Naruto: SSS-Rank Romance System

Naruto was momentarily stunned upon hearing Mizuki's words. He looked at him and blinked, asking:

"Mizuki-sensei, what... what do you mean?"

Mizuki's demeanor was strange, giving off an unusual vibe, as if he were under the influence of some hallucinogen.

Honestly, even though Naruto was mentally prepared, Mizuki's expression was shocking.

"The graduation exam at the ninja academy is tomorrow, right?" Mizuki asked.

"Yeah," Naruto nodded.

"So, Naruto, are you confident about passing?" Mizuki squinted slightly, looking at Naruto with a teasing smile.

"Well, you know me, Mizuki-sensei," Naruto scratched his head, feigning embarrassment. "I'll probably have to repeat this year again."

"Would you like to get stronger, Naruto? I happen to know a secret that will guarantee your success in the exam."

Hearing this, Naruto's eyelid twitched slightly.

If Mizuki knew that he had aced today's clone technique assessment, he wouldn't be saying this.

Mizuki hadn't been around the academy all day. He hadn't talked to Iruka, meaning he came straight to Naruto. Mizuki must have been in a hurry to trick him into stealing the Scroll of Seals.

But the thing is, the Scroll of Seals is part of a larger plan for the village.

Naruto found it absurd.

Are they worried about the mental state of the Nine-Tails' host now? Afraid he'll grow to hate the village?

Now, they're finally pulling out all the stops, trying to brainwash him with acceptance and camaraderie. Where was all this effort before?

Honestly, this village is strange; the higher-ups' thinking is like it's down in the sewers.

If they're so keen on protecting the secret of the Nine-Tails, then why release the information about the Fourth Hokage's son?

Naruto didn't want to agree; he wasn't interested in the Scroll of Seals. For now, he could only learn one technique—Shadow Clone Jutsu—and it wasn't very meaningful to him with the system he had.

Besides, pretending to be moved in this manipulative plot was more painful than anything.

If they expect him to protect the villagers who genuinely accept him, that might be doable, but to protect the entire village?

Why? Why should he repay hate with kindness?

Just as Naruto was about to refuse, his system panel popped up again.

[Option 1: Reject Mizuki's invitation, tell him to scram, and leave you in peace. Reward: Max Level Fishing Skill.]

[Option 2: Accept Mizuki's invitation and steal the Scroll of Seals. Reward: Incomplete Reanimation Jutsu.]

With a quick glance, Naruto made up his mind.

Stealing the Scroll would give him the Shadow Clone technique and a chance to learn an incomplete version of Reanimation Jutsu.

But... Reanimation Jutsu requires a living sacrifice! It's not something he really wanted right now.

"Mizuki-sensei, I'll have to refuse," Naruto said calmly.

"What?" Mizuki was taken aback.

"Why? Naruto, this is a valuable opportunity; if you pass it up, you'll regret it!"

"Mizuki-sensei, save your words," Naruto said, glancing at him. "I've made up my mind; saying more won't change anything."

"Don't you want to get stronger, to be acknowledged by the villagers?"

"Meh, that sounds like too much trouble," Naruto said indifferently. "The villagers haven't liked me since I was little. Stirring things up more will just make them hate me more, won't it?"

Hearing this, Mizuki was momentarily at a loss for words.

After a pause, he asked, "Naruto, don't you want to know why the villagers treat you like that?"

"You mean because I'm the Nine-Tails?" Naruto responded emotionlessly, holding his fishing rod lazily. "The Nine-Tails fox that destroyed the village and killed villagers?"

"You! How do you know?" Mizuki took a few steps back, shocked.

"Please, I'm twelve, not three," Naruto turned to him. "I grew up here. Since I can remember, people have looked at me differently. Store owners always scowl, and villagers avoid me."

Naruto focused on his fishing rod, the hook dangling in the water, rippling in the moonlight.

Was the one asking the question Mizuki, or someone controlling him?

Of course, he resented the village. But he couldn't voice it. At least, not yet.

Finally, he heard the synthetic voice in his mind.

[Max Level Fishing Skill Activated]

Naruto pulled up a fish, his voice calm as he spoke into the quiet night, blending with the gentle breeze.

"No."

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