*Chapter 160: Wouldn't a punch like that hurt for a long time?!*

Sasuke walked towards Naruto, who was climbing a tree, and watched him fall again.

Is this thing that hard?

Sasuke was a little puzzled, and immediately controlled the chakra to condense towards the soles of his feet.

Suddenly.

A mysterious force attached to the soles of his feet, making them seem like magnets, with extremely strong attraction.

Step by step.

Under the gaze of Naruto and Ebisu, Sasuke walked to the tree that Naruto was climbing.

He remained expressionless the whole time and didn't say a word.

It gave people an extremely cold feeling.

"Sasuke..."

Naruto looked at Sasuke, his eyes flickering slightly, but he was a little expectant.

Ebisu folded his arms across his chest, and directly assumed a viewing posture.

At this time.

Sasuke raised his right foot and stepped on the tree trunk very gently.

Om!

Sasuke immediately felt the chakra on the soles of his feet stick to the tree trunk, forming a whole, unable to be pulled off.

It's not difficult!

Sasuke then raised his left foot.

After he raised his left foot, the support point of his whole body weight was on his right foot, which was stepping on the tree trunk.

But.

Sasuke didn't even tremble, as if he was stepping on flat ground.

The next moment.

Sasuke's left foot stepped on the tree trunk, both feet were on the tree trunk, and his whole body formed a right angle with the tree trunk.

Standing firmly!

+20

The numbers in front of Sasuke's eyes suddenly jumped.

Hmm...

Sasuke just stood on the tree trunk, he had a strange feeling, as long as he wanted, he could control the chakra in his body at will.

Could this be the credit of the A-level fine attribute?

Sasuke began to continue to take steps, climbing up the big tree step by step, completely calm and indifferent, as if walking on flat ground, without showing any signs of exertion.

+25

As Sasuke walked on the tree, the points in front of his eyes jumped again.

Sasuke walked all the way to one-third of the big tree, aimed at a branch, and walked backwards on the number until he reached the very front of the branch.

So far.

Sasuke looked at Naruto hanging upside down, his whole person looked very indifferent, and there was almost no expression on his face.

+30

The numbers in front of Sasuke's eyes suddenly jumped.

"Naruto, you have to study hard with Ebisu-sensei, your foundation is still a bit poor!"

Sasuke said seriously.

This kind of subtle chakra control is still a bit difficult for Naruto, but after all, this is the basic thing, and it is not bad for Naruto to contact it.

"I know!"

Naruto immediately clenched his fists, his eyes full of fighting spirit.

He just wanted to stand at the same height as Sasuke.

What Sasuke can do.

He can do it too!

Suddenly.

Naruto began to repeat the process of climbing the tree and falling...

"Ding dong!"

Just then, a ding-dong prompt sounded in Sasuke's mind, almost scaring him.

It came too suddenly.

I didn't expect it!

"The one-year future event guide reminds the host that the future event nodes may change, do you want to check?"

"1. Yes!"

"2. No!"

This familiar voice sounded again, which suddenly made Sasuke a little stunned.

That's not right!

Didn't this one-year future time guide come out some time ago!

Why is it here again now?

Could it be that things in the future have changed again in these few days?

Sasuke's mood suddenly became tense, he had gradually understood that it was because of his butterfly wings that things were completely different from before.

It wasn't just him flapping his wings.

The people affected by him are all flapping these wings, making things become different.

Future events will change in a short period of time...

This is enough to show that all forces are ready to move

"Choose 1!"

Sasuke chose the first option without hesitation.

Now that the system is willing to give him spoilers, then he has no reason to play suspense.

What you should know, you must know!

Not only to minimize the risk of possible out-of-control, but also to pretend to be more exciting in these big events that will generate additional system points!

Thinking of this.

Sasuke couldn't help but get a little excited!

"I'll just watch you intrigue and fight each other, no matter how many conspiracies and open conspiracies you make, the system will eventually spoil it for me!"

The corners of Sasuke's mouth curled up, and as he became more and more comprehensive about the Zhuangdun system, he found that this system was really very powerful.

When I first got the Zhuangdun system.

Sasuke still envied Brother Wu Di who used to live broadcast in Naruto, that live broadcast system seemed so powerful.

But...

His own Zhuangdun system deprived him of all abilities at the beginning!

And let him pretend!

Sasuke originally thought that this was just a system of pretending, but later he gradually discovered that this was a system full of bugs.

Open the plug-in on the plug-in!

This is the coolest!

"Ding dong!"

Just as Sasuke was praising the Zhuangdun system in his heart, a clear system prompt sounded in his mind again.

"Current time: Konoha Chronicle 60 March."

"Future event node prediction changes!"

"Predicted change node 1: In March of Konoha 60, the ninja school graduated early, and the guidance of Shangnin's team assessment!"

"Predicted change node 2: In April of Konoha 60, go to the Land of Waves to perform a B-level mission!"

"Predicted change node 3: In April of Konoha 60, the Chunin Selection Exam officially opens for registration!"

"Predicted change node 4: In May of Konoha 60, the Chunin Selection Exam officially opens, and Orochimaru will go to Konoha Village as the Fourth Kazekage!"

"Predicted change node 5: Jiraiya returns to Konoha Village in May of Konoha 60!"

"Predicted change node 6: Orochimaru launched a plan to destroy Konoha Village in June of Konoha 60."

"Predicted change node 7: Jiraiya became the fifth Hokage of Konoha Village in July of Konoha 60!"

"Note 1: The above time nodes are all system prediction nodes, and may not necessarily occur under the influence of the host, and are for reference only."

"Note 2: If the above predicted events occur smoothly, the host will be given an additional system point bonus for being aggressive in the event."

"Additionally, the host is given a detailed topographic map of the Chunin Exam!"

"I wish the host a happy pretending!"

"Ding dong!"

With a system prompt sound, this one-year future event guide ended the prediction.

Instantly.

Sasuke felt that he had more strange knowledge in his head.

"This..."

A look of surprise flashed in Sasuke's eyes, and he finally understood what it means that plans don't change quickly.

In the last forecast.

The identity of the Fifth Hokage is Shimura Danzo.

Obviously related to the war with the Land of Earth at that time.

Just...

Tuan Zang did not take over as soon as he came back, but was predicted to be in May.

A long night of dreams!

Really have a nightmare!

The corners of Sasuke's mouth rose uncontrollably, it seems that he is not the only one who can't understand Danzo!

There must be other forces involved!

Danzo, who was originally recognized as the Fifth Hokage, just let the duck he got fly away.

Jiraiya...

It's actually the Fifth Hokage!

Sasuke didn't know what happened here, in the original future prediction, it was written that Jiraiya and Tsunade came back together.

Of course.

That was after the third generation died!

After all, he is a disciple.

Condolences are still normal!

But...

It's a little weird now!

Sasuke secretly analyzed in his heart that this future guide did not say that the third generation would die.

Not to mention Tsunade's return!

That is to say…

If there is no external intervention from him, things in the future will develop according to this model.

No need for him to do anything, Danzo is cold!

Who did it?

Sasuke frowned slightly, he could think of the only person who had the ability to change the situation in this chaotic situation, Orochimaru!

Orochimaru's position is very important!

at least…

When Sasuke was watching the original anime, he felt that Orochimaru didn't really want the third generation to die.

Forget it!

Don't think about it!

Sasuke shook his head, it's useless to think so much now, this chronicle is just an outline, and it doesn't say what will happen specifically.

If he intervenes too much, I'm afraid things in the future will change again.

Not long.

Gou for a few days.

Then watch a good show.

and also…

Have a good time!

After Sasuke had a plan in his heart, he immediately removed the chakra from his feet, and his whole body fell from the branch.

During the fall.

Sasuke's muscles pulled and completed a gorgeous somersault, his feet landed firmly on the ground.

Stand still.

Even the hairstyle is not messed up.

"Ebisu-sensei, that's all for today's training, you go back first, I have something to say to Naruto."

Sasuke looked at Ebisu with both eyes, without beating around the bush, he directly issued an expulsion order.

"Yes!"

Ebisu immediately responded, and with a casual hand seal, his figure disappeared.

These two are teachers and students on the surface.

It's actually more like a superior-subordinate.

At least in Ebisu's heart, he never dared to treat Sasuke as an ordinary student.

"What's the matter?"

Naruto blinked at Sasuke, a little puzzled, what's so serious?

"Naruto, have you memorized the three sets of questions I gave you?"

Sasuke asked very seriously, his tone extremely serious.

"I..."

Naruto scratched the back of his head, how could there be any reason to finish the homework just after it was handed out.

Isn't there still half a month!

But...

He didn't expect Sasuke to ask now!

The state Naruto showed immediately made Sasuke understand that Naruto hadn't memorized it at all.

"Your shadow clone technique is no problem, what you have to do now is to memorize all three sets of questions, and memorize them as quickly as possible!"

Sasuke said directly in a commanding tone, if you didn't know, you would think he was Naruto's teacher.

"This...oh...why do you have to memorize questions to be a ninja!"

Naruto's face was full of bitterness, what he was least good at was memorizing these boring theoretical knowledge, it was not fun at all, and he forgot it after remembering it.

"No time!"

Sasuke was still very serious, he didn't tell Naruto about the early graduation exam of the ninja school, for fear that this would become a wing that would affect the future situation.

"Three days!"

Sasuke stretched out three fingers and shook them in front of Naruto.

"You memorize one set a day, and I'll test you in three days!"

Sasuke said coldly, his tone brooking no doubt.

"I...I know."

Naruto lowered his head aggrievedly, he didn't know what was wrong with Sasuke, did he have to memorize the questions after falling from the book?

"Today's training is over, when you memorize these three sets of questions, when will you start training again!"

Sasuke's voice was cold, and when he spoke, the surrounding temperature dropped a lot.

"Yeah."

Naruto nodded again, without any resistance, Sasuke said what to do, then do it.

"Go back and memorize the questions."

After Sasuke finished speaking, he ignored Naruto, turned around and left, leaving Naruto with a lonely back.

The whole process.

There were no numbers jumping in front of Sasuke's eyes, and he didn't pretend to be aggressive in front of Naruto at all.

"How long will this early graduation be early?"

Sasuke thought silently in his heart, and he walked in the direction of the Uchiha clan.

Walking.

Sasuke's ears twitched slightly.

The S-level physical attributes made his body extremely sensitive, and he heard some extremely weak sounds.

Someone is following me!

And it just arrived!

Who could it be?

There was no expression on Sasuke's face, and he didn't make any reaction, so he just walked forward slowly, thinking in his mind how to have fun with this person.

As time passed.

Sasuke was getting closer and closer to the Uchiha clan's area, and the streets were deserted, with no one in sight.

The faint sound still followed behind.

It's just that this person hides it well!

Judging from this level of concealment, it is better than the Chunin of Iwagakure Village.

Sasuke's eyes looked at the telephone pole in front of him.

"Ouch!"

suddenly.

Sasuke stumbled as if he'd tripped on something, his body pitching forward. His right hand shot out to brace himself against a telephone pole.

Bzzt!

In an instant, chakra surged from Sasuke's palm, and the two characters "起点" (starting point) appeared where his hand touched the pole.

He slowly retracted his hand and stood back up, proudly dusting off his hands. He'd been carefully listening to the sounds around him, and when he stopped, the person following him stopped too.

This guy has impressive tracking skills. 

If Sasuke's body hadn't reached such a terrifying level of control, allowing him to sense the minute movements of every muscle, he would have never known he was being followed. This was the benefit of having an S-rank physique.

Of course, it also sent a chill down Sasuke's spine.

Before I had this S-rank physique, how many people secretly followed me?

Sasuke resumed his steady pace toward the Uchiha clan district. At the same time, the sounds of his pursuer resumed.

Interesting! Since you're following me, I hope you have a strong heart!

Sasuke continued walking, showing no outward change.

"Eight Gates Released Formation, First Gate, Gate of Opening, Open!" he silently muttered, activating the first of the Eight Inner Gates.

Instantly, faint blue veins appeared on Sasuke's forehead, but they were hidden by his Konoha headband. There were no other visible changes to his body.

He continued walking.

"Eight Gates Released Formation, Second Gate, Gate of Healing, Open!"

The veins under Sasuke's headband became more prominent, but his exceptional body control kept them hidden from view.

"Eight Gates Released Formation, Third Gate, Gate of Life, Open!"

Sasuke opened three gates in succession. The only outward effect was the increasingly pronounced veins on his forehead.

Up to the fourth gate, Sasuke could maintain perfect control. There was almost no impact on his body, at least not visibly.

Opening the Gate of Life heightened his senses and increased his speed and strength.

This is enough!

Sasuke didn't know the identity of the person tailing him, but based on his deductions, they weren't weak. He needed to show some of his own strength.

Sasuke continued walking, focusing on the sounds behind him.

Step by step.

As he reached the next intersection, his eyes flashed.

There!

The figure had reached the telephone pole!

If Sasuke looked back now, the figure would undoubtedly hide, and he'd see nothing. If he gave chase immediately, the person would be long gone.

To deal with such a ghost-like presence, he needed to use special means.

In that moment, Sasuke focused his mind, precisely locating the Flying Thunder God Technique formula he'd placed on the telephone pole.

Whoosh!

In the blink of an eye, Sasuke vanished. He reappeared next to the telephone pole, his right hand slapping the "起点" mark.

+50

The number in front of Sasuke's eyes jumped, increasing significantly.

Before him stood a figure clad in nightclothes, a hooded cloak concealing their entire body.

Swish!

The figure reacted with lightning speed. The moment they saw Sasuke, they turned and fled without hesitation.

"Don't bother struggling at this distance!"

Sasuke's figure blurred, instantly catching up to the figure. He reached out with his right hand, clamping it around their neck.

In one swift motion, he flipped the figure and slammed them to the ground.

Thud!

The figure's body crashed heavily onto the ground, creating a small crater.

"Not a clone or a substitute!"

Sasuke's face remained expressionless as he reached out with his left hand and ripped off the figure's hood. The entire sequence was so fluid that it left the figure no time to react.

Ash-gray hair, held back by a Konoha headband, and a pair of glasses, the lenses now shattered from the impact.

Sasuke instantly recognized the face.

Kabuto Yakushi! I didn't expect it to be him!

Sasuke channeled chakra to his right hand, which was still gripping Kabuto's neck, and imprinted a Flying Thunder God Technique formula onto his skin.

The two characters "起点" appeared on Kabuto's neck before fading away, as if they had never been there.

It can't be erased!

From now on, no matter where Kabuto went, Sasuke could track him down.

With this unknown factor under control, his preparations for today hadn't been wasted.

"Who are you?" Sasuke asked coldly, his grip on Kabuto's neck unrelenting. His immense strength pressed Kabuto into the ground, immobilizing him.

+60

The number in front of Sasuke's eyes jumped again.

"Sasuke, don't get excited, it's all a misunderstanding..."

A flicker of surprise crossed Kabuto's eyes. He hadn't expected Sasuke to discover him.

Caught off guard and unprepared, Sasuke's sudden appearance had left him with no time to react, let alone escape.

This is a genin?

A huge question mark appeared in Kabuto's mind. He believed his reaction speed was top-notch, yet he was caught and pinned down in an instant.

What speed! What strength! What's going on with this guy?

Kabuto had been following Orochimaru's orders to monitor Sasuke's recent activities, but he hadn't expected to be caught like this.

"Who are you?"

Sasuke repeated the question, his voice even colder, his tone more indifferent.

Of course he knew who Kabuto was! But at this juncture, he shouldn't know. If he revealed his knowledge, it would change the course of events.

+70

The same question twice in a row put inexplicable pressure on Kabuto.

"My name is Kabuto, and I'm your senior. Because of the upcoming Chunin Exams, I wanted to gather some intelligence to improve my Ninja Info Cards."

Kabuto tried to appear calm as he revealed his identity in Konoha.

He had no choice! Sasuke's grip was too strong! Kabuto felt like his neck was caught in a vise.

He couldn't use the Substitution Jutsu. He was completely restrained by a freshly graduated genin!

The thought was humiliating. In all his years as a spy, countless jonin had failed to capture him.

And yet, he'd been caught here.

"What are Ninja Info Cards?" Sasuke asked coldly.

"They're cards that use ninjutsu to convert information into symbols and store them. They contain information on all the ninja I've gathered information on!" Kabuto explained earnestly.

This... was indeed what he used to gather intelligence!

Of course, it was also his cover!

Don't ask. If asked, it's for Ninja Info Cards! If asked, it's only for the Chunin Exams!

"Kabuto-senpai, I don't like being followed, and I don't like being investigated. If you need information about me, I can tell you that my strength, according to your Ninja Info Cards, should be an off-the-charts S-rank!"

As Sasuke spoke, he abruptly raised his left hand and punched Kabuto hard in the stomach.

Thump!

A muffled sound echoed.

Kabuto cried out in pain, his mouth wide open, saliva spraying from his lips, his eyes bulging with bloodshot veins.

This wasn't an act! This was real pain! Excruciating pain!

His ribs were definitely broken! His spine was damaged too! The damage to his internal organs was the worst; his spleen, stomach, and gallbladder were practically ruptured!

+80

The number in front of Sasuke's eyes appeared again. He released Kabuto and walked back onto the street, his pace relaxed, as if nothing had happened.

That punch will hurt for a long time!

Kabuto lay on the ground, clutching his stomach, the intense pain causing him to grimace. The saliva dripping from his mouth gradually turned bloody.

"That's brutal!"

Kabuto's entire body convulsed from the punch. Green chakra flickered in his hand as he used Mystical Palm Technique to heal himself.

"How can he be so heavy-handed!"

Kabuto considered himself quite resilient, but the pain was still unbearable. If it were an ordinary genin, they would probably have been killed by that punch!

However...

Kabuto didn't know that Sasuke had held back precisely because he knew it was him.

With the Gate of Healing active, that punch, empowered by S-rank strength and the gate's boost, had the force of a monstrous blow.

"Cough... cough..."

Kabuto coughed violently, blood gurgling up his throat.

"Damn it!"

Kabuto could only lie there for now. The slightest movement sent waves of pain through his body. If he didn't know medical ninjutsu, he might have died here.

...

Sasuke continued towards the Uchiha clan district, knowing that after that punch, Kabuto wouldn't be having a good time for the next few days.

"Sigh..."

"I said I was going to keep a low profile!"

"No one's around anyway!"

"Who told that guy to be so annoying!"

Sasuke muttered to himself, then deactivated the Eight Inner Gates technique.

Ding ding!

Ding ding!

Ding ding!

Three consecutive dings, signifying learning, rang out, followed by a wave of fatigue.

The backlash of the Eight Inner Gates had arrived!

He opened the system panel.

Current System Points: 6345

Actually, he could have continued toying with Kabuto, who was completely immobilized.

But there was no need.

Messing with Kabuto would only yield a few System Points, while risking exposure and altering the course of events.

A small warning was enough!

Sasuke had indeed shown mercy. Otherwise, a point-blank Daytime Tiger would have finished Kabuto off.

He opened the Attributes panel, focusing on his Physique attribute.

Physique: Rank S: (22/5000)

Add points.

He added 4 points directly!

Bzzt!

Sasuke's body trembled as a wave of heat surged through him, restoring his physical energy.

Physique: Rank S: (26/5000)

Current System Points: 6341

Done!

Sasuke closed the system panel and leisurely walked towards the Uchiha clan district, no longer concerned about Kabuto's fate.

That guy wasn't so easily killed!

Ten minutes later, Sasuke returned to the Uchiha clan district and entered his starting point, his childhood home.

Looking around the tidy room now, he felt different.

Things had changed!

Sasuke took a deep breath. He prepared hot water, washed up, and lay down on the bed, feeling completely relaxed.

He hadn't felt this relaxed since coming to the ninja world. Because he could add points to his Physique and Spirit attributes, he hadn't slept in who knows how long.

I'll get a good rest today!

Sasuke no longer wanted to engage in those time-consuming training methods that yielded slow progress.

From now on, his taijutsu training would rely on the Daytime Tiger!

Tomorrow...

I'll find a suitable place to continuously unleash the Daytime Tiger, and I'll fire it all day long!

With that thought, sleepiness washed over Sasuke. He pulled the covers over himself and drifted off.

The night passed quickly.

When sunlight spilled onto the streets near the Uchiha clan district, Kabuto was nowhere to be seen.

Even the bloodstains on the ground had been completely cleaned up.

Every detail was meticulously taken care of.

Dawn breaks.

Inside the Hokage's office.

Shikaku Nara stands before the Third Hokage, delivering his report.

"Lord Third Hokage," he begins.

"After negotiations with the Fourth Kazekage of the Sand Village, they've also expressed a strong desire to move the Chunin Exams forward. Our discussions were swift and productive, wasting no time at all. The Chunin Exams are now scheduled for the end of April this year, with the final round, intended to attract the attention of feudal lords from various nations, set for May!"

"Instructions for the Academy graduation exams have already been issued. The exams will officially commence in three days. The chunin instructors should be relaying this information to their students today!"

"Regarding intelligence related to the Chunin Exams, I have already submitted a written report to the Land of Fire. I trust that the feudal lord will soon give his approval!"

"If all goes as planned..."

"Our preliminary work is complete. Danzo will not be able to become Hokage before the Chunin Exams conclude!"

Shikaku delivers his report with utmost seriousness. He has done everything within his power to ensure success.

"Shikaku, you've done an outstanding job!"

The Third Hokage nods emphatically, a relaxed smile gracing his face.

Regardless of the outcome...

He has tried his best!

Hopefully, there's still a chance to turn the tide!

"Lord Third Hokage, if there's nothing else, I'll go and supervise the implementation."

Shikaku bows his head as he speaks.

"No need to rush."

The Third waves his hand dismissively, turning slowly to face the window of his office.

He picks up a document from his desk.

"Shikaku, as per our previous agreement, the jounin instructor for the Ino-Shika-Cho trio will be Asuma Sarutobi. You have no objections, I presume?"

The Third narrows his eyes slightly, a glint of shrewdness in their depths.

"No problem."

Shikaku lowers his head further, avoiding the Third's gaze.

"In this Chunin Exam, as long as Shikamaru reaches the final round, he will be guaranteed a chunin position."

The Third dangles another promise.

"Thank you, Lord Third Hokage!"

Shikaku doesn't explicitly accept or refuse, instead expressing his gratitude directly.

"In that case... Shikaku... let me be frank!"

After much preamble, the Third finally reveals his true intention.

"What do you think about Asuma becoming the Fifth Hokage?"

The Third's words cause Shikaku's heart to skip a beat.

This is a difficult question to answer!

Shikaku ponders for a moment, remaining silent, his head still bowed, his eyes averted from the Third's.

"Is there truly no way?"

The Third has already gleaned the answer from Shikaku's expression, but he's still unwilling to give up.

"Lord Third Hokage, we can preserve the Sarutobi faction and prevent the Hokage position from falling into Danzo's hands. This can already be considered a major victory. It's not yet our place to choose how we celebrate that victory."

Shikaku takes a deep breath. He has made his point clear, even going so far as to explicitly mention the Sarutobi faction.

"I understand."

The Third nods, picking up a sheet of paper from his desk. "I already have someone in mind for the Fifth Hokage," he says.

"Who?"

Shikaku asks curiously. He's eager to know which name the Third will utter.

After all, there's currently no suitable candidate in sight.

"Jiraiya," the Third says slowly, naming his own student.

"This..."

Shikaku's lips twitch slightly. He forces himself to say, "Lord Third Hokage, Jiraiya-sama has repeatedly expressed his unwillingness to become Hokage. Moreover, his student was the Fourth Hokage. Asking him to be the Fifth... it might be a bit difficult!"

As Shikaku speaks...

His eyes suddenly widen, a terrifying thought dawning on him.

"It will be Jiraiya. He's my student. I understand him better than you do!"

The Third's tone leaves no room for argument.

"Yes!"

Shikaku nods, saying nothing more. However, in his heart, he has already guessed the Third's intentions.

"Now, go and carry out your duties. Aside from the Chunin Exams, find Jiraiya and have him cooperate with the plan."

As the Third speaks, he sits at his desk, his gaze fixed on the documents before him, no longer looking at Shikaku.

"Yes!"

Shikaku acknowledges once more, then exits the Hokage's office.

Terrifying!

Shikaku takes a deep breath.

He realizes he has underestimated the Third's attachment to the Hokage position.

Back when choosing the Fourth Hokage, there was an intention to prevent Jiraiya from inheriting the position.

Now, Jiraiya, who is unwilling to inherit the position, is being brought back into the picture.

To cooperate with the Third in resisting Danzo, Jiraiya might agree to temporarily become the Fifth Hokage.

However...

Jiraiya is a free spirit. Once the situation calms down, he will surely want to relinquish the position of Fifth Hokage.

At that time...

Either the Third Hokage will return, or a suitable Sixth Hokage will be found to take over.

By then...

Asuma Sarutobi's qualifications will be just about sufficient!

What a brilliant strategy!

Shikaku can't help but marvel. He believes he has seen through the Third's plan, and it leaves him feeling somewhat apprehensive.

The next moment...

Shikaku's eyes widen.

No!

The Third knows his intelligence!

The Third must know that he has guessed his plan!

So...

Could it be that the Third deliberately revealed his plan to him?

The more Shikaku thinks about it, the more terrifying it seems. Is this the political maneuvering of someone who has long held a position of power?

"Is the blame for making Jiraiya the Fifth Hokage going to fall on me?"

"Or is he expecting me to propose the candidate for the Sixth?"

"Lord Third Hokage first asked me if there was a way for Asuma, and then immediately presented me with a solution."

"This is a tricky situation!"

Shikaku rubs his forehead. He has always considered himself to be very intelligent.

But at this moment...

He still feels that his brain is not quite enough.

Too difficult!

...

News of the early graduation of the current class of the Ninja Academy spreads throughout Konoha.

Almost every student knows that they will be taking their graduation exam in three days.

Naruto sits at his desk...

Unable to believe his ears.

Oh my god!

Sasuke asked him to memorize those questions yesterday, and he was still a bit grumpy about it.

Now it seems...

Sasuke is so awesome!

He actually planned everything out!

Naruto suddenly feels fortunate that he stayed up all night to memorize a whole set of questions.

"This time, I must pass the graduation exam!"

Naruto clenches his fists tightly, making a silent vow.

The Shadow Clone Jutsu is no problem.

Sasuke even gave him the answers to the written test.

If he still can't pass with this!

He might as well end it all!

Naruto feels that ever since he met Sasuke, he's become more and more fortunate!

...

This news also reaches Sasuke and Ebisu.

Ebisu hears about it before Sasuke.

When the two meet in the small forest, Ebisu seems preoccupied and out of sorts.

"Ebisu-sensei, what's wrong?"

Sasuke stares curiously at Ebisu. The latter's current state is simply too poor.

He's not even adding any points anymore.

If you don't add points, then what's the use?

Remember your role as a tool!

"Sasuke, the Ninja Academy graduation exam is in three days. Once the results are out, you'll be assigned to your jounin instructor, and I'll no longer be your teacher."

Ebisu's mood is heavy. He had thought he would have a month to teach Sasuke.

But...

This change is happening much faster than planned!

He spent the first half of the month on missions with Gai, and now the second half is gone before it even began.

What kind of luck is this?

Especially since Ebisu practically sacrificed his own career advancement to teach Sasuke.

"Ah, I thought it was something serious. Ebisu-sensei, you'll always be my teacher. That will never change!"

Sasuke says earnestly.

How could he let such a useful tool go?

No one in all of Konoha is better at playing the straight man than you!

You're my cheat code for gaining points!

+30

As expected...

As soon as Sasuke says this, the points in front of him increase sharply.

"Sasuke, are you serious?!"

Ebisu pushes his sunglasses up excitedly. His biggest worry was the severing of his bond with Sasuke. As for his career in Konoha, it's not that big of a deal.

"Of course. No matter what happens, you'll always be my teacher. Even if I join a new team with a jounin instructor, can't I still come to you with any problems I encounter?"

Sasuke doesn't want Ebisu to remain depressed. If Ebisu isn't excited, the points won't increase.

+35

The points in front of Sasuke rise again.

"Of course you can! You can always come to me with questions, and not just you, Naruto can too!"

Ebisu is a smart man. He can see that Sasuke and Naruto clearly have a good relationship.

In that case...

Pleasing Naruto is equivalent to pleasing Sasuke!

Such an exceptional genius must not be wasted. Ebisu firmly believes that Sasuke will become the second Madara Uchiha in the future.

Perhaps even...

Surpass Madara Uchiha!

"Ebisu-sensei, with your words, I'm relieved. Since the Ninja Academy graduation exam is approaching, I'll go back to the academy. Let's end today's training session here!"

A strong urge to return to the Ninja Academy arises in Sasuke's mind.

The Academy's early graduation has already been marked as a key event in the future timeline.

The Guide's Gaze states it clearly.

Showing off during major events will grant extra points!

This is an opportunity he absolutely cannot miss!

"Oh, oh, oh, that's only right. You go ahead!"

Ebisu nods. After receiving Sasuke's promise, he feels much better, the gloom on his face completely swept away.

"Ebisu-sensei, until next time!"

Sasuke turns and leaves the small forest, heading towards the Ninja Academy.

He doesn't know when this event officially starts.

He's unsure if it's already considered part of the early graduation or if it begins with the official graduation exam.

Since he can't figure it out...

He might as well go and see!

"It's been a while since I've been to the Academy. I wonder if those students miss me!"

A slight smile curls Sasuke's lips. He's already anticipating more system points.

(End of chapter)