Naruto: SSS-Rank Romance System

Kankuro initially wanted to make some snarky remarks, but when he thought of his dear brother, a ruthless Jinchuriki who wouldn't hesitate to kill, he instantly dropped the idea.

The conversation ended there.

Jinchuriki—something akin to a walking, human-shaped nuke; whoever uses one fears them.

Kankuro was scared, afraid his little brother would kill him in an instant.

Gaara remained silent, seemingly unbothered by the two's exchange.

As the trio entered Konoha's main street, their strange attire caught people's attention.

But after a couple of glances, most people ignored them, as the Chunin Exams were beginning, and it wasn't unusual to see foreign genin in the streets.

Among the crowd, a laid-back boy with blond hair was leisurely wandering around with a drink in hand, looking lazy.

Naruto no longer needed to take the Chunin Exams, as Kakashi was busy training Sasuke and helping Sakura with taijutsu guidance.

So Naruto found himself with a lot of free time.

Aside from wandering the streets, his favorite pastime was sneaking into Konoha's game arcade, where he would use his transformation jutsu to appear as an adult and play pinball.

He didn't wear his Konoha forehead protector, exposing his blond hair as he roamed around.

Since the Third Hokage didn't want him to take the Chunin Exams, Naruto decided to relax and enjoy himself.

Naruto initially wanted to join the exams to see if the system would trigger any options, but if it didn't, he wouldn't be too disappointed.

Worst-case scenario, he could take this chance to spend time with Hinata and progress on unlocking the Nine-Tails' power—getting stronger while flirting was pretty enjoyable.

"Fox demon brat, get lost! I won't sell to you!" the mask shop owner sneered at Naruto.

Naruto, who was picking out a fox mask, turned and stared at the owner, then surprised everyone by putting the mask on.

He slowly walked toward the owner, who, frightened by Naruto's silence, stumbled back and fell to the ground.

When he looked back, Naruto had vanished from where he stood.

"Are you looking for me?"

Naruto's voice came from right behind the owner.

The owner, now on the floor, looked up to see Naruto wearing the fox mask, staring down at him.

"Ahhhhh! Monster!"

"Haha, come on, old man, you're that scared?" Naruto laughed loudly, drawing onlookers who watched in shock.

Unfazed, Naruto walked up to the owner, took off the mask, and with a big grin, asked, "Well, are you selling the mask?"

"S-sure!" The owner, terrified, no longer dared to say anything rude.

"Oh." Naruto's smile instantly faded, and he tossed the mask to the floor.

"Well, I don't want it anymore."

Then, he stomped on the mask, smashing it, and knocked down the display shelf next to him, breaking the masks on it to pieces.

The owner was pale with fear as he watched his display rack collapse.

Naruto glanced at the terrified owner, threw a handful of cash in the air, and left with a smile.

Feeling the fearful, awestruck gazes of villagers on the street, Naruto smiled. Why should he hold back?

"Isn't that the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki?" Kankuro pointed toward where Naruto had gone.

"It should be," Temari replied, frowning slightly.

"Let's go meet him," Kankuro suggested, eager.

"Don't cause trouble!" Temari refused, whispering, "Remember our mission. That Nine-Tails kid looks dangerous!"

Before she could finish, Gaara started walking in Naruto's direction.

"Gaara!" Temari reached out to grab him, but Kankuro stopped her with a serious look.

"When he's decided on something, it's best not to interfere," he said.

Temari sighed, but had no choice but to follow along.

Suna had secretly plotted a plan to destroy Konoha, with the Chunin Exams as a cover. Temari and her brothers were sent ahead to gather intel.

In an alley, Naruto suddenly stopped.

[Nine-Tails Recognition: 13.2%]

The last time he spent time with Hinata, the progress bar had quickly risen from 2.3% to 6.7%, and finally to 13.2% during the fireworks.

At 13.2%, Naruto could now use about one-ninth of the Nine-Tails' power and could even partially transform.

Turning around, he saw the Suna trio at the entrance of the alley. His gaze lingered on Temari's fishnet outfit, thinking about how open Suna's culture was and recalling a fan art of her from before he'd crossed over.

Gaara looked at Naruto and said, "I smell a similar scent on you."

Classic edge lord talk, Naruto thought, realizing Gaara was still in his rebellious phase and decided not to argue.

He waved dismissively at Gaara, looking annoyed.

"Why would I be in the same group as you?"

"Huh?" Kankuro asked in confusion.

"Take your time," Naruto replied, turning to leave.

But as he lifted his foot, he sensed intense killing intent from behind—it was Gaara, the sand user.

Naruto looked back, with the Nine-Tails' chakra now visible on his face, and in a half-human, half-fox form, snarled at the Suna trio.

"Get lost. Don't make me repeat myself."

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