Night had fallen. After the birthday party ended and Iruka Sensei, who was hiccuping from crying, was safely escorted home, Naruto and Satsuki said their goodbyes at the crossroads.
Before leaving, Satsuki gave him a look as if she had something to say, but ultimately just huffed lightly and turned to disappear in the direction of the Uchiha Clan Estate.
Pushing open the door to his apartment, Naruto collapsed onto his bed, exhausted, but couldn't help but grin.
Today's birthday party was even more successful than he had anticipated—not only did he witness Iruka Sensei's rare emotional outburst, but more importantly...
His system points had skyrocketed!
He brought up the semi-transparent screen that only he could see, which was densely packed with the bond relationships established within the school.
Nara Shikamaru, Bond Level 3, Points Earned 300.
Akimichi Choji, Bond Level 5, Points Earned 500.
Inuzuka Kiba, Bond Level 4, Points Earned 400.
Akamaru, Bond Level 5, Points Earned 50.
Shino Aburame, Bond Level 3, Points Earned 300.
Iruka Umino, Bond Level 8, Points Earned 1600. (Note: Relationship Qualitatively Changed · Family Love)
Naruto's fingertip hovered over the words "Family Love," and a warmth spread through his chest.
Incidentally, the Nine-Tails' bond level is now 5. Through their nightly interactions, the level had increased by one, earning him 400 points.
However...
Naruto looked at the screen where a name that should have had data was still empty: Ino Yamanaka.
Since the start of school, he had tried to approach this future member of the "Ino-Shika-Cho" several times.
But for some reason, whenever he got close, Ino would spring away like a startled rabbit, either pretending to suddenly remember an urgent matter or claiming to feel unwell and immediately running off.
That's strange... Is it because of the butterfly effect that I've given her a reason to be afraid of me?
While this meticulous point-counting might seem a bit utilitarian, Naruto knew in his heart—he genuinely liked these guys.
The joy of eating BBQ with Choji, the frustration of being outsmarted by Shikamaru in shogi, the playful romps of petting dogs with Kiba—these daily interactions weren't just for show.
Naruto truly enjoyed every moment he spent with them.
Naruto's gaze lingered on the entry for [Iruka Umino].
Before tonight, Iruka's bond level had remained at 5—which was already a considerably intimate relationship.
But even so, Naruto hadn't expected that just one birthday party could cause this bond to directly break through its limit, soaring from Level 5 to Level 8.
So Iruka Sensei... had been suppressing so many emotions all this time? Thinking this, Naruto brought up the system points overview.
Current Points Held: 2450.
The number made him whistle.
Nearly a year of effort hadn't been in vain; from just two people initially, he now had so many companions around him, and every bond had translated into tangible rewards.
However, despite the many points, he hadn't saved them all.
Naruto should have had 3450 points, but a few months ago, he couldn't resist and, with an itching hand, pressed the ten-pull button once.
The result... was all blue skies and white clouds.
The only consolation was that the ten-pull at least yielded one slightly special item.
[Congratulations on obtaining: fox mask]
[Item Description: Menma Uzumaki's identical mask, extremely hard, and when worn, it can obstruct detection Ninjutsu, including the Byakugan.]
When he first got the [fox mask], Naruto only noticed its most direct use—obstructing detection Ninjutsu.
This way, even if he encountered wild Hyuga clan members as "Menma" in the future, he wouldn't have to worry about being seen through by the Byakugan.
He even tried it on at the time, quite satisfied; the mask fit his face perfectly, his vision was clear, and he didn't feel stuffy even when breathing.
Although the overall gacha result was terrible, at least this mask was practical.
However, as time went on, this seemingly ordinary item gradually revealed an unexpected preciousness.
In the original timeline, the fox mask worn by "Menma" was just a cheap item easily found at market stalls.
But ever since Kumogakure began heavily promoting the terrifying legend of "Menma," this once unremarkable mask gradually came to be seen as an ominous symbol by the populace.
The result was that the fox mask was discontinued.
But then again, who would buy a "murderer's identical" mask for their child to play with?
Although Naruto could completely mimic the mask's appearance with the Transformation Technique, he always felt something was missing.
The Transformation Technique was ultimately an illusion; once Chakra became disorder or was disturbed, the disguise would dissipate.
A real fox mask was different—even if the Transformation Technique was dispelled, the mask wouldn't disappear, which undoubtedly provided an extra layer of security for hiding his identity.
Moreover... to change a characteristic symbol just because it was discontinued would be too undignified.
Since "Menma's" image was already tied to the fox mask, there was no need to change it.
Rather, the mask's discontinuation had become an advantage—from now on, as long as he appeared wearing it, no one would doubt his identity.
Thinking this, Naruto continued to look at the system interface.
Tonight, Iruka Sensei's bond breakthrough brought him a huge income directly.
Adding what he had accumulated before, his total points were now enough for two more ten-pulls...
Naruto lay on his bed, staring at the system interface floating before him. He couldn't remember the last time he pulled an epic item.
Every time he saved enough points, he was filled with anticipation, only to receive basic talents or Chakra enhancements.
"This time, I absolutely have to get something good!"
Naruto suddenly sat up.
He took a deep breath, his finger hovering over the ten-pull button, hesitating for a long while before finally making up his mind.
Forget it! I'm not saving anymore! Even if my luck is terrible, I should hit the pity timer by now!
As his fingertip pressed down heavily, ten blue-glowing cards lined up in the void.
Naruto swallowed, his fingers trembling slightly as he clicked them open one by one.
0.1 Chakra... Explosive Kunai... 5% Genjutsu Talent... Fūma Shuriken...
When he clicked open the fifth card, "Ninja Tool Sealing Scroll," Naruto could already feel a sigh building.
Just as he was about to give up hope, the sixth card suddenly erupted in a dazzling purple light!
"Nine-Headed Snakes...?"
Naruto's finger froze in mid-air, his pupils contracting sharply.
He stared intently at the text description that appeared on the card.
[Congratulations on obtaining: Nine-Headed Snakes]
[Item Description: Use Summoning Jutsu to summon the Nine-Faced Beast to battle, arranged in the order of Azure, White, Vermilion, Black, Sky, South, North, Three, Jade, which are Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, Golden Snake, Nanto Sennin, Hokuto Sennin, Shinigami, and Tennyo, transformed from nine fox spirits. Each beast possesses considerably powerful special abilities.]
Finally... finally, I have it!