Chapter 5

It had never been a secret that Naruto liked Sakura. Everyone who knew both of them was fully aware of it.

So now, when Naruto approached Sakura to "seek praise" after defeating Kiba, no one found it the least bit surprising.

As for Sakura, she had always disliked Naruto ever since he started showing interest in her. Naruto wasn't attractive and was ranked dead last in class, yet he stuck to her like a stubborn piece of gum on a shoe.

The kind of guy Sakura liked was the exact opposite—someone like Sasuke: good-looking, strong, and with a cool personality.

But now… Naruto seemed to be transforming into someone like Sasuke. Somehow, Sakura had started looking forward to Naruto's daily flattery.

"If Naruto confessed to me now... would I actually consider him?""But I've always liked Sasuke...""Ugh, this is so annoying. Just be nicer to Naruto for now, and think about it later."

Faced with the dissatisfied look from her biggest rival, Ino—who was sitting beside her—Sakura automatically interpreted it as jealousy. After all, Naruto had come straight to her after defeating Kiba with a single blow.

Ino didn't have a suitor like that.

With that thought, Sakura straightened her back with pride and greeted Naruto with a smile.

Most people enjoy comparing themselves to others. For girls, it often comes down to beauty and admirers. Today, Naruto had genuinely made her proud.

Ino was so irritated her teeth nearly started grinding, her pretty and delicate face twisted with frustration.

Meanwhile, Hinata—sitting behind—watched Naruto with quiet disappointment. So, Naruto is still so nice to Sakura…

"Good morning, Naruto!"

"Morning, Sakura. And good morning to your broad forehead."

They spoke at the same time—then Sakura's smile froze.

But Naruto wasn't even looking at her. He was staring awkwardly at the words on a selection screen that only he could see. He thought the system's grammar was kind of broken—whoever designed it clearly wasn't fluent.

After carefully confirming the choice, Naruto read aloud:

"I'll give you a chance today. If you sincerely beg me, I might consider accepting you as my slave."

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing Goal #2. Reward (Substitution Technique) successfully issued.]

It worked!

Suddenly, knowledge about the Substitution Jutsu flooded into Naruto's mind as if he'd already used it in battle a thousand times. He could use it instantly, at will.

Naruto grinned to himself. This system was working even better than expected. He didn't have to choose just one option—he could choose all of them.

And if that was the case, he wanted all four rewards.

"NARUTO!!!"

Sakura clenched her fists, trembling with rage. She had just been daydreaming about a sweet confession—and this was what she got?

Pfft~!

Ino suddenly burst out laughing, openly mocking Sakura.

"Did you hear that, Forehead? Naruto said he might reluctantly accept you as a slave. Aren't you going to say yes?"

Then she turned to Naruto with an amused smirk.

"Naruto-kun, go ahead and take Sakura in—I support you."

But in the very next second—

Whoosh!

Naruto was suddenly standing right in front of Ino, staring directly into her eyes.

"Ino-chan," he said smoothly, "didn't you say you were curious about how I've changed? If you do a private striptease just for me, I'll teach you how to become even more beautiful tonight."

Honestly, Ino did know how to dress well. Her long golden hair was tied into a flowing ponytail, with side bangs that framed her youthful face perfectly. Her earlobes sparkled with little gold earrings in the sunlight—stylish and playful.

But right now, her face was twitching with fury. A vein visibly throbbed at her temple.

"NARUTO!!!"

BANG!

She slammed her fist into her desk—but Naruto had already vanished.

She whipped her head around, searching—and spotted him standing in front of Hinata.

"You idiot! Are you trying to die!?"

Every single student in class stared in shock.

Not only had Naruto just insulted Sakura, he had now provoked Ino too—at the same time—and now he'd run off to Hinata. What was he even thinking?

No one could guess—not even Shikamaru, who always considered himself the smartest one in the class. Watching Naruto now, even he was beginning to think he didn't understand him at all.

"Shikamaru, Kiba's still lying on the ground. Should we help him to his seat?" Choji tugged on his sleeve.

"Wait," Shikamaru replied, eyes fixed on Naruto. "I want to see what he does next."

Akamaru barked in agreement: "Woof! Woof! Woof!"

Hinata, who now stood nervously in front of Naruto, was certain she was next to be humiliated. Naruto had just infuriated both Sakura and Ino. Why would he come to her if not to crush her next?

Shy and nervous, she lowered her head and couldn't meet his gaze. Her fingers nervously twisted together, and her toes fidgeted in her shoes like tiny blades of grass shaking in the wind.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing Goal #3. Reward (Perfected Sexy Jutsu) has been issued.]

With that notification, Naruto's grin brightened. He greeted her cheerfully:

"Good morning, Hinata-chan!"

"G-Good morning, Naruto-kun…"

Hinata desperately wanted to look at him—but was terrified he'd say something awful.

Don't be scared… It's fine… Naruto-kun is just joking around again…

Hinata tried to calm herself. She slowly raised her head—and just managed to glimpse Naruto's chin.

Then, his lips parted slightly, and he said:

"Hinata, would you be interested in marrying me?"

"…???"

For a moment, Hinata's brain just… stopped.

A giant question mark popped into her mind. Then her face flushed a deep red, and her eyes rolled back as she fainted dead away.

"Hinata?! Are you okay?"

Naruto didn't even wait for the reward to be announced. He lunged forward to catch her before she hit the ground.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing Goal #1. Reward (Shadow Clone Technique) has been successfully issued.]

Hokage Building – Hokage's Office

High above, the Third Hokage—Sarutobi Hiruzen—was observing Naruto through his crystal ball using the Telescope Technique. When he saw Naruto's transformation, both in appearance and ability, he was stunned. So stunned, in fact, he nearly spat out his tea.

Cough! Cough! Cough!

After a few minutes of coughing and regaining composure, the old man wiped his mouth.

"Is this kid trying to grab attention with some ridiculous new prank again?"

He muttered for a second… then made a decision.

"Go ask him directly."

With that, the Third Hokage removed his ceremonial robes, changed into casual clothes, and calmly walked out of the Hokage Building.