto's determination.
During this period, they completed multiple C-rank missions together and even one B-rank mission.
Through relentless training, Naruto finally mastered the C-rank Wind Release: Great Breakthrough,
and also learned the B-rank Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere.
Combined with the A-rank Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, he had officially reached elite Chunin standards.
Compared to Naruto's rapid improvement, Sasuke's growth was equally astonishing.
Within two months, he learned Kakashi's A-rank Lightning Release — Chidori.
During the B-rank mission, his Sharingan successfully evolved into two tomoe.
As for Sakura, driven by the thought of "I've finally caught up,"
sShesuccessfully mastered Medical Ninjutsu and Genjutsu.
Her astonishing progress even left Ino, who constantly compared herself during training, completely speechless.
Meanwhile, Jiraiya, who had been located by Hiruzen Sarutobi, claimed Naruto still needed further tempering and did not immediately return to train him.
Inside the consciousness space.
Lock opened the system panel.
[Current blackening value: 10,000]
[Main personality trust and dependence: 60% (Non-droppable: 45%)]
[Mastered abilities: Yang Nine-Tails, Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, Kage-level Taijutsu, Flying Thunder God Technique, Vegetation Technique, Wind Release Ninjutsu, etc.]
Because recent missions lacked danger, Naruto gradually grew numb to villagers' insults.
As a result, only 7,000 blackening values had accumulated over two months.
Lock intentionally left the points untouched.
He was waiting.
Waiting for Guy's Taijutsu… and the Eight Gates.
Judging by the timeline, the joint Chunin Exams should begin soon.
After all, the Four Star Village under his control had already dispatched participants yesterday.
And according to memory, he would soon encounter Team Guy returning to the village after completing a mission.
As for the trust value, after publicly humiliating Hiruzen and Danzo that day, it initially dropped.
Naruto sulked for several days.
But the non-droppable trust foundation stabilized everything, and the value gradually recovered.
Just as Lock was thinking—
a notification suddenly appeared.
[blackening value +10]
[blackening value +…]
Lock narrowed his eyes.
"Why is the blackening value suddenly increasing? Did something happen?"
Looking outward through Naruto's senses, he immediately understood.
Naruto was confronting Gaara's team.
"So it's the Sand Village… The Chunin Exams arc has begun."
Outside.
Naruto stood protectively in front of the injured Konohamaru.
Opposite him stood Gaara before the injured Kankuro.
Thanks to his harsh training, Naruto no longer needed Sasuke to step forward like before.
Instead, Kankuro had already suffered a loss at Naruto's hands.
"Hey, dark-eyed guy! Make that dark fatty behind you apologize to Konohamaru!"
Naruto pointed arrogantly at Gaara.
Behind him, Konohamaru and his two followers looked at him with starry admiration.
"I am Gaara of the Sand," Gaara said calmly. "Not 'dark-eyed.'"
He crossed his arms, studying Naruto with interest.
"You're strong. Interesting. What is your name?"
Naruto proudly wiped his nose with his thumb.
"My name is Uzumaki Naruto! My hobby is eating ramen! And I'm the man who will become Hokage!"
Behind him, the three kids nearly exploded with excitement.
"Big Brother is amazing!"
Sakura covered her face and quietly stepped backward, pretending she wasn't associated with him.
Gaara: "…"
Temari: "…"
Kankuro: "…"
For some reason, the three felt awkward.
They had only asked for his name — why announce hobbies and life goals too?
"Losing to someone like this…" Temari muttered, turning away. "Kankuro, you really need more training."
Kankuro grimaced but said nothing.
Gaara's interest quickly faded.
"Let's go."
They turned to leave.
Naruto immediately grabbed the gourd on Gaara's back.
"No leaving without apologizing!"
The moment the gourd was touched—
Gaara's expression changed completely.
A terrifying killing intent erupted.
"Gaara, calm down!" Kankuro shouted urgently. "Remember our mission!"
Temari yelled sharply, "Let go if you want to live!"
Naruto still didn't understand.
Gaara's patience snapped.
Hand seals formed instantly.
"Sand Burial."
Sand erupted like a raging river, instantly wrapping around Naruto.
Naruto tried to retreat, but sand locked onto his ankles.
The descending sand swallowed him whole.
"Naruto!" Sakura screamed.
"Stop!" Sasuke shouted from a nearby tree, lightning chakra gathering as he prepared Chidori and dove downward.
Gaara's hand clenched.
"Sand Tsunami."
More sand surged inward, compressing violently.
Just as Naruto's life hung by a thread — and Lock prepared to seize control—
a calm voice sounded.
"Ice Style: Ice Rock Dome."
Clang!
All compressing sand was blasted away.
The sand binding Naruto froze instantly into ice crystals and shattered onto the ground.
As frost scattered through the air—
a beautiful figure appeared before Naruto.
Haku stood calmly, shielding him.
"Are you alright, Mas—"
He paused slightly.
"—young man with yellow hair?"
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A/N: 40+ Advance Chapter Has Been Uploaded.
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