“It’s been quite a few years since I came to this world…” Lying on the grass, Akira let out a quiet sigh before casually opening his status panel.
Name: Akira Abilities: String-String Fruit (Intermediate), Observation Haki (Beginner) Chakra: Chunin Overall Strength: Jonin!
Evaluation: You’re finally a qualified cannon fodder.
Now hurry up and get into battle!
Seeing the last line, the corner of Akira’s mouth twitched.
What kind of ridiculous evaluation is that??
That’s right.
Akira possessed a system, but it only had two functions.
The first allowed him to earn System Points through training and killing enemies.
Its first function was to use those points to strengthen abilities he already possessed.
The second was a lottery system.
There were two types of draws: Basic Draws and Ultimate Draws.
A Basic Draw cost 100 System Points.
It could reward almost anything, though the vast majority of the prizes were complete junk.
For example, not long ago he’d gritted his teeth and spent points, only to receive…
barbecue skills.
An Ultimate Draw cost 20,000 System Points.
It guaranteed a top-tier item or ability.
Kill a Genin: 100 points.
Kill a Chunin: 1,000 points.
Kill a Jonin: 3,000 points.
Kill a Kage-level expert: 10,000 points.
Reading through the list, Akira couldn’t help but sigh.
“Although killing enemies is the fastest way to grow stronger, it’s also the most dangerous.” That didn’t exactly suit his cautious personality.
Training, on the other hand, was painfully slow.
After all these years, he’d only managed to upgrade the String-String Fruit to the Intermediate level.
Five thousand points.
Even now, thinking about it made his heart ache.
Oh, and the String-String Fruit had come from the beginner’s gift pack.
The system had also removed its weakness to seawater.
Sitting up, Akira glanced into the distance, a faint smile appearing on his face.
“If you’re here, then come out.” “So you noticed me.” Uchiha Mikoto stepped out from behind the trees with an embarrassed expression.
“I was just curious about what you were doing here, Akira.” Akira rolled his eyes.
“If you want food, just say so.” As if I don’t know you.
Ever since she’d tasted his barbecue that one time, she’d been coming over every few days to mooch another meal.
The same went for the Chinese dishes he cooked.
She absolutely loved them.
“Ahem…
that’s because everything you make is so delicious.” Mikoto blushed slightly.
She really shouldn’t have come.
But his cooking was simply irresistible.
Besides, she’d already developed feelings for Akira, so…
Thinking back, the way they’d met had been quite the coincidence.
While training alone in the forest, Mikoto had been injured.
Akira happened to be gathering medicinal herbs nearby and had come across her.
He’d casually helped the girl, who was two years older than him.
What he hadn’t expected was that she’d end up sticking to him afterward.
Well…
Being handsome came with its own troubles.
“You went to the battlefield recently, didn’t you?” Akira asked as he began preparing the ingredients.
“Huh?” Mikoto blinked in surprise.
“How did you know?” “You have killing intent on you.” Akira spoke calmly.
“My senses are very sharp.” “…Yeah.” Mikoto lowered her head, her expression dimming.
“My uncle died on the battlefield protecting me.” If only I had been stronger…
“I’ve never been very good at comforting people.” Akira sighed.
“My condolences.” “It’s alright.” Mikoto forced a small smile as she looked back up.
“I’ve already come to terms with it.
After going to the battlefield, I finally understood something.” “Most of the time, we don’t have the luxury of grieving.” Because even a single moment of distraction…
…could cost you your life.
“Enough with the depressing topics.” Akira waved his hand with a grin.
“Today we’re having grilled fish!
You go catch the fish from the river while I get everything ready.” “Okay.” Mikoto nodded without hesitation, picked up a kunai, and headed toward the river.
After she left, Akira skillfully manipulated various cooking tools with the fine white strings created by his Devil Fruit.
He quite liked cooking this way.
By the time he had nearly finished preparing everything, Mikoto returned carrying several cleaned fish.
“I’ve seen it before, but it still feels incredible.” She watched the dancing white strings with admiration.
“One day, Akira, you’ll definitely become a powerful ninja.” In her eyes, anyone possessing a Bloodline Limit could never be mediocre.
“I’ll take that blessing.” Akira smiled.
“Alright, hand me the fish.” After placing them on the grill, he sighed softly.
“Compared to becoming famous, I’d rather just live out my life peacefully.” The ninja world was simply too dangerous.
Even the mighty Kage ultimately met tragic ends.
Especially during the Fourth Great Ninja War.
Kage-level experts weren’t worth much at all.
If someone wanted them dead, they’d die.
It was that simple.
Oh, and before long, even the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist would get wiped out, leaving only the infamous “Lucky Three.” “That’s the wrong way to think!” Sitting beside him, Mikoto immediately objected.
“What if you run into a powerful enemy?” “That’s exactly why you need to become strong yourself.
Only then can you protect yourself…
and the people you care about.” A teasing smile flashed through Akira’s eyes.
“Then, Mikoto…
will you protect me?” “…Mm.” Her cheeks instantly turned bright red.
Lowering her head, she gave an almost inaudible hum of agreement.
“What was that?” “Nothing.” She quickly turned her face away.
“Just focus on your grilled fish.
It’ll burn if you keep talking.” “Hmph.” Akira looked at the fish with complete confidence.
“You’re underestimating me.
I could cook this with my eyes closed.
Believe it or not.” “Look at you showing off.” Mikoto couldn’t help laughing.
“Alright, alright.
I know you’re amazing.” And just like that, the two of them chatted while eating, spending an exceptionally pleasant afternoon together.
A gentle breeze swept across the grass as leaves drifted lazily through the air.
A handsome young man.
A maiden in the bloom of first love.
The scene was as beautiful as a painting.