Chapter 61: Gaining Points While Lying Down?

Sasuke quickly allocated 160 system points to his *Ninjutsu* attribute, instantly filling over half of the progress bar.

*Ninjutsu Attribute: Rank C (160/300)*

*Current System Points: 12*

As the points were applied, a mysterious energy coursed through his body, enhancing his ability to learn ninjutsu.

“Excellent!”

The corner of Sasuke’s mouth lifted in satisfaction. He was now one step closer to reaching B-rank in Ninjutsu—and one step closer to mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Thump, thump, thump...  

The sound of rapid footsteps echoed in the distance. Judging by the rhythm, the person wasn’t heavy, but they were stomping the ground loudly, almost as if it were intentional.

“Move! Get out of my way!”

A shrill, childish voice rang out, carrying an air of unwarranted authority.

Who is this?  

So bold?  

Why does everyone feel the need to act arrogant around me?  

Sasuke looked up calmly and saw a small figure charging toward him. Of course, “charging” was relative to the short legs propelling the figure forward.

The boy was wearing a beige T-shirt, light gray pants, and a blue scarf that trailed behind him as he ran. His pineapple-styled hair was held in place by a headband-like accessory.

“Are you deaf? I said move!” the boy shouted again, his attempt at intimidation sounding more like a child playing pretend.

“Oh, it’s you,” Sasuke muttered, recognizing the boy immediately. It was Konohamaru, the grandson of the Third Hokage.

Thud!  

Just as Konohamaru reached Sasuke, he tripped on nothing, momentarily flying through the air before landing face-first on the ground.

“Ouch! That hurt!”

Konohamaru rubbed his reddened forehead. Without the protection of his headband, he’d likely have a nasty bruise.

“Is this the legendary ‘tripping on flat ground’?” Sasuke observed impassively, his expression calm but slightly amused.

What kind of entrance is this?  

Sasuke recalled Konohamaru’s introduction in the original Naruto timeline—a similar faceplant on flat terrain. He hadn’t expected the boy to be this clumsy in real life.

“You… you… are you Grandpa’s bodyguard?” Konohamaru stammered, pointing at Sasuke with exaggerated indignation.

“Boring,” Sasuke replied with a sneer. He lacked Naruto’s patience for indulging Konohamaru’s childish antics.

*+1*

A notification flashed before Sasuke’s eyes.

Huh?  

He hadn’t done anything, yet he was rewarded with points. Unbothered, Sasuke stepped around Konohamaru, intending to leave.

“Stop right there!” Konohamaru yelled, puffing out his chest. “Don’t think you’re so great just because you dodged my sneak attack. I still have powerful moves!”

Hands on his hips, he struck a defiant pose, reminiscent of a cartoon villain promising a dramatic comeback.

Thump, thump, thump...  

Another set of footsteps approached, and soon a man in a blue ninja uniform appeared.

The newcomer was in his late twenties, wearing the standard Konoha forehead protector and black sunglasses.

*Special Jonin, Ebisu.*

He was also known as Konohamaru’s tutor.

“Young Master, are you alright?” Ebisu asked, rushing over to help Konohamaru up. Dusting the boy off, he turned to Sasuke.

“You…” Ebisu began, but the word lingered as he froze. Adjusting his sunglasses with his middle finger, he scrutinized Sasuke more closely.

“Uchiha Sasuke?!”

Ebisu’s tone was a mix of surprise and admiration. His previously stern demeanor softened noticeably.

“Yes,” Sasuke replied with a nod, intrigued by the sudden shift in Ebisu’s attitude. This was the same man who had been condescending to Naruto, yet now he seemed entirely different.

Ebisu’s eyes lit up, his excitement barely concealed behind his sunglasses.

“Young Master, stand up straight and look at this big brother properly!” Ebisu commanded, hurriedly straightening Konohamaru’s posture. His enthusiasm was almost palpable.

What’s going on?  

Sasuke was baffled by the excessive zeal. Was this really the Ebisu he knew?

“This bodyguard?” Konohamaru asked disdainfully, glancing at Sasuke.

“What bodyguard?!” Ebisu exclaimed, aghast. “This is Uchiha Sasuke, a genius of the prestigious Uchiha clan—the strongest clan in Konoha!”

Ebisu’s eyes practically sparkled as he continued. “I’ve told you many times: a ninja’s talent is determined by their bloodline. The Uchiha clan’s lineage surpasses even your Sarutobi heritage. You must learn from Sasuke!”

*+3*

Another notification appeared before Sasuke’s eyes.

What?  

I didn’t do anything!  

Ebisu is the one singing my praises—yet I’m getting points for it?!  

Is this what they call… gaining points while lying down?  

Sasuke’s mouth twitched. He hadn’t anticipated such an absurd development, but Ebisu’s words made things clear.

This man revered the concept of elite bloodlines.

*Uchiha.*

It just happened to align perfectly with Ebisu’s ideals.

“You’re from the Uchiha clan?” Konohamaru asked skeptically, squinting at Sasuke. “Are you really a genius?”

“Young Master, Uchiha Sasuke has been the top student at the Ninja Academy since day one—always first, never second! He’s your role model!” Ebisu declared passionately.

*+3*

The number flashed again.

This… this is something!  

A sudden idea struck Sasuke. If he could gather a fanbase of people like Ebisu who endlessly praised him, he could rack up points effortlessly.

Especially those sycophants who loved to fawn over the powerful—this could be incredibly efficient.

“Uchiha Sasuke, aside from being a little handsome, I don’t see what’s so special about him,” Konohamaru said with a pout.

“Young Master, being handsome is proof of a strong bloodline! It’s a sign of talent!” Ebisu countered excitedly, as if he were extolling his own virtues.

*+3*

“…”

Sasuke was speechless.

If these two continued this back-and-forth, he could stand here all day, racking up points without lifting a finger.

This strange interaction had completely upended his understanding of how to earn system points.

(End of Chapter)