*Chapter 54: There Are Many Ways to Show Off*

The moon hung high as Sasuke wandered aimlessly through the quiet streets of Konoha. His mind, however, was far from quiet.

"Where am I supposed to find system points at this hour?"  

The thought nagged at him, especially as he mulled over whether to use 200 points on a system lottery. The idea was tempting, but when he opened the panel and saw the bold "Not yet open" seal over the [Lottery] section, disappointment crept in.

"Guess that’s off the table."  

Sasuke sighed and turned his attention back to the empty streets.

With little else to do, he found himself heading towards Konoha’s central area, hoping to stumble upon something—or someone—that could serve as a means to boost his point count.

---

About ten minutes later, faint sounds reached Sasuke's ears. They were sporadic but unmistakable: heavy breathing and steady counting.

"897!"

"898!"

"899!"

Sasuke's curiosity piqued. He followed the sounds to a small wooded area nearby, the rhythmic cadence drawing him closer.

The voice became clearer.

"Is that...?"  

A green blur moved under the moonlight, and Sasuke instantly recognized the figure. It was Rock Lee, walking upside down on his hands, his voice steady as he counted each step.

Sasuke’s lips curled into a small smile. Lee... of course it’s you.  

Clap. Clap. Clap.

The sound of applause rang out, breaking the stillness of the night.

"Who’s there?!"

Lee’s concentration shattered, and he wobbled before falling unceremoniously to the ground.

"Lee, you’re the most hardworking person I’ve ever met," Sasuke said, stepping out of the shadows with an air of calm confidence.

"Sasuke!"

Lee’s face lit up as he leapt to his feet, his energy seemingly endless. His eyes sparkled with a mixture of surprise and admiration.

"You came to see me train?"

Sasuke hesitated for a brief moment, caught off guard by Lee’s genuine enthusiasm. Then he nodded, his expression serious.

"You’re right," he said, striking a thoughtful pose and giving Lee a small, approving smile. "Your dedication is remarkable. It’s inspiring to see you pushing yourself like this, even at this hour."

+3

---

Lee’s grin widened, his teeth gleaming in the moonlight.

"Really? Do you think my training is effective? Is there anything I should improve?"

Sasuke regarded him thoughtfully. Always seeking to improve, never satisfied. That’s what makes him special.  

"Your training is already excellent," Sasuke said, giving him a thumbs-up. "But as I mentioned before, focusing on your upper body strength will elevate your progress even further."

+2

Lee’s face lit up even more at Sasuke’s encouragement, and Sasuke noted the subtle jump in his system points. Wait a second...  

A realization struck him like lightning. Could it be that praising others is also a form of showing off?  

Sasuke’s understanding of his system deepened. Showing off didn’t always have to mean boasting or putting someone down. Even uplifting someone—when done with confidence and flair—could achieve the same effect.

---

Lee, oblivious to Sasuke’s inner musings, clenched his fist with determination.

"Sasuke, you’re a true genius. I will keep training, and one day, I will surpass you!"

In the past, Sasuke might have dismissed such words with biting sarcasm or smug overconfidence. But tonight, something about Lee’s earnestness made him take a different approach.

Sasuke stepped forward and placed a hand on Lee’s shoulder.

"Work hard, Lee," he said sincerely. "I’ll be waiting for the day you challenge me at your peak. Don’t stop striving."

Lee’s eyes shone with renewed determination, and his grin stretched impossibly wider.

"Sasuke, thank you! I won’t let you down!"

+8

---

As the points registered in his system, Sasuke allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. This new method of showing off felt... different.

There really are many ways to show off.  

(End of chapter)