LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 21: ch21
"Ding! The host successfully pretends to be impressive, and your 'Pretend Points' have increased by +9999!"
"Ding! Pretend points are being automatically assigned: Jōnin-level Chakra +3333, B-level Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu +3333, Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu +3333."
"Ding! Jōnin-level Chakra (9065/10000), not yet full. Please continue pretending to enhance your abilities!"
"Ding! B-level Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu (7000/10000), experience not yet full. Keep pretending to improve your abilities!"
"Ding! Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu (3334/10000), experience not yet full. Please continue pretending to enhance this ability!"
"..."
The system alerts came through again, signaling another massive gain in 'Pretend Points.' However, the way they were automatically assigned didn't quite sit right with Ethan Uchiha.
"What kind of automatic distribution is this?!" Ethan fumed internally.
His Sharingan was only about 300 points short of leveling up. With just a little more effort, it would have been maxed out. Yet, despite nearly 10,000 points coming in, none had been allocated to his Three Tomoe Sharingan.
But there was no way around it.
This system was, after all, just a cold, unfeeling machine.
At this point, all he could do was pretend a few more times to boost his Sharingan experience.
---
"I hereby declare the early graduation assessment over."
"Congratulations, Ethan Uchiha. You have passed the test and are now officially a Genin. This is your ninja headband, please take it." The Jōnin instructor announced the results immediately after receiving Hiruzen Sarutobi's approval.
He approached Ethan, handing over the prepared headband.
"Thank you."
Ethan accepted the headband, his expression calm, showing no signs of surprise. Everything was going as he had anticipated.
He knew Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't make a move against him while he was still in the academy. After all, Hiruzen was a hypocrite. Even if he wanted to act against Ethan, he'd likely use someone else to do the dirty work, ensuring his own hands stayed clean.
He wouldn't want any suspicion pointing his way.
For instance, he'd likely rely on his good friend Danzo Shimura to carry out the task.
Earlier, when Danzo had summoned three Jōnin to attack, Hiruzen had feigned outrage and scolded Danzo. But was that really his true feeling?
A man who had held power for over twenty years wouldn't show genuine anger over something so trivial. Wasn't his display a bit too performative?
Regardless, Ethan didn't trust Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Even in the future, when Hiruzen entrusted Naruto to his grandson, Minato Namikaze, the child still endured a harsh and lonely childhood.
If that's what Hiruzen's "care" looks like, then he was as cold-blooded as they come.
It was dangerous to be around someone like him.
Because when things went south, people close to Hiruzen Sarutobi could always be used as scapegoats.
Take, for example, Danzo Shimura—the man known for carrying the blame for Konoha's dirty work.
---
Afterward, Ethan returned to the Uchiha clan grounds.
A crowd had already gathered.
The heads of Konoha's major clans, both large and small, were present. It was clear they had come to congratulate him on passing the early graduation exam.
At the age of five, defeating three Jōnin was no small feat. In the eyes of these clan leaders, his future was undoubtedly that of a Kage-level shinobi.
If he didn't reach Kage-level in the future, they'd probably jump into a cesspool out of sheer disbelief.
Although the Uchiha clan could sometimes be difficult to approach, they still received congratulations.
As Ethan arrived, Bamboo Hyuga, the head of the Hyuga clan, extended an invitation.
"If you have time, do visit our Hyuga clan. You'll always be welcome."
Clearly, Ethan's talent had earned Bamboo's admiration, and the invitation was a way to build a closer relationship.
"Thank you for the kind invitation, Lord Hyuga. I will visit when I have time," Ethan replied calmly.
There was a time to show off, and there was a time to be composed. He knew better than to disrespect Bamboo Hyuga just to appear arrogant.
Soon, the other clan leaders also extended their own invitations.
---
Moments later, Ethan spotted two familiar figures walking toward him.
The bright white hair made them stand out immediately.
"Sakumo Hatake... and Kakashi Hatake?"
With a quick glance, Ethan recognized both of them.
"Hello! My name is Kakashi Hatake. My goal is to be as cool as you," Kakashi said enthusiastically, speaking before his father, Sakumo Hatake, could.
For a moment, Ethan was taken aback. His first thought was, "Where did this fan come from?"
Then, as he processed Kakashi's words, it clicked.
His goal was to be as "cool" as Ethan Uchiha.
Oh, it made sense now.
This kid was his fan.
Of course, a man as handsome and talented as Ethan Uchiha couldn't help but attract fans. Just like a firefly in the dark, his brilliance was impossible to hide.