Masahiko was surprised for a moment, but quickly calmed down.
An assessment didn't necessarily mean recruitment.
Even if there was recruitment, at most it would be for an outer agent. The core subordinates of Danzo Shimura were all personally trained by him; he wouldn't recruit from the outside.
Still, this was indeed a viable path.
Maintaining a connection with Danzo would better reinforce his identity as a "villain"…
Today's comments had already proven that.
Masahiko relaxed and shifted his attention to the reward he had just received.
The first episode had granted him Basic Training: Taijutsu.
This time, there was no new training module, but instead a direct reward—a Ninjutsu Mastery Upgrade Card that could instantly raise a technique to proficiency level.
With just a glance, he made his decision.
"Upgrade the Shadow Clone Technique."
[Consuming Ninjutsu Mastery Upgrade Card…]
[Shadow Clone Technique upgraded!]
On the panel, the Shadow Clone Technique changed from "Beginner" to "Proficient."
A flood of insights poured into his mind—all related to the Shadow Clone Technique.
"Chakra refinement still needs optimization…"
"So that's it. The biggest difference at the proficient level lies in the clone's thinking and capability…"
"And also, the main body can now handle the feedback of information much more smoothly, instead of freezing for a second or two like before."
Masahiko understood instantly.
For ninjutsu, beginner and intermediate mastery could be achieved through time and practice.
Proficiency was harder.
But beyond that lay the truly difficult stages—Perfection and Limit Break.
Perfection meant fully mastering every aspect of the technique.
Limit Break meant surpassing the very boundaries of the technique itself.
Like Shisui Uchiha's Body Flicker Technique.
Or the White Fang's swordsmanship.
However, as Masahiko reflected on the Shadow Clone Technique, he began to form ideas for its future development—
Chakra nature transformation!
For example, Kakashi Hatake had infused lightning nature into his clones, creating Lightning Release Shadow Clones.
Itachi Uchiha had similar explosive clone techniques.
But fundamentally, they were still variations of the Shadow Clone Technique.
"Still a long way to go…"
Masahiko sighed softly.
Nature transformation…
Even his Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique wasn't truly mastered yet, let alone understanding its deeper mechanics.
And his Shadow Clone Technique hadn't reached perfection either.
"Better focus on taijutsu for now."
He pushed aside the distractions. With a thought, he entered the training space.
...
Inside the space—
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
Two figures clashed repeatedly. Their speed wasn't extreme, but their reactions were razor-sharp.
After a while, the young Might Guy stopped.
"Without using the Body Flicker Technique, your skills are already decent."
"So… the training is over?" Masahiko asked, slightly stunned.
The young Guy shook his head. "No. Or rather, it's only just beginning."
The next second, a green jumpsuit appeared on his body.
Masahiko, brimming with confidence, charged forward.
A few moves later, he took two solid kicks and nearly blacked out.
The gap… was this big?
So before, when they were evenly matched, the other side had been holding back?
This was supposed to be basic training?
Masahiko twitched slightly but refused to back down. In this training space, he wouldn't die, and injuries would reset instantly.
If he could improve, what was a little beating?
...
The next morning.
Masahiko slowly opened his eyes and sat up, glancing around before focusing on the clock.
5:50 AM.
He had trained in the space all night. The last thing he remembered was getting beaten senseless before collapsing into sleep.
Whatever—time to get up.
He couldn't waste his daily routine.
Ten minutes later, the sight of Naruto Uzumaki's pained expression instantly lifted his mood from the previous night.
A few minutes later, in the forest, he once again spotted Sasuke Uchiha.
That kid was getting serious too.
Still, competition meant growth. That was a good thing.
...
In the blink of an eye, half a month passed.
"Damn it! Once I get stronger, I'll make you pay for everything!"
Naruto shouted angrily.
"I'm looking forward to it," Masahiko replied indifferently.
Nearby, Sasuke clenched his fists before snorting coldly and walking toward the school gate.
Naruto talked tough, but his body obediently stayed put, waiting at the entrance.
Not seeing Masahiko, he turned back. "No running today?"
"I have something to do. Later."
Masahiko didn't elaborate and headed toward the office.
"Oh."
Naruto sat on the swing, waiting.
After a while, when he saw Masahiko come out, he immediately put on a cold expression again.
As usual, the two of them headed outside the village to run.
For the past half month, Masahiko had maintained the same routine, occasionally training his Fire Style and studying chakra nature transformation.
But…
There had been no sign of Episode Three.
While continuing his training, Masahiko also reflected on his "performance" and why the next episode hadn't progressed.
After observing and thinking for half a month, he finally came to a conclusion.
"Naruto: Prologue" had chosen this time period for two clear reasons.
One was Naruto's situation.
Although Naruto still had a bad attitude, Masahiko could tell—
He was gradually adapting… and even developing a subtle dependence.
The other was the Uchiha massacre night.
So—
As long as he maintained his current relationship with Naruto and Sasuke, and continued down Danzo's path, he would inevitably be drawn into the main storyline.
Moreover, with Danzo as a connection, he didn't have to fully act like a villain in front of Naruto anymore. He could gradually reveal another side.
So—
He was waiting for the right opportunity.
...
And then, the opportunity came.
Another Friday.
After school, Naruto sat alone on the swing at the school gate, waiting.
Time passed, but no one showed up.
Back and forth he swayed, his expression slowly dimming.
Just as he stood up to leave—
Smack!
A crisp sound came from behind.
"It's still a bit cold, but an ice pop still feels nice."
Masahiko handed him the other half.
The same flavor, specially chosen.
Naruto's eyes widened in shock as he took it, then looked up and down at him in disbelief.
"No… no running today?"
"You've kept at it for over half a month, and you haven't been causing trouble lately. So today, no running. What do you want to eat? My treat."
Masahiko smiled.
Naruto blinked, his expression shifting from shock to something like he'd seen a ghost.
Was this really the same Masahiko he knew?
"Don't want my treat?"
"No! I want ramen from Ichiraku! Extra everything—I'm gonna eat you broke!"
...
At Ichiraku Ramen—
Steam rose from the bowls.
After finishing his soup, Masahiko glanced sideways—and his eyelid twitched.
Beside Naruto were already two empty bowls, with a third freshly served in front of him.
This was straight-up revenge eating!
Slurp!
After devouring the ramen, Naruto let out a satisfied sigh. "Ahh! Extra toppings ramen is the best!"
"Full now?"
"Yeah!"
Naruto nodded.
Then he tilted his head, studying Masahiko with suspicion.
Masahiko reached out and ruffled his hair.
"Don't cause trouble anymore. Being Hokage means earning everyone's recognition first. Don't get the order wrong."