*Chapter 25: Chief Sasuke Gradually Getting Hooked!*

After the four members of Team 7 left, Ichiraku Ramen returned to its usual, peaceful state.

Sasuke sat quietly in his seat, deep in thought. His first instinct was to open the system panel and check the spoils of his earlier verbal battle.

*System points: 160 points.*

Seeing this number, Sasuke's eyes widened in astonishment.

What a bountiful harvest!

Before stepping into Ichiraku Ramen, he had only 56 points. After a single session of trading barbs with Neji, his points had skyrocketed to an impressive 160.

I might have a knack for this venomous tongue thing... he mused. Reverse Talk-no-Jutsu, anyone?

As Sasuke reveled in his newfound "talent," Uncle Ichiraku's voice brought him back to reality.

"Sasuke, what are you thinking about? Did you forget to bring money?" Uncle Ichiraku squinted at him with mock suspicion. "No credit here, you know!"

"Of course not," Sasuke replied smoothly, retrieving the pouch of money given to him by the Third Hokage. He placed it on the counter and slid it toward Uncle Ichiraku. "Take what’s owed and keep the change."

Uncle Ichiraku chuckled as his expression softened. "I knew you wouldn’t be short of cash."

Opening the pouch, he took what he was due and returned the rest to Sasuke. However, Sasuke’s attention wasn’t on the money. He was focused on the system panel, his eyes fixed on the limited-time lottery page.

---

*[Lottery]*

Limited time remaining: 44:32:17

The free spin from earlier was already used up, and the enticing "Free" label on the handle was now replaced by a glaring "50." It cost 50 points per spin. With 160 points in hand, Sasuke could afford three spins.

But did he want to?

Should I save these points to upgrade my physical attributes? Sasuke wondered. His current physical stats were at 77, and 123 more points would push him into a C-tier rating. That was an upgrade he desperately wanted.

Still... the lottery was a limited-time event. What if it had something exceptional in store? Sasuke’s thoughts spiraled as he weighed his options.

Clink!

His internal debate was interrupted by the sound of a cup being placed before him. Inside was a slightly cloudy white liquid.

"What’s this?" Sasuke asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Noodle soup," Uncle Ichiraku replied with a grin.

"I thought it might be sake," Sasuke quipped, though there was a hint of hope behind the joke.

Uncle Ichiraku shook his head, chuckling. "You think I’d risk my license by serving alcohol to a kid like you?"

Sasuke smirked. "Then let the noodles be the wine." He picked up the noodle soup and drank it in one go. The warmth spread through him, calming his nerves as he made his decision.

---

Let’s do it, he thought, determination flashing in his eyes. I’ll use 50 points for one spin and save the rest for upgrades.

With a mental command, Sasuke pulled the virtual slot machine’s handle. Instantly, the display began spinning.

Clank-clank-clank...

The first reel stopped: *A*. Sasuke’s heart skipped a beat.

The second reel followed: *S*.

Alright! Just one more A or S and—

The third reel slowed to a halt: *B*.

"..."

For a moment, Sasuke stared at the results in stunned silence: *A, S, B.*

"I feel like the system’s mocking me," Sasuke muttered, his expression a mix of irritation and disbelief.

---

"Congratulations, host! You’ve won the *[Consolation Prize]*: +5 system points!"

The notification flashed before him as his point total updated to 115.

Sasuke groaned. 50 points down the drain for a measly 5-point return. This system is trolling me!

A surge of indignation rose within him, but before long, the allure of the lottery crept back into his mind. His gaze shifted to the slot machine’s timer, counting down the remaining hours.

What if the next spin is the one?

Fueled by a mix of frustration and hope, Sasuke pulled the handle again. Another 50 points vanished, leaving him with just 65.

Clank-clank-clank...

The reels stopped: *B, A, S.*

---

"Congratulations, host! You’ve won the *[Consolation Prize]*: +10 system points!"

Now at 75 points, Sasuke clenched his fists, resisting the urge to shout. "Another consolation prize?! Is this rigged?!"

---

But then came the inevitable thought: What if the next spin…

"This is the third time!" Sasuke exclaimed, pacing in circles outside Ichiraku Ramen. "Things come in threes, right? That means this one HAS to be good!"

As if hypnotized, he reopened the system interface. His remaining 75 points stared back at him, daring him to take another chance.

---

"I’ll give it one last shot!" Sasuke declared, his tone a mix of resolve and desperation. "After this, I’m DONE with this stupid lottery!"

With that, he pressed the handle again.

(End of Chapter)