"This is not a technique!" Neji yelled. "It is a disaster!"
"System," I thought. ("Purchase 'Wire Cutting Kunai' from the shop. 50 points.")
"Purchased."
I pulled out the kunai. "Hold still. I will cut you out."
I carefully sliced the wires binding Tenten. As the tension released, Tenten rolled off, gasping for air. Her clothes were disheveled, revealing slightly more skin than usual due to the wires pulling at her fabric.
"System Notification," the voice added. "Tenten 'Embarrassment Level' reached critical mass. She is now flagged as a 'Potential Target'. Attraction increased due to 'Rescue Event'."
I helped Hinata up. She refused to look at Neji. She just stared at the sky as if hoping an alien invasion would abduct her.
Neji stood up, dusting off his clothes. He looked traumatized. He glared at me, then at Hinata.
"This... is not over," Neji stated, though his voice lacked its usual bite. "Next time, I will not be so careless."
"Sure, Neji," I said. "Just watch out for falling girls."
Neji flinched. "Let's go, Lee. Tenten."
"But we haven't finished our spar!" Lee complained.
"We are leaving!" Neji commanded, turning and walking away briskly.
Tenten gathered her scrolls, her face still red. She glanced at me. "Thanks for... cutting me loose, Naruto. That was... weird."
"Anytime, Tenten," I gave her a thumbs up.
As Team Guy retreated, I checked my new balance.
Previous Balance: 1,200. Neji/Tenten Event: +4,000. Wire Cutter: -50. Current Shy Points: 5,150.
I felt like I was flying. Five thousand points. That was half of the Rasenshuriken. Or...
("System, what other upgrades are available? I need something to help me survive the Chunin Exams. Something defensive.")
"Recommendation," the System said. "You can purchase the 'Uzumaki Adamantine Chains (Sealed Version)' for 5,000 points. This allows you to summon a single spectral chain from your back. It is excellent for defense, restraint, and... creating interesting scenarios."
("Adamantine Chains? Kushina's jutsu?")
My heart thumped. That was a high-level technique. If I could unlock that, I would have a serious trump card.
("But wait... restraint?")
"Yes," the System said. "The chains respond to your subconscious. If you are in a 'Netorare Situation', the chains may act autonomously to... secure the targets."
I smirked. ("So it is a weapon that also helps farm points. Sold.")
("Buy the Adamantine Chain seal.")
"Processing... Purchase Complete. Remaining Balance: 150 Points."
A burning sensation appeared on my lower back. I felt a heavy, dense chakra coil at the base of my spine. It felt different from the wind and water chakra. It felt ancient and solid.
"Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked, interrupting my internal shopping spree. "Are you okay? Neji seemed really angry."
"He will get over it," I said, stretching my arms. "He just needs to loosen up. And apparently, you are the one to help him do that."
Hinata groaned. "Please don't say that."
"Come on," I said. "Let's go find Sakura and Kakashi-sensei. I have a feeling the Chunin Exams are going to be announced soon, and we need to be ready."
As we walked out of the forest, I felt the spectral chain on my back twitch, eager to be used.
The Chunin Exams were coming. Gaara of the Sand. Orochimaru. The Sound Ninjas.
I cracked my knuckles.
Let them come. Between my Multi-Shadow Clones, my Rasengan, my Adamantine Chain, and Hinata’s ability to turn any battlefield into a romantic comedy, we were unstoppable.
The red bridge overlooking the river was a designated meeting spot for Team Seven. It was also, apparently, a designated spot for Kakashi Hatake to be three hours late.
I leaned against the railing, feeling the strange, heavy coil of energy at the base of my spine. The "Uzumaki Adamantine Chain" seal I had purchased yesterday felt like a dormant snake, waiting to strike. It was a reassuring weight, unlike the constant anxiety of wondering when my girlfriend was going to accidentally tackle a stranger.
"Naruto," Sakura said, breaking the silence. She was staring at Hinata. "I have to ask. Where are you getting these clothes, Hinata? They are... really bold."
Hinata was standing next to me, wearing her modified mission gear: the mesh armor top, the cropped jacket, and the shorts that seemed to get a millimeter shorter every time the temperature rose by a degree.
"Oh," Hinata blushed, fiddling with her fingers. "The shopkeeper said it is the latest style in the... uh... Cloud Village. For mobility."
"Mobility," Sakura repeated, eyeing Hinata’s exposed midriff. "Right. Well, it certainly catches the eye."
"System," I thought. ("Is the 'Summer Heat' patch affecting Sakura yet?")
"Negative," the System replied. "Sakura Haruno is currently resisting the fashion influence due to her loyalty to her trademark red dress. However, continued exposure to Hinata’s 'Fashion Forward' aura may erode her resistance."
Just then, a puff of smoke appeared on the bridge railing. Kakashi appeared, reading his book.
"Yo," he said.
"YOU'RE LATE!" Sakura and I yelled in unison.
"I got lost on the path of life," Kakashi said, hopping down. He looked at us with his single visible eye. "Anyway, I have news. I have recommended you three for the Chunin Selection Exams."
My heart jumped. This was it. The main event.
"The exams?" Sakura looked nervous. "Are we ready?"
"Naruto and Sasuke are," Kakashi said bluntly. "And you have improved, Sakura. But it is a voluntary application. If you want to take it, sign these forms and turn them in at Room 301 by tomorrow afternoon."
He handed us the application forms. Then he looked at Hinata, who was standing quietly by my side.
"And Hinata," Kakashi added. "Kurenai has recommended Team Eight as well. So you will likely be competing against each other."
Hinata looked at me, her eyes filled with determination. "I will do my best, Naruto-kun. I will not lose."
"That is the spirit," I grinned. "Just... try not to trip on anyone during the written exam, okay?"
"I will try," she promised.
.....
...