"Please select a battle card."
"I choose the golden card—Uchiha Sasuke!"
Ryosuke didn't even glance at the other two cards.
Dosu and Zaku—those two were from the trio of Sound Village cannon fodder who showed up early in the Chūnin Exams in the original story.
Back then, they couldn't compare to Sasuke at all.
And what really caught Ryosuke's attention was the fact that this card was growth-type!
"Golden Uchiha Sasuke card successfully used. All of his abilities have been acquired."
A flood of memories poured into him, and his chakra surged.
In an instant, every jutsu Sasuke had learned, every bit of training experience, and all his chakra reserves were absorbed by Ryosuke.
Feeling the changes inside, his heart pounded.
"This should be Sasuke post–Chūnin Exams—he already has Chidori and can use the Cursed Seal!"
Ryosuke exhaled lightly.
Thinking back to the "growth-type" description on the card, he asked in his mind, "Right, System, how do I level up a card?"
"Interact with people who share a bond with the card's character to earn Ninja Card Points."
"Bonds?"
"The System's definition is broad. Strong ties of blood, friendship, mentorship, or similar relationships with the card's character all count as bonds."
As the System finished explaining, a golden flash lit up Sasuke's card, and a progress bar appeared beneath it.
"One hundred Uchiha Sasuke Card Points are required to level up."
A hundred points… no idea how hard those will be to earn.
"Ryosuke, eat first. I'll look after Itachi."
Mikoto's voice brought Ryosuke's attention back to reality, and his eyes lit up.
These two—weren't they exactly people who had bonds with Sasuke?
"Mikoto-neesan, can I get a little closer to see Itachi?"
Mikoto blinked.
Just a moment ago, he'd called her Lady, and now it was Mikoto-neesan?
Following his gaze to the baby in her arms, she quickly understood.
So, Ryosuke liked Itachi. Her lips curved into a smile.
"Of course."
Ding. Uchiha Sasuke Card Points +1.
Already triggered?
Ryosuke's gaze toward Mikoto and Itachi burned brighter.
If casual conversation could earn points, then he'd definitely be visiting this family more often.
As for his earlier hostility toward Itachi—it faded by more than half.
In the end, Itachi had only been a sacrificial pawn.
If it hadn't been him, the clan extermination plan would have been carried out by someone else.
Now that Ryosuke had the System, anything could change in the future.
He stepped closer, the little boy's innocent smile drawing nearer. That tiny face seemed full of anticipation.
Ryosuke carefully reached out and ruffled Itachi's hair.
Little Itachi giggled, and Mikoto's eyes softened even more.
Right now, Ryosuke found everything about Itachi pleasing to the eye.
Those big eyes, that fair skin…
He'd definitely grow up handsome.
Ryosuke then took out an unused practice kunai from his belt and handed it to Mikoto, speaking seriously to the boy.
"Itachi, nice to meet you. This is my gift to you. I hope you'll grow into an outstanding ninja of the Uchiha clan."
It was a kunai issued by the academy for student practice. In his rush earlier, he hadn't left it behind, so now it made the perfect token of goodwill.
Whether Itachi understood or not didn't matter—Mikoto certainly would.
Ding. Uchiha Sasuke Card Points +2.
Nice!
Exactly as he thought!
"Ryosuke, that's very thoughtful of you."
Mikoto's gentle smile deepened.
"Ever since my parents passed, you've often visited me, brought me food, and even given me the clan's stipend. I can never repay you, Mikoto-neesan. Giving a small gift to Itachi is simply the least I can do."
Ryosuke met her gaze with utter sincerity.
Ding. Uchiha Sasuke Card Points +3.
"As expected of one from the Uchiha clan."
The approving voice came from the doorway.
Fugaku, dressed in a black kimono, stepped inside.
"Clan Head," Ryosuke greeted, bowing with composure and respect.
Fugaku gave a satisfied nod and sat cross-legged in the main seat, gesturing to the spot beside him.
"Ryosuke, sit. I called you here today to discuss something."
Ryosuke bowed politely to Mikoto before taking the indicated seat.
"I await your orders, Clan Head."
With his weak abilities and lack of family support, he wasn't in any position to bargain.
Better to be direct.
"Your younger brother, Uchiha Shisui, will begin training under the clan from tomorrow. Do you agree?"
Shisui?
Ryosuke's parents had been followers of Uchiha Kagami, from the same branch of the family as Kagami's cousin.
Shisui was Kagami's direct descendant.
Now, the two closely related bloodlines were down to just Ryosuke and Shisui.
By blood, he was technically Shisui's older brother.
While Ryosuke himself hadn't awakened the Sharingan and even struggled with chakra refinement, Shisui was different—he was a genius of the clan.
Not only was his chakra control superb, his shuriken techniques were flashy and refined, and his Sharingan was already well-developed.
At such a young age, he was likely already chūnin-level, with limitless potential.
No wonder they'd called him here—it was about Shisui.
Ryosuke understood.
Entrusting Shisui to clan training wasn't necessarily bad.
Aside from the inevitable indoctrination, of course.
And when it came to indoctrination, could the clan match the Third Hokage's team in expertise?
As for safety, Shisui would be far safer training within the clan.
After all, nearly every clan member was a Sharingan wielder, so there'd be no risk of someone trying to gouge his eyes out.
"If Shisui can be trained by the clan, he'll surely become a pillar of the Uchiha. As his older brother, I am willing."
Fugaku's eyes showed approval.
His impression of Ryosuke had improved. Despite lacking talent, this young man's loyalty and sense of responsibility to the clan were admirable.
Ding. Uchiha Sasuke Card Points +1.
"Your parents are gone, and life hasn't been easy for you. From now on, the clan will cover all your living expenses monthly, and your stipend will be doubled until you graduate from the academy and can take on missions."
Ryosuke quickly stood, showing an expression of heartfelt gratitude.
"Thank you, Clan Head. I will not disappoint you. I'll study hard at the academy and help bring glory to the Uchiha once more!"
Hearing the words "bring glory to the Uchiha" made Fugaku's gaze turn distant for a moment.
Ding. Uchiha Sasuke Card Points +5.
"It's enough that you have this resolve, Ryosuke. But you must also pay close attention to Shisui."
Fugaku's eyes grew complicated as he looked at him…
[End of Chapter]