"Alright, Naruto, that's enough."Kakashi gave a sidelong glance at the blond boy, who was still stomping away at the two captured ninjas while muttering nonsense under his breath."I need to question them."
At that, Naruto reluctantly pulled back, though his eyes were still narrowed.He was certain that strange pause in reality—the world drained of color, time itself frozen—was the system's doing. But what bothered him was that no choice menu had appeared.
It was like a ripple flashing into existence and then vanishing, almost as if the system itself had… lagged.Did it just bug out on me?
Naruto felt a trace of unease. The last time—during the bell test—he had chosen to fight seriously instead of "lying flat." That "do nothing" option had been absurd. What good was it to sit around? That would have doomed both himself and his teammates. Even if the reward was Wood Release, losing Team 7 wasn't worth it.
He was beginning to realize something important.The system's choices weren't balanced—they were random. Some were positive, some lazy, but none were perfect. Every decision meant opportunity cost.
Take Mizuki's offer: Naruto had refused and gained max-level fishing skills. But in exchange, he'd lost out on learning the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique.
Still, he didn't regret it. Hardly anyone could even use that jutsu. He'd get it eventually. Accepting Mizuki's deal, on the other hand, would have meant playing along with the Hokage's staged "emotional drama" about loyalty to the village—something Naruto could barely stomach.
After thinking it over, Naruto understood: the system was a tool, nothing more. Whether he worked hard or lay flat, the options existed only to make his life easier. With it, he could master jutsu without relying on anyone, even tap the Nine-Tails' power without forming a bond.
That was the system's true meaning: to save him trouble. Things he didn't want to do, he could refuse. Things he wanted, he could obtain.
So this is what it really means to 'lie flat,' Naruto thought.
"You okay?" Sakura asked softly, concern in her voice.
"I'm fine." Naruto waved her off.
She looked a little relieved, but then hesitated."Then… why were you just standing there earlier?"
"First real fight. I froze a little," Naruto said casually.
"Is that so?" Sakura let out a shaky laugh. "I was the same. When I saw Kakashi-sensei get cut to pieces, my whole body locked up…"
In truth, she was reassuring herself as much as him. Her face had gone pale as paper back then.
Naruto only nodded, saying nothing more.
Meanwhile, Kakashi had finished his interrogation. The two captured ninja were the Demon Brothers from the Hidden Mist, and their real target was Tazuna. But when pressed, the old man clammed up.
The mission was already accepted. Dropping the client now wasn't an option. After some thought, Kakashi decided they would push through and see it to the end.
By the time they reached the Land of Waves' ferry, Tazuna finally confessed the truth.
"The one trying to kill me is a wealthy shipping magnate. I'm sure you've heard the name—"
…
As he explained, the picture became clear.
Gato—owner of a vast shipping company. On the surface, a businessman. In reality, a crime lord who used his wealth to hire rogue ninja for dirty work.
He had set his sights on the small island nation of Waves, seeking to dominate its sea routes and eventually take over the entire country. The bridge under construction was the only path to freedom for the people—and Tazuna, the sole man with the skills to build it. If Gato killed him, the bridge would never be finished.
Naruto leaned against the boat's side, his fingers trailing in the water as he pondered.A poor island nation… yet its oppressor was a filthy-rich tycoon. If Gato was doomed to die anyway, why not squeeze some profit out of him first?
Being a ninja is just another way of making a living. Missions barely pay. And who wants to work nonstop forever?
Ninja had their golden years. Clan members usually trained in youth, then lived comfortably after. Naruto wasn't aiming to be Hokage anymore. For him, it would just be about survival—and money would be vital.
Dates. A house. Travel.
Come to think of it, Jiraiya's lifestyle wasn't half bad—wandering the world, drinking, meeting women. Living well into his sixties, still thriving.
As Naruto entertained the thought, the boat docked.
Kakashi was irritated by Tazuna's lies but pressed on. The plan was simple: escort the bridge builder home, then call the mission complete.
"This mission's nearly over," Kakashi said lightly as they walked. "How about two more days off once we return?"
"I'm in," Naruto said instantly.
"That sounds nice," Sakura smiled.
Sasuke stayed silent, eyes scanning their surroundings. Hearing the others relax and even plan their vacation made him frown. If ninja really let their guard down like this, they'd never live long.
"Hey, old man, how much farther?" Naruto growled at Tazuna.
Unlike Sasuke, he wasn't worried about Zabuza. With Kakashi around, everything was fifty-fifty—no, better. Even if Uchiha Madara himself appeared, Kakashi could at least hold his ground. The Copy Ninja, the man who tied with everyone. With that kind of safety net, Zabuza's ambush would just be a joke.
As long as Kakashi and Sasuke were fighting alongside him, Team 7 had the upper hand. Naruto's focus wasn't on Zabuza at all—it was on Gato, the man behind him.
System, come on… Naruto muttered inwardly.How am I supposed to rob the rich and feed myself without you?
System?
System-sama?
[Ding!]
That familiar synthetic voice chimed in his ears.Naruto sucked in a sharp breath. At that moment, the sound was like music from heaven.