That evening, the lights of Konoha flickered warmly under the darkening sky.
Yakiniku Q was as lively as ever.
The rich aroma of grilled meat filled the air, smoke rising in soft curls as laughter and conversation blended into a comfortable, bustling atmosphere. For newly graduated genin, this kind of gathering felt almost ceremonial—a quiet celebration before the real hardships of ninja life began.
Ren and his team had just entered when they spotted a familiar group.
"Asuma?"
"Ren?"
The two sides recognized each other almost immediately.
At another table sat Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yuhi, and Raido Namiashi—faces that Ren knew well. These were not just classmates, but future key figures in Konoha.
And sitting at the head of their table—
A man with a calm expression, sharp eyes, and an air of quiet authority.
Nara Shikaku.
Ren's gaze lingered for a moment.
So this is it…
In the original story, Asuma and the others had been in the same class, but their jonin instructor had never been clearly mentioned. Given Asuma's identity as the Hokage's son, it would have been strange if just any random jonin had been assigned to lead them.
Now, the answer was clear.
Nara Shikaku—one of Konoha's most brilliant minds and a top-tier strategist.
As the head of the Nara Clan and a central figure in the Ino–Shika–Cho alliance, he had both the strength and the connections to guide a team like Asuma's.
And more importantly—
He was someone Minato trusted.
"Looks like we're sharing tonight," Minato said with a smile, clearly recognizing Shikaku.
The two jonin exchanged a brief greeting, and soon enough, the two teams merged tables without hesitation.
The atmosphere grew even livelier.
---
During the meal, the group quickly fell into their own small circles.
Kurenai leaned closer to Rin, her eyes bright with curiosity.
"So… how is your team? What kind of training did you do today?" she whispered, clearly eager to know more.
Rin smiled gently and began explaining, occasionally glancing toward Ren and Kakashi as she spoke.
Meanwhile—
"Ha! I'm definitely going to become Hokage before you!"
Obito slammed his hand on the table, grinning arrogantly.
"As if," Asuma scoffed, leaning back lazily. "You? You'd probably trip over your own feet before even making chunin."
"Say that again?!"
"Gladly."
The two locked eyes, sparks practically flying between them.
Their childish argument drew amused glances from everyone else. Even Shikaku, who usually seemed unbothered by everything, let out a quiet sigh, though there was a faint smile at the corner of his lips.
Ren watched the scene calmly, occasionally picking up slices of grilled meat and eating at a steady pace.
Konoha…
Moments like this felt peaceful.
But he knew better.
This peace wouldn't last forever.
---
After the meal ended, the group stepped outside into the cool evening air.
Obito stretched, then suddenly turned around with bright, expectant eyes.
"Hey! Let's go to my place and play cards!"
Rin blinked in surprise.
"Eh? Right now?"
"You promised earlier!" Obito said quickly, scratching the back of his head. "After graduation, remember?"
Rin hesitated, then turned toward Ren and Kakashi.
"Ren-kun… Kakashi-kun… what do you think?"
Ren didn't hesitate.
"Let's go."
His tone was casual, but his reasoning was simple.
They were teammates now.
At the very least, he had to maintain basic cooperation.
Kakashi snorted softly.
"Boring…"
But despite his words, he didn't object. Instead, he quietly followed along.
As for Minato—
He waved them off with a warm smile.
"You all go ahead and have fun. I've got somewhere else to be."
Ren didn't even need to guess.
Kushina.
With a soft whoosh, Minato disappeared.
---
The group headed toward the Uchiha clan compound.
Along the way, Ren slowed his pace slightly, falling in step beside Kakashi.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then, as if casually, Ren said—
"Kakashi… the sword technique you used earlier… was that the Hatake Sword Style?"
Kakashi glanced at him briefly.
"…Yes."
Short. Direct. As always.
Ren nodded thoughtfully.
"It looked incredible. Honestly, I didn't get a clear look during the fight this afternoon."
He turned slightly, his tone light but deliberate.
"How about we spar again sometime? I'd like to see it properly."
Kakashi didn't hesitate.
"Sure."
---
[System Notification]
High-Value Target Confirmed: "Hatake Sword Style"
Acquisition Progress: Initiated
---
Ren's lips curved ever so slightly.
Done.
Three sentences.
That was all it took.
Three sentences—and Kakashi had already agreed to teach him.
Ren couldn't help but feel satisfied.
Too easy…
But then, something about the system's description made him pause.
"Servant"?
What kind of weird interpretation is that…?
In the system's eyes, was the Hatake Sword Style some kind of "master," and Kakashi merely its wielder…?
Ren shook his head.
Whatever.
The result was what mattered.
And today's gains—
Were already more than enough.
---
Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique.
Great Fire Wall Technique (new upgrade).
Hatake Sword Style (in progress).
Future potential: Flying Thunder God…
Ren's thoughts moved quickly.
Kakashi has all five chakra natures… even if he specializes in Lightning, he must have at least basic proficiency in Fire and Water.
Which meant—
There's still more I can get from him.
If needed, he could always use the excuse of "learning" or "asking for advice."
As long as something entered his target list—
It was only a matter of time.
Even that ridiculous 44-hand-seal technique Kakashi almost used earlier…
I'll take it too.
---
"…We're here."
Obito's voice broke his thoughts.
The Uchiha compound stood quietly under the night sky, its layout neat and orderly. Compared to civilian areas, it felt more structured… and more distant.
Obito's house was surprisingly spacious.
Even without parents, the support of the Uchiha Clan and the inheritance left behind ensured he lived comfortably.
As Ren stepped inside, his eyes subtly scanned the surroundings.
White Zetsu…
He knew.
Madara's surveillance over the Uchiha Clan had never truly stopped.
The question was—
Had Obito already been chosen?
That uncertainty had been one of the reasons Ren initially resisted joining Minato's team.
But now—
He was already here.
And once you stepped onto the stage, there was no turning back.
If Kakashi can survive… so can I.
Ren's gaze hardened slightly.
And if Madara really shows up someday…
Then I'll fight.
Why should a transmigrator fear an old man on life support?
Still—
He glanced around once more.
No signs… for now.
---
The card game began soon after.
They played Old Maid—a simple, straightforward game.
Even Ren, who had never played before, picked it up within minutes.
Laughter echoed through the room.
Obito was loud and animated, celebrating every small victory.
Rin played gently, smiling throughout.
Kakashi looked uninterested… yet somehow kept winning.
Ren simply observed, occasionally joining in, maintaining the flow.
It was… peaceful.
Almost too peaceful.
---
Time passed quickly.
Eventually, Rin stood up.
"It's getting late… we should head back."
Obito blinked.
"Eh? You can just stay here if you're tired!"
"No," Rin laughed softly. "We should go."
Ren and Kakashi agreed.
Soon, the group said their goodbyes and left.
---
Back home.
After washing up, Ren lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling for a moment.
Then—
He took out a scroll.
Great Fire Wall Technique.
A small smile appeared on his face.
"Great Fireball… want a gift?"
---
The system interface flickered.
Then—
Voices.
---
[Phoenix Sage Fire Technique]: "Wow! Big sister, look! New clothes!"
[Great Fireball Technique]: (lifting its chin proudly) "Hmph! Just a defensive upgrade… looks a bit bulky, but… acceptable."
[Great Fireball Technique Favorability +9]
Current Favorability: 75 → Stage 3 Achieved
---
Reward Unlocked:
Physique +3
Trait: Spirit of Fire
Effect: Fire Release affinity greatly increased.
Fire technique power boosted from 6% → 120%
---
Ren's eyes lit up.
"Good… very good."
So it wasn't a simple incremental increase.
It was exponential.
120% already…
Which meant—
At max level…
240%? Or even higher?
---
Just then—
The interface flickered again.
Another familiar presence appeared.
---
[Clone Technique]: "!"
[Great Fireball Technique]: "Oh? You're here? Came to admire my new upgrade?"
[Clone Technique]: "Who asked you?!"
[Transformation Technique]: "The new appearance is quite nice… warm too. It's just a pity… even though I came first, I still haven't received anything…"
---
Ren froze.
"…?"
What kind of "gift" does a Transformation Technique even want?
A "Sexy Jutsu"?
He almost laughed.
But then—
He coughed lightly, maintaining composure.
"Don't worry. Everyone will get something eventually."
Fair.
Balanced.
Equal treatment.
At least… in theory.
After calming the "technique spirits," Ren closed the interface and lay back down.
The room fell silent.
---
"Not bad…"
He murmured softly.
"Just five more points… and Great Fireball will level up again."
A small smile appeared on his face.
"As for the Kindness Technique…"
He paused.
"We'll deal with that later."
A new team had just formed.
They still needed time to adjust.
But—
With Kakashi.
And himself.
Ren's eyes slowly closed.
This team…
There's no way we'll just be stuck doing D-rank missions like catching cats.
-------------------------------------------
Extra chapters available on patreon ❤️🔥
patreon.com/Samurai492
__________________________________