Chapter 8: Shangchuan Qingkong: "Am I not keeping up with the times?" [1]

"Ding! The Host has successfully pretended to be strong, gaining +666 force points!"

Uchiha Qiye smiled slightly at the notification, causing Yuhi Kurenai, who faced him, to momentarily lose her focus under his charming appearance.

At the same time, the system continued to announce:

"Ding! Pretend points allocated: Three Tomoe Sharingan +222, Chakra +111, E-rank Body Flicker Technique +111, E-rank Fire Extinguishing Technique +111, Extinguishing Excessive Fire +1111."

"Ding! Chūnin-level Chakra (734/1000); experience not yet full. Please continue to act as the host to upgrade your abilities!"

"Ding! Three Tomoe Sharingan (674/10000); experience not yet full. Please continue to pretend to upgrade!"

"Ding! E-rank Body Flicker Technique (111/10); experience full, starting upgrade!"

"Ding! Upgrade successful: D-rank Body Flicker Technique (101/100)."

"Ding! D-rank Body Flicker Technique (101/100); experience full, starting upgrade!"

"Ding! Upgrade successful: C-rank Body Flicker Technique (1/1000)."

"Ding! E-rank Fire Extinguishing Technique (111/10); experience full, starting upgrade!"

"Ding! Upgrade successful: D-rank Fire Extinguishing Technique (101/100)."

"Ding! E-rank Fire Extinguishing Excessive Fire (111/10); experience full, starting upgrade!"

"Ding! Upgrade successful: D-rank Fire Extinguishing Excessive Fire (101/100)."

In just a few moments, the three ninjutsus Uchiha Qiye had learned were upgraded by two levels due to the allocation of force points.

He had come to understand that the ranks—E, D, and C—indicate the power he could display with each ninjutsu. For instance, E-rank means he can use E-rank power, while C-rank means he can use C-rank power.

With the system, even if he had an S-rank ninjutsu, he could only wield its power according to his experience level. This meant that for lower-level ninjutsu, like the Body Flicker Technique, it was easier to upgrade compared to higher-level techniques, which required more effort.

Uchiha Qiye realized he needed to be strategic about which ninjutsu he learned. It was better to focus on quality rather than quantity, selecting techniques that suited him rather than overwhelming himself with options.

After contemplating this for a few seconds, he noticed that Yuhi Kurenai seemed uncertain about starting.

Seizing the moment, he decided to act.

"Body Flicker Technique!"

In an instant, he vanished from Kurenai's sight. The D-rank technique was impressive, and with his upgraded C-rank Body Flicker Technique, Kurenai couldn't even catch a glimpse of his afterimage.

"You lose!" Uchiha Qiye's voice came from behind her.

At that moment, his finger was poised near her throat. In a real fight, he would have used a kunai instead.

Thus, Kurenai was declared defeated.

"Victor: Uchiha Qiye. Seal of reconciliation," Shangchuan Qingkong announced, slightly shocked.

He had been amazed at Uchiha Qiye's speed; if he hadn't been watching closely, he would have missed it entirely. Compared to the Body Flicker Techniques he was familiar with, Qiye's was much faster.

Most people didn't refine basic D-level ninjutsu like the Body Flicker Technique, so their techniques remained standard. However, in the future, some would improve their techniques significantly, making them far more effective.

Moreover, the Body Flicker Technique was merely a means of escape. More advanced techniques, like the Flying Thunder God or Kamui, allowed for instantaneous teleportation.

For example, during the Fourth Ninja War, Namikaze Minato's Flying Thunder God was praised for being faster than the Second Hokage's techniques.

"You're my first opponent to lose to me. You should feel honored!" Uchiha Qiye said to Kurenai after they finished sealing.

Shangchuan Qingkong thought, "Honored? What is wrong with this kid? Does he enjoy showing off? You beat her; there's no need for consolation."

Kurenai, however, smiled and replied, "Thank you for the encouragement, Qiye. I'll do my best next time."

Kamikawa Qingkong was taken aback. Were these two really on the same wavelength? Or was the world changing so rapidly that he couldn't keep up?