*Chapter 4: Friends However We Want!*

Naruto was stunned for a few moments after hearing this, then vigorously rubbed his eyes.

"Did I hear that right?!"

Of course, Naruto knew exactly who this person was.

The last remaining member of the Uchiha clan, a prestigious family in the Leaf Village.

As for where the other clan members had gone, Naruto didn’t care much. What he did know was that Sasuke's usual arrogant and cold demeanor had left a deep impression on him. This person was certainly not someone you’d call approachable.

"You heard right."

Sasuke shook his head. He hadn’t planned to seek Naruto out specifically, but seeing him had sparked a flood of inspiration.

Naruto was extraordinary.

Whether as the boy currently misunderstood as the Nine-Tailed Fox or the future Seventh Hokage, he was undeniably someone worth investing in within the ninja world.

"Ah... My name is Naruto Uzumaki. Why would you want to be friends with me? No one wants to be friends with me."

Naruto lowered his head slightly, the swing beneath him swaying gently with the trembling of his body. From the time of his birth to his years at ninja school, the only constant in his life had been loneliness.

"There’s no need for so much reasoning. Just stick with me from now on. Hokage is yours, and Sakura is yours too!"

Sasuke waved his hand dismissively, speaking in an assertive tone. He couldn't help but think of the jokes Naruto fans often made: win and become Hokage, lose and marry Sakura...

So, little brother Naruto, the game has changed. You can have it all!

---

Just as he finished speaking, a combination of a symbol and a number flashed before Sasuke’s eyes: *+1*.

Hmm?

Did that count as showing off?

Quickly, he opened the system panel and saw the number next to his points increase from 0 to 1.

So that’s how it works!

The first act of showing off was completed so easily?

"I..."

Naruto looked up at the handsome face before him, which had suddenly become much more pleasing to the eye. For the first time, life didn’t feel so lonely. There was someone his age who wanted to be his friend.

And more importantly...

Sasuke seemed to understand him.

He knew Naruto’s dream was to become Hokage. From his words, he appeared to support that dream wholeheartedly. Even more astonishingly, he had said Sakura was his!

Oh my god!

Could this be the legendary soulmate?

"I do!"

Naruto’s eyes became resolute as he gazed sincerely at the boy in front of him. This would be the first friend in his life—perhaps even his only one.

This might just be...

The legendary friend in need!

Childhood friend!

Friend till death!

In short...

*Friends however we want!*

This friend—Naruto had made up his mind—was his.

---

"What do you mean, 'I do'...?" Sasuke slapped his forehead in exasperation, utterly speechless. Thankfully, his system didn’t have a live broadcast function; otherwise, he’d be the laughingstock of an invisible audience.

His entire reputation might have gone up in flames!

"Ahem. Naruto, we’re friends from now on. Friends should help each other. If anyone bullies you, tell them my name, and I’ll deal with it for you!" Sasuke said, patting his chest confidently.

"I... hmm..." Naruto nodded after a brief hesitation. It all felt like a dream. He never imagined he would become friends with Uchiha Sasuke in such a way.

---

At that moment, the students of the ninja school began to notice the scene. One by one, their gazes shifted to Sasuke by the swing.

"Sasuke!"

"Uchiha Sasuke!"

"Sasuke-kun!"

"Sasuke-sama!"

---

The fan groups, led by Sakura and Ino, erupted into exclamations. Their eyes locked on Sasuke, glowing with heart-shaped pupils.

In an instant, Sasuke became the center of attention. Almost everyone was staring at him, entirely ignoring Naruto on the swing.

Is this what it feels like to be popular with girls?

Sasuke glanced at the crowd indifferently. Apart from Sakura and Ino, the rest were strangers who left no impression on him. He could clearly sense their admiration, but...

*Boring.*

Sasuke’s gaze didn’t linger on any of the girls. Instead, it fell on a ninja among the students.

The ninja had spiky hair, wore the Leaf Village uniform, and sported a Leaf Village headband on his forehead. A horizontal scar ran across his nose. He was none other than Iruka Umino, the teacher at the ninja school.

*+1.*

Another number flashed before Sasuke’s eyes. The system had deemed his act of ignoring all the girls as showing off.

---

"Sasuke, you’re late!" Iruka called out, walking toward him with a kind smile. There wasn’t the slightest trace of reprimand in his tone.

After all, Sasuke was the top student in the class.

"Hmm."

Sasuke gave a curt nod, as if to say, I know. His cold demeanor created an invisible wall between himself and everyone else.

*+1.*

The system awarded him another point. Not bad. But judging by the system's rating, this showing off wasn’t particularly impressive. Increasing by just one point at a time was slow progress.

---

From the swing, Naruto stared at Sasuke’s back, his gaze lingering on the Uchiha clan symbol. He couldn’t help but feel a little dazed.

Iruka approached Sasuke with steady steps.

"Sasuke, since you’re late, I shouldn’t allow you to score today. But since you’ve arrived, I’ll give you the opportunity to compete," Iruka said warmly.

At his words, the entire group of students fell silent, their eyes all turning toward Sasuke.

"Compete in what?" Sasuke asked, his face devoid of expression. His cold demeanor persisted, but internally, he was slightly puzzled. Today must be a special day.

*+1.*

Another point registered before Sasuke’s eyes.

---

As soon as those words left his mouth, the students began murmuring among themselves.

"Is Sasuke serious?"

"He really doesn’t know about the test today?!"

"Of course he doesn’t care!"

"If I had his abilities, I wouldn’t care either!"

Most of the discussions came from the boys, their tone tinged with envy. After all, they weren’t as handsome or talented as Sasuke. What else could they do but sulk?

"Sasuke, today is a one-on-one match. Your opponent is Naoki Fukuda. Since you were late, I planned to declare Naoki the winner by default. But since you’re here, I’ll give you a chance," Iruka explained with a kind smile.

He was a fair teacher, but he knew how to reward excellence. Sasuke was the best student in the class, and his high performance naturally earned him some leniency.

*Exceptional grades come with perks.*

That’s just how the world works.

---

"Naoki Fukuda?"

Sasuke had never heard the name before. Following Iruka’s gaze, his eyes landed on a boy standing behind the teacher.

The boy wore green clothes, his hands clenched into fists. His head was lowered nervously, as if he didn’t dare meet anyone’s gaze.

*It must be him.*

---

"No need to compete," Sasuke declared, shaking his head lightly. His tone was filled with arrogance, exuding an air of absolute confidence. He aimed to maximize his "static showing off" value, shocking everyone present.

"Sasuke, are you sure you don’t want this chance?" Iruka asked, puzzled.

"There’s no need," Sasuke replied with a faint shake of his head. Under the watchful eyes of everyone present, he added coolly: "Just count him as losing."

---

*End of Chapter.*