Chapter 12: Chapter 12
The next morning, my practice of mastering the style's movements was interrupted by a knock at the door. I rushed over—were the test results ready already? Throwing it open, I was greeted by two kunoichi standing on the other side, dressed in what seemed like either chunin or jonin uniforms. I couldn't quite tell; I only knew that a vest indicated a rank higher than genin.
"May we come in?" asked a young woman softly. She had long, dark violet hair and somewhat pale skin, strikingly familiar. Wait, her name tag says Uzuki Yugao.
The second woman, slightly younger, remained silent, staring at me intently with piercing light-blue eyes. No, not just blue—an unusually bright and vivid shade, as if someone had turned up the saturation. Her blue hair was tied back in a ponytail, her skin tone was darker—more yellowish, really—and her chest was notably more prominent than Yugao's.
"What do you need?" I asked cautiously, trying to keep my tone polite. Judging by her cold gaze, though, it probably came across as defiant. Curse that skill I picked up—it wasn't helping in this situation. And why was her stare so unnerving? Could she stop already?
"We're here on orders from the Hokage," Yugao explained. Oh no, what did I do this time?
"Uh... why? Did I mess up?" I asked, scratching the back of my head in the classic Naruto gesture—pure instinct, I swear. Not that it helped; my cursed eyes only made me look more suspicious.
"No, quite the opposite. Your test results astounded the Hokage." The sarcasm in Yugao's voice was enough to sting. Yeah, "astounded" in a "how could someone be this clueless" kind of way, right?
"...so much that you've been placed in the A-class. Naturally, you'll need to meet its standards, and we're here to help with that as your extracurricular instructors." Right, more like they're here to drag me up to that level kicking and screaming. And while it's nice to have "connections," this still felt... off. Hiruzengada theory was still unconfirmed, but I couldn't quite label him as a kindly old man either. Just an ordinary person with his own values, I guess.
"Not quite. We're not just instructors; we'll be your full-time mentors. You've also been approved for relocation, with funds allocated for a new apartment. From now on, we'll live with you, guiding your education, upbringing, and development," the second kunoichi clarified coldly. And could she please stop staring already? Her gaze was making me feel like a bug under a magnifying glass.
"I see. Come in... I guess. What exactly are you going to teach me?" I asked, curiosity mixing with an unshakable unease. My childlike impatience seemed to surface naturally, thanks to my regression—or maybe it was just Naruto's remnants bleeding through.
"Everything. From calligraphy to advanced techniques," Yugao replied calmly, glancing around the room with interest.
"For starters, you'll accompany me to see how property purchases are handled. Watch carefully, because I'll quiz you later on what you've learned," the other woman added in her no-nonsense tone. Figures she'd lack emotion—she's clearly from Root. Still, I was impressed she showed any personality at all.
"The place is surprisingly tidy," Yugao remarked, ignoring her companion. Her comment earned me a precious one-percent increase in our affinity... only for the system to chime in with another mission notification. What now?
---
New Mission Received: "Practice Makes Perfect!"
Before facing the Goddess herself, one must train with mere mortals. What better challenge than navigating age gaps, love triangles, and teacher-student dynamics?
Deadline: Before the end of the Academy.
Rewards: Two loyal kunoichi, access to information on the actions of "two big shots," and a checkpoint save. Achieve max affinity with both kunoichi for a bonus save point.
Penalty for failure/refusal: Permanent negative relationships with all Konoha women, and an inability to form future bonds. Death.
Accept? Yes/No
---
Seriously? Like I have a choice! The checkpoint alone is too tempting to pass up. Fine, I'll do it. But how am I supposed to handle this? These two are way older than me; they'll be in their twenties when I hit sixteen!
"Thank you. Oh, and be careful—" I tried to warn Yugao, but it was too late.
Crunch! Her foot broke through the floorboards.
"...the flooring's not the best in a few places. It holds up fine for a kid, but an adult with gear..." I trailed off, apologetically spreading my arms.
The rage that flared in Yugao's eyes sent a chill down my spine. Her face contorted in a way I'd never seen before. Thankfully, her anger wasn't directed at me, but that didn't stop my instincts from kicking in. I jumped back, assuming a defensive stance out of pure reflex.
"What's wrong with you?" the Root kunoichi asked coolly, her gaze unwavering.
What could I say? That I trusted them so little I'd prepare for a fight at the first sign of trouble? No way. Maybe I could spin it...
"I'm sorry. Did I upset you somehow?" I asked cautiously, addressing Yugao.
"No, why would you think that?" Her voice was warm, but her eyes betrayed only curiosity. Warmth? None.
"Usually, adults make that face right before yelling or... hitting." I wasn't entirely lying, though the hitting part was rare. Still, the exaggerated innocence scored me another percent with Yugao. Genius, right? One-sided genius, maybe.
And what about Miss Root? Any progress there? Wait, 19%?! How?! That's even higher than the mother of those twins I saved! She's definitely unhinged. Yugao, don't leave me alone with her!
"Now, let's go," the Root kunoichi ordered, dismissing the moment as resolved. Clearly, finding a new home was of utmost importance.
System, why must you torment me? Can't you give me a sane task for once?
---
New Mission Received: "Saving the Endangered!"
A chance to alter canon awaits—what could be better? Save a clan and gain their eternal gratitude.
Main Objective: Rescue Saya and Aya Uchiha.
Sub-Objective: Save Maya Uchiha.
Optional Objective: Save as many Uchiha as possible.
Bonus Event: Knock some sense into Itachi.
Time Remaining: 401 days, 17 hours, 42 minutes, 37 seconds.
Rewards: Variable.
Penalty for failure/refusal: None, but could you live with yourself if you let those psychotics wipe out your almost-family?
Accept? Yes/No
---
System... thank you. Whatever glitch made this possible, thank you. At least I have a timeline now. Over a year to prepare—just barely feasible. Time to grind like there's no tomorrow. Maybe I should even thank those scheming old men for saddling me with these two teachers... if they're as good as promised.