Chapter 117 Points
Chapter 117 Points
9050 points.
This was a number that even Naruto himself found somewhat bewildering and even frightening. It represented all the system points he had accumulated since the Uchiha clan massacre. The vast majority of these points came from the skyrocketing bond level with Uchiha Sasuke, which had even surpassed the system's limits…
However, the points did not stop growing. In the midst of Naruto's ordinary days when he occasionally thought about whether to round up the points to a whole number, the bond points, flowing gently and steadily with his daily companionship and time together, began to slowly and continuously accumulate in his "account".
The first to bring about change were the parents of Satsuki, Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Mikoto, whose fates he forcibly altered.
As life gradually returned to normal and the sadness was slowly soothed by time, Satsuki began to invite Naruto to her home more and more frequently.
This was unthinkable before, because the potential risk of a coup and Danzo's watchful eyes would never allow the "Nine-Tails Jinchuriki" to frequently enter and leave the Uchiha core area.
But now, the Uchiha hawks have been completely eliminated, Danzo has been executed, and all worries have vanished. Naruto can now step into this area that was once a "forbidden zone" for him without any burden.
When Mikoto Uchiha first formally entered the Uchiha clan head's residence as a "guest," she was exceptionally warm towards him. This warmth stemmed not only from her gratitude for Naruto's care of Satsuki while they were unconscious.
There seems to be another, more complex emotion mixed in – perhaps a feeling of pity or affection for a long-deceased friend seen through him.
During that visit, after Mikoto prepared exquisite Japanese food for Naruto and gave him a gentle smile, the familiar system notification sound rang out crisply in his mind once again.
【Ding! 】
[Congratulations, host! You have established an initial bond with the original character "Uchiha Mikoto"! (Level 1)]
[Reward points earned: 100!]
In subtle contrast to the enthusiastic Aunt Mikoto, Fugaku Uchiha displayed a different attitude.
Naruto could always sense that the former clan leader's gaze towards him... seemed to carry some indescribable "opinion"?
Although Fugaku never said anything harsh or accusatory to Naruto, and maintained basic politeness and courtesy in his words and actions, the vague feeling of displeasure that his carefully nurtured cabbage was being targeted, as well as a complex mix of scrutiny and unease, was definitely there.
After all, any father would feel a little uneasy seeing his daughter constantly doting on another boy, her eyes practically overflowing with dependence...
Especially considering that this guy has been "abducting" his daughter, making her less and less like the proud Uchiha princess she used to be.
From Fugaku's perspective, it's perfectly normal for him to have such complex and conflicting feelings towards Naruto.
However, after a period of frequent visits and time spent together, although Fugaku's attitude remained somewhat subtle, the familiar system notification sound finally rang out.
【Ding! 】
[Congratulations, host! You have established an initial bond with the original character "Uchiha Fugaku"! (Level 1)]
[Reward points earned: 150!]
This seems to mean that, even with the slight "displeasure" typical of an older father, Fugaku has begun to acknowledge and accept Naruto's presence in their lives.
In the days that followed, Naruto's relationship with Satsuki's family became increasingly close and natural. The atmosphere at the dinner table was no longer the slightly formal one it had been at the beginning.
Aunt Mikoto's gaze toward Naruto grew increasingly loving, and she even had another thought—she wanted to formally propose to the Third Hokage that she take care of her deceased friend's orphan and have Naruto recognize her as his godmother.
Now that there were no more political concerns and the biggest obstacle, Danzo Shimura, had been killed, Fugaku, though ultimately unable to resist his wife's insistence and determination, finally went to the Third Hokage to subtly express his wishes.
Ultimately, the Third Hokage didn't immediately agree to the somewhat sensitive proposal, but he didn't explicitly reject it either. Instead, he used his usual slightly hesitant tone, saying, "Give me some more time to think about it..."
However, for Naruto, these formalities no longer mattered. He had now completely bid farewell to loneliness.
Aside from the time he spends sleeping in his small apartment at night, he can hardly find any moments when he is "alone".
At the Ninja Academy, Satsuki's field of vision could be simply and crudely divided into two categories: Naruto and everyone else.
The clingy behavior started even earlier, before he started school. Every morning, while Naruto was still half asleep, struggling with whether or not to get out of bed, there would be a loud knocking on the door of his small apartment.
Satsuki was no longer satisfied with just meeting at school, so she went straight to Naruto's house early in the morning to "report for duty". The two were inseparable from the very beginning of the day, then went out to have breakfast together before going to school.
In the evening, if Naruto didn't go to visit the Uchiha clan, then after school, Sazuki would insist on escorting Naruto home step by step. She needed to personally "escort" him to ensure his safety.
Every time she arrived at Naruto's house, she always seemed reluctant to leave, repeatedly confirming the time to meet again the next morning before slowly turning to leave.
Naruto also tried the other way around, where he would take Sasuke back to the Uchiha clan's territory on the edge of Konoha first, and then return home himself.
But almost without exception, whenever he sets foot on the clan's territory, he is either "forcefully" pulled in by Mikoto or occasionally by Fugaku to be a guest.
"Since you've already brought it all here, why don't you stay and have a simple meal with us!" "I made a lot of dishes today, Naruto-kun, why don't you come too!"... Such reasons came up one after another, and in the end, Naruto always stayed for dinner, sometimes even until very late, before he was allowed to be escorted home by Satsuki.
And so, through their daily interactions, Mikoto Uchiha's affection for Naruto grew stronger each day. That feeling, stemming from gratitude, empathy, and admiration for him as a person, steadily deepened the bond between them.
【Ding! 】
[Congratulations, host! Your bond level with the original character "Uchiha Mikoto" has increased to level 4!]
[Reward points earned: 300!]
The system notification sounded again, adding a considerable sum of money to Naruto's "treasury".
However, in stark contrast, Fugaku Uchiha's bond level remained stubbornly at the initial level 1, showing no signs of loosening.
It seems that truly gaining the heartfelt and comprehensive recognition of this former clan elder father, and breaking down the barrier of being called "daughter," is still a long and arduous road.
However, Naruto's life is now fulfilling and happy enough. During the day at the Ninja Academy, he is no longer the isolated "demon fox," but spends his time with his group of good friends, including Nara Shikamaru, Aburame Shino, Inuzuka Kiba, and Akimichi Choji, attending classes and training together. Of course, he also spends time with his inseparable childhood friend, Uchiha Sasuke.
In the evenings, he would sometimes visit the Uchiha clan's territory to enjoy the sumptuous dinners and family-like warmth prepared by Mikoto.
Sometimes, he would host the Third Hokage, who would occasionally come to visit and inquire about his life, in his small apartment. The two would have a simple dinner together and chat.
This stable and warm life also allowed Naruto's bonds with his other companions to grow quietly without him even realizing it.
【Ding! 】
[Congratulations, host! Your bond level with the original character "Nara Shikamaru" has increased to level 4!]
[Reward points earned: 100!]
【Ding! 】
[Congratulations, host! Your bond level with the original character "Shino Aburame" has increased to level 4!]
[Reward points earned: 100!]
【Ding! 】
[Congratulations, host! Your bond level with the original character "Kiba Inuzuka" has increased to level 5!]
[Reward points earned: 100!]
Even the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, an old man who witnessed Naruto's growth and was filled with complex guilt, unexpectedly strengthened his bond with Naruto.
【Ding! 】
[Congratulations, host! Your bond level with the original character "Hiruzen Sarutobi" has increased to level 3!]
[Reward points earned: 150!]
Finally, when all these points, accumulated gradually, were credited to his account, Naruto looked at the number in his mind that seemed to be radiating a faint light, feeling both fulfilled and somewhat dreamlike.
Total points: 10050
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