In the evening, Masahiko ran laps for another hour, then let Naruto go, and practiced the Great Fireball Technique in the suburbs.
As a C-rank Ninjutsu, the Great Fireball Technique is not difficult to learn.
However.
Its power level still depends largely on Chakra and proficiency.
Masahiko tried more than a dozen times. Although his innate affinity made Fire Release easier to cultivate, he still couldn't quickly master the Great Fireball Technique.
He was physically and mentally exhausted, and at the same time, he was wondering—
Logically, today's footage should be enough to make up an episode.
Why is there no response?
Does it require progress in other areas?
Just as Masahiko was pondering, there was a rustling sound in the woods. He immediately took a soldier pill and activated the Body Flicker Technique at full speed... Swoosh!
With a soft sound, Masahiko's speed increased sharply as he ran towards the Village.
But.
Buzz, buzz, buzz!
Following the sound of insects, a figure coalesced in front of Masahiko.
"Yagyu Masahiko, come with me."
At this moment—
[naruto: prequel Episode 2 Filming Complete!]
[Editing...]
[Production Successful!]
Total appearance time: 11 minutes and 51 seconds
Screen time percentage: 56.4%]
[As a villain, your screen time exceeding 50% has resulted in a significant increase in your remuneration.]
[Notification: naruto: prequel will be broadcast tonight at 8 PM. The playback function will be enabled for you, along with bullet screen comments.]
[It is hoped that you will adjust your acting skills and roles based on the bullet screen comments.]
56.4%!
Masahiko was stunned, but at the same time, he couldn't contain his excitement—
Success!
The current strategy is correct!
But this joy was instantly extinguished by the situation before him.
Compared to the reward, the current situation was undoubtedly more critical.
Compared to future rewards, this moment was a matter of life and death.
He calmly examined the person: the mask and attire belonged to the Anbu.
But intercepting him outside the Village... Root.
Masahiko's heart sank, realizing he had no choice... The blindfolding cloth was removed.
Dim light entered Masahiko's vision.
He had trouble adjusting for a moment, and only after squinting for a few seconds could he clearly see his surroundings.
Before him—
A figure, using a cane in one hand and with one eye wrapped in bandages, appeared tall and imposing in the shadows cast by the light.
It really is this old geezer!
Masahiko quietly straightened his posture, allowing a look of confusion to appear on his face at the appropriate moment.
"You are..."
"Hmph."
A deep, emotionless, cold laugh echoed in the secret room.
Thump!
Thump!
Following the sound of the cane hitting the floor, the figure slowly approached, his single eye staring at him like a hawk.
The immense pressure made it hard for Masahiko to breathe.
After staring for two seconds, Danzo spoke coldly: "Recently, you have frequently targeted the Demon Fox, giving him special training, provoking him, stimulating him..."
Danzo lowered his body but still looked down at Masahiko. "Tell me your purpose. Who is the person behind you?"
"I, I have no one behind me. I grew up under the guidance of the Third Lord's Will of Fire. After becoming a teacher, I want to pass on this Will."
Masahiko swallowed, his tone urgent and fearful:
"Furthermore, I believe teaching students is similar to training a dog—if you exhaust their energy, they won't cause trouble, which is why I..."
Danzo stared at him.
Then, he turned around, his lips slightly curved, but his tone remained icy:
"The Will of Fire."
"A decent excuse, but hatred is your primary driving force."
"Yagyu Masahiko, seventeen years old, a commoner Ninja. Your parents died during the Demon Fox Rebellion..."
Danzo still didn't believe him.
Masahiko's expression fluctuated between dark and light, but quickly turned to fear, and he lowered his head: "I do not harbor such thoughts!"
"No need to hide it. I am different from the Hokage. I don't trust the Demon Fox, and I don't trust you."
Danzo turned, looking down at him. "A dog... a very good analogy. Just like a dog, the Demon Fox also needs the restraints of chains, whips, and rules."
Masahiko kept his head down and remained silent.
Danzo sat down on a chair not far away.
"Go back. No matter whose man you are, I hope you carry out your duties faithfully."
"Remember, I am watching you!"
The next moment, a deep drowsiness overcame him.
Masahiko slumped down... When Masahiko woke up, it was already past nine in the evening. He had missed the initial broadcast, but fortunately, this content was not live.
He sat up and looked around.
He was home!
Masahiko froze for a second, then hurriedly got up and ran towards the bathroom.
After closing the doors and windows and using the toilet, he quietly stuck out his tongue to check.
"No Cursed Seal..."
"Thank goodness!"
Only then did he let out a sigh of relief.
Returning to the bedroom, Masahiko activated the panel, opened the light screen, and began watching.
He quickly scanned through it.
In terms of content, as per the earlier data, he appeared in nearly twelve minutes of footage, interspersed with scenes of Naruto's performance in Iruka's Ninjutsu class and Mizuki's Ninja Tool Class.
The very end was cut precisely at the moment the Root Organization Ninja appeared before him and said, "Come with me."
Furthermore.
The editing was truly insidious!
Cutting out the context and leaving only the scene of the Anbu Ninja finding him, anyone who watched would immediately think—
This guy is definitely trouble!
And that was exactly the case.
The bullet screen comments for this episode were—
"Isn't this bullying? Seriously gross!"
"Although from an omniscient perspective, his actions benefit Naruto, from Naruto's point of view, my fists are clenching."
"If I were Naruto, I'd be suffocating."
"But he's so handsome!"
There were countless bullet screen comments like these.
The final shot made the comments explode:
"Damn, Anbu? Who is this now? It can't be the Hokage summoning him, right?"
"Impossible. Does the Third Hokage need to use the Anbu to find him?"
"I knew he wasn't a good guy!"
"Official confirmation!"
After reading through the comments, Masahiko fell into deep thought.
Good news: His villain identity was established.
Bad news: It was too established!
But.
This was also within expectations.
"You can't have your cake and eat it too. As a villain, malicious editing is inevitable."
Masahiko sighed inwardly.
Subsequently, after the entire episode finished playing, the light screen automatically closed, and the familiar summary text appeared on the panel.
[Popularity Rating: B]
[Comprehensive Evaluation...]
[Congratulations! You have been promoted to: B-level supporting actor]
[Reward received: Ninjutsu Mastery Direct Promotion Card.]
"30% to 60% is a Golden Supporting Character. The next rank is called Popular Leading Actor, which requires over 60%..."
"However, this time the Popularity Rating is only B-rank."
According to the E to S rating scale, a B-rank rating is only one level higher than the passing grade of C.
Masahiko was speechless, but upon further thought, he felt relieved.
In this episode, his work took up a lot of screen time, but it was certainly not endearing.
It seems... that to be a villain, besides creating "opposition," one must also possess personal charm, otherwise low popularity will still affect the rewards.
Masahiko reflected while also considering how to act in the next episode.
Danzo's intervention exceeded his expectations.
Although Danzo didn't say much, in Masahiko's view, the last sentence was the key takeaway from the trip—
"I am watching you!"
Masahiko closed his eyes and lay on the bed, recalling the night's events.
Finally, he opened his eyes, surprised internally.
Could it be... that Danzo was testing him?