[Host has selected Option 3: Have Naruto steal the Scroll of Seals before the graduation exam. Reward obtained: Spirit Transformation Jutsu (Trial Card – 3 hours) +1]
"…"
Sasuke looked at the three-hour limited trial card and was pretty sure this was the system's way of telling him to accompany Naruto when he steals the Scroll of Seals.
After all, it would be too dangerous to let Naruto go alone. He had previously been wondering how he could secretly follow along without being discovered...
Now, he didn't need to worry about that anymore.
"Sasuke, what are you smiling about?"
Naruto looked at Sasuke's slightly shifting expression and curiously leaned over. He was sure Sasuke had just smiled.
"It's nothing. Let's head home. After dinner, get some good rest. Starting tomorrow, let's have Kakashi-senpai teach you Clone and Transformation Jutsu properly."
Sasuke reached out and patted Naruto on the head. He had already thought of a way to guide Naruto toward stealing the Scroll of Seals.
Mizuki-sensei — that was an essential piece of the puzzle.
Tonight, he'd go and find that Mizuki, and give him a little... mental preparation.
'Not many ANBU around... Looks like it'll be manageable.'
Later that evening, while resting, Sasuke created a special Shadow Clone, transferring 90% of his chakra to it so his weakened main body could stay warm and properly rest under the blankets.
The moment the clone appeared, it transformed into a black cat and easily slipped past the two Chūnin-level ANBU patrolling nearby by skirting along the wall corners, heading toward the school dormitories.
Mizuki was a teacher at the Ninja Academy. He had a good reputation among the staff and students, and his smile always seemed warm and sincere.
But in private, he constantly doubted himself — frustrated that he was just an ordinary teacher who couldn't even afford a decent living, and who had little access to advanced ninjutsu.
Tonight, once again, he was wallowing in self-doubt, wondering how he could gain an opportunity to grow stronger.
And then — a black cat appeared on his windowsill, locking eyes with him at just the right moment.
"The Scroll of Seals…"
A flicker of confusion flashed across Mizuki's eyes, but he quickly composed himself. A smile slowly spread across his face as he stared at the black cat in front of him.
This mysterious visitor had just given him inspiration.
As long as he quietly stole the Scroll of Seals, he could obtain those forbidden techniques. Then, after leaving Konoha and hiding away to cultivate those jutsus,
he would become strong!
Even if he became a rogue ninja, it would still be much better than working hard here every day without any real progress!
But the Scroll of Seals wasn't something just anyone could get. If he went himself, it would be far too dangerous.
So who should do this? And who would even be willing to listen to him? After all, once someone got the Scroll, they would definitely hide it away for themselves.
"Meow?"
The black cat tilted its head, a flicker of red light flashing in front of Mizuki's eyes. Suddenly, Mizuki's eyes glazed over in a daze, then he lay back down on his bed and drifted off into sleep.
The genjutsu cast by the Sharingan wasn't something ordinary people could resist.
The three-tomoe Sharingan—Sasuke had always wanted to improve it, but since he didn't want to attract the attention of Konoha's higher-ups for now, he had been holding on to those enhancement cards without using them.
Even when he occasionally needed to use the Sharingan, he borrowed Shisui's left eye; borrowing someone else's ocular power had become a habit for him. Although he had asked Uchiha Itachi and confirmed that no one else had this kind of usage,
no matter what, if it worked well, that was what mattered.
Just like now, the smile that appeared on Mizuki's face in his sleep was the best result.
Tomorrow, it was time to send Naruto out for a little walk—to give Mizuki-sensei a chance to get close.