Excited as he was, his already near-limit Multiple Shadow Clones instantly dispersed.
A rush of exhaustion hit him, pounding behind his eyes like a hangover.
"Naruto's like a machine. He kept three Shadow Clones going nonstop just to master Wind Nature Transformation. If it were me, I'd have dropped dead hours ago."
Akaba felt more and more bitter inside. He had barely managed two clones all afternoon, and even then they turned out like this piece of crap.
Inherited chakra? That's next-level stuff—no wonder he's got an edge…
After envying Naruto for a while, he shifted his focus back to the system interface.
60 points.
The more he stared at the number, the worse he felt. That was a hand-drawn, first-three-issues rare edition manga! Once he became a renowned manga master, those would be priceless treasures.
And now, it was worth only 60 points.
"Wait, maybe Lady Mito Uzumaki didn't even finish reading the manga. Yeah, I should ask Tsunade about it later."
Akaba tried hard to comfort himself, otherwise his mentality was about to snap.
Forcing himself to stay focused, he tidied up the mess left by his clones.
With two Multiple Shadow Clones working simultaneously, efficiency was truly amazing—one entire afternoon was all it took to complete Volume Five.
This meant Akaba could begin compiling Volume One of the manga as planned. Meanwhile, he noticed several new ninja techniques had appeared in his Exchange List.
[Concealing Presence & Hiding Skills] – Ninja foundational technique, requires 5 points to exchange.
[Shifting Body Technique] – D-ranked ninjutsu, requires 5 points to exchange.
[One Thousand Years of Death] – Use in combination with Shifting Body Technique to strike the enemy's most vulnerable rear spot. No points required.
No points required?
Akaba's eyes widened, but upon seeing the name, he was immediately speechless.
"One Thousand Years of Death is basically just poking someone's butt with the Tiger seal. What special technique could there possibly be? No wonder no points are needed."
Though sounding dismissive, a flicker of curiosity tugged at him. "Might as well exchange it. Who knows, maybe the system version has something unique."
Persuading himself, he decided to proceed with the exchange.
[One Thousand Years of Death].
Simple move, yet what he received was a complete set of skill memories.
As soon as these memories hit him, Akaba turned pale—he regretted exchanging for this maddening 'ninjutsu' immediately.
The system version of One Thousand Years of Death not only recorded detailed usage methods, but also explained how different levels of force produced various effects, and what intensity brought optimal sensation.
"What the hell—even a pervert would blush reading this manual!"
Free really means garbage!
Filled with regret, Akaba quickly exchanged for the other two skills to overwrite the memory of this cursed technique. The paid ones were normal, containing highly practical techniques.
Take Concealing Presence & Hiding Skills, for example—it included insights from an experienced Kage-level master.
Exchanging for this skill, combined with Transformation Jutsu, Clone Jutsu, and other ninjutsu, he would surely become the most terrifying assassin on the battlefield.
As for Shifting Body Technique...
Originally, Akaba thought there might be some advanced techniques—for instance, the Shisui-style Shifting Body Technique—but in reality, it was truly just the generic version.
The difference was that the Shifting Body Technique acquired through the system contained many practical tips, allowing Akaba to minimize chakra consumption while using the technique. All of this only cost ten points.
Now that's what I call value for money!
Except for the free stuff being often disappointing, Akaba was very satisfied with everything else.
"I wonder whether Mito Uzumaki has finished reading it yet. Sigh."
Spending ten points made Akaba feel uneasy again—he was still emotionally attached to that handmade manga book. It had become an obsession.
If it weren't so late already, he would've gone directly to ask Tsunade about it.
Early the next morning, Akaba couldn't stay in bed anymore and got up.
"Huh? Akaba, you're up early today?"
"What's going on!"
Sakuma Chiaki and Saiki were both shocked.
In his entire life, Akaba had never gotten up this early before!
Akaba coughed uncomfortably and said, "I have something to do today. I need to go out for a bit."
"Going out? At least eat breakfast before leaving."
As soon as Saiki shouted, Akaba had already left the house.
He had slept poorly last night, constantly thinking about the points issue.
Akaba simply couldn't believe it—an Uzumaki ninja who was both a Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and skilled in Sealing Techniques earned just five more points than a Jonin! This wasn't just about points; it also related to his speculation regarding the system's "ninja prices."
After buying some breakfast randomly, Akaba headed straight toward the Senju clan residence.
The Senju compound wasn't large—most of the clan had already moved out and integrated into various households in Konoha. Only Mito Uzumaki and a few families still remained, living in simple courtyards with no walls around them at all.
Before getting close, Akaba could already hear people training. Soon, he saw several figures running along the path ahead, among them the young Tsunade.
At that moment, she wore martial arts attire, her long hair flowing, looking energetic and spirited.
Seeing this scene, Akaba couldn't help feeling moved: "Even within the Senju clan, they still must work incredibly hard. Genius truly came from natural talent combined with relentless effort."
He felt fortunate to have the system and not having been reborn into the Senju clan. Otherwise, waking up this early every single day would've driven anyone insane.
Being in the Sakuma clan, with 15 Physical Strength points, Akaba could easily outperform others of his generation in running endurance. And which elder would dare make him run every morning?
Before long, Tsunade spotted Akaba.
She shifted direction and sprinted toward him, a bright smile on her face.
"This is the first time you've ever woken up this early, right?"
Tsunade looked quite happy. After scanning the area carefully, she whispered, "You came to find me so early, what's up?"
"Yeah, I wanted to ask—has your grandmother finished reading that manga volume yet?"
Akaba cut straight to the point.
Tsunade's hand mid-motion while brushing her hair paused briefly. She glanced at Akaba, then took a deep breath to calm herself before replying, "No, she read a little over one chapter yesterday and then said she was tired. She also mentioned wanting to meet you in person. I was planning to come find you today anyway."
"Oh, that's how it is."
A wave of relief washed over Akaba—he heaved a mental sigh of relief. So all sixty points really went to Mito Uzumaki.
"That's it?"
"Yeah, after all Mito-sama is a big name around here. I've admired her for ages."
"Fine then, wait for me to finish my run before you talk to me."
Tsunade pouted slightly, clearly annoyed as she spoke, "I still have quite a way to go before completing today's morning exercise."
She had come in gently, but was now gone like a tiger stirring the wind — fierce and full of momentum.
Was she really angry?!
Before Akaba could realize what was happening, the girl had already ran off and rejoined the group, continuing her running.
He didn't chase after her. Instead, he just stood there, momentarily stunned, lost in thought—why?
"Can't figure it out, can't guess it either. Forget it."
Akaba gave it a few seconds' thought but couldn't figure it out, so he shook his head and let it go.
There's an old saying: "A woman's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea (an ancient Chinese saying meaning it's deep, elusive, and hard to grasp)." Since he was such a laid-back guy, better not to overthink or guess—otherwise he'd just be asking for trouble.
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~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** on the weekend!