CHAPTER 4

The day Kushina Uzumaki arrived at the academy was one Aiko wouldn't soon forget. Loud, brash, and utterly unbothered by the stares her red hair attracted, Kushina had burst into their lives with an energy that left no one untouched. For Aiko, it was impossible not to be drawn to her.

"She's like a fire," Aiko thought, watching Kushina argue passionately during taijutsu practice. Aiko's own personality was more reserved, but something about Kushina's fiery spirit felt familiar and comforting. Over time, the two grew close, finding an odd but genuine friendship in their contrasting natures.

That peace shattered one evening when the academy was abuzz with alarming news: Kushina had been kidnapped.

Aiko's heart pounded in her chest as she overheard snippets of conversations. "They took her outside the village," someone whispered. "To the cliffs, near the river."

Without waiting, Minato stood. His expression, usually so carefree, was now sharp and focused. "I'm going after her," he declared.

Aiko felt an ache in her chest. She knew Minato cared deeply for Kushina, even if he didn't fully understand his own feelings yet. The thought of him going alone, of risking his life to save their friend, was too much to bear.

"Wait, I'm coming too," she blurted, her voice steadier than she felt.

Minato glanced at her, surprised but resolute. "Stay behind me," he said simply before darting off. Aiko didn't hesitate to follow.

The cliffs were steep and jagged, their edges illuminated by the pale glow of the moon. Aiko and Minato approached cautiously, their breaths ragged from running. In the distance, they could see Kushina tied to a tree, her vibrant hair a stark contrast to the darkness around her. Three enemy ninja surrounded her, their voices low and threatening.

Minato tensed, his hand forming a fist at his side. "I'll distract them. You—"

"No," Aiko interrupted, her eyes fixed on the captors. "You save her. I'll help you hold them off."

Minato hesitated, but there was no time to argue. With a quick nod, he moved like lightning, disappearing into the shadows.

Aiko felt her breath catch as the enemy ninja turned in her direction. The instinct to run screamed at her, but her resolve held firm. For weeks, she had avoided fully activating her system, afraid of what it might mean. But now, with Kushina's life at stake, she had no choice.

System Activation.

The interface blinked into view, familiar yet overwhelming.

Skill Points: Unlimited.

Attribute Points: 10 Available.

Her fingers shook as she quickly allocated her limited attributes:

Speed: +4

Reflexes: +3

Chakra Reserves: +3

The changes hit her like a rush of adrenaline, her body suddenly lighter and sharper. She navigated the Skills Menu next, her mind racing. With infinite skill points, the possibilities were endless, but there was no time to dwell. She selected only what she needed to survive:

Basic Jutsu: Substitution (Unlocked).

Chakra Flow: Level 1 (Unlocked).

Silent Step: Level 1 (Unlocked).

The world around her seemed to slow as the skills took effect. Every movement of the enemy ninja became clear, every step of their strategy unfolding in her mind like pieces of a puzzle.

When the first attacker lunged at her, she was ready. Her body moved instinctively, faster than she had ever imagined. She dodged his kunai with ease, countering with a burst of chakra that sent him stumbling back.

"You little brat," the ninja growled, regrouping with his allies.

Aiko didn't respond. She was too focused, too aware of every movement around her. Her reflexes and chakra reserves were still nowhere near a trained shinobi's, but her system filled the gaps, turning her careful planning into precise action.

In the chaos, she caught a glimpse of Minato. He had reached Kushina, his movements a blur as he cut through her bindings. The two shared a brief moment of relief before Minato turned to face the remaining threats.

Together, Aiko and Minato fought side by side, their unspoken trust carrying them through the battle. By the time the final enemy fell, exhaustion threatened to overtake her, but the sight of Kushina safe and smiling was enough to keep her standing.

"You saved me," Kushina said softly, her usual bravado giving way to something more vulnerable.

Minato grinned, his usual warmth returning. "We're a team. That's what we do."

Aiko said nothing, simply smiling as the weight of the moment settled over her.

That night, as she lay in her room, the system's interface appeared once more.

Skill Unlocked: Teamwork Awareness. Level 1.

Bond Strengthened: Kushina Uzumaki. Potential Unlocked.

Aiko stared at the glowing text, her heart full of conflicting emotions. The system was a gift, but also a responsibility. She knew the day would come when her choices within it would carry far greater consequences. But for now, she allowed herself to rest, the memory of her friends' safety her only comfort.