Chapter 2: Mischievous Ino

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Five years have passed in the blink of an eye. Counting the days spent in the virtual space, Sasuke is already eighteen years old, his height almost reaching 1.8 meters.

But outsiders don't see it that way. They simply think he's growing up very quickly.

He clenched his fist, and dazzling white lightning illuminated the dark chamber.

Sasuke usually trained at his home training ground, refining chakra or strengthening his body. He rarely left the station. Occasionally, the Third Hokage summoned him for questioning, but the discussions were all clichés.

The amount of chakra in his body is enormous, already comparable to that of a jounin, and he possesses a vast reserve of divine chakra. Though he hasn't yet encountered Kakashi, Sasuke is confident his chakra exceeds both of Kakashi's combined.

His terrifying chakra stems from Hashirama Senju's cells. Sasuke sneered, "Stupid Itachi, hurry up. You won't be my opponent for much longer. I can't wait to see the look on your face."

"The system open."

*Ding!*

As soon as he finished speaking, a blue interface appeared in Sasuke's mind. Countless shadows flickered by, and the redemption point value in the upper right corner read: 10086.

In the past five years, Sasuke hasn't undertaken any missions, but he has traded many of the clan's unnecessary items with the system, accumulating a total of five exchange points.

Utilizing the system's virtual battle space for physical training and numerous supplementary medicines has cost about 3,000 redemption points. Yet, Sasuke isn't concerned about points, having fully mastered the first five gates of the Eight Gates Dunjia. He has also developed Chidori and derivative ninjutsu, equipping himself with the ability to defend against threats.

"System, open the character panel."

[Character: Sasuke Uchiha] 

[Eye Technique: Three Magatama Sharingan] 

[Chakra Attributes: Thunder, Fire, Wind, Earth, Water, Yin, Yang] 

[Chakra Amount: A+] 

[Ninjutsu: Transformation Jutsu (E), Substitution Jutsu (E), Fireball Jutsu (C), Phoenix Fire Jutsu (C), Dragon Fire Technique (A), Inori-ryu (A), Chidori (B), Senkara Senbon (C), Dragon Fire Technique (B), Thunder Release Chidori (A)] 

[Illusion: Magic-Yaohang no Jutsu, Illusion Sharingan Eye] 

[Special Ability: Yin Yang Albizia (Absorb Yang Yin to increase strength without side effects)] 

[Taijutsu: Eight Gates of Dunjia (Fifth Gate)] 

[Weapon: Refined Chakra Knife] 

[Bloodline: Uchiha Bloodline, Hashirama Senju's Cells] 

[Overall Strength: Elite Jonin]

In good spirits, Sasuke clicked on the system taskbar, casually browsing through the posted missions.

"Become a Genin and defeat Kakashi." The reward for completing the mission is 100 redemption points. "Failure will cost 100 redemption points."

Sasuke accepted the task without hesitation. Tomorrow was graduation day, a perfect opportunity.

Copying ninja Kakashi, a prodigy delayed by the Sharingan, Sasuke simply wished to gauge his depth.

In the dark night, deep within Konoha, within an underground passage, footsteps echoed continuously. A man wrapped in bandages paused, and an entrance materialized before him on the wall. He proceeded with measured steps.

"Danzo-sama, as imposing as ever!" Kabuto, bespectacled with a gentle demeanor, poked his head from within his black robe.

"Hmph, what did Orochimaru have to say when he sent you?" Danzo glanced at his pocket, questioning.

"Danzo-sama, please bear with me."

"Lord Orochimaru sent me to propose renewed collaboration with you."

"We require a substantial supply of kunai and explosive tags, along with experimental materials." Yakushi Kabuto paused, "Naturally, we offer ten percent above market rate."

With Lord Orochimaru's experiment at a critical stage and limited funds for materials, we find ourselves in dire need, hence our approach to you, Danzo.

The kunai and explosive tags are mere acquisitions, the priority being the experimental materials.

"As an elder of Konoha, tasked with its protection, how could I ally with a traitorous ninja?"

Kabuto couldn't help but be speechless. "Danzo-sama, please show some respect. Your covert misdeeds over the years rival even those of Lord Orochimaru."

Danzo slammed his cane fiercely upon the ground, locking eyes with Yakushi Kabuto. "Naturally, concessions must be made!"

Internally cursing Danzo, Kabuto reluctantly agreed, effectively stalling Lord Orochimaru's experiment, squandering additional funds.

"Here's to successful collaboration!"

With disdain, Danzo extended a hand to Kabuto, then turned and departed.

Ridiculous! A mere lapdog to Orochimaru, presuming to shake hands. A head surely filled with air!

Kabuto, face darkened, adjusted his black robe and swiftly departed. Danzo's demeanor rankled him, yet his stature merited respect.

"How dare you look down on me? Sooner or later, Danzo old dog, you will rue this humiliation!"

With Kabuto gone, a sunglass-clad figure emerged from the previously dim secret chamber, voice low.

"A sinister man, much like his master."

"I must awaken Danzo-sama. Vigilance is essential."

Aburame Takene, Danzo's trusted aide, had Kabuto shown any irregularity, he would have ensured swift and permanent erasure.

---

At the Konoha Ninja Academy, today marks the ninja assessment. Successful students ascend to genin, transcending mere ordinary folk.

Sasuke, tall and slender, exuded an indifferent air. His striking features and handsome countenance turned heads as he passed.

The white coat, accented with golden threads, draped his form elegantly, drawing attention wherever he went.

"Uchiha Sasuke... Sasuke! So handsome!"

"Sasuke, dear, over here! We adore you."

...

Hmph, it's all surface level. Sasuke remained unaffected. Handsomeness too, posed its own set of challenges. He had grown accustomed to it. Initially, emotions stirred, but soon, numbness set in.

"Sasuke, Sasuke, Sasuke..."

A fragrant breeze swept by. Blonde Ino had already wrapped her arms around Sasuke's neck, eyes filled with affection as she caressed his face. "Sasuke-kun, what a coincidence. Didn't expect to meet you here."

"This is school. If you didn't meet me here, where else could you be? It couldn't possibly be mine!"

"That's enough, Ino. You're going to be late." Sasuke gently removed Ino's grasp and strode towards the classroom.

"Ah, Sasuke-kun looks so cool teaching others!" Ino trotted behind Sasuke.