"..."
With his excellent hearing, Akira heard it. He glanced over and saw that it was someone from the Uchiha clan, though he didn't recognize him.
His name was Ryota?
Mm, a background character who didn't appear in the original story.
Not worth paying attention to…
But at that moment, the system notification suddenly sounded in his mind—
[Ding. Due to the host's outstanding performance arousing hostility from the noble class, as the future Soul King who will rule the Three Realms—also a candidate Soul King—there will inevitably be irreconcilable conflicts with the noble class in the future. Please defeat Uchiha Ryota, a member of one of the Five Great Noble Clans, in the next practical combat training!
Mission issued: Defeat Uchiha Ryota!
Mission reward: Hadō #4 · Byakurai!]
Looking at the system text, Akira couldn't help laughing inwardly. 'So the Uchiha clan equals the Shiba clan? Not bad, system—I like it!'
For nearly a month, the system hadn't triggered any missions. It was probably because life had been too ordinary.
Missions required conditions to trigger—such as Yuhi Kurenai's challenge before, or Uchiha Ryota's hostility this time.
Akira faintly understood the system's operating logic. There had to be conflict, someone harboring ill intent toward him, or some event occurring—only then would corresponding missions be triggered…
'I wonder, if I take the initiative to stir up trouble, will that trigger even more missions?'
Thinking about this, Akira felt a bit expectant about the upcoming practical combat class.
Moreover, Hadō #4 · Byakurai involved elemental properties. In this world, it would probably evolve into a Lightning Release ninjutsu, right?
His interest was instantly piqued!
As each student finished their practice, the final results were announced.
First place was still Akira, second Hatake Kakashi, third Uchiha Ryota, fourth Sarutobi Asuma…
Yuhi Kurenai's results were also decent—seventh place. She was the one truly "not the practical type"…
Publishing the scores didn't mean the class was over.
Teacher Oda, a Chunin, began explaining more techniques. After all, he was a Chunin—his fundamentals wouldn't be lacking.
Guiding these little rookies was more than enough!
Soon, the class ended and it was time to go home.
On the way home—
Yuhi Kurenai carried her small backpack and followed Akira, but she was unusually silent. Sometimes she frowned, sometimes she pouted, looking like she had something heavy on her mind.
Akira naturally noticed something was wrong. She was usually lively and energetic—why was she so quiet now?
As an older brother, he felt obligated to understand his little sister's mental state. So he smiled and asked, "What's wrong? Feeling discouraged? Your results weren't bad. You have the potential of an elite Jonin. I'll guide you in the future—your scores will definitely improve!"
"Oh." Yuhi Kurenai nodded. That wasn't what she was worried about.
She was satisfied with her results. She would never compare herself with Akira, that monster.
What she was thinking about was Akira himself. He was too popular. What if other girls snatched him away?
It felt like something that belonged to her was about to leave.
She hated that feeling. When Father once mentioned the reason for adopting Akira, she had felt something similar.
And this time… it was even stronger!!
Little girls' emotions changed quickly. Akira was confused and rubbed her head. "What's wrong? If it's not about your grades, then what?"
Yuhi Kurenai turned her head to look at Akira and pouted. "Akira, you really won't leave us, right?"
Akira was stunned for a moment. Then, with his sharp mind, he quickly realized something and showed a gentle smile. "Of course. I've already said before—I won't leave you."
Hearing his promise, Yuhi Kurenai finally relaxed. She stretched out her right hand and hooked her little finger. "Then pinky swear. Only then will I believe you!"
Akira smiled and hooked his finger with hers. "Alright."
Their little fingers intertwined…
"Hehe!" Yuhi Kurenai became happy again.
She pulled Akira along. "Let's go, Akira. I'll treat you to dango. Mom said if I ever had a younger brother or sister, I should share my favorite food with them. Even though you're the older brother, it's the same!"
Akira smiled helplessly. "Aren't you afraid of turning into a little chubby?"
At the mention of that, Yuhi Kurenai glared at him. "You only know how to trick me. I should've believed Mom earlier. Mom said girls have two stomachs. I shouldn't have believed you. From now on, I'll only believe half of what you say!"
"Mom…" Akira paused for a moment, then gently rubbed her head. "Auntie said that? Then it must be true. It's just that I don't understand girls well enough…"
"Then I don't have to worry about turning into a dango!"
"You still remember that?"
The two laughed and chatted as they arrived at the dango shop.
Yuhi Kurenai went inside to buy dango. Akira didn't follow and waited at the entrance. Suddenly, he heard approaching voices and looked over—
A man and a woman, both in their twenties.
"I haven't been out in so long. Only one free day a week. Seriously—are they treating me like a prisoner?"
"Hahaha, there's nothing we can do. Your situation is a bit special right now…"
"Damn that Third Old Man!!"
"Shh, don't let anyone hear…"
The man was handsome and sunny, wearing a ninja flak jacket. His short blond hair looked especially spirited, though his face showed some helplessness.
The woman had long red hair flowing down her back, wearing a dress. Her delicate face was full of dissatisfaction and resentment.
'What a coincidence!' Akira recognized them at a glance.
Tomato-and-egg combo… no, that wasn't right.
They were the future protagonist's parents—
Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki.
He hadn't expected to run into them here.
Judging from the timeline, Kushina should already be the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. He just didn't know whether Minato had already developed the Rasengan yet.
With his red hair and handsome face, standing near the entrance, Akira immediately caught their attention.
Their gazes lingered briefly on his red hair. Then, seeing his face clearly, Kushina couldn't help exclaiming in surprise—
"Oh! What an adorable little sister!"
In Konoha, red-haired people were extremely rare—fewer than ten in total. Naturally, Kushina felt surprised.
And she thought it was a very cute little sister!
Akira: "..."
The red hair was correct.
But how did that make him a little sister?
What kind of eyesight was that…
Akira straightened his face and corrected her seriously. "Although I'm a bit good-looking, please look carefully—I'm a boy!"
Kushina was startled again. "Oh? A boy little sister?"
Akira:
"..."
To hear such a sentence from an adult—he had broadened his horizons…