Chapter 3: Comprehension Card
"You're so young, yet instead of studying properly, you're out here learning how to elope? What am I supposed to say to you two?"
In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, scolded Mingyu with an angry tone. However, a hint of satisfaction flashed deep in his eyes — as if he was secretly thinking, Not bad, kid. Starting to plan for the future so early.
The Hyuga clan members standing beside him, on the other hand, were glaring furiously. If the Third Hokage hadn't been present, they would have already started cursing.
How dare this brat kidnap the Hyuga clan's precious eldest daughter? Unforgivable!
Kakashi stood quietly to the side with an amused smile, saying nothing.
After scolding Mingyu for nearly half a day, Sarutobi finally stopped and asked sternly:
"Do you understand your mistake?"
"I understand!" Mingyu replied while casually digging at his ear.
In his heart, he was completely unbothered: It's not like I ran off with your wife. Why are you so worked up?
Of course, he only dared say that internally. He still had great respect for the Third Hokage, who had dedicated his entire life to the village and had always treated him kindly — even if the scoldings were a bit annoying.
"Hmph. Good. This is your first offense, so I'll let it slide. But if there's a next time, I won't be so lenient. Everyone, disperse!"
"Wait, Lord Hokage, we—"
The Hyuga clan members looked unhappy. Just like that? Let it go?
This boy had already tried to steal their little princess at such a young age. What would happen when he grew up?
Before they could protest further, Sarutobi's sharp glance silenced them. As the Hokage, his word was final.
Hinata's small face was full of disappointment. She knew her father's strict personality — she would definitely be grounded after this, meaning she wouldn't be able to see Mingyu for a while.
"It's okay, silly girl," Mingyu said with a gentle smile. "I'll come find you when I have time. Don't worry."
"Mhm… I'll wait for you," Hinata replied softly before leaving with her clan members. Kakashi had already slipped away at some point.
Now only Mingyu and the Third Hokage remained in the office.
"Alright, they're all gone. You can stop pretending now," Sarutobi said grumpily. Covering for this kid had cost him an entire day of rest.
"Well, if there's nothing else, I'll head home," Mingyu said.
What he wanted most right now was to go back and claim his system reward. Pulling out a glowing card in front of everyone would definitely raise suspicions.
"Hey, you ungrateful brat!" Sarutobi huffed. "I went through so much trouble to help you this time, and you're just going to leave like that?"
"Uh… what? You want me to repay you with my body or something? You old pervert! I'm still a pure-hearted young boy. Give up on that idea!"
"You—!"
Sarutobi almost exploded. What kind of nonsense was this kid spouting?
He wanted to retort that he had a wife to go home to… but then remembered she had passed away. Though holding his daughter-in-law wouldn't be bad either…
"Enough with the jokes. You're about to graduate from the Ninja Academy and become a real ninja. You need to start behaving yourself. Cut down on those improper antics. It'll save me a lot of trouble — and it's what your father would have wanted."
"My father?" Mingyu raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? I heard he was just as bad as me when he was young. Isn't this just me taking after him?"
"You…!"
Sarutobi felt a headache coming on. This kid was impossible to lecture. But thinking about Mingyu's father, he could only sigh and rub his forehead.
Like father, like son…
"Fine. If there's nothing else, I'm heading home. I'll try to behave better from now on." Mingyu turned to leave, then suddenly added with a grin, "Oh right — last time I sneaked into the women's bathhouse, I saw a few aunties with really impressive figures. Want me to introduce you to one sometime?"
"Get out!!"
Sarutobi finally couldn't hold back and cursed loudly.
A short while later, Mingyu returned to his home — a rather rundown little attic.
Truthfully, his living situation wasn't much better than Naruto's before he awakened the system. The first three years after transmigrating had been especially rough. But ever since he got the Card System at age three, things had improved. Thanks to his knowledge from his previous life, he now lived a decent, if not luxurious, life. At least he didn't have to worry about being unable to afford a bowl of ramen like Naruto.
"System, claim the reward!"
"Ding! Congratulations on completing the mission. Ninjutsu proficiency +10. Reward: Comprehension Card x1!"
"Oh? A Comprehension Card?"
Mingyu's eyes lit up. It wasn't every mission that gave a valuable item reward.
He opened the system panel:
Host: Mingyu Strength: Chunin (80 EXP) Stamina: 100 (Average ninja: 50) Items: Power Card (Cyan), Speed Card (Purple), Ninjutsu Card (Blue), Comprehension Card (Red)
Power Card: Increases strength by 100%. Speed Card: Increases speed by 100%. Ninjutsu Card: Increases ninjutsu power by 100%. Comprehension Card: Increases comprehension by 100%.
"Increased comprehension?" Mingyu grinned happily. Comprehension meant learning ability. A technique that normally took a full day to master could now be learned in half a day.
This was excellent.
His EXP was already at 80. Just 20 more and he would advance to Jonin. A twelve-year-old Jonin — looking through the entire history of the ninja world, very few people had achieved that.
And with the boost from his cards, his combat power could already crush most elite chunin.
He was very satisfied.
"Ding! New mission issued: Complete the Academy's basic curriculum!"
"Finally, a normal mission," Mingyu muttered with relief.
He was still in the beginner class. After graduation, students would be assigned to teams and receive more advanced training. According to the timeline, that day wasn't far off.
"System, when will I be able to obtain Bloodline Limits?"
This was what he cared about most. As a huge Naruto fan, he knew that in the later stages of the story, everyone was ridiculously overpowered. Without a kekkei genkai, it would be nearly impossible to keep up with Sharingan, Byakugan, Wood Release, and so on.
"Host, please be patient. When the time is right, you will obtain them."
"Ugh… that answer again?"
Mingyu rolled his eyes. He had asked this question hundreds of times, and the system always gave the same vague reply.
There was nothing he could do about it. Some things simply couldn't be rushed.
"I wonder which class I'll be placed in after completing the basic curriculum…"