**Chapter 27: Tenten**

*Sand, sand, sand...*  

 The sound of a brush rubbing against parchment echoed in the quiet room.  

 Who knew how long it had been?  

 Sasuke's forehead glistened with sweat, and his clothes clung to his body, damp with exertion. The energy he'd replenished with his earlier meal was slowly draining away.  

 The **Flying Thunder God Technique** was done.  
The **Impure World Reincarnation** was also complete.  

 Now, only the **Multiple Shadow Clone Technique** remained. This one wasn’t for himself—it was a bonus. He planned to give it to Naruto Uzumaki tomorrow at the academy.  

 With this...  

 Sasuke could already foresee subtle changes rippling through the original plotline.  

 Naruto wouldn’t fail the graduation exam.  
Mizuki wouldn’t trick him into stealing the scroll.  
Naruto might not even rank last in the team assignments. The original Team 7 lineup might be entirely different.  

 All of it was uncertain.  

 A single act, like the flapping of a butterfly’s wings, could create an unforeseen storm.  

 *Swish, swish...*  

 The final strokes of Sasuke’s brush brought the transcription of the **Multiple Shadow Clone Technique** to completion.  

 He leaned back with a sigh of relief, slumping into his chair, utterly spent.  

 "The Sharingan is too chakra-intensive," Sasuke muttered.  

 He had used it only to aid in copying the techniques, relying on brute memorization without attempting to fully understand or internalize their principles. If he had, there was no way he could have transcribed all three in one night.  

 Exhausted but satisfied, Sasuke tidied up the scrolls. Without bothering to review them, he washed up and went straight to bed.  

 What he needed most now was rest.  

 ---

 The night passed without incident.  

 ---

 The next morning.  

 The first rays of sunlight streamed into Sasuke’s room, rousing him from his slumber.  

 He had dreamed of mastering the **Flying Thunder God Technique**, combining it seamlessly with his *Lightning Release*. In the dream, he was untouchable, a whirlwind of offensive and defensive power.   

"I *will* learn the Flying Thunder God Technique," Sasuke vowed to himself.  

 The technique had always been his favorite from *Naruto*. Its elegance and utility made it stand out among all others.  

 He packed the scrolls into his backpack. Leaving them at home was too risky.  

 After gathering his things, Sasuke set off for the Ninja Academy.  

 The walk was long and peaceful—perfect for planning.  

 Opening the system interface, Sasuke reflected on his priorities.  

 Initially, he had intended to raise his **Strength** attribute to C-rank. But with the **Lightning Release Technique** nullifying most physical attacks, that no longer seemed urgent.  

 Instead, his focus shifted.  

 **Intelligence**, **Ninjutsu**, and **Illusion**—these would be his new priorities. Increasing them would amplify his ninjutsu capabilities and accelerate his mastery of the **Flying Thunder God Technique**.  

 "Given the circumstances, prioritizing Intelligence and Ninjutsu makes the most sense," Sasuke thought.  

 His strategy was clear: every point needed to be used wisely.  

 As for the lottery? Yesterday’s draw had been fruitful, but he decided to hold off on gambling again until he accumulated 50 system points.  

 Lost in thought, Sasuke arrived at the academy gates.  

 "Sasuke!"  

 A clear, bright voice pulled him from his musings.  

 He turned to see an unexpected figure: Tenten.  

 She wore her signature twin buns and a pink, sleeveless cheongsam that fluttered slightly in the breeze.  

 At that moment, Tenten was waving enthusiastically, her expression a mix of cheerfulness and shyness.   

"Hm?"  

 Sasuke blinked, puzzled. They had barely interacted before.  

 *Tap, tap, tap...*  

 Tenten jogged up to him, stopping just a step away.  

 "You… were you looking for me?" Sasuke asked, studying her closely.  

 "Y-Yes… no!" Tenten stammered, then nodded vigorously before shaking her head. Her cheeks flushed as she fumbled for words.  

 "What is it?" Sasuke’s confusion deepened. Was this about Neji?  

 "Well… I wanted to say something," Tenten finally managed.  

 Her gaze darted away from Sasuke’s face as she pinched the hem of her cheongsam.  

 "It’s about Neji. He was… rude yesterday. I hope you’re not upset."  

 "Why would I be upset?" Sasuke asked, genuinely baffled.  

 "Sasuke, I know you’re kind and generous, so you probably won’t hold it against him. But as his teammate, I feel I need to apologize on his behalf."  

 Tenten gave a deep, formal bow.  

 After returning home last night, she had asked her parents about the Uchiha clan. Only then did she realize how offensive Neji’s words might have been.  

 "Does Neji know you’re doing this?" Sasuke asked, surprised.  

 "No, he doesn’t. I came on my own."   

Sasuke studied her for a moment before shaking his head.   

"Go back. I’m fine. You don’t need to worry about me on Neji’s behalf."   

With that, he stepped around her and continued walking toward the school.  

 "Oh."   

Tenten watched his retreating figure. Once he disappeared, she turned back toward the gates. But his lone, stoic image lingered in her mind.  

 *Pat, pat, pat...*  

 She pressed her palms to her flushed cheeks, feeling lightheaded.  

 "Oh!"  

 Tenten stomped her feet in frustration, her bright eyes darting toward the academy entrance.  

 "I came to check on *you*! It has nothing to do with Neji. But when you brought him up, I didn’t know how to respond!"  

 ---

 *(End of Chapter)*