Naruto: Clan Simulation and Bloodline Evolution from Scratch

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It was now the 63rd year of Konoha. Next year marked the graduation of the Konoha Nine, as well as the Chunin Exams and the Konoha Crush Plan.

According to the original storyline, Hiruzen Sarutobi would die at the hands of Orochimaru during that time.

That would usher in Konoha's most vulnerable period. As a temporary staff member, Ximen Zhen would likely be dismissed due to financial strain.

So, Ximen Zhen not only needed to visit Tenten but also had to build a good relationship with her family—that was where his future lay.

What Ximen Zhen didn't know was that, during his walk to Tenten's house, Hiruzen Sarutobi was secretly watching him through the Telescope Technique.

Seeing that Ximen Zhen walked at a steady pace and showed no signs of using chakra, Hiruzen glanced thoughtfully at the ANBU beside him and asked, "Are you certain he possesses chakra?"

"Yes, Hokage-sama. I'm 100% sure."

The ANBU wore a mask, but that didn't affect his sensory abilities.

A person who originally wasn't even qualified to attend the Ninja Academy suddenly gained chakra—and came to meet the Hokage afterward? That made Ximen Zhen a key surveillance target for the ANBU.

"Looks like I was right. His drastic change must be due to gaining chakra," Hiruzen murmured as he lit his pipe, pondering how to deal with Ximen Zhen.

Though rare, the change wasn't threatening. The chakra within Ximen Zhen was too faint to be of concern.

And judging by his simplistic and thin clan record, his talent likely held little research value.

Thus, rather than the chakra in Ximen Zhen's body, Hiruzen valued something else more—his pen.

Especially in Konoha's current weakened state, what they needed most was the power to stabilize public morale.

Still, his subordinates' concerns were not unfounded. After careful thought, Hiruzen said, "Who is currently on leave? Assign someone to follow him discreetly. Also, make sure he doesn't get targeted by the Root division."

The ANBU quickly listed a few names. When one was mentioned, Hiruzen's eyes lit up.

"Let her do it. If necessary, she can interact with him using her civilian identity."

"Yes, sir."

Meanwhile, Ximen Zhen had arrived at Tenten's house.

With chakra now in his body, both his stamina and mobility had greatly improved.

Ximen Zhen didn't go out of his way to hide this—he knew that his chakra presence couldn't be concealed from the village's sensory-type ninja.

Fortunately, he had a clean background. His family had been Konoha citizens for three generations, so he had no fear of being investigated.

Rather than sneakily trying to conceal his changes, it was better to display them openly. That aligned more with his spirit as a commoner striving to rise above.

He knocked on the gate. A short while later, Tenten's elderly butler answered.

Upon seeing Ximen Zhen in his white robe, the old man bowed respectfully and politely asked for his reason for coming.

Ximen Zhen presented a letter and a box of sweets he had bought from a pastry shop at the street corner, explaining the purpose of his visit.

The butler accepted the gifts and letter, telling him that Tenten was currently on a mission and that he would relay the message once she returned.

This was exactly as Ximen Zhen expected. Based on the simulation's timeline, Tenten wouldn't be back for another three days.

Given her personality, once she saw his design drafts, she'd come running to find him out of excitement—turning their relationship into a mutually engaging friendship.

That was precisely what Ximen Zhen was aiming for.

In the simulation, Ximen Zhen could cling to Tenten's household for a lifetime, but in reality, that was not an option.

He needed to earn more simulation attempts and engage with more potential simulation targets.

If he only invested everything in Tenten, he would merely become a male version of her—far from the level of strength that could bring him peace of mind.

After finishing his visit, Ximen Zhen returned home and concluded his day.

Aside from continuing his writing, he also spent time training his body and refining chakra.

All he had obtained from the simulation was talent—his physical strength and condition still needed to be improved through effort.

If he didn't want to wait for slow results, the only way forward was to acquire new bloodline talents—and that meant gaining more simulation attempts.

As for how to obtain those attempts, Ximen Zhen already had a few ideas.

Early the next morning, he went to the Hokage Building to collect records on the Uchiha clan, along with his employment certificate.

His official role was simply that of an archive clerk. However, he also requested that his supervisor write a formal document confirming that he was writing The Legend of Uchiha Madara under the leadership of the Hokage's office.

The supervisor even went as far as to consult Hiruzen Sarutobi himself. In the end, with tacit approval from Hiruzen, the document was completed.

With that, Ximen Zhen had completed his "core setup."

In the afternoon, while sorting through Uchiha clan records, he continued writing his book.

Since he was merely writing down what he already remembered, the task was easy and efficient.

By evening, he grabbed his official document, manuscript, and various candies he had prepared earlier and walked to the children's playground at the end of the street.

Many children were playing and laughing here, while nearby benches were occupied by elderly people watching over them.

Most of these elders were civilians, but a few were retired civilian ninjas—and those were Ximen Zhen's targets.

"Good evening, Grandpas and Grandmas," Ximen Zhen greeted them warmly.

Many of the elders recognized him, and seeing him initiate conversation, they eagerly began chatting, asking about the noticeable changes in him.

In the past, Ximen Zhen would have politely answered a few questions before excusing himself. But today, he pulled over a wooden stool and sat down, enthusiastically engaging in conversation.

When they learned he now worked in the Hokage's office and was writing a biography of Uchiha Madara, the elderly folks were dumbfounded with astonishment.

And when they heard he was interested in the history of the Uchiha clan and Konoha's early days, the elders lit up with excitement—each seemingly bursting with endless stories to share.

Ximen Zhen welcomed all of it. While listening intently, he skillfully guided the conversation to stir their emotions.

Before long, a few elders were so moved that they began to weep. Ximen Zhen gently held their hands and comforted them one by one.

At that moment, the long-silent system interface finally lit up again before his eyes.

Unfortunately, most of the elders did not meet the system's criteria; fortunately, he finally found a suitable candidate.

It was the old woman in a kimono sitting beside him, holding his hand as she recounted tales of her time with her Uchiha teammates.

(End of Chapter)