Konoha: People in Konoha pick up attributes, warm daily life

After waking up, Hoshino Yuu has become an ordinary villager in Konoha. Can’t practice? Don’t worry! The God-level attribute picking system is bound!

“Ding! I picked up Strength 1, Vitality 1, and I can kill a crying monster with one punch!”

“Ding! I picked up an intelligence of 10, instantly becoming Konoha’s top thinker. Even Tsunade would say 666!”

“Ding! I found Charm MAX! Hinata, Ino, Tenten, Temari, Shizune, Anko… surrounded by beauties, harem full warning!”

While others are fighting for their lives, You is leisurely picking up attributes on the side.

While others were working hard on their tasks, You was drinking tea and chatting with the girls at “You’anju”, and picking up a “Cooking MAX” and “Gardening MAX” by the way.

What? The Akatsuki organization is coming? Pain wants to destroy the house? Kaguya wants to destroy the world?

You: “Don’t be afraid, ladies! Once I’ve collected all the ‘Power of the Six Paths’, I’ll knock them out with one punch!”

This is a story about an “ordinary person” who is unable to practice cultivation, but relies on picking up attributes to live a fairy-like and warm harem life in Konoha, and saves the world by the way.

No abuse of the main character, no saintliness, push all the way, get all the girls! It’s worth getting into the pit!

Konoha: People in Konoha pick up attributes, warm daily life
Chapter 1 Picking Up Attributes
Sunlight filtered through the thin window paper, casting dappled shadows on the tatami. Hoshino Yuu slowly opened his eyes, his consciousness gradually waking from a hazy dream. He habitually tilted his head to look out the window. The mornings in Konoha Village always carried a peaceful vitality, with the clear and melodious chirping of birds and the faint murmur of early risers on the streets in the distance.
He sat up, the quilt sliding from his shoulders. The room wasn’t large, but it was neatly arranged. His eyes flickered to a slightly faded photo hanging on the wall. The young couple in the photo wore gentle smiles. They were his parents, who had died in the Nine-Tailed Fox Rebellion. An inevitable sense of melancholy welled up in him, like a morning mist, briefly clouding his thoughts. But it was quickly washed away by his love and cherishment for his current peaceful life. His parents had protected the village with their lives, and they had also protected the peace he now enjoyed.
Yuu took a deep breath, the air filled with the fresh, herbal fragrance unique to Konoha. He rose from the bed, his movements slow and practiced. Walking to the simple kitchen, he began preparing breakfast. Today’s breakfast was grilled fish and miso soup, simple yet nutritious. He carefully handled the small fish, scaling and gutting it, meticulously following each step. He skewered the fish and slowly grilled it over a small charcoal stove. Soon, the aroma of the fish filled the air. Next, he began to cook the miso soup. The white tofu cubes tumbled in the brown broth, emitting an alluring warmth.
The aroma of food brought a touch of life to the empty room. Yuu brought the grilled fish and miso soup to the low table, sat down, clasped his hands together, and whispered, “I’m eating,” before slowly digging in. The fish was lightly charred on the outside, tender on the inside, while the warm miso soup slid into his stomach, dispelling the last traces of the morning’s chill.
After dinner, You carefully washed the dishes. Then, he picked up a rag and broom and began to clean his room. This small house was the only thing his parents had left him, and every corner held vague yet warm memories. He wiped the tables and chairs, brushed the dust off the window frames, and even used a small brush to clean the cracks in the tatami mats. He loved the feeling of tidying his environment through his labor; it brought him a sense of peace and stability.
After everything was packed up, the morning light had already become bright. Yu changed into clean casual clothes, put on his slightly worn but very neat schoolbag, locked the door, and walked towards the ninja school.
The streets of Konoha Village were as vibrant as ever. Early-rising shopkeepers were already busy, their shouts, the sounds of children playing, and the chatter of pedestrians interweaving to form a vibrant picture of life. Yuu strolled among the crowd, not in a hurry to get anywhere, but deliberately slowing his pace. He loved to observe, observing the hurried ninjas, who might have just returned from a mission, their faces weary but their eyes still sharp; observing the leisurely civilians, who were either shopping for food or chatting with neighbors, their faces filled with relaxed smiles. The sun shone on everyone, and also on his heart, bringing warmth. He felt that this kind of life was good and satisfying, not needing grandeur, as long as this accessible peace and tranquility could continue forever.
The gate of the Ninja School was in sight. Yu adjusted the somewhat loose straps of his schoolbag, took a deep breath, and stepped into this place filled with the dreams and sweat of young people.
The moment they entered the ninja academy classroom, a bustling atmosphere hit them. Students gathered in groups of two or three, most excitedly discussing the previous day’s training or some amusing incident in the village. Uzumaki Naruto, with his signature loud voice, was particularly prominent as he enthusiastically boasted to Shikamaru and Choji about his latest prank idea, earning Choji a silly grin between bites of potato chips and Shikamaru’s muttered, “What a nuisance!” Meanwhile, Uchiha Sasuke sat alone in a corner, his expression aloof and impervious to the commotion. However, several girls still stole glances at him, including Haruno Sakura, who was trying to squeeze past Yamanaka Ino to gain a more advantageous position near Sasuke.
You found a corner by the window and sat down, quietly taking out his textbooks and notebooks from his bag. He didn’t dislike the lively atmosphere, he was just used to being a quiet observer.
Soon, Mr. Iruka came in with a stack of teaching materials, and the noise in the classroom gradually died down. Iruka cleared his throat and began to teach today’s basic theory course – an introduction to the nature changes of chakra. Yu listened very carefully, he liked theoretical classes. Although he could not refine chakra himself, it did not prevent him from being interested in this knowledge. Iruka’s explanation was simple and clear. While listening, Yu carefully wrote down the key points in his notebook, and occasionally nodded thoughtfully. His theoretical grades were always among the best in the class, which made Iruka pay more attention to and feel sorry for this special student of his.
However, the peaceful theoretical class time is always short-lived. When the bell rang and the afternoon practical class arrived, You was in a somewhat awkward situation.
The practical class was held in the school’s open-air training grounds. Under the guidance of Sensei Iruka, the students divided into groups and began practicing throwing techniques and the Three-Body Technique. The whirring sounds of shurikens and kunai flying through the air were incessant, accompanied by the “bang bang bang” sounds of the clone techniques succeeding or failing. Naruto was still the troublemaker, his clones were distorted, missing arms and legs, and drew laughter. Sasuke, on the other hand, demonstrated his prowess as a genius, his shuriken accuracy and the execution of the Three-Body Technique were both impeccable, causing Sakura’s screams to rise even higher.
Hoshino Yuu, on the other hand, became a backdrop to the intense training ground. Unable to refine chakra, he naturally couldn’t practice any ninjutsu, not even the most basic three-body technique. He could only stand silently in a corner of the training ground, watching his classmates sweat.
The other students would occasionally glance at him during breaks in practice. Some of their looks held a touch of sympathy; after all, being in a ninja school and not being able to become a ninja was inherently cruel. Others held subtle amusement, perhaps thinking he was an outlier, or perhaps simply harboring a childish sense of superiority.
Yuu was already accustomed to these varied looks. He simply responded with a gentle smile, his eyes clear and calm, as if none of the sympathy or teasing stirred a ripple in his heart. He didn’t care, for he had his own way of “training.” He carefully observed every movement of his classmates, both successful and unsuccessful. He would note the subtle angle of Sasuke’s wrist as he threw a shuriken, Naruto’s clumsy yet incredibly focused expression as he formed hand seals, and even the coordination of some ordinary classmates as they practiced substitution techniques. He silently memorized these details, as if conducting an analysis and study that only he could understand.
Iruka-sensei would often notice Yuu in the corner and sigh inwardly. He knew Yuu’s hard work and dedication, and felt sorry for his situation. But the ninja world was such a reality. Without chakra, the path of ninja was completely cut off.
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ActivityRegister as a Filo member and receive 200 points![Register Now]Chapter 2 You Won’t Be Disappointed (Old Version)
You stood there quietly, the sunlight stretching his shadow very long. He was like a small, unknown grass, beside many thriving saplings, diligently absorbing its own nutrients, waiting for the opportunity to sprout that might never come.
The school bell rang, signaling the end of the day’s classes. Students left in groups of two or three, discussing where to continue their training or where to grab something delicious. Yu packed his bag and, instead of heading straight home as usual, headed towards a street slightly off the beaten path.
The place he was going to was a flower shop in the mountains.
Yamanaka Flower Shop is one of Konoha Village’s famous flower shops, run by Ino Yamanaka’s mother. From a young age, Yuu would occasionally help out with odd jobs there, earning a small amount of pocket money and filling his spare time. Ino’s mother, Mrs. Yamanaka, was a gentle and kind woman who adored this quiet, yet diligent, and quiet boy.
When You walked into the flower shop, Ino hadn’t returned from school yet. Mrs. Yamanaka was pruning a batch of newly arrived roses. Seeing You, she smiled kindly, “You-kun, are you done with school? Want to help out today?”
“Yes, Aunt Yamanaka.” You bowed politely, put down his schoolbag, and picked up the small apron in the corner and tied it on with familiarity. “Is there anything I can do for you?”
“It’s the same as always. Please move those new sunflowers at the door to the backyard, and water the hyacinths on the windowsill. By the way, there are some empty flower pots in the warehouse that need to be sorted out.” Mrs. Yamanaka said as she deftly cut off the extra leaves of the roses.
“Okay,” You replied, and set to work. He began by carefully moving the pots of vibrant sunflowers into the sun in the backyard, ensuring they received ample sunlight. The sunflowers’ golden petals, like smiling faces, brightened his mood. Then, he picked up a small watering can and carefully watered the delicate hyacinths on the windowsill, controlling the amount of water to avoid damaging their fragile roots. Finally, he went to the somewhat cluttered warehouse and neatly stacked the scattered empty flower pots according to size and material, making the entire warehouse look much fresher.
Just when You was almost done with her work, the wind chimes at the door of the flower shop made a crisp sound of “ding-ling-ling” and a vibrant voice came in: “Mom, I’m back!”
It was Yamanaka Ino. She and Haruno Sakura had entered the shop together, noisily. Seeing Yuu, wearing an apron and wiping an empty vase, Ino habitually raised her chin, her tone carrying a subtle hint of tsundereness as she commanded, “Hey, Hoshino Yuu, those lilies over there need their stems trimmed. Also, hand me that bunch of freshly wrapped gentian flowers. Sakura wants to take one home.”
“Got it, Ino.” Yu put down the vase and smiled gently, without any impatience. He picked up the scissors and walked over to the lily bucket, carefully cutting off a small section at the base of each lily. Then, following Ino’s instructions, he handed her the bunch of gentian flowers, carefully wrapped in lavender wrapping paper.
Haruno Sakura took the flowers and smiled sweetly at You: “Thank you, You-kun.” Then she and Ino whispered about Sasuke.
Yu just smiled and shook his head, continuing to do what he was doing. He liked the atmosphere of the flower shop, the air was always filled with the faint fragrance of various flowers and plants, refreshing. There was no tense competition like in the ninja school, nor the collision of power on the training ground, only tranquility and beauty. He also liked to see Ino’s energetic look. Although she was sometimes harsh and liked to tell him to do this and that, Yu knew that she had no ill intentions, it was just her unique way of expression. Watching her laughing and playing with friends, or her focused expression when she was seriously learning flower arrangement techniques, Yu felt that such daily life was also interesting.
The afterglow of the setting sun streamed through the shop’s glass windows, gilding each flower with a warm golden glow. Surrounded by the floral fragrance, I felt this rare tranquility and beauty, and the depression in my heart seemed to be quietly dissolved by the fragrance.
On a weekend morning, You woke up a little later than usual. The sun had already crept up the windowsill, illuminating the room. Instead of preparing breakfast right away as usual, he washed up carefully and changed into a clean, plain outfit.
Then, he took some money from his small savings and went to the village flower shop. Ino was in charge of the shop today. She was a little surprised to see Yuu buying flowers, but she enthusiastically recommended a few. Yuu finally chose a bouquet of fresh, budding daisies, white and pale yellow, exuding a delicate fragrance that represented pure longing.
After paying and thanking him, You held the bouquet of daisies and did not go home or anywhere else. Instead, he walked slowly towards the memorial stone at the edge of the village alone.
The memorial stood there, solemn and dignified. Engraved on it were the names of countless ninja who had sacrificed their lives protecting Konoha in wars and missions. The sunlight, shining on the cold stone, seemed unable to dispel the heavy weight of grief.
Yuu searched carefully among the densely packed names, and soon he found two familiar ones—Hokino Ken and Hoshino Misaki. Those were his parents’ names. Their names were engraved side by side, as if they had been together in life.
He gently placed the bouquet of fresh daisies on the stone platform beneath his parents’ names, then stepped back and bowed slightly.
“Dad, Mom, I’m here to see you.” You’s voice was very soft, with a hint of the youthfulness unique to teenagers, and it sounded particularly clear in front of this silent memorial.
He sat on the ground, leaning his back against a slightly cool stone, looking up at the blue sky, and began to chatter about the trivialities of his recent life.
“The school has been teaching new theoretical knowledge lately, which is very interesting, and I’m doing pretty well. But the practical classes… are still the same old.” He chuckled self-deprecatingly, his tone lacking much disappointment, as if he were simply stating a perfectly normal fact. “Naruto is still as loud as ever, and Sasuke is still as popular as ever. Iruka-sensei is very kind to me, he’s a good teacher.”
“After school, I still go to the Yamanaka Flower Shop to help. Ino, that girl, still likes to order me around, but Aunt Yamanaka is very kind to me, and the flowers in the flower shop are blooming beautifully. I really like the fragrance there.”
“By the way, I saw a great ninja sparring match in the village a few days ago. They were so fast and powerful, it was really enviable… If I could become a ninja, would I be able to do even better… But I know that’s impossible.”
His voice gradually trailed off, a hint of confusion lingering in his relaxed tone. “Sometimes, I wonder what I can do in the future. Without becoming a ninja, it seems difficult to find a truly meaningful job in Konoha. But don’t worry, I will work hard and strive to live a good life in Konoha. I won’t let you down.”
Turn on lazy reading mode
Chapter 3: Sharp Contrast (Old Edition)
He looked down at his parents’ names on the stone tablet, his eyes filled with admiration. “Although I can’t become a powerful ninja like you and protect the village, I will, in my own way, protect the peace you sacrificed your lives for, protect our little home, and protect… myself.”
A gentle breeze blew past, ruffling the strands of hair on his forehead, bringing a touch of coolness and seemingly taking away some of the depression that had been pent up in his heart for a long time. He sat quietly for a long time, until the sun gradually set in the west, and then he slowly stood up.
“Dad, Mom, I have to go back. I’ll come to see you next time.” He bowed to the stone tablet again, then turned around and slowly left the memorial.
The setting sun stretched his shadow long, his small figure seeming a little lonely, but his steps were remarkably firm. The confusion and melancholy in his heart seemed to find some solace and guidance in the whispers with his parents. He knew that no matter what the future held, he would strive hard and live his life conscientiously.
A few days after returning from the memorial, Yuu’s life returned to its usual calm. Ninja school’s curriculum continued to combine theory with practice, and he continued to excel in theory classes while quietly observing the practical ones. After school, he would help out at the Yamanaka Flower Shop and occasionally wander around the village, taking in the daily life of Konoha.
That afternoon, after finishing his work at the flower shop, You didn’t go home directly. Instead, he chose a path he didn’t usually take, hoping to see a different view. Before he knew it, he had reached the third training ground.
The third training ground is one of the more famous training grounds in Konoha Village, because it was once the place where the legendary three ninjas practiced. Now it is also the place where many ninja teams conduct actual combat exercises and physical training.
As Yuu approached, he heard powerful shouts and heavy blows. Curious, he looked in the direction of the sound and saw a young man in a tight green training suit in the center of the training ground, engaging in physical training with an almost frantic intensity. It was Rock Lee.
Xiao Li’s forehead was covered in beads of sweat, soaking through his signature green training suit. It clung to his body, outlining his muscular form, though not massive, yet bursting with explosive power. He was striking a thick wooden stake with rapid and ferocious punches and kicks. Each punch and kick rang with the sound of wind breaking through, as if unleashing all his strength upon the stake. His movements were swift and precise, yet his face held a trace of pain and determination unbearable for ordinary men.
Next to Xiao Li stood a man, also wearing a green training suit, with bushy eyebrows and a signature bowler haircut. It was his instructor, Might Guy. With his arms folded across his chest and his signature passionate smile on his face, Guy loudly encouraged Xiao Li: “Right! That’s it! Li! Burn your youth! A thousand more times! Let your sweat bear witness to your efforts!”
“Yes! Teacher Kai!” Xiao Li roared in response, his movements becoming even faster.
Yu stood in the distance, watching the scene silently, deeply moved. He knew that Lee, like him, was unable to use ninjutsu or genjutsu, relying solely on physical techniques to forge ahead on the ninja path. But Lee’s unwavering determination to master physical techniques to perfection was like a blazing fire, deeply moving Yu. It was a pure, reckless dedication to achieving his goal.
Just as You was immersed in the shock brought by Xiao Li’s perseverance, a slightly chaotic sound came from the other side of the training ground. It seemed that a few recently graduated Genin were practicing shuriken throwing.
“Be careful!” One of the Genin suddenly exclaimed.
Before You could react, he felt a strong wind mixed with the cold light of metal flying towards him crookedly!
It was a missed shuriken!
Everything happened in a flash. You’s pupils suddenly shrank, and his body suddenly turned to the left, almost relying on a survival instinct!
“Swish!”
The icy shuriken flew past, almost glancing at the right corner of his clothes, with a slight sound of cloth tearing, and then with a “click”, it was deeply nailed into the trunk of a big tree not far behind him, and the metal at the tail was still trembling slightly.
Yuu remained sideways, frozen in place, a thin layer of cold sweat instantly seeping out of his forehead. He could clearly feel how close the shadow of death was to him in that instant. If he had reacted just a fraction of a second later, the shuriken would have pierced his body.
He slowly turned his head and looked at the nearly hiltless shuriken, his heart still pounding in his chest. A sense of dread, a sense of having survived a catastrophe, washed over him like a tide.
“Hey! Are you okay?” The terrified Genin who had made the mistake ran over, a look of apology and panic on his face. Several other companions also gathered around.
You took a few deep breaths, trying to calm his pounding heart. He forced a pale smile and shook his head: “I… I’m fine.” His voice was still trembling.
Teacher Kai and Xiao Li also noticed the commotion here, stopped training, and walked over. Teacher Kai frowned and scolded the Genin, “When practicing shuriken, you must pay attention to your surroundings! What if you hurt someone?!”
“I’m sorry! Teacher Kai! I’m sorry! This…classmate!” The Genin bowed and apologized repeatedly.
Yuu waved his hands, indicating he was truly fine. But his heart lingered. This was the first time he had experienced the dangers of the ninja world so closely. Normally, the ninja he saw were mostly powerful and reliable, protecting the village. But today, the shuriken he had missed had made him realize that even training between ninjas was fraught with unpredictable risks. And how vulnerable was he, a mere mortal, facing such danger?
He glanced at Xiao Li, who was still breathing heavily but his eyes were filled with concern. Then he glanced at the shuriken nailed to the tree, and a mixture of emotions filled his heart. Admiration for Xiao Li’s perseverance, helplessness at his own weakness, and fear of the life-or-death moment just now, all these emotions intertwined, making him a little dazed for a moment.
He silently said goodbye to Teacher Kai and Xiao Li, then left the third training ground with a somewhat unsteady step. This sudden “accident” today had thrown a large stone into the calm lake of his heart, stirring up layers of thoughts.
After the shock of the shuriken strike at the third training ground, Yuu couldn’t quite recover. The feeling of the cold shuriken brushing past him seemed to still linger on the edge of his clothing. He subconsciously touched the scratch. It was only a tiny crack, but for Yuu, it was like a warning bell, a constant reminder of the potential dangers of this world.
On the way home, he replayed the scene in his mind. Meanwhile, Xiao Li’s fierce determination to become stronger, his relentless fight, his unwavering determination, etched itself deeply into his heart like a brand. Xiao Li’s sweat, his roars, his unwavering determination despite the pain, formed a stark contrast to his own powerlessness in the face of danger.
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Chapter 4 Attribute Light Ball (Old Version)
“If…if I had the power…” This thought popped up uncontrollably from the bottom of his heart. He didn’t aspire to become a powerful ninja to carry out those dangerous missions. He just…just hoped that when faced with sudden danger, he would have the ability to protect himself, instead of relying on instinct and luck like before.
A strong desire to survive, coupled with frustration at his own weakness, intertwined into a hidden desire for strength, which quietly grew within him. He hoped to live a more stable life, and in this uncertain world, a little self-preservation might be the cornerstone of stability.
Just as You was walking into a secluded alley with his mind wandering and uneasy, his steps suddenly stopped.
“drop……”
A cold, emotionless mechanical voice sounded in his mind without any warning.
“Detecting the host’s strong desire for survival and desire for power, the ‘Attribute Pickup System’ is binding…”
You froze in place, a look of bewilderment and astonishment on his face. He glanced around subconsciously, but the alley was empty, with only the rustling of fallen leaves in the breeze.
“Hallucinations?” He frowned, muttering to himself uncertainly. The shock he had just experienced had left him somewhat dazed, so hallucinations seemed possible.
He shook his head, trying to dispel the strange voice in his mind, and continued walking towards home.
However, when he pushed open the door, walked into the familiar room, and placed his schoolbag on the low table, the cold mechanical voice once again rang clearly in his mind:
“Bind progress 10%…”
“Bind progress 30%…”
“Bind progress 70%…”
“Bind progress 100%…”
“Binding successful. The host can enhance their abilities by picking up attribute light balls scattered by others or in specific environments.”
This time, You was certain that this was definitely not an auditory hallucination! The voice was crystal clear, and every word was accurately transmitted to his consciousness.
“Attribute Pickup System?” Yu muttered to himself, his eyes filled with disbelief and a hint of anticipation. As a teenager who had devoured the multitude of miscellaneous books in the ninja school library, he had come across legends about adventures and special abilities, but they were mostly dismissed as nonsense. But now, something so unbelievable seemed to be actually happening to him.
He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. He tried to silently say in his mind: “System?”
The mechanical voice in my mind immediately responded: “What are the host’s instructions?”
Really… it’s true! You’s heart began to beat uncontrollably. He suppressed his excitement and continued to ask in his mind: “What is the attribute light ball? How do I pick it up? How can I improve my abilities?”
The system replied coldly, “Attribute Light Orbs are the energy essence emitted by organisms or specific environments when engaging in specific activities or experiencing emotional fluctuations. They exist in the form of light orbs and are only visible to the host. When the host concentrates and observes the target or environment, there is a chance that they will discover the attribute light orbs. Once discovered, the host simply needs to silently say ‘pick up’ in their mind to absorb the attribute light orbs and enhance the corresponding abilities. The specific ability enhancement effect depends on the type and strength of the attribute light orbs.”
“Only visible to me… Silently recite to pick up…” You silently digested this information. He tried to follow the system’s instructions, focusing his mind and looking around his small room.
The room was very quiet, with only the sound of his own breathing. He carefully looked at the table, bookshelf, tatami… but did not find any so-called “light ball”.
“Is it… not available now?” You was a little confused.
The system prompts: “The generation of attribute light balls is random and requires specific conditions. It is recommended that the host try in an area with many people or frequent energy fluctuations.”
“Areas with a large number of people or frequent energy fluctuations…” Yuu thought about it and thought that the training grounds of the ninja school, or those places where ninjas often practiced sparring, would undoubtedly meet this requirement. Especially the third training ground that had just experienced an “accident”, Xiao Li’s strong physical strength and willpower, and the chakra fluctuations when the ninjas practiced ninjutsu, perhaps…
A bold idea formed in his mind. He decided to go to the third training ground again to take a look!
With a mixture of doubt and skepticism, You once again headed towards the third training ground. He felt a mixture of nervousness and anticipation, like a child about to uncover a mysterious treasure. If this so-called “attribute acquisition system” was real, then perhaps his life would truly be changed by it.
He cautiously approached the perimeter of the third training ground. Instead of walking directly to the edge of the field like last time, he chose a relatively hidden grove of trees from which he could observe the situation inside the training ground.
At this moment, the training grounds were still bustling with activity. Xiao Li was still sweating profusely as he continued his physical training, his shouts filled with power. Meanwhile, the Genin who had previously practiced shuriken were now even more diligent and cautious in their throwing exercises under the supervision of Sensei Kai.
You took a deep breath, followed the prompts of the system in his mind, concentrated all his energy, and cast his eyes on Xiao Li who was doing extreme squats.
Just as he was concentrating on observing, an incredible scene happened!
He was surprised to find that on Xiao Li’s body, there were several faint green light spots as big as fireflies, slowly floating out, staying in the air for a moment, and then seemed to dissipate.
These spots of light were very dim. If one did not observe carefully, or in other words, if the system had not given him the ability to be “visible”, he would probably not be able to detect them at all.
“This… is this the attribute light ball?” You’s heartbeat accelerated again.
Almost at the same time as he had this thought, the cold mechanical voice in his mind rang again:
“Found three spheres with the attribute ‘Physique +0.05’. Pick them up?”
“Found a light ball with the attribute ‘Perseverance +0.02’. Do you want to pick it up?”
The series of prompts surprised and delighted You. Without hesitation, he silently said in his mind: “Pick up! Pick up all!”
As he finished his thought, the green spots of light floating around Xiao Li and the smaller pale white spot of light seemed to be attracted by some invisible force and turned into several imperceptible streams of light that instantly sank into his body!
The next moment, You felt a faint warmth surge through his body, so subtle it was almost imperceptible, but it was there. At the same time, his mind seemed to be inexplicably stirred, as if a faint but firm will had merged into his consciousness.
“Success! It really worked!” You suppressed his ecstasy and tried not to show any abnormality. He looked at Xiao Li greedily, hoping that he could drop more attribute light balls.
Unfortunately, after he picked up those light balls, no new light balls appeared on Xiao Li’s body for the time being.
Undeterred, Yuu turned his gaze towards the Genin practicing their shuriken. With each throw, each concentration of chakra, a subtler, almost invisible speck of light of various colors seemed to emanate, but it quickly dissipated into the air, leaving the system with no notification.
Chapter 5: Picking up Tsunade’s attributes (old version)
“It seems the generation and intensity of attribute light balls is related to the opponent’s state and the intensity of their behavior,” You mused. Xiao Li’s extreme physical training clearly made it easier to generate and condense attribute light balls.
He tried to move slowly around the perimeter of the training ground, expanding his observation range in the hope of making new discoveries. He was highly focused, carefully searching for any possible “light spots.”
The emergence of this “attribute acquisition system” was like a ray of light piercing the darkness, illuminating his once ordinary, even somewhat bleak, life. For the first time, he felt that the future seemed filled with infinite possibilities. The “power” that had once seemed out of reach no longer seemed so illusory.
Yu’s heart was filled with excitement and anticipation. He carefully hid this huge secret and began his unknown journey of “picking up”.
After successfully picking up the first attribute light ball from Xiao Li, You was filled with confidence and curiosity about this magical system. He began to consciously seek out and try to pick up more attribute light balls to verify the system’s capabilities and to slightly increase his own insignificant power.
The next morning, Yuu arrived at the Ninja Academy on time as usual. He listened attentively to the theory class, but a portion of his attention was focused on observing his classmates and teachers. He noticed that when Iruka-sensei became emotionally involved, or when students were poring over a difficult problem, they would occasionally emit extremely faint, almost imperceptible, points of light of various colors.
For example, when Iruka-sensei was explaining the Will of Fire, his eyes gleaming with determination, Yuu seemed to see a faint red glow from him, but the system didn’t prompt him to pick it up, and the glow disappeared as soon as it flashed. And when a classmate was scratching his head in frustration because he couldn’t answer a question, a tiny gray light representing “distress” seemed to appear above his head, but it was also very faint and could not be picked up.
“It seems that not all energy dissipation can form pickable attribute light balls, or in other words, those with insufficient intensity cannot be recognized and absorbed by the system.” You analyzed silently in his mind.
The real opportunity is in the practical class in the afternoon.
As his classmates began practicing throwing techniques and three-body techniques, Yuu focused again, observing carefully.
Uzumaki Naruto remained the center of attention. He attempted the clone technique again and again, only to produce a multitude of bizarrely defective creations. With each failure, Naruto would cry out in frustration or defiantly attempt another hand seal. Yuu noticed that when Naruto was concentrating intensely on a hand seal, or when his emotions fluctuated violently after a clone failed, pale blue orbs of light, more condensed than the previously observed gray, would emanate from him.
“Two light balls with the attribute ‘Spirit +0.02’ have been found. Do you want to pick them up?” The system’s prompt sounded at the right time.
“Pick it up!” You muttered silently. Two faint blue lights merged into his body, and he felt his mind become a little clearer, his focus becoming easier. Although the effect was minimal, this tangible change delighted him.
Then, he turned his gaze to Uchiha Sasuke. Sasuke trained meticulously, striving for precision with every shuriken throw. When he landed a few perfect hits on the bull’s eye, a flicker of satisfaction crossed his eyes, or a slight frown formed at a flawed movement, Yu could see tiny sparks of light in him.
“One light ball with the attribute ‘Accuracy +0.03’ has been found. Do you want to pick it up?”
“Pick it up!”
A pale blue ball of light merged into his body. Yu subconsciously moved his wrist and felt that his control over his body seemed to have become a little more precise. Although this feeling was more of a psychological effect, it was better than nothing.
Besides Naruto and Sasuke, the two “big droppers,” other students would occasionally drop faint orbs of light like “Physical Fitness +0.01” and “Chakra Control Experience (tiny amount, ineffective to the host but perceptible)” while diligently practicing. As long as the system indicated they could be picked up, Yuu would accept them all.
The increases in these attributes were very small, and individually negligible. But You believed in the principle that small gains add up to big gains. Furthermore, every successful pickup gave him a deeper understanding of the system and a greater anticipation for his future possibilities.
He discovered that individuals who worked harder, were more focused, and had greater emotional fluctuations were more likely to drop attribute light balls when engaging in activities related to those activities. Furthermore, individuals with higher talent seemed to drop higher-quality light balls. For example, Sasuke’s “Accuracy” dropped was superior to the “Throwing Experience” dropped by other ordinary students.
You carefully carried out his “collection” project. He was like a diligent scavenger, quietly collecting those forgotten “treasures” in corners that others did not notice. He still had a gentle smile on his face. No one knew that this inconspicuous “auditor” in the practical class was quietly changing in a way that was not known to others.
He even began to look forward to the daily practice classes, because there was hope for him to become stronger.
After school, You didn’t go to the Yamanaka Flower Shop immediately as usual, but instead made a small detour and headed towards the Hyuga clan’s settlement.
The Hyuga clan is a prominent family in Konoha Village, renowned for its powerful bloodline limit, the Byakugan, and its unique soft fist taijutsu. Yuu wondered if members of the Hyuga clan, especially the younger members who were diligently training, might drop high-quality attribute orbs, particularly those related to taijutsu.
Of course, he didn’t dare get too close to the core area. It was heavily guarded, and it wasn’t something an ordinary student like him could approach at will. He simply “wandered” in a small forest outside the Hyuga clan territory. It was relatively secluded, and occasionally some members of the Hyuga family’s side branches or young children would come here for some basic training.
He concentrated his attention, carefully observing the movements in the woods. Sunlight shone through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled spots of light, and the sound of cicadas chirped one after another.
Just when he was about to give up and thought that he would not gain anything today, a small figure came into his sight.
In a clearing deep in the woods, a girl who looked slightly younger than him was practicing a style of boxing he had never seen before. The girl had short, dark blue hair that reached her forehead, and wore simple training clothes. Her face was flushed from the constant exercise, and beads of sweat oozed from her forehead.
It was Hyuga Hinata. Yu recognized her. She was a student in the same grade as him but in a different class at the ninja school. She was the eldest daughter of the Hyuga main family. She was very shy and introverted. She was always timid and didn’t attract much attention.
Hinata, now a shadow of her usual frail self, now possessed a focused and serious expression, each move executed with precision. While her movements were still a little awkward, and her power levels off in places, her dedication and effort were palpable. With every swing of her palm, every step she took, she exerted her full strength, as if her small frame contained a considerable amount of energy.
Yuu’s attention was immediately drawn to her. He focused his gaze on Hinata, who was diligently practicing her Gentle Fist.
Chapter 6: The Desire for Power (Old Version)
Sure enough, a surprise appeared!
With each effort Hinata swung her palm or completed a routine of soft fist, several light blue, crystal clear balls of light like water droplets would slowly float out of her body, occasionally mixed with some smaller, almost transparent white balls of light.
“Two spheres with the attribute ‘Physique +0.03’ have been found. Do you want to pick them up?”
“Found a light ball with the attribute ‘Soft Fist Experience +0.01’. Do you want to pick it up?”
The system’s prompt sounds rang one after another, making You happy.
“Pick up! Pick up all!” He gave the order in his mind without hesitation.
Several faint rays of light quickly merged into his body. A warm current, even more pronounced than the “spiritual” attribute he had previously received from Naruto, slowly flowed through his limbs and bones, making him feel lighter and more energetic. At the same time, a strange and subtle understanding of the soft fist quietly merged into his consciousness. Although he could not yet understand or apply it, the feeling was real.
Yuu thought to himself, “As expected, the attributes dropped by the Hyuga family are of higher quality! Especially the experience related to bloodline limits and secret taijutsu!”
He didn’t dare to disturb Hinata who was concentrating on practicing, but just stayed far away and quietly behind the tree, continuing to observe, hoping to gain more.
Hinata seemed completely oblivious to Yuu’s presence, still immersed in her own training. She repeated the soft fist techniques over and over again, even when sweat soaked her hair and clothes, even when her breathing grew heavier, she didn’t stop. Her usually shy face was now filled with determination.
Yuu couldn’t help but feel a strange fondness and admiration for this hardworking and dedicated girl. He knew the Hyuga clan was very strict with their children, and Hinata, as the eldest daughter, must have endured even greater pressure. Her hidden dedication made him see the inner strength of this shy girl.
He also picked up several light balls of “physique” and “gentle fist experience” from Hinata. Although the number was not large, the quality was quite good.
Hinata stumbled and nearly fell down due to exhaustion, then she stopped by holding onto a small tree, breathing heavily. Her face was full of fatigue, but her eyes still held a glint of unwillingness to admit defeat.
Yuu knew that today’s “collection” probably ended here. He quietly left the grove without letting Hinata know of his presence.
Today’s unexpected discovery filled him with even greater anticipation for the future. He began to think more actively about which places and people might drop more and better attribute orbs. This magical system was opening a door to an unknown world for him.
As night fell, warm lights lit up in every household in Konoha Village. Yu returned to his humble hut, locked the doors and windows, and lit the oil lamp.
He sat at the low table, not rushing to prepare dinner, but impatiently muttering in his mind: “System, open the attribute panel.”
As he thought about it, a light blue, translucent screen, visible only to him, quietly appeared before his eyes. On the screen, his current attribute data was clearly displayed:
Host: Hoshino Yu
Strength: 10.1 (initial 10)
Physical strength: 10.2 (initial 10)
Speed: 10.05 (initial 10)
Spirit: 10.15 (initial 10)
Intelligence: 10 (starting with no significant source of growth)
special:
Gentle Fist Experience: 0.05
Accuracy: 0.03
Note: The average value of basic attributes of ordinary adult males is 10.
Looking at these data, Yuu couldn’t suppress a smile. Although the increase in each attribute was extremely small, and the numbers after the decimal point even seemed a little pitiful, for an ordinary person who was originally powerless and unable to refine chakra, this was already a huge surprise!
“Strength, physique, speed, spirit…” Yuu glanced at them one by one. He could clearly recall the sources of these small gains: the “physique” he gained from the perseverance of Rock Lee, the “spirit” he gained from Naruto’s hard work, the “accuracy” he gained from Sasuke’s precise throws… and today, the “physique” and precious “soft fist experience” he gained from Hinata’s solitary training.
While the value of “Soft Fist Experience 0.05” might seem insignificant, You knew it meant he had already gained a glimmer of understanding about the art. Perhaps it wouldn’t manifest itself yet, but with continued accumulation, he might eventually master this powerful physical technique!
“My intelligence is still at the base 10. It seems my daily mental activity, studying theoretical knowledge at school or helping out with flower arrangement at the flower shop, isn’t enough for the system to register an increase in my intelligence.” You rubbed his chin, thoughtfully. “Perhaps more focused, higher-intensity mental activity, or exposure to a unique environment or individual embodying ‘intelligence’, is needed.”
When he thought of this, he couldn’t help but have more plans and expectations for the future.
“Although the growth of these attributes is still very slow now, as long as I persist and work hard to ‘pick up’ them every day, one day, these tiny numbers will accumulate into considerable power!” You clenched his fists, his heart filled with unprecedented hope.
He is no longer the “auditor” who can only be a background board in the practical class of the ninja school, no longer the weakling who can only rely on luck in the face of danger. He has a secret weapon that can change his own destiny!
He seemed to have seen that by constantly picking up attributes, his body became stronger and stronger, his mind became more and more sharp, and he even mastered various powerful skills… Of course, all this requires time, patience, and persistent efforts.
“Very good! Starting tomorrow, I will actively search for the source of the attribute light ball!” Yuu secretly made up his mind. He would “explore” every corner of Konoha Village and not miss any opportunity to improve himself.
With this vision and excitement for the future, Youcai felt a little hungry. He stood up and began to prepare his own dinner. The moonlight tonight seemed especially bright.
He understood that his life might become completely different from the moment he possessed this “attribute acquisition system.” This quietly approaching adventure would be the greatest extraordinary event in his ordinary life.
After the heart-pounding experience at the third training ground, Hoshino Yuu’s steps felt unsteady. The icy shuriken, barely gliding past the hem of his shirt, brought not only the fear of near-fatal death but also a profound sense of powerlessness. He glanced down at his still slightly trembling hands, then recalled Rock Lee’s sweaty pursuit of power on the training grounds, his unyielding will, as if to burn through his entire youth. The two formed a stark contrast.
“If…if I could have power…” This thought, like mushrooms after rain, emerged uncontrollably from the depths of his heart. He didn’t aspire to become a powerful ninja, carrying out dangerous missions where life was at stake. He simply…just wished he could possess even the slightest ability to protect himself when faced with sudden danger, rather than relying on instinctive dodging and fleeting luck like he had just now.
Chapter 7 Helpless (Old Version)
A strong desire to survive, coupled with frustration at his own weakness, intertwined into a hidden longing for strength, which quietly grew within him and intensified. He hoped for a more stable and peaceful life, and in this world full of uncertainty and uncertainty, a little bit of self-preservation might be the most solid foundation for this stability.
Just as You was lost in thought and walking restlessly into an alley that was usually deserted, his footsteps suddenly stopped as if they were nailed.
A cold, mechanically synthesized voice, devoid of any human emotion, sounded without warning in the depths of his mind.
You froze in place, a look of bewilderment and astonishment on his face. He instinctively turned his head and looked around. The alley was empty, with only the rustling of a few dry leaves in the breeze and the faint clamor of the street in the distance. There was no sign of a single person.
“Hallucinations?” He frowned, muttering to himself uncertainly. The shock he’d just experienced had left him somewhat dazed and frightened, so a brief auditory hallucination seemed possible. He even raised his hand to rub his temple, trying to clear his mind.
He shook his head vigorously, trying to dispel the sudden and strange voice in his mind, took a deep breath, and continued walking towards his home. However, the uneasiness and doubt, like a stone thrown into the lake, caused ripples in his heart.
As he pushed open the slightly worn wooden door of his home, walked into the familiar, empty room, and casually placed his backpack on the low table, that cold, clear mechanical voice rang out in his mind once again, even more unmistakably:
This time, You was 100% certain that this was definitely not an auditory hallucination! The voice was crystal clear, every byte accurately transmitted to his consciousness, as if someone was whispering in his ear, but he couldn’t find the source of the sound.
“Attribute Pickup System?” Yuu muttered unconsciously, his eyes filled with disbelief and a subtle tinge of anticipation and excitement he hadn’t even noticed. As a teenager who had read numerous miscellaneous books in the ninja school library, he’d come across stories of strange people and events, or of people acquiring special abilities. He’d mostly dismissed them as nonsense, fabricated fantasies. But now, this seemingly unbelievable, story-like scenario seemed to be happening to him.
He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, trying to calm his heartbeat, which had been a bit erratic due to shock. He tried to silently say in his mind, as if he were talking to someone, “System?”
Almost the moment the thought came to his mind, the cold mechanical voice in his mind immediately responded: “What are the host’s instructions?”
It’s true…it’s true! Such incredible things really do exist in this world! You’s heart began to beat uncontrollably, and an indescribable excitement spread through his body like an electric current. He suppressed his ecstasy and shock, trying to keep his thoughts clear. He continued to ask carefully in his mind: “What is the attribute light ball? How do I pick it up? After picking it up, how can I improve my abilities?”
The system replied in its still, mechanical voice. “Attribute Light Orbs are a portion of the energy essence released by organisms or specific environments when they engage in specific activities, experience specific emotional fluctuations, or display specific abilities. They exist in the form of light orbs, visible only to the host. When the host concentrates and carefully observes the target individual or specific environment, there is a certain chance of discovering the existence of attribute light orbs. Once discovered, the host simply needs to silently recite the ‘pick up’ command to absorb the attribute light orb, thereby enhancing the corresponding ability or gaining related experience. The specific effect of the ability enhancement depends on the type and strength of the attribute light orb, as well as the host’s own absorption efficiency.”
“Only visible to me… Just recite it silently to pick it up…” You chewed over these key pieces of information in his mind. He tried to follow the system’s prompts, concentrating all his energy and slowly looking around his small, simple room.
The room was quiet, with only the occasional chirping of insects outside the window and his own slightly rapid breathing. He carefully examined the old wooden table, the bookshelf stacked with books, the tatami mats… However, he did not find any of the “light balls” described by the system.
“Could it be… that there are no attribute light balls that can be picked up in this room now?” You thought to himself with some doubt.
The system’s prompt sounded at the right time: “The generation of attribute light balls is random and subject to specific conditions. It is recommended that the host try to go to areas with dense crowds, frequent activities, or more intense energy fluctuations. The chance of successfully discovering attribute light balls will be relatively higher.”
“Areas with dense crowds, frequent activities, or intense energy fluctuations…” Several locations immediately popped up in Yu’s mind. The training grounds of the ninja school, where a large number of students practiced various training exercises every day, causing huge fluctuations in chakra and the consumption of physical energy. There were also those public training grounds in the village, where ninjas often practiced sparring or developed new ninjutsu. Especially the third training ground that had just experienced an “accident”, Rock Lee’s almost self-torturing extreme physical training, and the chakra fluctuations when those genin practiced ninjutsu, perhaps…
A bold and tempting idea quickly formed in his mind. He decided to verify it immediately! He would go to the third training ground again to take a look!
You was filled with an indescribable complex of emotions, a mixture of uneasiness about the unknown and a burning desire to change his fate. He carefully locked the door and headed towards the third training ground again. His steps were lighter than ever before, as if they were a breeze. If this so-called “attribute acquisition system” was real, and could truly enhance his abilities as claimed, then perhaps his life would truly undergo earth-shaking changes from this moment on.
He still didn’t walk directly to the edge of the training ground like last time, but chose a more secluded corner of the woods where he could clearly observe the inside of the training ground. He held his breath, his heart pounding with nervousness and anticipation, like a little rabbit in his arms.
At this moment, the third training ground was still bustling with activity. Rock Lee, tirelessly sweating, worked through various intense physical exercises. His shouts were penetrating, echoing across the empty training ground. Meanwhile, the Genin who had previously practiced shuriken now seemed to be practicing even more diligently and cautiously with their throwing techniques under the supervision of Sensei Gai, each throw appearing to be carefully executed.
You took a deep breath and tried to calm his excitement. Then, he followed the prompts from the system in his mind, concentrated all his energy, and cast his eyes closely on Xiao Li, who was doing extreme squats with sweat flowing down his forehead like a stream.
Chapter 8 Practical Lesson (Old Edition)
Just after he concentrated on observing for just a few seconds, an incredible scene happened right before his eyes!
He was surprised to find that on Xiao Li’s body, there were several light spots as big as fireflies on a summer night, emitting faint green light. They slowly floated out from his constantly heaving body, swayed slightly in the air, stayed for a moment, and then seemed to gradually dim and disappear.
These points of light were extremely dim. If he hadn’t been so focused and possessed the “visibility” ability granted by the system, he probably wouldn’t have been able to detect their existence at all. They were like the occasional reflection of dust in the air, but they also carried a strange vitality.
“These… these green spots of light, could they be the attribute light balls that the system mentioned?” You’s heartbeat almost stopped at this moment. He widened his eyes, afraid of missing any details.
Almost at the same moment when this thought came into his mind, the cold and familiar mechanical voice in his mind sounded again on time:
A series of system notifications echoed in You’s mind like the sounds of nature, filling him with an indescribable sense of ecstasy and excitement. Without hesitation, he summoned all his strength and silently chanted, “Pick up! Pick up all!”
As this thought came to his mind, the attribute light balls that were originally floating around Xiao Li’s body and emitting faint green light, as well as the smaller perseverance light ball that emitted a faint white light, seemed to be pulled by some invisible and powerful suction force, and instantly turned into several almost imperceptible streams of light, like young swallows flying into the forest, and sank directly into his body!
The next moment, You clearly felt a faint yet real warmth coursing through his body. It was so subtle, like a sip of warm water on a winter’s day, barely perceptible, yet it was there, flowing slowly through his limbs. At the same time, his spirit seemed to be inexplicably stirred, as if a faint but remarkably firm will had quietly infused his consciousness.
“Success! I actually picked up the attribute light orb! This system is real!” You forcibly suppressed the ecstasy that threatened to burst out of his heart, and tried to control his facial expression, not letting his excessive excitement show any abnormality, so as not to be noticed by Teacher Kai or Xiao Li on the training ground. He looked greedily, or perhaps it was full of hope, at Xiao Li who was still undergoing intense training, and deep in his heart he longed for him to drop more attribute light orbs.
Unfortunately, after he successfully picked up those attribute light balls, no new ones appeared on Xiao Li’s body. It seemed that the generation of attribute light balls was not continuous, but required a certain amount of accumulation or specific triggering conditions.
Yuu wasn’t discouraged. He carefully shifted his gaze from Xiao Li, who was still training, to the genin on the other side of the training ground practicing shuriken throwing. With each shuriken throw, each attempt to concentrate and control the weak chakra within their bodies, ever-tinier, almost invisible specks of light of various colors seemed to emanate from them. However, these specks of light often dissipated into thin air as quickly as they appeared, and the system didn’t even prompt him to pick them up.
“It seems the generation and intensity of attribute light balls are closely related to the opponent’s current state, the intensity of their actions, and their concentration,” You silently analyzed in his mind. “Xiao Li’s near-extreme physical training and his unwavering will to never give up clearly make it easier for him to generate and condense attribute light balls that I can pick up.”
He tried to move very slowly around the outskirts of the grove, hoping to expand his observation range slightly and hoping to make new discoveries. He was highly focused, like an experienced hunter, carefully searching for any possible “prey” – those shimmering attribute light balls.
For Hoshino Yuu, this sudden “attribute acquisition system” was like a brilliant light piercing through the endless darkness, instantly illuminating his once ordinary, even somewhat bleak, life. For the first time, he felt so clearly that his future seemed filled with infinite possibilities. The “power” that had once seemed so unattainable to him, so unattainable, now seemed less illusory and within reach thanks to the emergence of this system.
Yu’s heart was filled with unprecedented excitement and boundless anticipation for the future. He carefully buried this huge secret deep in his heart, ready to begin his destined extraordinary and unknown journey of “picking up”.
After successfully collecting Rock Lee’s first attribute light orb, Hoshino Yuu was filled with unprecedented confidence and unquenchable curiosity about this “attribute acquisition system” that had materialized out of nowhere. Like a child with a new toy, he couldn’t wait to explore all its functions, eager to collect more attribute light orbs, hoping to increase his insignificant power by even the slightest bit.
The next morning, Yu arrived at the Ninja School on time, just as usual. Familiar classrooms, familiar classmates, familiar bustle. But in Yu’s eyes, everything seemed shrouded in a strange light. No longer a mere spectator, he began to consciously and more carefully observe everyone and everything around him.
During the theory class, as Iruka-sensei stood at the podium, passionately recounting the history of Konoha Village and the heroic deeds of those who had sacrificed their lives to protect the village, Yuu noticed that Iruka-sensei seemed to be emitting a faint, warm, flame-like red aura. However, the aura was very faint and fleeting, and the system didn’t prompt him to pick it up.
“It seems that emotional fluctuations and the display of will can indeed cause some energy dissipation, but not all dissipation can form attribute light balls that can be collected.” You silently recorded his findings in his mind. “Perhaps the intensity is not enough, or it does not meet the conditions for system judgment.”
He turned his gaze to the students around him. When a classmate was brooding over a difficult theoretical problem, frowning, You could see a faint gray light appear above their head, like a wisp of smoke about to die out, equally impossible to pick up. And when another classmate smiled excitedly after successfully solving a difficult problem, a bright yellow light would briefly flash across their body, but it would also quickly disappear.
The real opportunity, as he expected, came in the afternoon practical class.
Chapter 9: Little World (Old Version)
When the classmates came to the open-air training ground under the guidance of Teacher Iruka and began to practice throwing techniques and three-body techniques, You once again concentrated all his energy and carefully observed everyone on the field like an experienced hunter.
Uzumaki Naruto was still the most active participant. He tried the clone technique again and again, only to produce a series of grotesque, missing, and defective clones accompanied by the sound of “bang bang bang” failure. With each failure, Naruto would yell in frustration or mutter “One more time!” in defiance, before concentrating on forming hand seals once more.
Yuu keenly noticed that when Naruto was concentrating intensely on forming hand seals, or when his emotions fluctuated violently and he complained loudly after his clones failed, he would emit some light blue light balls of his own. These were more condensed than the gray light spots he had seen on Iruka-sensei or his classmates who were deep in thought. These light balls also lingered in the air for a little longer.
“Two light balls with the attribute ‘Spirit +0.02’ have been found. Do you want to pick them up?” In his mind, the system’s cold prompt sounded at the right time.
“Pick it up!” You said silently in his heart without hesitation.
As soon as he finished speaking, the two faint blue lights, as if guided by something, quickly merged into his body. Instantly, he felt his mind become a little clearer. His spirit, which had been somewhat fatigued from observing for so long, seemed to be replenished a little, and his concentration became easier than before. Although the effect of this improvement was still very subtle, almost difficult to accurately describe in words, this tangible change made him extremely happy.
He then turned his gaze to Uchiha Sasuke on the other side. Sasuke’s training was as meticulous as ever, brimming with the composure and confidence of a genius. Each shuriken he threw sought the perfect combination of angle, force, and precision. As he landed a steady stream of shurikens on the bull’s-eye several times in a row, a hint of self-satisfaction flickered in his eyes, or a slight frown formed at a flawed throw. Yu could also see tiny, pale-blue auras emanating from his body.
“One light ball with the attribute ‘Precision +0.03’ has been found. Do you want to pick it up?” The system’s prompt sounded again.
A pale blue ball of light instantly merged into You’s body. He subconsciously moved his wrist, feeling his control over subtle movements becoming ever more precise. While he understood that this feeling was more of a positive psychological suggestion, it was still better than nothing; it at least proved the system’s effectiveness.
Aside from Naruto and Sasuke, the “big spenders” who were more likely to drop attribute orbs due to their exceptional talent or intense mood swings, other diligently practicing students would occasionally drop fainter orbs of various colors, such as “Physical Fitness +0.01,” “Chakra Control Experience (minor, ineffective to the host but perceptible),” and “Throwing Technique (rudimentary)” when they diligently attempted or successfully completed certain moves. As long as the system indicated that a pick-up was available, Yuu, adhering to the principle of “even the smallest mosquito is meat,” would accept any and every one.
Individually, the increases in these attributes were incredibly small, the tiny changes after the decimal point practically negligible. But You firmly believed that small steps add up to a great deal, like sand building a tower. As long as he persevered, these small improvements would accumulate and eventually lead to a qualitative leap.
Moreover, each successful pickup deepened his understanding of this amazing system. He discovered that the harder an individual worked, the more focused they were, and the more emotionally volatile they were, the more likely they were to drop attribute orbs when engaging in specific activities related to those activities. Furthermore, individuals with higher talent, or those who undertook more intense and difficult training, seemed to drop orbs of higher quality. For example, the “Precision” attribute dropped by Sasuke was far more valuable than the “Throwing Experience” dropped by other ordinary students.
Yuu carefully pursued his unseen “collection” enterprise. Like a diligent scavenger, he quietly collected those forgotten, glittering “treasures” in corners unnoticed by others. His face still wore that gentle, harmless smile. Unbeknownst to anyone, this inconspicuous “auditor” in the practical classes of the Ninja Academy, who served only as a backdrop, was quietly undergoing a profound transformation in a way no one could imagine.
He even began to look forward to his practical classes every afternoon. There, he held the hope of becoming stronger and the opportunity to change his fate. He was no longer just a bystander; every observation could bring unexpected rewards.
After school, You did not go to the Yamanaka Flower Shop to help immediately as usual. Instead, he made a small detour and walked slowly towards the Hyuga clan’s settlement.
The Hyuga clan, a prominent and historic family in Konoha Village, was renowned throughout the ninja world for their powerful bloodline limit, the Byakugan, and their unique soft fist taijutsu, passed down through generations. Yuu speculated that the attribute auras emanating from the Hyuga clan members, especially the diligently training young disciples, might be of higher quality than those of their peers at the ninja academy, particularly those related to taijutsu, such as “physique” and “soft fist experience.” This undoubtedly held great appeal for him.
Of course, Yuya was well aware of the tight security of the Hyuga clan territory. The core area was far from accessible to a mere ninja school student like him, one who couldn’t even refine chakra. He cautiously “wandered” through a relatively secluded grove on the outskirts of the Hyuga clan territory. Due to its remote location, the grove was usually deserted, but occasionally, some Hyuga clan members or young children just beginning to learn the basics of soft fist would come here for some basic training.
He focused his attention, his eyes scanning every corner of the woods like radar, his ears alertly listening for any movement around him. Sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting dappled spots of light across the forest floor. The air was filled with the fragrance of grass and earth, and the occasional crisp chirp of cicadas in the distance made the grove seem even more tranquil.
Just when he was about to give up, thinking that he would not gain anything special today, and was about to leave, a small, slightly familiar figure quietly came into his sight.
In a relatively flat, open space deep in the woods, a girl who looked slightly younger than he was silently and meticulously practicing a unique and charming boxing style he had never seen before. The girl had neat, short, dark blue hair that just reached her shoulders, and wore a simple but clean white training robe. Her small cheeks were flushed from the constant exercise, and beads of sweat oozed from her smooth forehead and slowly slid down her cheeks.
Chapter 10: The Young Lady (Old Version)
It was Hyuga Hinata! Yuu recognized her immediately. She was a student in the same grade as him at the ninja school, but in a different class. She was also the eldest daughter of the Hyuga clan. Hinata usually came across as very shy and reserved, her voice as soft as a mosquito’s, and she would always hide timidly behind the crowd, rarely attracting attention.
Hinata, however, was now a stark contrast to her usual frail, timid demeanor. Her gaze was focused and earnest, fixed on a single point in the void ahead, as if a formidable opponent stood there. Each of her moves was executed with precision. Though to Yuu, a complete amateur, her movements seemed slightly awkward, and her power seemed off in places, her dedication and effort were palpable and moving. Every swing of her palm, every step she took, seemed to exhaust her entire being. Her small frame seemed to harbor a considerable energy that belied her appearance.
Yuu’s attention was immediately drawn to her focused training. He subconsciously held his breath, concentrating his mental energy, staring intently at Hinata Hyuga who was diligently practicing her soft fist.
Sure enough, as he expected, the surprise appeared again!
With each effort Hinata thrust her palm forward or completed a full set of soft fist movements, several light orbs emitting a pale blue glow, as translucent as morning dew, slowly drifted out from her petite body. Occasionally, among these pale blue orbs, there would be smaller, almost transparent orbs emitting a pure white light.
In his mind, the system’s cold and precise prompt sounds rang one after another, causing You to feel an indescribable joy in his heart.
“Pick up! Pick up all!” He gave the order in his mind as quickly as possible without hesitation.
Before he finished speaking, those faint light blue and white lights, as if summoned by some mysterious power, quickly shot out from Hinata’s side and silently merged into his body.
Instantly, a warm current, even more pronounced than the “spiritual” orb he’d received from Naruto, slowly flowed through his limbs, making him feel lighter and more energetic than ever before. At the same time, a strange yet remarkably clear and subtle understanding of the Gentle Fist, like a trickle of water, quietly seeped into the depths of his consciousness. Although he couldn’t yet fully grasp the specific meaning of these insights, let alone how to apply them, the undeniable feeling told him that he had indeed gained something valuable.
Yuu couldn’t help but think to himself, “Just as I expected! The attribute light balls dropped by the Hyuga clan are indeed much higher in quality than those of ordinary students! Especially the ‘experience’ attribute that is directly related to their family’s bloodline limit and secret taijutsu. It is simply a priceless treasure to me!”
He didn’t dare make any noise, fearing to disturb Hinata Hyuga, who was concentrating on her practice. He simply hid quietly behind a dense tree, continuing to observe carefully, hoping to gain more.
Hinata seemed completely oblivious to Yuu’s presence, still completely absorbed in her own world of training. She repeated those seemingly intricate and delicate soft fist techniques over and over again. Even though the sweat on her forehead and back had already soaked her hair and thin clothes, and even though her breathing became increasingly heavy from the exhaustion, she showed no sign of stopping. Her face, usually tinged with shyness and anxiety, was now filled with a determination and perseverance that belied her age.
Yuu watched this girl, silently and diligently working behind the scenes, and couldn’t help but feel a strange fondness and sincere admiration. He knew that the Hyuga family had always been very strict, even harsh, with their children. As the eldest daughter of the main family, Hinata must have faced far greater pressure than her peers. Her hidden diligence and perseverance made Yuu see the strength and perseverance hidden deep within this seemingly shy and fragile girl.
He continued to collect several more “Physique” and “Soft Fist Experience” attribute orbs from Hinata. Although the number of orbs dropped each time was not large, usually only one or two, the quality of these orbs was quite good, and the improvement they brought him was more obvious than the ones he had picked up at school before.
Hinata’s legs gave out, and she stumbled, nearly falling to the ground. She finally stopped, holding onto a nearby tree. Bent over, her hands on her knees, she gasped for air, her chest heaving violently. Her face was shrouded in fatigue, and sweat blurred her vision, but her usually watery eyes still held a gleam of unyielding determination.
Yu knew that today’s “collection” would probably end here. Hinata had reached her limit, and it would be difficult for her to produce high-quality attribute light balls in a short period of time. He did not linger any longer, but quietly and slowly retreated from the small forest, just as he had come, without Hinata noticing his presence.
Today’s unexpected discovery outside the Hyuga clan’s territory filled him with even greater anticipation and longing for the future. He began to proactively consider which other places and specific individuals within Konoha Village might drop more and better attribute orbs. This magical “attribute collection system” was slowly opening a door to an unknown and exciting world for him, giving him a glimpse into the dawn of a new destiny.
Night slowly fell, and the bright moonlight cast a hazy and mysterious silver veil over the entire village of Konoha. Through the windows of every household, tiny warm lights shone, complementing the starlight in the sky.
Hoshino Yuu returned to his simple, even somewhat shabby, little room. He carefully checked to make sure the doors and windows were locked before walking to the low table in the center of the room and lighting the small oil lamp. The dim light flickered, casting a shadow of his frail figure against the wall, making it sway slightly.
He didn’t immediately start preparing his dinner as usual, but instead impatiently muttered in his mind, “System, open my attribute panel.”
Chapter 11: The Master is Stuck (Old Version)
As this thought flashed through his mind, a translucent screen, visible only to him and emitting a faint blue fluorescence, quietly and silently appeared before his eyes. The screen was small, just enough to accommodate a few lines of text, clearly displaying his current basic physical attributes:
Strength: 10.1 (initial value is 10)
Physical strength: 10.2 (initial value is 10)
Speed: 10.05 (initial value is 10)
Spirit: 10.15 (initial value is 10)
Intelligence: 10 (starting value, currently no significant source of growth)
Note: The average basic attribute value of an average healthy adult male in this world is 10.
Looking at the concise and clear attribute panel and the numbers that showed tiny but real changes, Yuu couldn’t suppress a bright smile. Although the increase in each attribute was only a fraction of a decimal point, even seemingly insignificant, for an ordinary person who was originally powerless, unable to refine and use chakra, and could only be considered the lowest level of existence in the ninja world, this was already a surprise like a miracle!
“Strength 10.1, Vitality 10.2, Speed 10.05, Spirit 10.15…” Yu stretched out his finger, tapping the numbers one by one on the translucent screen, muttering to himself. He could clearly recall the source of each of these tiny increases: the “physique” and “perseverance” attributes he gained from Rock Lee, who persevered and trained madly for his dream; the “spirit” attribute he gained from Uzumaki Naruto, the mischievous but extremely hardworking in crucial moments; the “accuracy” attribute he gained from Uchiha Sasuke, the gifted and meticulous throwing practitioner… and today, the “physique” and extremely valuable “soft fist experience” attribute he gained from Hinata Hyuga, who practiced silently and tenaciously in a deserted corner.
While the “Soft Fist Experience 0.05” value might seem insignificant, even a bit pitiful, Yuu knew it meant he had a vague understanding of the profound physical technique of the Soft Fist. Perhaps right now, this little experience wouldn’t allow him to apply it in combat, and he might not even be able to execute the most basic Soft Fist stance correctly. But as long as he could continue to accumulate experience, perhaps in the distant future, he would truly master this powerful physical technique, considered a top-tier tradition even in Konoha Village!
“My Intelligence attribute is still at the initial 10 points. It seems that the mental activity I engage in daily, whether studying theoretical knowledge diligently at Ninja School or thinking about how to arrange flowers beautifully while helping out at the mountain flower shop, isn’t enough for the system to register a valid increase in my Intelligence attribute.” Yu gently touched his chin with a finger, a thoughtful look in his eyes. “Perhaps I need to engage in more focused and intensive mental research, or come into contact with special environments or individuals that possess ‘higher intelligence’, to potentially improve this attribute.”
As he thought about this, he couldn’t help but feel more ambitious and anticipating for the future. Improving his intelligence meant stronger learning, analytical, and memory abilities, which would undoubtedly be crucial for him to understand and utilize more complex attributes in the future.
“Although the growth rate of these attributes seems to be very slow now, and each improvement is only a tiny bit, as long as I can persist and work hard every day to ‘pick up’ and discover those attribute light balls hidden in daily life, one day, these tiny numbers will accumulate into a considerable force that is enough to change my destiny!” You slowly clenched his fists, feeling the sense of strength in his body that was a little fuller than before, and his heart was filled with unprecedented hope and fighting spirit.
From this moment on, he was no longer the ignored “auditor” who sat silently in the background during the practical classes at the Ninja School. He was no longer the weakling who could only rely on vague luck and physical instinct to avoid sudden danger. He possessed the secret weapon to change his own destiny! He possessed the key to the path to strength!
He seemed to be able to foresee that in the near future, by constantly picking up various attributes, his body would become stronger and stronger, his reactions would become more and more agile, his spirit would become more and more resilient, and he would even master various powerful skills that he had never dared to think of before… Of course, he also understood that all these beautiful visions would require a lot of time and enough patience, and most importantly – persistent efforts and the determination to never give up.
With this beautiful vision of the future and a deep, unquenchable excitement in his heart, Youcai felt his stomach growl with hunger. He chuckled, shook his head, and rose to prepare his own dinner. The moonlight outside the window tonight seemed especially bright and clear, reflecting his cheerful mood.
He deeply understood that his life might become completely different from the moment he possessed this magical entity called the “Attribute Pickup System.” This adventure that had quietly befallen him would be the most dazzling and extraordinary bright spot in his seemingly ordinary, even somewhat bleak life.
A new day dawned, and the sun, as usual, filled every corner of Konoha Village. Hoshino Yuu awoke in the morning light, washed up, and ate a simple meal before, as usual, shouldering his backpack and heading to Ninja Academy. However, today, his mood was completely different, filled with anticipation for the unknown.
After school, Yuu walked to Yamanaka Flower Shop, familiar with the shop. As soon as he stepped inside, he was greeted by a refreshing aroma of mixed flowers. Ino’s mother, Mrs. Yamanaka, was busy with a customer who had ordered flowers for a celebration. Seeing Yuu, she smiled kindly and asked him to wait a moment.
Yuu nodded, his eyes wandering around the shop. Soon, he spotted Yamanaka Ino, scowling over a pile of flowers at a flower arrangement table in the corner.
Ino seemed to be facing a difficult situation today. Before her stood an exquisite celadon vase, scattered around it were a variety of colorful flowers and greenery: roses, lilies, carnations, and some herbs Yu couldn’t quite name. But Ino hesitated to make a move. She simply rested her chin on her hand, her brow furrowed, her lips slightly pouting, and she looked as if she was about to cry.
“What’s wrong, Ino? Are you in trouble?” Yu walked over and asked softly. He knew that Ino seemed to be worried about a flower arrangement assignment at the Ninja School recently, and it seemed that she was stuck on the idea.
Chapter 12 Hmm (Old Version)
Ino heard the voice, looked up, and saw it was You. She curled her lips habitually, with a barely perceptible grievance and irritation in her tone: “It’s that damn flower arrangement assignment again! The theme is ‘hope’, but I don’t have any inspiration at all! These flowers in my hands, no matter how I arrange them, they don’t feel right!” As she spoke, she scratched her beautiful blonde hair irritably, making the already messy hairstyle even more unruly.
Just as Ino’s emotions were fluctuating wildly due to her distress, You focused his mind and keenly noticed that some tiny balls of light were unconsciously emanating from Ino’s body.
Most of them were dim, gray balls of light, like smoke. You could sense frustration and confusion within them. The system indicated a negative attribute of “Spirit -0.02.” Although You wasn’t sure what the consequences would be of picking up this negative attribute, he silently chose “pick it up” in his mind, believing that “something is better than nothing” and for the sake of experimentation. A faint, almost negligible feeling of oppression flashed through him, but it was quickly dissipated by his own mental strength.
“It seems that negative attributes can also be picked up, but it seems to bring some minor negative effects. However, after my own mental strength is improved, I should be able to resist it.” You secretly analyzed in his heart.
What surprised him even more was that among those gray balls of light, there were also several balls of light emitting a faint pink halo, as beautiful as cherry blossom petals. These pink balls of light were small, but extremely bright.
“Two light balls with the attribute ‘Charm +0.01’ have been found. Do you want to pick them up?” The system’s prompt sounded, making You’s eyes light up.
“Charm? This can be picked up?” You was a little surprised, but still chose “pick up” without hesitation.
Two faint pink lights merged into his body. You didn’t feel any obvious changes in his body, but in some mysterious way, he felt that he seemed to be more likely to be liked by others. It was a very mysterious feeling, difficult to describe.
“So, human emotional fluctuations, or the display of certain traits, truly do emit various attribute light orbs.” You’s understanding of the system deepened. “Furthermore, direct interaction with people, especially when they’re experiencing significant emotional fluctuations or are focused on something, seems to even more easily trigger the generation and release of attribute light orbs.”
After figuring this out, Yuu looked at Ino, who was still struggling with her flower arranging assignment, and an idea came to mind. He didn’t offer any direct flower arranging advice, as he was truly an amateur in the field. He simply smiled gently and tried to soothe her in a relaxed tone, “Don’t worry too much, Ino. Sometimes, the harder you try to think about inspiration, the less likely it is to come. Why not relax for a while and let your mind wander? Maybe you’ll have a new idea later.”
As he spoke, he picked up a clean rag next to him and began to wipe the water stains and scattered petals on the workbench, using his actions to distract Ino’s attention.
“That’s easy for you to say!” Ino pouted, but the irritation on her face seemed to have subsided a little. “You don’t know how to arrange flowers, so of course you can talk without any pain in your back!”
“I really don’t know how to arrange flowers,” You admitted frankly, still with a gentle smile on his face, “but I know, Ino, you have always been good at it, haven’t you? The bouquet of birthday flowers you made for the mother-in-law next door last time was so beautiful. The mother-in-law was happy for several days.” He cleverly turned the topic to Ino’s past success, trying to arouse her confidence.
“Of course!” Ino’s face showed a hint of pride when she mentioned her masterpiece. Her chin was slightly raised and her tone was much lighter. “My flower arranging skills are among the best in the school!”
“Yes, yes,” You nodded repeatedly, his tone sincere, “So this assignment must not be a big problem for you. It’s just that you haven’t found the most appropriate way to express it yet. Why don’t you tell me first, how do you understand the theme of ‘hope’? Perhaps if you express it, your thoughts will become clearer.”
Ino tilted her head, thinking for a moment, and seemed to agree that what Yuu said made sense. She began to ramble on about her understanding of “hope” and the various dilemmas she encountered during the conception process. For example, she wanted to use a sunflower to represent sunshine and hope, but felt it was too direct and lacked originality. She wanted to use a bud about to bloom to symbolize the nurturing of hope, but felt the overall shape wasn’t full enough…
Yu listened patiently, humming a little from time to time, or asking some leading questions, such as “What color do you think hope is?” or “If you use a flower to represent rebirth after despair, what would you choose?” He did not give a specific answer, but simply guided Ino to think for herself and to think divergently.
During the question-and-answer interaction between the two, You was pleasantly surprised to find that as Ino’s emotions gradually calmed down and her mind gradually opened up, the gray “Spirit -0.02” light balls emanating from her body became fewer and fewer, and were replaced by some light yellow “Spirit +0.01” light balls representing “concentration” and “thinking”, as well as more and brighter pink “Charm +0.01” light balls.
Yuu calmly comforted and guided Ino while silently collecting all the attribute orbs. He felt his mental strength slowly growing, his mind becoming clearer. As for those “charm” attributes, while he had no idea what they were specifically used for, the more the better.
Unconsciously, Ino’s frown gradually relaxed, and her eyes became brighter and brighter. She suddenly clapped her hands and said excitedly, “Ah! I figured it out! I can…” She grabbed a few flowers that she had previously despised and began to gesture in front of the vase, her face full of confidence and vitality.
At this moment, Mrs. Yamanaka saw off the guests and came over. Seeing Ino’s energetic appearance and looking at Yuu who was smiling beside her, she couldn’t help but praise: “Our Yuu-kun is really getting better and better at comforting people. Look, Ino was gloomy just now, but now she has found inspiration.”
When Ino heard her mother’s praise, her cheeks turned slightly red and she snorted a little embarrassedly: “It’s…it’s not him who comforted me! I thought of it myself!” But the look in her eyes when she looked at You was less arrogant than usual, and more of an imperceptible closeness.
You simply smiled and said nothing more. He knew that the biggest beneficiary of his “comfort” was actually himself. This small experience of “spirit” and “charm” in the flower shop had given him a deeper understanding of how to acquire attributes. Interacting with people was indeed a good source of attributes.
Since discovering the attribute acquisition system and initially verifying its effectiveness, the focus of Hoshino Yuu’s life has quietly shifted. No longer content with merely learning theoretical knowledge at the Ninja School and working as a helper in the flower shop, he has begun actively working to improve his various attributes.
On the attribute panel, the solitary “Intelligence: 10 (Start)” stood out. He knew that in this world, whether it was learning ninjutsu (though he wasn’t yet capable of it), understanding more profound knowledge, or coping with various complex situations that might arise in the future, intelligence was a crucial foundation.
Chapter 13: Intelligence Sphere (Old Version)
“How can I improve my Intelligence attribute?” You pondered. He recalled the system’s prompt regarding the attribute light orb: “In a specific environment or when focused on something.” So, what kind of place would be considered a specific environment that embodies “intelligence”? What kind of people, when focused on what kind of things, would be more likely to drop the “Intelligence” attribute?
The answer doesn’t seem difficult to guess – the library!
The Konoha Village library is a treasure trove of knowledge for the entire village, housing a vast collection of scrolls and books documenting the village’s history, theories of various ninjutsu techniques, customs and cultures from across the continent, and the wisdom of countless sages. It’s undoubtedly a place steeped in wisdom. Furthermore, the library is often visited by scholars or dedicated ninjas, diligently researching and consulting materials. Their focused concentration on thought and learning creates a perfect opportunity to increase their Intelligence attribute.
Thinking of this, Yuu suddenly had an idea. He decided to go to the Konoha Library to help!
The next day, Yu used his spare time to visit the Konoha Library in the heart of the village. It was an ancient and solemn building, emitting a rich scent of books.
The library manager is an old man with white hair and reading glasses. His name is Gu Jie. It is said that he was also a powerful ninja when he was young. After retirement, he has been managing the books here.
You respectfully explained his purpose to old man Gujie, saying that he was a student of the Ninja School, loved reading, and hoped to do what he could for the library, such as helping to organize books, clean, etc., without asking for any compensation.
Elder Gu Jie adjusted his reading glasses and carefully examined the seemingly quiet and polite young man. Noticing his clear eyes and sincere attitude, he nodded and agreed to his request. “Well, it’s rare to find a young man so fond of books and willing to offer his help. Okay, then come over when you’re free and help me sort the new books into categories and put them on the shelves. Also, just dust the shelves regularly.”
“Thank you, Grandpa Gujie!” You was delighted and thanked him quickly.
In this way, Yu became a “volunteer librarian” at the Konoha Library.
Under the simple guidance of Mr. Gu Jie, You quickly became familiar with the library’s book classification rules and sorting procedures. He would come here every day after school or when he was free on weekends, and silently perform his “duties”.
The library was very quiet, with only the occasional rustle of pages and the patter of footsteps. The air was filled with the unique scent of ink and a faint, old smell of paper, an atmosphere that made You feel very comfortable and relaxed.
He carefully unloaded the heavy books from the cart and carefully placed them on the corresponding shelves according to their categories and numbers. If he encountered some old books with damaged covers or scattered pages, he would use the tools provided by the library to carefully repair and organize them.
In between organizing the books, Yuya took advantage of this rare opportunity to browse through books that interested him. He devoured the documents chronicling Konoha’s history, learning how the village was founded amidst the flames of war and the hardships it had endured. He also browsed the geographical records that described the customs and cultures of the continent’s nations, filled with curiosity about this vast world. Of course, he also tried to read some scrolls on ninjutsu theory, but the sections dealing with chakra utilization and profound principles were still as obscure to him as heavenly books, difficult to understand. However, this did not prevent him from memorizing these seemingly reasonable “theories”.
More importantly, in the library, he finally found an opportunity to improve his “intelligence” attribute!
As he immersed himself in reading, trying to comprehend the words imbued with wisdom, he could occasionally sense extremely faint, almost imperceptible golden lights emanating from those ancient books or scrolls. These lights were rare and fleeting.
“Found a light ball with the attribute ‘Knowledge Fragment (History) +0.001’. Do you want to pick it up?”
“Found a light ball with the attribute ‘Knowledge Fragment (Geography) +0.002’. Do you want to pick it up?”
Although the value of these “shards of knowledge” was pitifully small, You chose to pick them up without hesitation. He believed that if these scattered fragments of knowledge accumulated little by little, they would eventually converge into true wisdom.
And when there were some scholars or older ninjas in the library, concentrating on studying a profound subject with frowns on their faces, thinking hard, or smiling knowingly because of a sudden enlightenment on a difficult problem, You could clearly see light balls of light with the attribute of “intelligence” emanating from them!
“Found a light ball with the attribute ‘Intelligence +0.01’. Do you want to pick it up?”
Every time he successfully picked up an “Intelligence” attribute light ball, You could feel his mind becoming clearer and sharper, and his memory seemed to have improved slightly. This feeling made him ecstatic.
Of course, such opportunities don’t come around often. Scholars aren’t constantly in a state of “inspiration” or “deep thought,” and the “intelligence” orbs they drop aren’t frequent either, so you often need to wait patiently and observe carefully.
But You was undeterred. He enjoyed the quiet and fulfilling time in the library. While quietly sorting books and providing convenience to others, he quietly absorbed the nutrients of knowledge, improving his “intelligence” and various “fragments of knowledge.”
Old Man Gujie was also very satisfied with Yu’s performance. He felt that this young man was not only diligent and studious, but also calm and composed. He was a rare good boy. He would occasionally chat with Yu when he was resting, telling him some old news and interesting stories about Konoha Village, or giving him some advice on how to read.
Thus began Yuu’s part-time job at the Konoha Library. He knew it would be a crucial base for improving his intelligence. Like a sponge absorbing nutrients from the ocean of knowledge, he enriched himself bit by bit.
Time passed quietly in Yuu’s regular and fulfilling life. Every day he traveled between home, Ninja School, the mountain flower shop and the Konoha Library, quietly carrying out his “attribute collection” work.
That afternoon, after helping to sort out a batch of newly arrived scrolls at the library, You estimated the time and “happened” to come to the grove outside the Hyuga clan’s territory.
Ever since he successfully picked up Hinata’s “Physique” and “Soft Fist Experience” attributes here last time, Yu has made this place his “fixed pickup point.” He discovered that Hinata seemed to come here every afternoon at about the same time to practice hard alone.
Chapter 14: Fairly Reasonable (Old Version)
Sure enough, when You quietly sneaked into the grove and came to the hidden observation point last time, he saw the familiar little figure again.
Hinata Hyuga was still wearing her plain white training uniform. Her face was flushed from the intense exercise, and beads of sweat dotted her forehead as she meticulously practiced the soft fist techniques. Her movements seemed more skillful than last time, but still a bit awkward and lacking in effort.
Hinata didn’t seem to be in good shape today. As she turned to continue her acupressure attack, she stumbled slightly, causing the entire movement to become distorted, and she failed to accurately hit her intended target – a small tree that served as a practice target.
“Snap!” Her little hand weakly slapped the edge of the tree trunk, making a slight sound.
“Failed again… again…” Hinata lowered her head in frustration, her voice thick with disappointment and self-blame. She bit her lower lip hard, her eyes slightly reddened, and she looked as if she might burst into tears at any moment. She was deeply dissatisfied with her performance, feeling that she had failed her family’s expectations and her own efforts.
Yu watched this scene from the shadows, and couldn’t help but feel a trace of pity in his heart. He knew Hinata’s personality. She was very demanding of herself, but it was easy for her to fall into self-doubt and depression because of the slightest setback.
At this moment, You noticed that due to the violent fluctuation of emotions, several gray light balls with negative attributes representing “depression” and “loss” floated out from Hinata’s body.
“Two spheres of light with the attribute ‘Spirit -0.03’ have been found. Do you want to pick them up?”
Yuu hesitated. He had picked up negative mental attributes from Ino before, and while the impact wasn’t significant, it wasn’t a good experience. However, looking at Hinata’s pitiful appearance, he suddenly had an idea.
He did not pick up the gray light balls immediately, but took a deep breath and walked out from behind the big tree where he was hiding.
He carefully pulled a small oil-paper package from his schoolbag. Inside was a piece of red bean cake he’d made extra that morning. It was a sweet, soft, and glutinous treat his mother often made for him, one of his favorites. This morning, on a whim, he tried making some from memory, and it tasted pretty good.
Yu summoned up the greatest courage he had ever had in his life, holding the still warm red bean cake, and slowly walked up to Hinata, who was lowering her head and slightly shaking her shoulders.
“Um…Hinata-san.” Yuu’s voice was a little dry, and his heartbeat was strangely faster. This was the first time he took the initiative to talk to Hinata, and under such circumstances.
Hinata looked up in surprise at the voice. Standing before her was Hoshino Yuu, a classmate she’d always remembered as quiet and a strong student in theory classes. Her face flushed like a ripe apple, and her eyes grew flustered and bewildered. She instinctively took a half step back, her hands nervously twisting the corners of her clothes.
“Practicing… you’ve been working hard.” Yuu tried to make his voice sound more natural. He handed the red bean cake in his hand to Hinata, and showed a gentle and friendly smile on his face. “This… is the extra red bean cake I made this morning. It tastes… pretty good. You… you must be very tired after practicing for so long. Take a break and eat something to replenish your energy.”
His words were a little halting, far from being as fluent and natural as when he chatted with Mr. Gu Jie in the library.
Hinata looked at the red bean cake Yuu handed her in surprise, then looked at the sincere and gentle smile on Yuu’s face. Her small nose twitched slightly, as if she could smell the faint sweet fragrance of the red bean cake. Her cheeks turned even redder, and even her ears were stained a lovely pink. She looked at Yuu with a bit of bewilderment, as if she didn’t know how to respond.
“No… no thanks… thank you, Hoshino… Hoshino-kun.” Hinata’s voice was as soft as a mosquito, and if Yu hadn’t been concentrating, it would have been almost inaudible. She lowered her head nervously, not daring to look Yu in the eye.
“It’s okay, take it.” You insisted, passing the red bean cake forward again, “Just think of it as… mutual help between classmates. It’s really amazing that you practice so hard.” His tone was full of sincere appreciation.
Perhaps it was Yuu’s persistence, perhaps it was the sincerity in his words that touched Hinata, or perhaps it was the irresistible aroma of the red bean cake. Hinata hesitated for a moment, but finally stretched out her slightly trembling little hand and took the red bean cake wrapped in oil paper.
“Well… well… thank you, Hoshino-kun.” Hinata’s voice was still soft, but a little clearer than before, with a hint of gratitude and embarrassment in her tone. She still lowered her head, not daring to look into Yu’s eyes.
Just as Hinata took the red bean cake and her mood changed because of Yu’s kindness, Yu was surprised to find that a tiny ball of light emitting a soft pink halo floated out from Hinata’s body!
“Found a light ball with the attribute ‘Joy +0.01’. Pick it up?”
At the same time, because of a short rest and energy replenishment (even if it was only psychological), a light blue “physique” light ball floated out of Hinata’s body again.
“Found a light ball with the attribute ‘Physique +0.02’. Do you want to pick it up?”
“Pick it up! Pick it up all!” You was overjoyed.
The two faint lights instantly merged into his body. A small, warm feeling of joy spread through his heart, making him feel much happier. And the “physique” attribute made him feel that his physical fatigue seemed to dissipate a little.
More importantly, he managed to strike up a conversation with Hinata! Although the process was a bit clumsy, it was a good start.
“You’re welcome.” You said with a smile. Seeing Hinata accept the red bean cake, he felt relieved. “Then eat slowly and have a good rest. Don’t push yourself too hard.”
After saying this, he felt that his mission was accomplished and that staying any longer might make Hinata even more uncomfortable, so he prepared to turn around and leave.
“That…that…Hoshino-kun!” Just when You was about to turn around, Hinata suddenly plucked up the courage and called him in a low voice.
Yuu stopped and looked back at her with some confusion.
Hinata still lowered her head, her cheeks flushed, and her hands tightly grasped the oil-paper bag. Her voice was thin, with a barely perceptible tremor: “You… why are you here?” She seemed a little curious and puzzled about Yu’s appearance in this remote grove.
Yuu’s heart skipped a beat. He couldn’t just say he was here to “pick up attributes,” could he? He thought for a moment and made up an excuse: “I… I like to walk around the village after school. I happened to pass by here today and saw someone practicing, so I… I came over to take a look.” It sounded reasonable.
Chapter 15 Standing Long Jump (Old Version)
“Oh…” Hinata nodded as if she understood, and didn’t ask any more questions.
“Then I’ll be leaving first, Hinata-san, keep up the good work.” Yu smiled at Hinata again, then turned and left the grove.
Hinata stood there, watching Yuu’s receding figure, her hands tightly clutching the still-warm red bean cake. An inexplicable warmth welled up in her heart. This was the first time she had received comfort and encouragement from a peer during her training, a male classmate she barely knew. It was a strange and heartwarming feeling.
She lowered her head and carefully opened the oil paper package, looking at the red bean cake inside. It was not particularly delicately made but looked delicious. Her small nose twitched slightly as she smelled the sweet aroma, and the corners of her mouth couldn’t help but rise up a little.
Meanwhile, Yuu, having successfully struck up a conversation with Hinata for the first time and gained the “Joy” and “Physique” attributes, was in a very good mood. He felt as if he had discovered a new “way” to acquire attributes—through friendly interactions, he could improve the emotions of others and thus gain positive emotional attributes.
This discovery gave him more expectations and confidence in the future path of “attribute picking”.
In addition to theoretical and practical classes, the daily life of the Ninja School also occasionally involves some routine physical fitness tests to check whether the students’ physical fitness and basic abilities have improved over a period of time.
That afternoon, Mr. Iruka organized a simple physical fitness test for the entire class on the training ground. The test items included a 50-meter sprint, a standing long jump, pull-ups, and basic kunai throwing.
For most students who aspire to become excellent ninjas, the physical fitness test is an opportunity to demonstrate their strength and strive for better results. The atmosphere on the training ground is therefore somewhat tense and exciting.
When it was Naruto Uzumaki’s turn, he was still full of noise, yelling “Watch me!” and sprinting with all his might. However, he nearly tripped himself in the 50-meter dash due to his overly long strides, drawing a good-natured laugh. His long jump was also mediocre due to his excessive effort, resulting in an unstable landing. Only in kunai throwing did his unyielding spirit allow him to barely land a few kunai on the target, though most of them missed the bull’s eye.
Uchiha Sasuke once again demonstrated his prowess as a genius. Whether it was sprinting speed, long jump distance, pull-ups, or kunai throwing accuracy, he was far ahead of the other students, drawing screams and adoring glances from Sakura and other girls.
The performances of other students also varied, some had advantages in speed, and some were stronger in strength.
Finally, it was Hoshino Yu’s turn.
When Iruka-sensei called out “Hoshino Yuu’s” name, the atmosphere on the training ground seemed to subtly quiet for a moment. Most of the students’ eyes turned to him, filled with a complex mix of emotions—sympathy, curiosity, and even some thinly veiled contempt. After all, how could a student who couldn’t refine chakra possibly perform brilliantly in a physical fitness test?
You walked out of the team calmly, still with that gentle smile on his face, and seemed unaffected by the gazes around him.
At the starting line of the 50-meter dash, Yuu bent slightly, ready to start. At Iruka-sensei’s command, he spread his legs and charged forward.
He wasn’t very fast, and could even be considered near the bottom of the pack among all the students taking the test. His movements didn’t reveal any special techniques; it was just a normal run.
However, only You himself knew that this time’s 50-meter sprint felt subtly different from his previous ones.
During the past period of time, by picking up the “physique” attributes dropped by Rock Lee, Hinata and others, as well as the small amount of “speed” attributes dissipated by Naruto, Sasuke and others during training, his physical fitness has actually undergone some subtle changes without him realizing it.
Although these changes may not be large in absolute terms, for an ordinary person like him with a weak foundation, they are enough to bring some differences in subjective feelings.
He could clearly feel that this time, his breathing seemed steadier and his legs seemed stronger. He no longer ran out of breath and his legs gave out after running 50 meters like before. The whole process seemed a little easier than before.
Of course, this feeling of “a little relief” was almost imperceptible to outsiders. His grades were still at the bottom of the pack, unremarkable.
Next up was the standing long jump. Yuu took a deep breath, swung his arms, and leaped forward with all his might. He felt his body seemed lighter than before, and his landing more stable. While his jump was still not as far as he’d hoped, he could feel the insignificant improvement of a few centimeters.
Then came the pull-ups. Yu gripped the bar, gritted his teeth, and pulled upwards. He could feel the muscles in his arms seemed stronger than before. Although he could only manage a few, far less than his classmates with superior physical fitness, he knew that this was already one more than his previous limit.
Finally, it was time for the kunai throw. Yuu picked up the wooden kunai he’d been training with, and imitating the other students, he aimed at the distant target and hurled it with all his might. He could feel his kunai throwing power increasing slightly. Although the kunai still zigzagged towards the target, ultimately only barely brushing the edge, failing to even penetrate, drawing a few suppressed chuckles, Yuu remained undeterred.
Because he knew that he was getting stronger little by little, even if the growth was so slow and unknown.
After the entire physical fitness test, Hoshino Yuu’s performance was still mediocre, even lackluster, ranking last among all his classmates. He did not show any amazing talents, nor did he create any miracles.
Looking at Yu’s test results, Iruka was only slightly surprised to find that the boy’s recent mental state seemed better than before, and he looked more energetic, no longer looking weak as before. He didn’t connect this with an improvement in strength, simply thinking it was because Yu had rested better recently, or was in a more cheerful mood.
Most of the other students didn’t pay much attention to Yu’s performance. In their opinion, it was natural for someone who couldn’t refine chakra to have poor physical fitness.
Only You himself, after the test, silently felt the subtle changes in his body, his heart filled with indescribable joy.
He knew that those insignificant increases in attributes were truly transforming his body. This progress, achieved through his own efforts (even if it was through tricky means like “picking up” gains), filled him with greater hope for the future.
Chapter 16: Alert (Old Version)
He believed that as long as he persisted, one day, he would no longer be the last one in the group. Even if he still couldn’t become a true ninja, he could at least have a healthier body and better enjoy this hard-earned peaceful life.
This subtle change, which only he can feel, is like a drop of rain sprinkled on dry land. Although small, it nourishes his heart that longs to become stronger.
Late at night, all was silent. Most of the residents of Konoha Village had already fallen asleep, with only a few ninja still on duty, silently moving through the corners of the village like ghosts in the night.
The oil lamp in Hoshino Yuu’s home had long been extinguished. But instead of going to bed early as usual, he quietly climbed onto the roof of his low-rise house.
He wasn’t there to enjoy the night view or cool off. He chose this time and place because he found that with a wide view and a relatively quiet environment, it was easier for him to concentrate and sense and search for those possible, free-flowing attribute light balls.
After all, the attributes that can be picked up during the day at the Ninja School and the Library are limited, and the targets are relatively fixed. Yu hopes to find some new and more efficient sources of attributes.
He sat cross-legged on the roof tiles, closed his eyes, and tried to diffuse his mental power around him, trying to capture any slight energy fluctuation in the air.
However, tonight seemed to yield nothing special. The surrounding houses were quiet, with the occasional barking of dogs in the distance, but no trace of any attribute light balls was found.
“It seems that under normal circumstances, the generation of attribute light balls is still very rare.” You was a little disappointed in his heart.
Just when he was about to give up and go back to the house to sleep, he suddenly caught a glimpse of several ghostly black figures out of the corner of his eye. They were flying over the eaves and walls on the roofs of the houses in the distance at an extremely fast speed, leaping and shuttling silently!
It’s Anbu!
Yuu’s heart skipped a beat. He immediately held his breath and pressed his body tightly against the shadow of the roof, fearing that he would be discovered by those highly alert ANBU members.
The Anbu are an elite force directly under the Hokage, responsible for carrying out various difficult secret missions. They are one of the most mysterious and powerful armed forces in Konoha Village. Every Anbu member possesses strength and skills far beyond that of ordinary jonin.
The figures of the Anbu members seemed to blend into the night, their movements swift and fluid, weaving across the complex rooftops as if walking on flat ground, without making a single unnecessary sound. They exuded a cold and sharp aura, a unique temperament honed by years of walking on the brink of life and death.
Carefully, Yu focused all his energy and turned his gaze towards the ANBU members who flashed past his sight.
At this moment, he was pleasantly surprised to find that some extremely weak attribute light balls emitting condensed light were emanating from those Anbu members who were moving like ghosts!
These light balls were very rare, each one was only the size of a grain of rice, and the colors were different. Some were cyan representing speed, some were light yellow representing alertness, and there were even some that You had never seen before, emitting a faint blood-red glow, which seemed to be related to murderous aura or combat skills.
Although these light balls were extremely small, almost to the point of being difficult to distinguish with the naked eye, You could clearly feel that the energy contained within them was purer and more powerful than any attribute light ball he had picked up before!
“One light ball with the attribute ‘Speed +0.005’ has been found. Do you want to pick it up?”
“One light ball with the attribute ‘Alert +0.005’ has been found. Do you want to pick it up?”
“Found a light ball with the attribute ‘Breath Blocking (Weak) +0.002’. Do you want to pick it up?”
“Found a light ball with the attribute ‘Assassination Skill (Fragment) +0.001’. Do you want to pick it up?”
A series of system prompts sounded in You’s mind, making him so excited that he almost shouted out loud!
“Pick up! Pick up all!” he shouted in his heart without hesitation.
Following his instructions, those extremely weak but high-quality attribute light balls that fell from the Anbu members were as if attracted by invisible forces, turning into several almost invisible streams of light, crossing a long distance and instantly sinking into his body!
In an instant, You felt an indescribable slight tremor in his body and mind!
A warm current of energy, clearer and stronger than ever before, coursed rapidly through his limbs and bones. He could feel his nerve reflexes sharper in that instant, his body’s coordination improving ever so slightly. His hearing and vision also seemed sharper, allowing him to pick up subtle sounds and changes in light and shadow that he had previously overlooked.
What surprised him even more was that those fragmented information about “breath blocking” and “assassination techniques”, although extremely fragmented and vague, quietly took root in the depths of his consciousness like seeds.
“It’s… so great!” You suppressed the ecstasy in his heart and tried to keep his body still, for fear of alarming the Anbu members who had already gone far away.
He knew that his unintentional “cooling off” tonight had actually allowed him to discover a brand new “treasure trove” of high-quality properties!
Although the risk of picking up attributes from ANBU members is extremely high, once discovered, the consequences will be disastrous. Moreover, the number of attribute light balls they drop is extremely small, and the values are pitifully low, with two zeros after the decimal point.
However, the “quality” of these attributes is far beyond the reach of ordinary ninjas! This tiny increase in value alone has a more significant effect than the sum of the large number of low-level attribute light balls he had previously picked up!
“It seems that the difference in strength is fully reflected in the quality of the attribute light ball.” You sighed secretly in his heart.
He understood that if he wanted to improve his strength quickly in the future, in addition to daily accumulation, finding these powerful “targets” and performing “high-end picking” would be an indispensable part.
Of course, he was also aware of the risks involved. He had to be even more cautious and ensure his own absolute safety so that he could secretly “pluck the wool” without being noticed by anyone.
Tonight, the “unintentional gifts” from these Anbu members gave You a new understanding and expectation of his future path to becoming stronger. He felt that his nerve reactions seemed to have become more sharp and vigilant because of the slight increase in his “alertness” attribute.
Chapter 17 Perfect Attributes (Old Version)
He carefully climbed down from the roof and returned to his room. Lying on the cold tatami, he couldn’t fall asleep for a long time. His mind kept replaying the wonderful feeling of his increased strength and the broader vision of the future.
This night was destined to be a sleepless one for Hoshino Yuu. His life seemed to be accelerating in a direction he had never imagined.
Ever since discovering that he could also pick up high-quality attributes from members of the Anbu, Hoshino Yuu has become increasingly fascinated by this magical system. He began to pay closer attention to everything around him, hoping to discover more unknown sources of attributes.
To make ends meet and to have more opportunities to interact with different people, Yuu, in his spare time, not only helped out at the Yamanaka Flower Shop and the Konoha Library, but also occasionally worked odd jobs at restaurants in the village, such as delivering food. Although the salary was meager, what was more important to him was being able to interact with a variety of people and observe the energy dissipation of them in different states.
That evening, the afterglow of the setting sun painted the streets of Konoha Village a warm orange. Yu had just finished delivering the last takeout order to a small restaurant and was about to go home when he passed by the village’s famous barbecue restaurant – Yakiniku Q.
BBQ Q is a place that young ninjas in Konoha Village like to frequent very much, especially the members of Asuma Squad, who are frequent visitors here.
As You walked to the door of BBQ Q, he heard a burst of lively noise, the sizzling of barbecue, and the rich and tempting aroma of meat coming from inside. He subconsciously glanced inside the store and saw a familiar figure sitting by the window, eating happily.
It’s Akimichi Chouji.
Choji’s chubby figure and the pile of empty plates in front of him fully demonstrated his love for barbecue. At this moment, he was picking up a large piece of sizzling pork belly and stuffing it into his mouth, his cheeks puffed up, his face filled with an indescribable happiness and satisfaction, as if the whole world was just the delicious food in front of him.
Sitting at the table with Choji were his inseparable friends, Shikamaru Nara and Ino Yamanaka. Shikamaru, still with a lazy, bothersome expression, haphazardly flipped the slices of meat in front of him, occasionally complaining, “This is such a hassle, having to do it all myself when eating barbecue.” Ino, on the other hand, seemed incredibly excited, jostling with Choji for the grilled meat while chattering with Shikamaru about school anecdotes, occasionally letting out a few grumbles of dissatisfaction when Choji ate too quickly.
Yu’s eyes were drawn to the happy-looking Choji, whose mouth was oozing with grease. He concentrated and observed him carefully.
Just as Shikamaru swallowed a big mouthful of barbecue, with a satisfied and intoxicated expression on his face, and even squinted his eyes comfortably and let out a sigh of satisfaction, an incredible scene happened!
Yuu clearly saw several light balls emitting a faint earthy yellow glow emanating from Choji’s body! These light balls were not large, but they seemed unusually solid. At the same time, several smaller light balls emitting a soft pink halo slowly rose from him like bubbles of happiness.
“Two light orbs with the attribute ‘Strength +0.01’ have been found. Do you want to pick them up?”
“Found three spheres of light with the attribute ‘Happiness +0.02’. Pick them up?”
The system’s prompt sounded in You’s mind, making him slightly stunned.
“Strength? Eating barbecue can also give you Strength?” Yuu was puzzled. He thought about it carefully. Choji was a member of the Akimichi clan, whose secret technique seemed to be to convert the calories in food into chakra and strength. Could it be that when Choji enjoyed delicious food and replenished his body with energy, he would also emit this attribute representing pure “strength”?
As for the “happiness” attribute, it’s relatively easy to understand. Looking at the intoxicated look on his face, you can tell that he must be feeling very happy and satisfied at this moment.
“This system is truly full of surprises!” Yuu secretly marveled. He had originally thought that attribute orbs were more likely to drop during intense training, intense emotional fluctuations, or when concentrating on thought. He had never expected that simply enjoying a meal like Choji could also generate attributes that could be picked up.
Without hesitation, he silently said in his mind: “Pick it up! Pick it up all!”
Several faint rays of ochre and pink light instantly sank into his body. A subtle but real surge of strength seemed to surge from deep within him, making his arms feel a little stronger. At the same time, an indescribable feeling of joy and satisfaction spread through him, as if he had just tasted a delicious meal, and his mood became much lighter and happier.
“It seems that the sources of attributes are much more extensive than I imagined.” You pondered, “It’s not just combat and training. Various behaviors and emotions in daily life, as long as they reach a certain intensity or have special meaning, can potentially produce attribute light balls.”
He didn’t linger at the entrance of BBQ Q for too long, so as not to attract the attention of Choji and the others. He just glanced deeply at Choji, who was still concentrating on eating, and then turned and left.
Today’s unexpected discovery further broadened Yu’s understanding of the attribute acquisition system. He began to pay closer attention to every detail in life, anticipating opportunities for self-improvement from unexpected sources. To him, the world was like a vast maze filled with countless hidden treasures, waiting to be explored and discovered.
Yuu wandered aimlessly around the ninja school’s public training grounds. Besides the dedicated training grounds for each class, this area was open to all students. On weekdays, you could always see many students diligently training here, or engaging in basic sparring in small groups.
You’s purpose is very clear, which is to “accidentally meet” some classmates who are practicing hard here, so as to pick up some useful attribute light balls.
He wandered around the training grounds, observing the various students practicing. Some were throwing shuriken, others were doing physical training, and still others were clumsily attempting hand seals and ninjutsu. Yuuya did manage to pick up a few subtle attributes from them, like “physical strength,” “spirit,” and “throwing experience,” but they were better than nothing.
Just as he was about to leave and go to the library to continue his “intelligence improvement” plan, he suddenly caught a glimpse of a figure practicing something intently in a remote corner of the training ground.
It was a girl, wearing a smart red training uniform and two cute buns, looking heroic.
It’s every day.
Tenten is a student in the same grade as Yuu, and is known for her proficiency in the use of various ninja tools. Her skill in manipulating ninja tools is considered exceptional among her peers, and is said to put even some of the senior students to shame.
At this moment, Tian Tian was alone in that corner, practicing ninja tools silently. In front of her were various ninja tools, including kunai, shuriken, senbon, as well as some strangely shaped chains, iron balls, etc.
She looked focused and her eyes were sharp. Every move she made was as fast as lightning and extremely accurate.
“Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!”
Several shurikens flew out from her hands, with sharp sounds of breaking through the air, and hit the red heart of the target in the distance exactly, forming a perfect circle.
Chapter 18 Theme (Old Version)
Then, she shook her wrist, and a chain with iron claws flew out like a snake out of a cave, accurately wrapping around a wooden target hanging in the air, and then she pulled it hard, and the wooden target fell to the ground.
Her movements were smooth and full of power and beauty, as if those cold ninja tools had come to life in her hands.
Yu watched from the side and nodded secretly, feeling sincere admiration for the girl’s talent for ninja tools and her hard work.
He concentrated his attention and carefully observed Tiantian who was practicing with full concentration.
Sure enough, the surprise came again!
Every time Tiantian successfully hits the target with a ninja tool, or completes a difficult ninja tool control action, some attribute light balls emitting light blue or silver-white light will float out of her body!
“Two light orbs with the attribute ‘Instrument +0.02’ have been found. Do you want to pick them up?”
The system prompt sounds rang one after another.
“Precision! I’ve also found this attribute on Sasuke before. It’s very useful for controlling the body and throwing!” You was delighted.
As for the “utility,” he pondered it for a moment, figuring it likely referred to the dexterity and proficiency in using tools or weapons. This was a very useful attribute for him, perhaps improving his efficiency in using various items in the future.
“Pick up! Pick up all!” You gave the order in his mind without hesitation.
Several faint rays of light quickly merged into his body. He felt as if his control over his body had improved a bit, and at the same time, an inexplicable feeling of being more comfortable with the objects in his hands also arose.
Tiantian seemed completely immersed in her own world of practice, oblivious to everything around her. Over and over again, she repeated those dull and tedious throwing and manipulation exercises, beads of sweat oozing from her forehead, but her eyes remained bright and determined.
You watched quietly from the side, silently picking up the attribute light balls that fell from Tiantian. He found that the “Precision” and “Tool” attribute light balls that Tiantian dropped were of very good quality, and the frequency of their dropping was relatively stable. As long as she continued to practice high-intensity precision, she would see results.
Looking at this heroic, hardworking girl, You couldn’t help but feel an inexplicable fondness for her. He admired her focus, her persistence, and her genuine love for ninja tools.
In this ninja world dominated by ninjutsu and bloodline limits, there are not many ninjas like Tenten who focus on the use of ninja tools, and those who can practice ninja tool skills to such a level are even rarer.
You knew that Tiantian must have put in more effort and sweat than ordinary people for this.
He didn’t go forward to interrupt her, but silently cheered for this hardworking girl in his heart. At the same time, he also listed Tiantian as one of the attributes that he focused on.
Perhaps, I could find an opportunity to “exchange” my experience with her about the “use of instruments” in the future? Of course, the prerequisite is that I really have some “experience” in this area.
You stayed in the corner for a long time until Tiantian had to stop and rest due to excessive physical exertion. He then quietly left the public training ground.
Today’s unexpected discovery gave him a deeper understanding and expectation of the two attributes of “precision” and “instrumentality.” He felt that he was one step closer to becoming an ordinary person with “multi-talents.”
Mountain flower shop.
The afternoon sun shone through the glass window, gently falling on the colorful flowers, and also illuminating Ino’s pretty face, which looked a little troubled.
She was standing in front of a large workbench, with a unique glass vase and a large number of flowers of various colors and shapes placed in front of her: gorgeous red roses, pure white lilies, passionate gerberas, and some baby’s breath and sweetheart grass as embellishments.
Ino seemed to be trying a new flower arrangement, but judging by her expression, she was clearly dissatisfied with her work. She placed a rose in the vase, examined it for a moment, shook her head, and took it out. Then she picked up a few lilies, gestured at the vase’s rim for a long time, and finally put them down in frustration.
Her brows were slightly furrowed, her small nostrils twitched slightly because of thinking, and she let out a slight sigh or two from time to time.
“Oh, I always feel like something’s wrong…” Ino muttered to herself, her tone filled with confusion and frustration. “These flowers are beautiful individually, but why do they feel so… so awkward when put together?”
Hoshino Yugang had just helped Mrs. Yamanaka move a batch of newly arrived potted plants to the backyard. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and walked over to see this scene.
He knew that Ino had an almost obsessive pursuit of flower arrangement and a great talent. Her flower arrangements usually received unanimous praise from customers. Seeing her distressed look today, she must have encountered a creative bottleneck.
Yuu had recently been helping organize books at the Konoha Library, frequently browsing a wide variety of books. These included introductory texts on aesthetics, color theory, and the principles of composition. Although he’d only skimmed through them without delving into them, thanks to the slight increase in his “Intelligence” attribute from the system upgrade and the small amount of “knowledge fragments” he’d picked up, he’d gained a basic understanding of these topics.
Looking at Ino’s conflicted look, You had an idea and remembered that he had read some discussions about “white space”, “artistic conception” and “color harmony and contrast” in an old book introducing oriental classical garden art in the library a few days ago. He thought that this might give Ino some inspiration.
He pondered for a moment, then casually said, “Ino, I was reading in the library the other day and I seemed to see some information about flower arrangement…er, no, about painting and garden layout. I wonder if it would be useful to you.”
“Hmm? What did you say?” Ino was worried. When she heard Yuu’s words, she looked up absentmindedly and looked at him in confusion. In her impression, although Hoshino Yuu had good grades in theoretical courses, he didn’t seem to have any special insights into things like art.
Yuu organized his words, trying to keep them simple and understandable. “The book says that sometimes, the beauty of a work of art lies not just in the arrangement of elements and the vividness of colors, but also in… well, something called ‘artistic conception.’ It means using limited images to spark the viewer’s boundless imagination.”
“Artistic conception?” Ino blinked her beautiful blue eyes, not quite understanding.
“Yeah,” You nodded and continued, “Also, regarding color matching, the book says that sometimes, overly bright and complex colors piled together can appear chaotic and lack order. Appropriately using contrasting colors, or adding some transitional colors to the main color to create a more harmonious overall effect.”
He thought for a moment and added, “Oh, and there’s also the morphological structure. The book says to pay attention to the staggered heights and the balanced density, and avoid having all elements on the same plane or at the same height, as that would look dull. Sometimes, appropriate ‘white space’—leaving some empty space in a work—can actually highlight the main subject and provoke deeper thought.”
Chapter 19: Finding Traces (Old Version)
What You said were actually some very basic aesthetic principles, and he only relied on his superficial understanding to repeat them in plain language. He himself did not expect that these miscellaneous knowledge he had “accidentally” learned would come in handy at this time.
Ino listened to Yuu’s words, initially nonchalant, but gradually her eyes lit up and her frown relaxed. Yuu’s ideas about “artistic conception,” “color harmony and contrast,” “the rhythmic arrangement of forms and structures,” and “white space” seemed to illuminate a bright light in her chaotic thoughts, bringing her previously unclear creative direction into sharp focus.
“Mood…color contrast…white space…” Ino muttered these key words, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She clapped her hands and said excitedly, “Yeah! Why didn’t I think of that! I was thinking of using all the beautiful flowers, but it ended up being too full and lacking focus!”
She immediately took action, took out some of the overly complicated flowers that had been placed in the vase, and then started to rethink and adjust according to the “little suggestions” that You just mentioned.
This time, her movements were noticeably smoother and more confident. She first chose a graceful, budding pink rose as the focal point, then used a few softly stalks of white lily of the valley as a backdrop, creating a fresh and elegant atmosphere. Next, she dotted the other side of the vase with a few slightly darker purple lisianthus flowers, creating a subtle contrast with the pink roses without appearing overpowering. Most importantly, she intentionally left some blank space throughout the composition, allowing for a perfectly balanced sense of space between the flowers and between the flowers and the vase.
A moment later, a new flower arrangement appeared on the workbench.
This work stands in stark contrast to Ino’s previous styles, which often pursued complexity and extravagance. It is simple, elegant, and yet full of charm. Pink roses, surrounded by white sweetgrass, appear delicate and vibrant, while purple gentian adds a touch of mystery and nobility. The intentionally left blank spaces imbue the work with an ethereal, distant beauty, evoking the joy of a spring morning breeze and the quiet blossoming of flowers.
“Wow! So beautiful!” Ino couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise as she looked at the new work she had created. She carefully picked up the vase and admired it from every angle. The more she looked at it, the more satisfied she felt. The smile on her face was as bright as a blooming flower.
She turned her head and looked at Hoshino Yuu who was standing beside her in surprise, with an incredible light flashing in her beautiful blue eyes: “Hoshino Yuu! I didn’t expect you… you also know this? What you said just now is really useful!” Her tone was full of sincere admiration and gratitude.
At the moment when Ino was in high spirits because of the success of her work and her recognition of You, You clearly saw that several attribute light balls emitting bright white light and light yellow light floated out from her body!
“One light ball with the attribute ‘Identification +0.02’ has been found. Do you want to pick it up?”
“Two spheres of light with the attribute ‘Spirit +0.03’ have been found. Do you want to pick them up?”
The system’s prompt sound made You happy.
The “Identification” attribute! This was the first time he had picked up this attribute, representing positive feedback from interpersonal relationships. While he wasn’t sure what it was used for, he figured it was a good thing. And the improvement in the “Spirit” attribute was something he desperately needed right now.
“Pick up! Pick up all!” You said silently in his heart.
A few faint rays of light merged into his body, and a feeling of joy and excitement rose in his heart. He felt his mental strength grow a little stronger, and his mind became clearer.
“I just… happened to see some of it in a book, so I’m just saying it casually.” You smiled modestly, not taking any credit for it. “It’s mainly because you have a good talent, Ino, you understand it right away.”
“Hmph! You’re good at talking!” Ino raised her chin proudly, but she couldn’t hide the smile on her face. Her mood today was particularly bright because of this successful flower arrangement and Yu’s “unexpected” help.
Mrs. Yamanaka also noticed the commotion here. She walked over to take a look at Ino’s new work, and a look of approval appeared in her eyes: “Well, this work is indeed very artistic and much more attractive than your previous styles. It seems that Youjun’s suggestion is very good.”
“Mom!” Ino stamped her feet a little embarrassedly.
As You watched the heartwarming interaction between the mother and daughter, he felt a sense of relief and joy. He discovered that helping others solve their problems and gaining their approval and favor seemed to be a very effective way to “acquire attributes.”
Moreover, this experience also made him more deeply understand the meaning of the phrase “knowledge is power” – even if it is just some miscellaneous knowledge read from books, it may play an unexpected role at a critical moment.
This made him more excited and motivated about his “part-time job” at the Konoha Library.
Ever since his last “chance encounter” with Hinata and the gift of red bean cakes, Hoshino Yuu has been keeping a closer eye on her whereabouts. He discovered that Hinata would go to the grove to practice her soft fist almost every afternoon, rain or shine, and her diligence was no less than that of Xiao Li.
Therefore, Yuu regarded it as his “secret supply point” and would “happen to pass by” every now and then to quietly pick up some of the “physique” and “soft fist experience” attributes dropped from Hinata.
That afternoon, after You finished helping at the flower shop, he estimated that it was about time, so he came to the familiar grove again.
He still carefully lurked in the dark, observing Hinata who was practicing hard.
Hinata seemed to be working harder and more exhausted today than usual. Beads of sweat covered her forehead, her face flushed, and her breathing was a little rapid. But she still gritted her teeth, repeating the soft fist moves over and over again, her eyes filled with unyielding determination.
During a break in practice, Hinata pulled a small scroll from her bosom and carefully unfolded it. Leaning in closely, she carefully read the text and diagrams on it. It seemed to be a notebook recording her experience in practicing the Soft Fist technique, densely packed with beautifully written small characters, with some key points highlighted in red ink.
She read very seriously, her brows slightly furrowed, as if she was trying hard to understand and remember the contents of the scroll.
Just then, a gentle breeze blew by, picking up a few fallen leaves. Hinata seemed blinded by the wind and subconsciously raised her hand to rub her eyes. And in those few seconds, the scroll spread out on her lap was quietly lifted by the wind, and then it spun and landed lightly under a cluster of low bushes not far behind her.
Hinata rubbed her eyes and lowered her head, only to find that the scroll that had been placed on her knees was gone!
“Ah! My scroll!” Hinata let out a low cry of surprise, her face instantly filled with anxiety and panic. She stood up suddenly and looked around, trying to find the scroll.
Chapter 20: Unexpected Effects (Old Version)
The scroll was obviously very important to her. It contained the cultivation experience she had painstakingly summarized, as well as some guidance from her family elders. If it was lost, the consequences would be disastrous.
“Where is it? Where did it fall to?” Hinata anxiously turned around in circles, like a frightened deer, her eyes filled with helplessness and panic. She carefully searched the place where she had just sat and the surrounding grass, but could not find any trace of the scroll.
The light in the grove was already dim, and the ground was overgrown with fallen leaves and weeds, so it was indeed difficult to find a small scroll.
Yuu saw all of this clearly from the shadows. He saw Hinata’s anxious look, almost crying, and he was worried for her.
Relying on his observation and memory skills, which had been slightly improved recently due to picking up a lot of “spiritual” attributes, he clearly remembered the approximate direction and position of the scroll falling when the wind blew just now.
“This is my chance!” Yuu thought. This was the perfect time for him to have another “friendly interaction” with Hinata and pick up some positive emotions.
He no longer hesitated and immediately came out from behind the tree where he was hiding. He pretended to be surprised and asked, “Hinata-san, what happened? You seem to be looking for something?”
Hinata heard the voice and turned around suddenly. Seeing that it was Hoshino Yu, she was stunned at first, and then she said in a crying voice as if she had grabbed a life-saving straw: “Hoshino-kun… I… my scroll is gone! It’s… the one I was looking at just now… the scroll that records the experience of the soft fist… It… it must have been blown away by the wind…” Her voice was a little choked with anxiety, and her eyes were red.
“Don’t worry, Hinata-san. Let’s look for it together,” You said gently, casually glancing in the direction of the bushes where the scroll had fallen. “Do you remember roughly when the scroll disappeared? Was there any wind at the time?”
“Just… just now… I rubbed my eyes… and then… then a gust of wind blew over…” Hinata tried hard to recall, her little face full of regret.
“Well, if there’s wind, the scroll might not stay where it is and be blown a little further away.” Yuu said as he directed Hinata’s attention and slowly walked towards the bushes. “Let’s split up and look carefully, especially under the grass and bushes, as it can be easily blocked.”
Hinata nodded, suppressed her anxiety, and began to search carefully in the woods with You.
Relying on his clear memory and slightly sharper observation skills, You soon discovered a familiar light yellow color under the bushes that he had long “locked” on the target.
“Ah! Hinata-san, look here!” Yu exclaimed in feigned surprise, pointing to the gap in the bushes.
Hinata heard the sound and ran over quickly. When she saw the scroll she had lost lying quietly under the bushes, an expression of incredible surprise and relief instantly appeared on her little face.
“That’s…that’s great! I found it! I really found it!” Hinata’s voice trembled with excitement. She carefully picked up the scroll from under the bushes and held it tightly in her arms, as if it were a treasure that had been lost and found again.
She turned around and bowed deeply to You, her cheeks flushed with excitement and previous anxiety, her tone filled with sincere gratitude: “Hoshino-kun… thank you so much! If… if it weren’t for your help… I… I really don’t know what to do…”
At the moment when Hinata’s emotions were fluctuating violently because of the joy of regaining what she had lost and her gratitude to You, You once again clearly saw that several attribute light balls emitting bright pink and light blue light were floating out from her body!
“Two ‘Gratitude +0.03’ attribute light orbs found. Pick them up?”
“Found a light ball with the attribute ‘Physique +0.01’. Do you want to pick it up?”
“Pick it up! Pick it up all!” You was delighted.
The two faint lights merged into his body, and a warm, joyful feeling of being sincerely thanked by others flowed through his heart, making him feel very comfortable. And that “physique” attribute, although weak, was better than nothing.
“You’re welcome, Hinata-san. I’m glad I could help you.” You smiled and waved his hand, saying gently, “This scroll must be very important to you, right? Please keep it carefully and don’t lose it again.”
“Yes! Yes!” Hinata nodded vigorously, her little face full of fear and relief, “I will be very, very careful in the future!” She looked at You, her eyes full of gratitude and a hint of imperceptible…admiration?
You felt that his image in the heart of this shy girl seemed to be a little taller.
“Okay, now that the scroll has been found, don’t be too tired. Go back and rest early.” Seeing that it was getting late, You spoke.
“Yeah…Hoshino-kun too,” Hinata whispered back, still not daring to look Yu in the eyes, but the blush on her face became even more pronounced.
You nodded to her, then turned and left the grove.
Hinata stood there, watching Yuu disappear into the depths of the woods, clutching the lost and recovered scroll tightly in her hands. Her heart was filled with gratitude and a strange feeling for Yuu. She felt that although Hoshino-kun looked ordinary, he always brought unexpected help and warmth to people at critical moments.
After successfully performing a “Hero Saves the Beauty (Scroll Version)” and successfully acquiring attributes, You was in a very good mood. He found that this method of acquiring attributes by helping others and receiving positive emotional feedback was not only efficient, but also allowed him to increase his favorability at the same time, which was simply killing two birds with one stone.
He began to look forward to the next “chance encounter” with Hinata. What interesting things would happen?
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, a month has passed quietly in my diligent and hardworking “picking up” career.
During this month, You’s life was extremely fulfilling and regular.
He attended Ninja School daily, diligently absorbing theoretical knowledge in the theoretical classes and becoming a keen “attribute observer” in the practical classes, never missing an opportunity to spot attribute orbs falling from his classmates. Whether it was Naruto’s frustration after failing at the clone technique, Sasuke’s elation after completing a difficult throw, or the sweat shed by other students during their diligent training, all could become a source of his attribute growth.
After school, he would invariably help out at the Yamanaka Flower Shop. There, he would not only gain the “spirit” and “charm” attributes from Ino’s troubles or joys with flower arranging, but also learn some “snippets of knowledge (gardening)” about flower care from Mrs. Yamanaka. He would even occasionally pick up some positive emotions such as “joy” and “anticipation” from the customers who came to buy flowers.
On weekends and after-school hours, he would spend his days in the Konoha Library. With Elder Kosuke’s tacit permission, he was free to browse the books and scrolls in the sections not open to the public (except, of course, for those concerning forbidden techniques that were too confidential). His journey through this ocean of knowledge not only enhanced his intelligence but also amassed a vast collection of “shards of knowledge,” encompassing history, geography, humanities, herbal medicine, basic physics, and more. While these fragments of knowledge currently seemed fragmented and unsystematic, Yuu believed that one day, they would be integrated and exert unexpected influence.
Chapter 21 Licking Clean (Old Version)
Of course, he would still “accidentally” “pass by” the small woods outside the Hyuga clan territory, as well as the various public training grounds in the village. From Hinata, who was training hard on her own, he steadily gained “physique” and “soft fist experience”; from the youthful Rock Lee, he absorbed “physique” and “perseverance”; and occasionally, from other diligently training ninjas, he would pick up some “speed”, “strength” or various “combat skills (fragments)” attributes.
Even late at night, when he happened to be enjoying the cool air on his rooftop and encountered ANBU members returning from missions or out on the town, he could rely on his increasingly keen perception and extraordinary courage (and a little bit of luck) to carefully pick up some extremely high-quality but extremely rare top-level attributes such as “Speed,” “Alertness,” and “Aura Blocking” from these powerful ANBU elites. Every successful “high-end pickup” made him feel that his strength had made a qualitative leap.
In this way, day after day, Hoshino Yuu was like a hardworking little bee, tirelessly collecting those colorful attribute light balls that only he could see in every corner of Konoha Village.
Although one month is not a long time, the accumulated results are quite impressive.
That evening, after finishing a day of “picking up” work, You returned home and opened his attribute panel as usual to check his gains for the past month:
Strength: 10.5 (initial 10, increased by 0.5)
Physical strength: 10.8 (initial 10, increased by 0.8)
Speed: 10.3 (initial 10, increased by 0.3)
Spirit: 10.7 (initial 10, increased by 0.7)
Intelligence: 10.4 (initial 10, increased by 0.4)
Gentle Fist Experience: 0.2 (increased by 0.15)
Accuracy: 0.15 (increased by 0.12)
Instrumental: 0.1 (increased by 0.1)
Charm: 0.08 (newly added)
Knowledge fragments (miscellaneous knowledge): a total of about 0.5 (including history, geography, gardening, herbal medicine, etc.)
Alertness: 0.01 (new)
Breath Block (Weak): 0.005 (New)
Perseverance: 0.05 (new)
Happiness: 0.1 (new)
Recognition: 0.03 (new)
Gratitude: 0.05 (new)
Looking at the numbers on the attribute panel, which were still not high but had actually changed, You’s heart was filled with an indescribable sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
His strength increased by 0.5, which didn’t sound like much, but he could feel that it was indeed easier for him to carry heavy objects, and his arms seemed to be stronger.
His physical strength increased by 0.8, one of the fastest-growing attributes, thanks largely to the high-quality physical strength orbs he’d collected from Hinata and Lee. He could clearly feel his endurance improve, fatigue less easily, and his recovery speed increased. He used to feel back pain after a busy day at the flower shop, but now it was manageable.
The speed increased by 0.3, although it was not obvious, but he felt that his steps seemed to be lighter and his reaction speed seemed to have improved slightly.
His spirit level had increased by 0.7, making him feel clearer, more focused, and his memory seemed to have improved. His efficiency in reading in the library had significantly improved.
His intelligence increased by 0.4, mainly due to his diligent “studying” and picking up things in the library. He felt that he was understanding new knowledge faster and thinking more systematically.
The growth of those special attributes surprised him even more.
His “Soft Fist Experience” had reached 0.2. Although he was still far from truly mastering the Soft Fist, he felt that his understanding of this physical skill had deepened. He could even vaguely simulate some of the Soft Fist’s moves in his mind.
The improvement in “precision” and “tool” made him feel that he had better control over his body. Whether he was throwing things or doing some delicate manual work, he was more accurate and dexterous than before.
New attributes like “Charm,” “Alertness,” “Breath Block,” “Perseverance,” “Happiness,” “Identification,” and “Gratitude,” while not particularly high in value, enrich his abilities and experience in various ways. For example, “Alertness” sharpens his awareness of his surroundings, and “Breath Block,” while weak, teaches him how to better conceal his presence. Positive emotional attributes, on the other hand, enhance his optimism.
Although these values were still as different as a firefly and a bright moon compared to those of real ninjas, and might even be worse than those of ordinary people with excellent physical fitness, for Hoshino Yuu himself, the changes he had experienced over the past month were real and could be felt firsthand.
He felt that his physical fitness had been comprehensively improved. His walking posture was more stable and no longer as frivolous as before. He also had more energy than before and would not feel too tired even after a busy day. His memory had also improved. Things that he had forgotten after reading them before could now be remembered for a longer period of time.
Most importantly, he has the hope and means to change his own destiny.
He knew that this was just the beginning. As long as he continued to persevere and diligently picked up attributes, his strength would snowball and become stronger and stronger.
Perhaps, in the near future, he will really be able to get rid of the label of “ordinary person” and have the capital to make a living in this world.
Gazing at the shimmering numbers on the attribute panel, You’s eyes were filled with longing for the future and unwavering faith. His life, thanks to this miraculous system, was quietly undergoing earth-shaking changes. And all this was just beginning.
The early mornings in Konoha Village are always filled with various “surprises”.
That day, when You was carrying his schoolbag and walking to the Ninja School as usual, as soon as he reached the center of the village, he heard bursts of noise and angry roars coming from not far away.
“Uzumaki Naruto! You little brat! Stop right there again!”
“Catch him! Don’t let him get away! This time I’m going to show him how powerful I am!”
Following the sound, he saw a ridiculous farce being staged on the Hokage Rock, which symbolizes the glory and inheritance of Konoha Village.
The solemn and majestic huge portraits of the previous Hokage were now covered with colorful paints, some were painted with funny beards, some were wearing ridiculous glasses, and even the portrait of the Third Hokage had two huge balls of white cotton stuffed in his nostrils, making him look miserable.
The instigator of all this, the young man with dazzling golden hair and six whisker-like lines on his face – Uzumaki Naruto, was now jumping up and down on the steep cliffs of Hokage Rock like a nimble monkey, holding an empty bucket dripping with paint in his hand, with a smug smile on his face after a successful prank, and from time to time he turned back and made faces at the ninjas chasing him below.
“Hahaha! You idiots! You can’t catch me!” Naruto’s signature loud voice echoed in the morning air, full of provocation.
Below Hokage Rock, a group of chuunin in vests, their faces livid with anger, gathered. They gnashed their teeth, yet were helpless against Naruto, who nimbly darted across the rock face. They tried to leap onto the rock face in pursuit, but Naruto was far too agile, and knowing the terrain of Hokage Rock like the back of his hand, he always managed to escape from some unexpected angle just when they were about to catch him.
“This brat! Once we catch him, we will make him lick the entire Hokage Rock clean!” A Chunin was so angry that he blew his beard and glared.
Chapter 22: Disturbing Practice (Old Version)
“Stop talking nonsense! Find a way to get him down! If Lord Hokage finds out about this, we will all be punished!” another Chunin shouted anxiously.
Many early risers and passing ninjas gathered around, pointing and commenting on the “spectacular” scene. Some thought Naruto was too naughty and deserved a good lesson; others found the scene quite amusing and couldn’t help laughing; and some who knew Naruto’s life shook their heads and sighed, their eyes revealing a subtle mix of emotions.
Hoshino Yuu stood on the outskirts of the crowd, watching the fun with great interest. He didn’t discuss things like the others, but instead focused on observing this game of cat and mouse.
His gaze was mainly fixed on the Chunin who were furiously chasing Naruto, and on the energetic Naruto who was jumping up and down on the rock wall.
Although these Chunin were being toyed around by Naruto, they were, after all, experienced ninjas. During the pursuit, their running speed, leaping power, and physical coordination were far beyond the reach of ordinary people. Every time they tried to leap onto the rock face or move quickly on the ground, a faint ball of attribute light would escape from them.
As for Naruto, although his chakra control is a mess and his ninjutsu is learned in a mess, his almost unlimited energy and vitality, as well as the amazing flexibility and speed he displayed when avoiding pursuit, also cause a lot of attribute light balls to float around him.
“Found three spheres of light with the attribute ‘Speed +0.015’ (from Chunin). Do you want to pick them up?”
“Found two spheres of light with the attribute ‘Physique +0.02’ (from Chunin). Do you want to pick them up?”
“Several light balls of the attribute ‘Chakra Control Experience (trace, ineffective on the host but perceptible) +0.005’ were found (from Chunin and Naruto). Do you want to pick them up?”
“Found a ‘Speed +0.025’ attribute light ball (from Naruto). Do you want to pick it up?”
“Found two ‘Vitality +0.03’ attribute light balls (from Naruto). Do you want to pick them up?”
A series of system prompts sounded in You’s mind, making him very happy.
In an instant, those colorful attribute light balls that only he could see, as if pulled by some mysterious force, turned into imperceptible streams of light, flew out from the running Chunins and the jumping Naruto, and silently merged into Yu’s body.
Subtle but distinct currents of energy flowed through his limbs, making him feel a little lighter and his strength increased a bit. In particular, the “vitality” attribute he gained from Naruto made him feel refreshed and full of energy.
As for those “chakra manipulation experiences,” although the system’s prompts were ineffective for him, he could feel that some vague understanding of how to more finely control the flow of energy had quietly integrated into his consciousness. Perhaps it was not useful now, but it would definitely be useful in the future.
You watched this farce with great interest while diligently picking up attributes, which was like “watching the show and leveling up at the same time”.
He even secretly cheered Naruto in his heart: “Naruto, Naruto, you have to hold on a little longer, make more noise, so that I can pick up more attributes!”
Of course, he also knew that Naruto’s mischievous behavior would eventually be severely punished. But it was undeniable that this trouble-making slacker had indeed brought a lot of “vitality” and… attributes to the village.
The farce of hunting down Naruto continued until Iruka-sensei arrived after hearing the news. Iruka-sensei first reprimanded Naruto, then patiently persuaded him, and finally succeeded in “persuading” this “king of destruction” down from the Hokage Rock. He then took Naruto to apologize to the Hokage and, by the way, was also responsible for the “important task” of cleansing the Hokage Rock.
The crowd of onlookers gradually dispersed, and the Hokage Rock returned to its former tranquility.
Hoshino Yuu, content with his “accidental gain” this morning, continued walking towards the Ninja School. He felt that although Naruto was naughty, he was also a “mobile treasure trove of attributes” and that he needed to pay more attention to him in the future.
In the practical class of the Ninja School, the students are still training in various basic abilities under the guidance of Teacher Iruka.
Hoshino Yu’s gaze inadvertently fell on a pink-haired girl in the crowd – Haruno Sakura.
Sakura is a classmate of Naruto and Sasuke, and a future member of the Konoha Twelve. She usually comes across as a bit of a nymphomaniac obsessed with Sasuke, and occasionally gets violent by beating up Naruto for his mischief.
But Yuu knows that Sakura is actually a very hardworking girl with great potential. Especially in the later part of the original work, after she became a disciple of Tsunade and learned medical ninjutsu and super strength, her strength improved by leaps and bounds.
At this moment, Sakura was not hanging around Sasuke as usual, nor was she jealous of Ino. Instead, she was alone in a relatively remote corner, doing some basic strength training that looked a bit strange.
There were several stones of different sizes in front of her, and she was trying to lift one of the medium-sized stones above her head.
Sakura took a firm stance, took a deep breath, and tightly grasped the rough stone with both hands. She let out a low cry and lifted it up with all her strength.
Fine beads of sweat oozed from her forehead, her face flushed red from the exertion, and the muscles in her arms were slightly tense, revealing a sense of strength that was inconsistent with her petite figure.
However, the stone seemed too heavy for her.
The backyard of the Yamanaka Flower Shop has always been where Ino conducts some secret training. The environment here is quiet, the fragrance of flowers is everywhere, and there are few people to disturb her.
That afternoon, Yuu came to the flower shop as usual to help out. Mrs. Yamanaka told him that Ino was practicing an important family secret technique in the backyard and asked him not to disturb her. However, Mrs. Yamanaka seemed a little embarrassed to leave Yuu alone in the front shop, so she asked him to move some flowers and plants that needed pruning to the backyard near the door. This way, he would have something to do without disturbing Ino’s practice.
Chapter 23: Sparring (Old Version)
Yuu was naturally delighted. He knew the Yamanaka clan was renowned for its unique spiritual mysticism, such as the Mind Transformation Technique and the Mind Chaos Body Technique, which required extremely high mental strength. Since Ino had begun practicing the family’s mysticism, her mind would undoubtedly be highly focused. This presented him with a perfect opportunity to acquire both the “spiritual” attribute and the possible “perception” attribute.
He carefully moved several pots of orchids that needed pruning to the stone table at the backyard entrance. Then, picking up a pair of small scissors, he began to slowly and methodically trim the withered leaves and excess branches. His movements were gentle, trying not to make too much noise. At the same time, his attention was highly focused, quietly observing Ino who was practicing secret techniques not far away.
At this moment, Ino was sitting cross-legged on a flat bluestone slab, her eyes closed, her hands forming a strange hand seal in front of her body, her small eyebrows slightly furrowed, and a layer of fine beads of sweat oozing from her forehead. It was obvious that she was in a state of high concentration.
In front of her were several items—an apple, a brush, and a small bronze mirror—while her mother, Lady Yamanaka, sat beside her, instructing her with a serious expression.
“Ino, calm down. Slowly extend your spiritual power and try to sense the subtlest characteristics of these objects, or even… sense some of the information they ‘remain’ on.” Mrs. Yamanaka’s voice was gentle and instructive. “Don’t be impatient. The most important thing about the Yamanaka family’s secret technique is to keep your mind as calm as water and to achieve unity of spirit and soul.”
“Yes… Mom…” Ino’s voice trembled a little, as if she was under a lot of mental pressure.
Yuu concentrated his mind and stared at Ino. Sure enough, the moment he focused his attention, he clearly saw that from Ino’s body, a number of light blue balls, brighter and more condensed than ever before, were continuously emanating. There were also some rarer attribute light balls emitting a faint silver-white halo!
“Found three spheres of light with the attribute ‘Spirit +0.03’. Pick them up?”
“One light ball with the attribute ‘Perception +0.01’ has been found. Do you want to pick it up?”
The system’s prompt sounds rang continuously in You’s mind, making him ecstatic!
“Spirit +0.03! This is the highest single-value Spirit attribute I’ve ever picked up!” You thought excitedly, “And there’s also the ‘Perception’ attribute! This is definitely a very rare and useful attribute!”
Following his instructions, those light blue and silver-white attribute light balls, like iron filings attracted by a magnet, turned into streams of light and silently merged into You’s body.
Waves of refreshing coolness, stronger than ever before, spread through his mind, making him feel clearer and more agile, his mental strength seemingly substantially enhanced. At the same time, an inexplicable feeling of being able to more clearly perceive subtle changes in his surroundings quietly arose within him. His hearing, vision, and even his perception of air movement and temperature fluctuations seemed to have become more acute.
“Great!” You suppressed his excitement and continued to trim the orchid leaves in his hand calmly, while keeping his attention firmly on Ino, expecting her to drop more attributes.
Ino’s occult practice didn’t seem to be going well. She closed her eyes tightly, her face pale from the exhaustion of her mental energy, and beads of sweat formed on her forehead. She seemed to be trying hard, but her brows were furrowed ever tighter.
“No… Mom… I… I can’t feel anything…” After a long moment, Ino opened her eyes in frustration, her voice filled with exhaustion and loss. “I can only feel that the apple is round and the brush is long… I can’t feel their so-called ‘residual information’ at all…”
Mrs. Yamanaka didn’t blame her for this. She just patted her shoulder gently and comforted her, “Ino, don’t be discouraged. The Yamanaka family’s secret techniques are extremely difficult to master. You’ve only just started learning them. Being able to project your spiritual power is already quite impressive. Perceiving the ‘residual information’ of objects, or even the thoughts of others, requires long periods of diligent practice and extremely high spiritual talent. You have great potential. Mom believes you can do it.”
“But…” Ino was still a little unwilling.
“Alright, let’s stop here for today’s training. You’ve used up too much mental energy and need a good rest,” said Mrs. Yamanaka. “You can’t chew too much at once. Gradual progress is the most important thing.”
Although Ino was somewhat reluctant, she knew her mother was right. She nodded, released the hand seal, and breathed a long sigh, her face showing obvious fatigue.
Yu noticed that the moment Ino finished her practice and relaxed, the attribute light balls emanating from her body decreased and their quality also dropped significantly.
“It seems that the attribute drops in the state of cultivation are indeed much richer than usual.” You silently summed up the experience in his heart.
Mrs. Yamanaka stood up and prepared to go to the front shop. When she passed by You, she saw his neatly trimmed orchids and nodded with satisfaction: “You-kun is really getting more and more capable. These orchids are trimmed very well.”
“It’s my duty, Aunt Yamanaka.” You responded with a smile.
Ino came over and saw Yuu. She couldn’t help but curl her lips, remembering how her mother seemed to be praising him. But she didn’t tell him what to do as usual. She just quietly picked up the watering can and watered the orchids she had just pruned. Her movements were somewhat listless, clearly still immersed in the frustration of failing at her secret technique practice.
Yu looked at her somewhat lost expression, thought for a moment, and said, “Ino, actually, I think you were very impressive just now.”
“Huh?” Ino raised her head in surprise and looked at You.
“Although I don’t know the specific secret techniques of your Yamanaka family, I can sense that you were extremely focused just now. That kind of concentration is completely different from your usual self.” You said in a tone as sincere as possible, “To be able to do this is already remarkable. I believe that as long as you persist, you will succeed.”
Ino was slightly taken aback by Yu’s words. She hadn’t expected that Yu, who usually looked a bit dull, would actually say something like this to comfort her. Furthermore, his tone sounded… as if he wasn’t just being perfunctory, but rather came from the heart.
Her little face flushed slightly, her eyes softened a little, and she muttered, “You…you don’t understand…I’m just talking casually…” But the corners of her mouth unconsciously raised a small arc.
Just when Ino’s mood improved slightly because of You’s comfort, You was surprised to find that a faint pink “joy + 0.01” attribute light ball and a light yellow “spirit + 0.01” attribute light ball floated out from her body.
Yuu picked them up silently again.
It seems that proper “psychological counseling” can not only improve favorability, but also “recover” some additional attributes. It really kills two birds with one stone!
Yuu thought proudly in his mind.
He increasingly felt that his “attribute pickup system” was a “warm daily assistant” tailor-made for him.
The public training grounds of the Ninja School were as lively as ever. Students of all grades, when not under the guidance of their instructors, often came here to practice on their own or gather in groups for basic sparring.
Chapter 24: Youthful Beauty (Old Version)
Hoshino Yuu has recently become a “regular” here. He often finds an inconspicuous corner and silently observes those sweating figures, hoping to pick up some useful attributes from them.
That afternoon, when You was “strolling” around the training ground, his eyes were attracted by a familiar figure in the corner.
She was still wearing the same neat red training uniform and had two cute buns on her hair. At this moment, she was concentrating on maintaining the ninja tools.
On the ground before her lay a clean white cloth, neatly arranged upon it were the various ninja tools she often used—kunai and shurikens that gleamed with a cold light, hair-thin senbon (thousand blades), chains entwined with barbed wire, and some strangely shaped metal concealed weapons. In the afterglow of the setting sun, these tools gleamed with a cold and deadly luster.
Tiantian was kneeling in front of the white cloth, holding a soft velvet cloth and a small bottle of special maintenance oil in his hands, carefully wiping a shuriken that had just been used.
Her expression was extremely focused, her eyes full of seriousness and… tenderness.
Yes, gentle.
You was surprised to find that Tiantian, who usually looked heroic and even careless, could show such tenderness and cherishment when treating these cold killing tools.
Her movements were gentle and meticulous, as if she were not polishing a weapon but caring for a beloved child. She meticulously wiped away every speck of dust and sweat from the shuriken, then evenly applied maintenance oil to the blade to prevent rust. If she encountered a slight curl in the edge, she would carefully polish it with a special small file, restoring it to its original sharpness.
The sunlight shone on her serious profile, casting a soft halo on her. Her eyes, which usually sparkled with brilliance, were now filled with tranquility and concentration.
You watched quietly from the side, feeling inexplicably touched.
He knew that for a ninja whose primary means of combat were ninja tools, they were as important as their second life. Tiantian’s dedication and passion for craftsmanship were undoubtedly the best example of the “spirit of craftsmanship.”
He concentrated his attention and stared at Tenten who was carefully maintaining the ninja tools.
Sure enough, some attribute light balls emitting pale yellow and silver-white light slowly drifted out from her body!
“Two spheres of light with the attribute ‘Focus +0.02’ have been found. Do you want to pick them up?”
“Found a light ball with the attribute ‘Instrument +0.03’. Do you want to pick it up?”
He had previously picked up the “Focus” attribute, which improved his ability to concentrate. The “Tool Usage” attribute, which he currently valued, improved his dexterity in using tools and weapons.
“Pick up! Pick up all!” You said without hesitation.
A few rays of light merged into his body, and he felt that his spirit seemed to be more condensed. At the same time, a wonderful feeling of being more handy with the objects in his hands, as if he could resonate with them, also became clearer.
Tiantian was still immersed in her own world, unaware of Yuu’s presence. She carefully maintained each of her ninja tools, and then stored them one by one in the ninja tool bag she carried with her according to a specific order.
After she finished all this, she breathed a sigh of relief, a satisfied smile on her face. She gently patted her bulging ninja tool bag, her eyes filled with trust and attachment.
As You looked at her, he felt even more admiration and affection for this girl who loved ninja tools.
He thought, perhaps, it was precisely because of this heartfelt love and concentration that Tiantian was able to do so well on the path of ninja tools.
He didn’t bother her, but silently noted this new “attribute acquisition scene” in his mind. In the future, if he wanted to improve his “focus” and “tool usage” attributes, observing and maintaining the ninja tools more often might be a good idea.
With this small gain and realization, You quietly left the public training ground. He felt that the world was filled with all sorts of people and things worthy of learning and admiration. And his path of “attribute acquisition” had become more colorful because of it.
As night falls, the lights come on.
The usually quiet Konoha Village was exceptionally lively tonight. The streets were decorated with lights and people were bustling about. The air was filled with the aroma of various snacks and the sounds of people’s laughter.
It turns out that today is the day of Konoha Village’s annual small summer night market.
Although this small night market is not as grand as those grand festivals, it also provides a good place for villagers and ninjas who have a busy pace of life to relax and enjoy life.
Originally, Hoshino Yuu had no plans to visit the night market. He preferred to stay at home quietly reading or helping out at the library. But today, he was unexpectedly invited to join the lively atmosphere.
The cause of the incident was Hinata.
Hinata seemed to be very interested in this lively night market, but because of her shy personality, she didn’t dare to come alone. She mustered up her courage and, through Ino, subtly invited Yu to “go to the night market together.”
Ino was naturally happy to see this happen. She loved the hustle and bustle, and she also wanted to take this opportunity to see if there would be any “progress” between Yuu and Hinata. So, she pulled Yuu along, and called Tenten, who was also very interested in the night market, to form a peculiar “four-person team”.
At this moment, Youzheng was walking among three young and beautiful girls somewhat uncomfortably, feeling the various gazes from the passers-by around him.
Hinata still looked shy, with a blushing little face. She followed Yu with her head down, occasionally secretly looking up at the novel stalls around her, with curiosity flashing in her eyes.
Ino was like a happy little bird, chirping non-stop. Sometimes she would pull Sakura (who later joined in) to buy cotton candy, and sometimes she would point to a game stall, eager to try it out.
Tiantian seemed more calm, but her eyes were full of interest in all kinds of novel gadgets. From time to time, she would discuss with You the strange little accessories sold at a stall, or comment on the “technical content” of a game stall.
Although You was not used to such lively occasions, looking at the happy smiles on the faces of the three girls around him and listening to their clear and pleasant laughter, his heart was gradually infected by this relaxed and happy atmosphere.
He followed them silently, acting as a “flower protector” and “bag carrier”, while also concentrating on observing the people around him, hoping to pick up some useful attributes from them.
Chapter 25: Encountering Hinata and Picking Up [Shyness] (Old Version)
The night market was packed with people, a crisscross of emotions and energies, making it a perfect spot for “attribute collection.” He sporadically collected positive emotional attributes like “joy,” “excitement,” and “curiosity.” While the values weren’t high, they were better than nothing.
Just as the four of them walked to a relatively remote alley and were about to check out a newly opened octopus ball stall there, an accident happened.
A few vagrants from other villages who looked ruffian and drunk staggered out of the alley and bumped into them head-on.
When those ronin saw the two beautiful girls, Ino and Tenten, their eyes immediately flashed with lust. One of the guys with a face full of flesh, under the influence of alcohol,
He reached out his hand, wanting to touch Ino’s face, and said some dirty words: “Hey, girl, you are pretty. How about having a few drinks with us?”
Ino was startled by this sudden harassment and subconsciously took a step back, with an expression of disgust and anger on her face: “You…what do you want to do?!”
Tenten immediately became alert, protecting Ino behind him and staring at the ronin with cold eyes: “Show some respect! This is Konoha!”
Those ronin were obviously drunk and didn’t take Tiantian’s warning seriously. Instead, they became more arrogant: “What’s wrong with Konoha? Can’t the girls from Konoha have fun with us gentlemen?” As they said that, several people surrounded them.
At this critical moment, a figure suddenly stood in front of Ino and Tenten.
It’s Hoshino Yuu.
Yuu’s usual gentle smile was gone, replaced by an unusual calm and…coldness. His eyes, as deep as an ancient well, gazed quietly at the ronin, emanating a calm aura that belied his frail frame.
“Everyone, please be respectful.” You’s voice was not loud, but it was filled with an unquestionable firmness. “They are my friends. I don’t want them to be harassed.”
Ino and Tenten were stunned. They had never expected that Hoshino Yuu, who usually looked ordinary and even a little cowardly, would stand up to protect them without hesitation at such a time.
Especially Ino, she looked at Yu’s back, which was not very broad but seemed extremely reliable at the moment, and an inexplicable warmth and an indescribable throbbing surged in her heart.
The ronin were slightly taken aback by You’s sudden action, then burst into laughter: “Hahaha! Boy, who do you think you are? How dare you imitate others to save the damsel in distress? Why don’t you take a piss and look at yourself!”
“That’s right! Get out of here if you know what’s good for you! Don’t ruin our fun!”
As he said that, the guy with a fat face stretched out his hand impatiently, trying to push You away.
Yuu’s eyes narrowed slightly. He knew that with his current strength, if a fight really came to a head, he would definitely be no match for these seemingly strong ronin. However, he couldn’t retreat! Behind him was someone he wanted to protect!
Just as he was about to take the push head-on and even mentally prepared himself to be beaten, something unexpected happened.
“Stop!” A majestic shout came from not far away.
Then, several nimble figures rushed over like cheetahs, surrounding the ronin. They were patrol ninjas from the Konoha Guard!
It turned out that the noise just now had alarmed the Konoha ninjas patrolling nearby.
When the ronin saw the stern-looking ninja in the uniform of the Konoha Guard, their drunkenness sobered up, and the arrogance on their faces vanished without a trace. They knew that in Konoha Village, provoking a Konoha ninja would lead to no good consequences.
“Gentlemen, it’s a misunderstanding…it’s all a misunderstanding…” The frail-faced fellow immediately put on a fawning smile and explained with a nod and a bow, “We…we were just drunk and were just joking with these young men and women…no harm meant…”
The captain of the Konoha Guard was a tall, stern-faced, middle-aged ninja. He glanced coldly at the ronin, then at the safe and sound Yuu, Ino, and the others. He said in a deep voice, “When you’re on Konoha Village territory, you must abide by its rules! Provoking trouble and molesting women will be severely punished according to the regulations!”
“Take them all back! Interrogate them thoroughly!” the captain ordered his team members.
“Yes!” Several security guards immediately stepped forward and arrested the ronin who were already scared pale.
Just when the emotions of those ronin were fluctuating violently due to fear and regret, You was surprised to find that some faint attribute light balls were floating out from them!
“Found two ‘Strength +0.008’ attribute light balls (from Ronin). Do you want to pick them up?”
“Found a light ball with the attribute ‘Ferocity +0.005’ (from Ronin). Do you want to pick it up?”
“Several ‘Fear-0.01’ attribute light balls have been found (from Ronin). Do you want to pick them up?”
“Strength” and “Ferocity” attributes! Although the values were pitifully low, it was a pleasant surprise. As for the negative attribute of “Fear”, You simply chose to ignore it.
“Pick up ‘strength’ and ‘ferocity’!” You muttered to himself.
As a few faint rays of light merged into his body, he felt his strength grow a tiny bit. At the same time, an inexplicable feeling arose, as if he were becoming even more… well, more “fierce”? Although the feeling was subtle, he knew it was perhaps the effect of his “fierce” attribute.
A small conflict was quickly resolved with the timely intervention of the Konoha Guard.
Those unlucky ronin were taken away, and what awaits them will be severe punishment according to the rules and regulations of Konoha Village.
Yuu and the girls, after thanking the ninjas from the security force, continued their journey to the night market.
However, after that little episode just now, the atmosphere seemed to become a little subtle.
Hinata looked at Yu with a look of hard-to-conceal admiration and…dependence. She felt that although Hoshino-kun looked quiet at ordinary times, he was braver than anyone else when it mattered most.
Tiantian also looked at You with new eyes. She patted You on the shoulder and said with a hearty smile: “Good job, Hoshino You! I didn’t expect you to be so brave! That move just now was really manly!”
Ino seemed a little silent. She would secretly glance at You from time to time, her eyes filled with complex emotions, including gratitude, surprise, and a hint of… throbbing that she herself couldn’t explain.
Chapter 26: Picked up [White Eyes Affinity]? (Old Version)
She found that she seemed to have developed some special affection for this seemingly inconspicuous boy.
Yu felt a little embarrassed when the girls looked at him. He scratched his head and said modestly: “I… I didn’t do anything actually. It was mainly because the ninjas from the security force arrived in time.” He was not proud of himself for “standing up” just now. In his opinion, it was what a man should do.
To ease the somewhat tense atmosphere, You took the initiative to suggest, “Everyone…would you like to go get something to eat? I saw they’re selling candied apples over there; they look delicious.”
“Okay, okay!” Ino was the first to respond, as if she wanted to use food to cover up the strangeness in her heart.
Hinata and Tenten also smiled and nodded.
So, the four of them came to a stall selling candy apples. The red apples were covered in crystal clear candy coating, and under the light, they exuded an alluring luster.
You took the initiative to pay and bought a candy apple for each girl.
Hinata licked the candy apple in small bites, a sweet smile of satisfaction on her face.
Ino was like a little child, biting the apple candy with a “crunching” sound, and joking with Yu from time to time.
She enjoys eating every day. She thinks that visiting the night market and eating snacks with friends is a very pleasant thing.
After eating the apple candies, the four of them came to a goldfish scooping stall.
This stall attracted many children and young couples. Colorful goldfish of various sizes swam happily in the clear water. The stall owner provided a scoop made of thin paper netting. Anyone who could scoop up a goldfish before the netting broke could take it home.
Ino and Tenten were both very interested in this game and were eager to try it out.
“Boss, give us three scoops!” Ino said excitedly.
The stall owner smiled and handed them three paper net scoops.
Ino and Tenten eagerly squatted by the pool and began carefully trying to scoop up the goldfish. However, the paper net was very fragile and easily torn with the slightest pressure or the wrong angle. They tried several times, each time failing. They only managed to scoop up a pool of water and a few tattered pieces of paper net, drawing laughter from the nearby children.
“Damn it! These goldfish are so cunning!” Ino stomped her feet unwillingly.
Tiantian also shook his head helplessly: “This thing is too difficult. The paper net is not strong at all.”
Hinata just watched them with a smile, but did not participate.
Just then, You said, “How about…let me try?”
Ino and Tenten looked at him in surprise.
“Are you okay? Hoshino Yuu?” Ino asked doubtfully.
You smiled and didn’t say much. He just took a new paper net scoop from the stall owner and squatted by the pool.
He took a deep breath and focused himself.
During the past period of time, by picking up attributes, not only did his “spiritual” attribute improve significantly, making his concentration and perception far beyond that of ordinary people, but he also accumulated a lot of “precision” attributes, allowing him to have more subtle control over his body.
At this moment, he stared at the swiftly swimming goldfish in the pond, and a slow-motion image appeared in his mind. He could clearly judge the trajectory and speed of the goldfish, as well as the optimal angle and force for the paper net to enter the water.
He held his breath, moved his wrist slightly, and the paper net silently cut into the water at a tricky and gentle angle, and then quickly lifted it up!
“Crash!”
He actually caught a lively little red goldfish steadily, and it kept wagging its tail in the paper net!
“Wow! I got it! Hoshino-kun is so awesome!” Hinata was the first to cheer in surprise, her little face full of admiration.
Ino and Tenten were also stunned. They didn’t expect that You could actually catch the goldfish, and his movements looked so easy!
You smiled faintly and carefully placed the goldfish he caught into the small plastic bag provided by the stall owner.
“Come again!” Ino and Tenten’s competitive spirit was aroused, and they also wanted to catch the goldfish with their own hands.
You did not hide his secrets. He patiently explained to them some of the little tricks he had just learned for catching goldfish, such as “follow the direction of the goldfish’s swimming and gently cut the paper net into the water from the side and back”, “lift the paper net quickly and steadily to prevent the goldfish from struggling”, etc.
Under Yu’s “guidance”, although Ino and Tenten still failed several times, they gradually mastered some tricks and finally successfully caught their own little goldfish.
During the entire goldfish catching process, the stall was filled with the girls’ laughter.
Hinata looked at Yuu’s focused and serious face, and the faint smile on his face when he caught the goldfish, and an inexplicable emotion welled up in her heart. She felt that Hoshino-kun always seemed to have a strange charm that could make people feel at ease and happy.
Ino also looked at You with admiration. She found that this boy who looked ordinary at ordinary times always seemed to show some surprising “hidden skills” inadvertently.
Tiantian feels that playing games with You is a very happy thing. He can always think of some fun ways to make everyone enjoy themselves.
Just when the girls were feeling happy and joyful from the bottom of their hearts because they caught the goldfish, You was pleasantly surprised to find that some attribute light balls emitting bright pink halos were constantly emanating from their bodies!
“Several light balls with the attribute ‘Joy +0.02’ have been found (from Hinata, Ino, and Tenten). Do you want to pick them up?”
“Pick up! Pick up all!” You was overjoyed.
Streams of pink light merged into his body, and waves of pure joy spread through his heart, making him feel incredibly relaxed and happy. He discovered that the positive emotions he gained from making others happy not only improved his own state of mind, but also seemed to slightly enhance his “affinity” with others.
What we gain from the night market is not only those cute little goldfish, but also the happy smiles of the girls and those precious attributes of “joy”.
You feels that occasionally going out to the night market and experiencing this lively and warm atmosphere seems to be a good way to “pick up attributes”.
Time slips away quietly like sand through fingers during his diligent “picking” career and warm daily interactions with the girls.
Chapter 27: The Concept of Leisure Residence (Old Version)
In the blink of an eye, another month has passed.
During this month, You’s life remained fulfilling and regular, but compared with before, there were some new changes and experiences.
He continued to attend classes at the Ninja Academy on time every day. In theory classes, thanks to his increasing intelligence and accumulated knowledge, he learned more and more efficiently, gaining a deeper understanding of the profound theoretical knowledge. Mr. Iruka even singled him out for praise several times in class, praising his incredible talent and hard work in theoretical study despite his inability to refine chakra.
In practical classes, he remained the obscure “auditor,” but his “observation” had become more acute and efficient. He could more clearly sense the energy fluctuations emitted by his classmates during training, and more accurately judge which attribute light balls were of higher quality and most useful to him. He picked up a number of attributes such as “spirit,” “precision,” “strength,” “comprehension,” “stealth,” and “reconnaissance” from Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Kiba, Shino, and other “little strong men.” Although the amount he gained each time was small, the accumulation of these small gains steadily improved his basic abilities.
After school, the Yamanaka Flower Shop remained his most frequented spot. After their skirmish at the night market and the flower-arranging incident, his relationship with Ino seemed to have grown closer. While Ino was still a bit tsundere and loved ordering him around, her words were less casual and more filled with a subtle reliance and trust. Yuya was happy to help her out, benefiting from her declining “Spirit,” “Charm,” and “Joy” attributes due to her various mood swings.
The Konoha Library became a crucial base for him to enhance his intelligence and accumulate fragments of knowledge. Under the guidance of Elder Kosuke, he read nearly every book and scroll open to the public in the library. His reading speed and comprehension, enhanced by his intelligence, became astonishing. He memorized history, geography, humanities, herbal medicine, basic physics, and even a brief introduction to ancient scripts and runes. While this knowledge currently seemed fragmented and unstructured, Yuu believed that it was like seeds buried in the soil, destined to one day take root, sprout, and blossom into a magnificent flower.
Of course, he would still “accidentally” “pass by” the grove outside the Hyuga clan’s territory. Ever since he gave Hinata the cough drops last time, the relationship between him and this shy girl seemed to have become much closer. Although Hinata was still very shy and didn’t dare to talk to him actively, every time they “ran into each other”, there would be a hint of gratitude and warmth in her eyes when she looked at You. You could always find some suitable “excuses”, such as giving her some homemade snacks, or “coincidentally” helping her pick up dropped items, thereby gaining some attributes such as “physique”, “soft fist experience” and “favorability”. He found that the “physique” attribute dropped by Hinata was of very high quality, which was of great help to his physical fitness improvement.
As for the village’s public training grounds and the occasional “bumps” into ANBU members late at night, they remained a crucial source of high-quality attributes. While the risks were high and the rewards unpredictable, each successful “high-end pickup” significantly boosted his strength. He gained increased “precision” and “utility” from Tenten, a unique “sense of smell” from Akamaru, “stealth” and “reconnaissance” from Shino’s insects, and precious “speed,” “alertness,” and fragments of combat techniques from the elusive ANBU members.
In this way, day after day, Hoshino Yuu was like a hardworking little ant, tirelessly carrying the colorful “attribute food” that only he could see to every corner of Konoha Village.
That evening, after finishing a day of “picking up” and carefully cleaning his room, You opened his property panel as usual and carefully reviewed the results of his hard work over the past month:
Strength: 11.0 (increased by 0.5)
Physical strength: 11.5 (increased by 0.7)
Speed: 10.8 (increased by 0.5)
Spirit: 11.2 (increased by 0.5)
Intelligence: 10.9 (increased by 0.5)
Gentle Fist Experience: 0.3 (increased by 0.1)
Accuracy: 0.25 (increased by 0.1)
Instrumental: 0.2 (increased by 0.1)
Charisma: 0.12 (increased by 0.04)
Knowledge fragments (miscellaneous knowledge): total about 1.0 (increased by about 0.5)
Alertness: 0.02 (increased by 0.01)
Breath Block (weak): 0.008 (increased by 0.003)
Perseverance: 0.08 (increased by 0.03)
Happiness: 0.15 (increased by 0.05)
Agree: 0.05 (increase 0.02)
Gratitude: 0.08 (increased by 0.03)
Favorability (Hinata): 0.05 (new)
Smell (Akamaru only): 0.002 (increased by 0.001)
Stealth (Swarm): 0.01 (increased by 0.005)
Reconnaissance (Insect Swarm): 0.01 (increased by 0.005)
Tacit Understanding (Inuzuka Kiba and Akamaru): 0.02 (increased by 0.01)
Looking at the steadily increasing numbers on the attribute panel, You’s heart was filled with indescribable joy and a sense of security.
All the basic attributes, strength, physique, speed, spirit, and intelligence have steadily exceeded the 11-point mark. Although he is still far from those real ninjas, he has made significant improvements compared to a month ago.
The increase in strength made him feel that his body was stronger and more powerful, and whether he was carrying flower pots or organizing heavy scrolls in the library, it became easier and more comfortable.
The most noticeable improvement was his physical fitness, which had reached 11.5. This had given him a sense of overall enhanced endurance, recovery, and resistance to illness. Even if he was busy running around outside all day, he wouldn’t feel overly tired, and he rarely got sick.
The increase in speed made him feel his steps were lighter and his reactions were more agile. He seemed more relaxed when navigating crowded streets or dodging unexpected accidents.
Chapter 28: The Prosperity of Konoha Village (Old Version)
The growth of his spirit kept his mind clear and focused at all times, his memory improved, and his efficiency in learning new knowledge greatly increased. He even felt that his perception had become more acute, and he could detect subtle changes that he had previously overlooked.
The improvement in his intelligence made him feel that his thinking was clearer and more organized, and his ability to understand and analyze problems was also strengthened. When communicating with others, he could grasp the other person’s key points more quickly and give more appropriate responses.
And the wide variety of special attributes have benefited him greatly.
The accumulation of “soft fist experience” has given him a deeper understanding of this advanced physical technique. Although he is not able to perform it yet, the relevant knowledge and insights are constantly accumulating in his mind.
The improvement in “precision” and “tool” makes him feel comfortable when doing some delicate work, such as repairing some small objects or trying to make some simple handicrafts.
Although he himself did not feel the growth of his “charm”, it did seem to make it easier for him to gain the favor and trust of others when interacting with them.
The accumulation of “knowledge fragments (miscellaneous knowledge)” has greatly expanded his knowledge. Although they are only scattered fragments at present, he believes that when these fragments accumulate to a certain extent and the quantitative change leads to qualitative change, they will definitely bring him unexpected surprises.
As for those special attributes obtained from specific characters or creatures, such as “smell (Akamaru only)”, “stealth (insect swarm)”, “reconnaissance (insect swarm)”, “understanding (Inuzuka Kiba and Akamaru)”, etc., although they seem to be of little use at present, they also add some unique “trump cards” to him.
Although, compared with those powerful ninjas who can destroy the world at any time, the increase in his attributes is still insignificant, like a firefly to the bright moon.
However, for Hoshino Yuu himself, this kind of real progress achieved through his own efforts (even if the methods are a bit tricky) is the most precious and the most gratifying.
He could clearly feel that his body was becoming stronger and more coordinated day by day, his five senses were becoming sharper, and his energy was much more abundant than before. This subtle change filled him with infinite confidence in the future.
He is no longer an ordinary person who can only go with the flow in the torrent of fate. He has the key to change his own destiny and the hope of settling down in this world.
Looking at the numbers on the attribute panel that were shining with hope, You’s mouth corners couldn’t help but rise up, his eyes filled with longing for the future and unswerving faith.
He knows that this road to “acquiring attributes” is still long and full of unknowns and challenges, but he will continue to move forward step by step and unwaveringly.
Because he longed to become stronger and to have the power to protect everything he cherished.
And all of this will start with this seemingly slow but extremely solid accumulation of attributes.
The theoretical classes at the Ninja School are still an important place for Hoshino Yuu to acquire knowledge and observe attributes.
In the theoretical class that day, Mr. Iruka did not explain the boring principles of ninjutsu or combat techniques as usual, but instead set the theme as “The inheritance of the will of fire.”
When discussing the “Will of Fire,” the core of the Konoha Village ninja spirit, the usually gentle and amiable Iruka-sensei’s expression became unusually solemn and passionate. His voice was also much higher than usual, full of infectious power.
“Classmates, what is the Will of Fire?” Teacher Iruka’s eyes swept over every student in the classroom, and his voice was sonorous and powerful. “The Will of Fire is not a specific ninjutsu, nor is it a powerful force. It is a spirit, a belief!”
“It is the flame of hope that the first Hokage, Hashirama Senju, ignited in order to protect his companions and to build a village where children can live happily away from the flames of war!”
“It is the great spirit passed down by successive Hokage and countless predecessors who sacrificed their lives to protect Konoha. It is the spirit of protecting one’s home, cherishing one’s companions, and willingly devoting everything for the prosperity of the village and the happiness of the next generation!”
Iruka-sensei grew increasingly emotional as he spoke, his eyes gleaming with pride and determination, as if he were part of the blazing flame. He recounted the hardships of founding Konoha Village, the heroic deeds of those who had sacrificed their lives to protect the village during the various Ninja World Wars, and how the Will of Fire had taken root in the hearts of successive generations of Konoha ninjas, guiding their path forward.
The atmosphere in the classroom grew solemn and dignified. Naruto, usually playful and mischievous, was now unusually quiet, his eyes wide open as he listened attentively to Iruka-sensei’s teachings. The other students were also moved by Iruka-sensei’s passionate words, their eyes revealing their admiration for the hero and their yearning for the Will of Fire.
Sitting in the corner of the classroom, Hoshino Yuu was equally struck by the powerful spiritual force emanating from Iruka-sensei. He could clearly sense that Iruka-sensei was glowing, his soul becoming incomparably fervent and pure due to his unwavering faith in the Will of Fire.
Just when Mr. Iruka’s emotions reached its peak and his voice trembled slightly with excitement, You was surprised to find that an extremely weak but flame-like warm red light ball was emitted from Mr. Iruka’s body!
This ball of light was different from any other ball of light he had ever seen before. Although it was very small, it contained an indescribable, sacred and noble aura.
“Special attribute discovered: ‘Will of Fire (Weak Perception) +0.01’. Pick it up?”
The system’s prompt sounded in You’s mind, causing him to tremble slightly.
“Will of Fire? Can this also be an attribute?” You felt a little unbelievable, but more of it was an inexplicable expectation and awe.
Without hesitation, he said to himself, “Pick it up!”
The crimson ball of light, as faint as a spark, instantly turned into a warm current and merged into his body.
Instantly, You felt as if a small, bright light had been lit deep within him. An indescribable warmth and sense of responsibility flowed through him like a trickle. He seemed to have a vague yet deeper understanding of the words “protection,” “companion,” and “dedication.”
Chapter 29: Picking up [Fire Will Fragment] (Old Version)
Although he still didn’t quite understand the specific function of this “Will of Fire (Weak Perception) +0.01” and how it would directly help him improve his strength, he could clearly feel that his spiritual world had become more fulfilled and firmer with the incorporation of this faint “Will of Fire”.
He seemed to understand why the ninjas of Konoha Village were able to unleash such powerful strength, even at the cost of their own lives, in order to protect the village and their companions. That was because, in their hearts, burned the will of fire that would never be extinguished!
This special theoretical class brought You unexpected gains. Not only did he gain a deeper understanding of the “Will of Fire”, but more importantly, he also picked up this extremely precious and special spiritual attribute.
He thought that perhaps, this understanding of the “will of fire” would bring him unexpected help at some critical moment in the future.
And Iruka, this ordinary yet great ninja teacher, also left a deeper and nobler impression in his heart. He was not only imparting knowledge, but also passing on the most precious spiritual wealth of Konoha Village to his students through his words and deeds.
Shanzhong Flower Shop recently received a significant order. A newly opened upscale restaurant in the village needed a large quantity of fresh flowers to create a festive atmosphere for its grand opening. From the flower baskets at the entrance to the flower arrangements inside the restaurant and the embellishments in each private room, everything required meticulous design and arrangement.
This kept Ino’s mother, Mrs. Yamanaka, very busy. She had to be in charge of purchasing and matching flowers, as well as designing and making the more demanding flower arrangements herself, leaving her with a limited staff.
Ino is naturally the main force. Not only does she help deal with various trivial matters, but she also has to participate in some important flower arrangement work under the guidance of her mother.
Even so, there was still a shortage of manpower. Especially in the process of delivering the large number of flower baskets and flower arrangements to the restaurant safely and on time, it required a lot of physical strength.
So, Ino naturally turned her “coolie” gaze to Hoshino Yuu, who often came to the store to help.
“Hey! Hoshino Yuu!” After school that day, as Yuu just stepped into the flower shop, Ino grabbed his arm and said, “Don’t even think about slacking off today! Our family received a super large order and we are so busy! You must stay and help!” Ino put her hands on her hips, with an expression that did not allow any objection, and her tone carried a hint of “command” that could not be refused.
Yu looked at Ino’s “little tigress” appearance, then looked at the various flowers and semi-finished flower baskets that were indeed piled up like mountains in the store, as well as Mrs. Yamanaka’s slightly apologetic smile. What else could he say?
“I understand, Miss Ino.” You smiled helplessly, put down her schoolbag, and tied her apron with familiarity. “If you need me to do anything, just tell me.”
“You’re smart!” Ino hummed with satisfaction, and then began to “direct”: “First, move those packaged rose baskets at the door to the cart. Be careful not to damage the petals! Then, go to the backyard and move out those large pots of Cymbidium orchids that Mom just made. Those are very heavy, can you handle them?” Ino looked up and down at You’s still somewhat thin figure, with a hint of doubt in her eyes.
“Don’t worry, it’s no problem.” You smiled confidently.
Over the past period of time, he has significantly improved his physical fitness by picking up attributes, especially the “physique” and “strength” attributes obtained from Hinata and Rock Lee. Although the appearance does not change much, the inner strength and endurance are already far superior to what they were before.
He walked to the door, where a dozen rose baskets wrapped in beautifully wrapped paper were piled. Each basket was quite heavy, and it would be difficult for an ordinary person to carry two at a time.
You took a deep breath, bent down, and firmly grasped the handles of the two flower baskets with both hands. Then, with a force from his waist, he lifted them up easily and walked steadily towards the cart parked at the door.
Ino was watching from the side and originally wanted to remind him to “be careful and don’t be stubborn”, but when she saw Yu’s relaxed look and his steady steps when carrying the flower basket, she couldn’t help but open her mouth slightly, and a trace of surprise that was hard to hide flashed in her eyes.
“Huh? This guy… seems to be stronger than before?” Ino muttered to herself. She remembered that when she asked You to carry these flower baskets in the past, although he could do it, he usually looked a little tired, and sweat would appear on his forehead. But today, he looked effortless, not even his breathing was disordered.
Yu didn’t notice Ino’s surprised look. He placed the basket of flowers steadily on the cart and turned to move the others. Soon, he easily handled the dozen or so rose baskets at the door.
Next came the large pots of Cymbidium orchids in the backyard. They were planted in heavy ceramic pots, each weighing at least several dozen kilograms, making them difficult even for an adult man to carry.
Ino was a little worried that You couldn’t move it, and was about to go forward to help, but she saw You just moved his wrist, then walked to a pot of Cymbidium orchid, grabbed the edge of the pot with both hands, took a deep breath, and with a low cry, he actually picked up the heavy pot of Cymbidium orchid steadily!
Although beads of sweat appeared on his forehead and the muscles in his arms bulged slightly, his steps were still steady and his breathing was only slightly rapid. He was not as overwhelmed as Ino had imagined.
“This guy… when did he become so strong?” Ino was completely shocked. She rubbed her eyes, a little bit unable to believe what she saw. In her impression, Hoshino Yuu had always been a weak and weak nerd. How could he suddenly become like a “strongman”?
After Yu moved several pots of orchids onto the cart, he saw Ino looking at him with a strange look in her eyes. She couldn’t help but ask in confusion, “What’s wrong, Ino? Is there something on my face?”
“Nothing… nothing!” Ino quickly averted her gaze, curled her lips somewhat unnaturally to hide her inner surprise, but she still said mercilessly: “Hmph! You still have so little strength! You are so tired after moving a few pots of flowers!” But her tone clearly did not have the suspicion and contempt she had before.
Chapter 30: Lady Tsunade? It’s still early (Old Version)
You simply smiled and didn’t argue. He knew that the changes in his body would eventually be noticed by those around him. However, as long as the secrets of the attribute system weren’t exposed, any slight increase in strength wouldn’t arouse much suspicion. At most, it would be considered as “recent good physical exercise.”
In the following time, You and Ino pushed a cart full of flowers and began to shuttle around the village, delivering these beautiful bouquets and potted plants to the shops and customers who had made reservations.
Wherever they go, when customers see the carefully crafted and gorgeous flowers, they will express their sincere admiration and their faces will be filled with satisfied smiles.
“Wow! These flowers are so beautiful! The craftsmanship of Yamanaka Flower Shop is truly well-deserved!”
“Thank you for sending it all the way here. You’ve worked so hard!”
“With these flowers, our store suddenly looks much more lively!”
Yu and Ino politely responded to the customers’ thanks and compliments, feeling a small sense of satisfaction in their hearts.
And You also received many unexpected “surprises” in the process.
He discovered that when Ino was happy because she had successfully completed the flower delivery task or received praise from customers, some pink and gold light balls representing “joy” and “sense of accomplishment” would float out of her body.
And those satisfied customers who received flowers, when they were in high spirits, would also emit some positive emotional attribute light balls such as “satisfaction +0.01” and “happiness +0.01”.
You naturally accepted everyone who came and picked up these scattered small attributes one by one.
Although the values of these attributes are not high, they add up to a lot and bring him a lot of spiritual pleasure and insignificant improvement in his abilities.
After a busy afternoon, they finally delivered all the pre-ordered flowers to the designated location. As the sun set, Yuu and Ino pushed their empty carts back to the flower shop.
Although Ino was still complaining about being “tired” and “my legs are almost broken,” her face was filled with an unconcealable excitement and satisfaction. The successful completion of this large order today made her feel very accomplished.
She secretly glanced at Yuu Hoshino who was walking beside her. Although he looked a little tired, he still looked calm. She had a new understanding of his performance today.
This guy, it seems… isn’t as useless as she imagined. At least, when it comes to being a “coolie”, he’s quite qualified.
As for You, he was silently calculating the attribute gains of this afternoon, and the corners of his mouth quietly raised a tiny arc.
Although it is a bit hard to help the Ino family deliver flowers, it seems to be a good deal because I can gain attributes and Miss Ino’s “special attention” at the same time.
As autumn deepens, the mornings and evenings in Konoha Village begin to feel a bit cooler.
That morning, when Yu and Hinata “ran into each other” in the corridor of the ninja school, he noticed that Hinata seemed a little pale, and her spirit seemed a little lethargic, and she coughed slightly from time to time.
“Hinata-san, are you… not feeling well?” You asked with some concern.
Hinata blushed slightly when she heard Yu’s voice. She subconsciously covered her mouth with her hand and said in a low voice a little embarrassedly, “No…nothing, Hoshino-kun, it’s just…it’s just that when we were practicing in the woods yesterday afternoon, I might…maybe I caught a cold, and my throat is a little uncomfortable.”
Yuu understood what she had said. Hinata practiced her soft fist so diligently every day, rain or shine. With the recent cooler weather, and her thin training clothes, it was inevitable that she would catch a cold.
“Then you must take care of yourself and don’t push yourself too hard.” Yuu warned, “If you really feel unwell, ask Iruka-sensei for leave and have a good rest.”
“Well…thank you, Hoshino-kun, I’ll pay attention.” Hinata responded softly, feeling a warm feeling in her heart because of Yu’s concern.
Looking at Hinata’s slightly haggard appearance, Yuu had a thought, remembering that he had seen some simple remedies for colds and coughs while browsing herbal medicine books in the library a few days ago. With his increased “intelligence” and accumulated “knowledge fragments (herbal medicine)”, he had gained a rough understanding of those remedies.
He thought that maybe he could try making some cough drops for Hinata himself to relieve her cough.
So, after school, You didn’t go home directly. Instead, he went to the village herbal medicine store and bought some common herbs needed to make cough drops, such as licorice, platycodon, loquat leaves, etc. These herbs were not expensive and were relatively cheap. With the little savings he had saved from odd jobs, he could easily afford them.
Back home, You followed the instructions he’d learned from the book and began making cough drops. He first cleaned the herbs carefully, then placed them in a pot according to a specific ratio, added an appropriate amount of water, and simmered them over low heat.
Brewing herbs is a process that requires patience and meticulousness. You intensely controls the heat, stirring the pot with a wooden spoon to prevent it from burning. A faint herbal fragrance gradually fills the air.
After several hours of careful simmering, the concoction finally thickened and turned dark brown. You extinguished the fire, poured the thick concoction into a clean container, and waited for it to slowly cool and solidify.
While waiting, he even bought some dried osmanthus flowers from a mountain flower shop, crushed them, and sprinkled them evenly on the surface of the medicine juice that had not yet completely solidified. This not only enhanced the flavor of the cough drops, but also had a certain throat-soothing effect.
The next morning, when You took the completely solidified cough candy out of the container, cut it into small pieces, and wrapped it in clean oil paper, he couldn’t help but taste one piece himself.
Well, it tastes pretty good. Although it has a slight herbal bitterness, it is more sweet from the licorice and osmanthus, and the taste is quite soothing.
Yuu placed a small, carefully wrapped packet of cough drops into his school bag before heading off to the ninja school as usual.
During the break, You found an opportunity and quietly walked over to Hinata who was sitting alone by the window in a daze.
“Hinata-san,” You called softly.
Hinata came back to her senses and saw that it was Yu. Her face turned red as usual: “Hoshi… Hoshino-kun, is… is there something wrong?” She still had a cough today and her voice was a little hoarse.
Chapter 31: Comparing IQ with Shikamaru, picking up [Shadow Imitation Technique Idea] (Old Version)
Yu took out the small oil-paper bag from his schoolbag and handed it to Hinata with a gentle smile on his face: “This… is some cough drops I made with herbs. It should be able to relieve your cough. You… you can try it.”
Hinata looked at the exquisitely wrapped small paper bag in Yu’s hand in surprise, then looked at the sincere and concerned expression on Yu’s face, and an indescribable warmth surged in her heart. She had never thought that Hoshino-kun would go out of his way to make cough drops just for her.
“This…how can I feel so embarrassed…” Hinata said at a loss, her little face as red as a ripe tomato, even her ears were burning.
“It’s okay, it’s just a small favor.” You said with a smile, “Please take it. I hope it will help with your cough.”
Hinata hesitated for a moment, looked at Yu’s kind eyes, and finally stretched out her slightly trembling little hand and took the oil paper bag.
“T-that…thank you so much, Hoshino-kun…” Hinata’s voice was as soft as a mosquito’s, but it was filled with deep gratitude and a subtle hint of shyness. Her eyes sparkled with a glittering light, as if mist were lingering in them.
Just when Hinata took the cough candy and her emotions fluctuated violently because of Yu’s special concern, Yu was surprised to find that several attribute light balls emitting bright pink and soft white halos floated out from her body!
“Two ‘Favorability +0.02’ attribute light orbs found. Pick them up?”
“Found a ‘Gratitude +0.01’ attribute light ball. Do you want to pick it up?”
“Favorability” attribute! And two of them! Yu was overjoyed. He knew that this meant Hinata’s favorability towards him had risen a little bit!
A few faint lights merged into his body, and a warm and joyful feeling spread in his heart. He could clearly feel that the subtle connection between him and Hinata seemed to have become even closer.
“You’re welcome, Hinata-san.” Yuu said with a smile. Seeing Hinata accept the cough candy, he felt a sense of satisfaction in his heart. “If you think it works, I’ll make more for you next time.”
“Hmm…hmm…” Hinata nodded vigorously, her little face buried low, not daring to look into You’s eyes, but the corners of her mouth quietly raised up in a happy arc.
Yuu couldn’t help but feel a ripple in his heart as he looked at Hinata’s shy yet adorable appearance. He felt that this shy and kind girl was becoming more and more… well, more caring and protective.
And because of this small act of kindness, he gained unexpected attributes and… Hinata’s favor.
It seems that learning some practical life skills, such as herbalism and cooking, can not only improve one’s life, but also produce unexpected “attribute pickup” effects at critical moments!
You silently included “improving life skills” in his future plans.
Konoha Village’s third training ground has always been a gathering place for the strongest. Not only does it serve as a venue for elite jonin to instruct genin teams in combat drills, but it also occasionally sees powerful jonin engage in sparring sessions to maintain combat form and hone their coordination.
That afternoon, after finishing his “part-time job” at the library, Yuu didn’t go home directly. Instead, he took a detour to the third training ground on a whim. He hoped to “accidentally” encounter some ninjas undergoing intensive training here and thus pick up some high-quality attributes.
As soon as he approached the training ground, he heard bursts of fierce weapon collisions and the roar of ninjutsu bursting out from the ground, occasionally interspersed with a few powerful shouts.
“It seems that I am lucky today, there is a senior ninja practicing with me!” You was delighted and quickly found a bush with a wide view but relatively hidden. He hid quietly in it and looked into the field.
In the center of the training ground, two figures were fighting fiercely at a speed that was difficult to capture with the naked eye!
One of them had short silver hair that was particularly eye-catching in the sun. He wore a black mask that covered half of his face, revealing only one lazy and sharp eye. He was none other than the famous “Copy Ninja” of Konoha Village – Hatake Kakashi!
Kakashi was sparring with another equally powerful jonin—Sarutobi Asuma! Asuma, an unlit cigarette dangling from his lips, wielded two chakra blades infused with wind-attribute chakra. His blades were sharp, his moves were wide and powerful, and he was bursting with energy.
The two were obviously engaging in an instructional sparring match and were not using any fatal blows, but even so, the powerful strength and superb skills displayed in their gestures were enough to terrify any bystander.
Kakashi’s movements were like a ghost, sometimes dodging Asuma’s fierce attacks, and sometimes getting close like a maggot on the tarsal bone, the kunai in his hand would inadvertently hit Asuma’s vital points. His movements seemed lazy and casual, but each move was just right, full of precise control of the rhythm of the battle.
Asuma, on the other hand, was fierce and resilient, his chakra blade dancing with the wind, his wind-style ninjutsu at his fingertips. Sometimes it transformed into a sharp wind blade that sliced through the air, sometimes forming a fierce whirlwind that swept around. His attacks were filled with a sense of oppression, as if he wanted to tear everything in front of him apart.
“Fire Style: Ash Burning!” Asuma suddenly jumped back, quickly formed seals with his hands, and sprayed a large cloud of hot ash from his mouth, covering Kakashi like a rolling dark cloud.
“Earth Style: Earth Flow Wall!” Kakashi reacted extremely quickly and formed seals with both hands as quickly as before. A thick earth wall rose from the ground and blocked the smoke ash.
Immediately afterwards, Kakashi’s figure suddenly disappeared from behind the earth wall, and the next moment he appeared beside Asuma. The kunai in his hand, with a hint of lightning, pierced Asuma’s ribs!
“Raikiri!”
Asuma’s pupils shrank and he quickly dodged to the side, while blocking upwards with the chakra knife in his hand.
“KANG!”
The weapons collided, making a sharp sound of metal clashing and sparks flying!
You was stunned and shocked from a distance.
Is this a fight at the Jonin level?
Whether it was the extremely fast speed, the power that was enough to split mountains and rocks, or the powerful and gorgeous ninjutsu, they were far beyond his imagination!
He felt like a frog in a well, who saw the vast sky outside the well for the first time and was deeply attracted and shocked by its power and splendor.
Chapter 32: Choji’s Snacks, Picked Up [Food +1] (Old Version)
Just as he was concentrating on watching this high-level sparring and marveling at it, he was pleasantly surprised to find that from the energy fluctuations emitted during the fierce fight between Kakashi and Asuma, light balls of various colors and sizes were constantly floating out!
These attribute light balls were brighter and more solid than any he had ever seen before!
“Several light balls with the attribute ‘Speed +0.01’ have been found (from Kakashi and Asuma). Do you want to pick them up?”
“Several light balls with the attribute ‘Strength +0.01’ have been found (from Asuma). Do you want to pick them up?”
“Several light orbs with the attribute ‘Taijutsu Experience (Jonin Level) +0.005’ have been discovered. Do you want to pick them up?”
“Found a light ball with the attribute ‘Ninjutsu Experience (Fire Style: Ash Burning) +0.002’. Do you want to pick it up?”
“Found a light ball with the attribute ‘Ninjutsu Experience (Earth Style: Earth Flow Wall) +0.002’. Do you want to pick it up?”
“Found a light ball with the attribute ‘Ninjutsu Experience (Raikiri) +0.003’. Do you want to pick it up?”
“A large number of light orbs with the attribute ‘Chakra Control Experience (Jonin level, still ineffective on the host but perceptible) +0.01’ have been discovered! Do you want to pick them up?”
A series of system prompt sounds rang out crazily in You’s mind like dense drumbeats, making him so excited that his whole body trembled slightly!
“It’s… too rich! This is simply a feast of attributes!” You exclaimed in his heart.
Without hesitation, he used all his strength to silently chant in his mind: “Pick it up! Pick it up all! Don’t miss any!”
In an instant, those colorful, high-quality light balls that floated out from Kakashi and Asuma, as if they had received some invisible call, turned into dazzling streams of light, crossed the distance of space, and rushed into his body!
boom!
Streams of warm energy, larger and purer than ever before, surged through his limbs and bones like a flood bursting through a dam!
He could clearly feel that his strength, speed, physique, and spirit were all growing rapidly at a speed visible to the naked eye!
The experience on the jonin-level physical skills, the principles and techniques of performing various powerful ninjutsu, and the insights on higher-level chakra control were forced into his mind like enlightenment!
Although he was currently unable to truly comprehend and apply this profound knowledge and techniques, especially those involving the use of chakra, which remained elusive to him, these valuable experiences and insights, like precious seeds, quietly took root deep within his consciousness, laying an incredibly solid foundation for his future growth and development.
Kakashi and Asuma’s sparring session lasted nearly half an hour before it concluded. Both were breathless, with minor scrapes on their bodies, but their eyes were filled with exhilarating pleasure.
“Huh… It’s been a while since I’ve exercised so well. Kakashi, your strength is still so unfathomable.” Asuma wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a smile.
Kakashi, still looking lazy, waved his hand and said, “Same here, Asuma, your wind jutsu is getting more and more powerful.”
The two exchanged a few words briefly and then left the training ground.
And Yuu Hoshino, who was hiding in the bushes, felt as if he had just experienced a baptism of rebirth.
He could clearly feel that his physical fitness had improved by at least 5% in just half an hour! His mental strength had also become more concentrated and powerful!
More importantly, his understanding of combat and his awareness of power have taken a whole new leap forward!
“Too…too powerful…” You muttered to himself, his eyes full of yearning and desire for that kind of realm.
He knew that his luck today was really good. He was able to “watch” such a high-level ninja sparring match and pick up such rich attributes from it.
This kind of opportunity is hard to come by.
He carefully retreated from the bushes, fearing that anyone would discover him. Then, filled with excitement and boundless anticipation for the future, he quickly left the third training ground.
He knew that he had taken another big step towards becoming an “extraordinary” ordinary person!
And his steps to becoming stronger will become more determined and faster!
Ever since he “accidentally” encountered Tiantian maintaining ninja tools at the public training ground last time and picked up the attributes of “concentration” and “tool use” from her, Hoshino Yuu has developed a special interest in this heroic girl who loves ninja tools.
He discovered that Tiantian not only possessed superb skills in ninja tool manipulation, but also possessed a far greater understanding and passion for all types of weaponry than most. She was like a walking “weapon encyclopedia,” and whenever she discussed ninja tools, her eyes, which usually sparkled with shrewdness, would brighten with excitement.
One day, when You was helping to sort out a batch of scrolls about ancient weapons atlases in the library, he happened to meet Tiantian who was also there looking up information.
Tiantian seemed to be looking for inspiration for a new ninja tool. She was holding a thick picture album and reading it with great interest. From time to time, she would use her fingers to gesture something on the album and mutter to herself.
Seeing this, You took the initiative to step forward and greeted him: “Tiantian, are you looking up information here too?”
Tiantian heard the voice, looked up, and saw that it was You. A bright smile appeared on her face: “Yes, You! Are you also interested in these antique things?” She raised the album in her hand, which was an ancient atlas depicting various strange weapons.
“Well, just taking a look and broadening my horizons,” You said with a smile. He was indeed very interested in these ancient weapons, because he knew that the design inspiration of many modern ninja tools came from these ancient wisdoms.
“This atlas is so interesting!” Tiantian enthusiastically spread the atlas in front of You, pointing to the various strangely shaped weapons depicted on it, and introduced them like a treasure: “Look at this, it’s called the ‘Seven Star Sword’. It is said that its power can change according to the position of the stars! And this one, the ‘Fire Wheel’, can not only be thrown to hurt the enemy, but also used as a shield for defense! And this one, the ‘Universe Circle’…”
He spoke with great enthusiasm every day, his eyes shining with infinite yearning and obsession for these ancient weapons.
Chapter 33: Ino’s Flower Shop, Picking Up [Flower Language] (Old Version)
Yuu, with his mind and memory sharpened by the recent increase in his “Intelligence” and “Concentration” attributes, listened with great interest. He not only listened carefully to Tiantian’s explanation, but also carefully observed the structure and details of the weapons on the diagrams.
Occasionally, when Tian Tian talked about some areas that he had some knowledge of, such as some weapon designs involving basic physical principles (levers, parabolas, aerodynamics, etc., which were “fragments of knowledge” he “picked up” from miscellaneous books in the library), he would “inadvertently” put forward some of his own “random thoughts”.
For example, when Tiantian pointed at a strangely shaped dart and lamented its unpredictable trajectory, You would casually say, “Hmm… this dart seems to have several irregular grooves on its edge, and its center of gravity is slightly offset. Perhaps it’s these asymmetrical designs that cause it to deflect unpredictably when spinning at high speed due to uneven air resistance? It’s like… well, just like when we throw an irregularly shaped stone, it’s always hard to predict where it will land.”
Tiantian was stunned for a moment after hearing You’s words, but then a look of surprise and sudden enlightenment flashed in his eyes: “Huh? Now that you put it that way…it does seem to make some sense! Why didn’t I think of analyzing it from this angle before!”
She pointed at a strange foldable crossbow and said, somewhat bewilderedly, “This crossbow seems quite powerful, but its structure looks quite complicated. I have a feeling its energy transfer efficiency might not be very high.”
You carefully examined the crossbow arrow diagram on the atlas. Combining this with his rudimentary understanding of “torque” and “energy loss” from “Knowledge Fragments (Basic Physics),” he pondered for a moment and said, “Hmm… Look at this folding joint. It seems there are several points of force. If the connection between these joints isn’t tight enough, or the material isn’t elastic enough, then when the crossbow string releases its energy, some of it might be lost due to deformation or friction, thus affecting the arrow’s initial velocity and power.”
“Yes, yes, yes! That’s exactly the feeling!” Tiantian nodded vigorously, an excited expression on his face. “I’ve always felt that this place was a little weird, but I couldn’t put my finger on why! I didn’t expect you to be able to see that!”
She looked at You in surprise and said, “Hoshino You, I’ve noticed that even though you can’t practice ninjutsu, you have a really good brain! You know a lot!”
You felt a little embarrassed by Tiantian’s praise. He scratched his head and said modestly: “I just… like to let my imagination run wild. It’s just a blind guess, so it may not be correct.”
“No, no, no, you’re absolutely right!” Tiantian said seriously. “Sometimes, practitioners like us tend to get stuck in a rut, focusing only on the application of chakra and mastering techniques, while neglecting these most fundamental principles. Your insights have given me a lot of new insights!”
Just when Tiantian was looking at You with admiration for his “unique insights” and was in high spirits, You clearly saw that several attribute light balls emitting light golden glow floated out from her body!
“Found two spheres of light with the attribute ‘Weapon Knowledge (Fragment) +0.02’. Do you want to pick them up?”
“One light ball with the attribute ‘Identification +0.01’ has been found. Do you want to pick it up?”
“Weapon Knowledge (Fragments)”! This was the special knowledge attribute he desperately needed right now! And there were two of them!
A few faint rays of light merged into his body, and fragmentary information about the structure, principles, and usage techniques of various ancient weapons flooded into his mind like a tide. Although it was not systematic, it greatly enriched his knowledge in this area. At the same time, a sense of pleasure from being recognized by others also arose.
For the next while, You and Tiantian enthusiastically discussed the atlas of ancient weapons. Tiantian explained the historical background and legends of the weapons, while You occasionally offered his own “fantastic” ideas and suggestions for improvement from the perspectives of “physics” and “structure.”
One of them was talking excitedly while the other was listening with great interest. Occasionally, they would spark some ideas and the atmosphere was extremely harmonious.
Yu found that chatting with Tiantian was a very pleasant thing. Her love for weapons came from the heart, and her personality was very straightforward and straightforward, unlike some other girls who would beat around the bush.
Tenten also felt that Hoshino Yuu, his seemingly unremarkable companion, was actually a very interesting and profound person. Although he couldn’t practice, his mind was extremely flexible and his knowledge was very broad. He could always offer some surprising insights from some unexpected angles.
This “accidental” exchange in the library not only allowed You to gain the valuable “Weapon Knowledge (Fragments)” attribute, but also deepened the friendship between him and Tiantian.
He thought that maybe he could find more opportunities to “exchange” experiences with Tiantian about weapons and equipment in the future. This would not only improve his own knowledge of the relevant items, but he might also be able to pick up more useful attributes from her?
For Hoshino Yuu, the practical classes at the Ninja Academy had long since transformed from a period of helpless observation to a highly anticipated “attribute hunting ground.” And in this hunting ground, Uchiha Sasuke was undoubtedly the most dazzling and the one that most easily attracted his attention.
Sasuke’s talent was unparalleled among his peers. Whether it was his speed in learning ninjutsu, his mastery of taijutsu, or the precision of his shuriken throwing, it was far beyond the capabilities of the average student. His exceptional performance in training always drew screams and adoring glances from his female classmates, led by Haruno Sakura.
However, Sasuke always showed disdain, even a bit of annoyance, towards the fanatical pursuit of the opposite sex. His face always had a hint of coldness and alienation that was inconsistent with his age, as if the whole world had nothing to do with him, and he was the only one immersed in the pursuit of power and the persistence of a certain goal.
In the practical class that afternoon, Teacher Iruka organized the students to practice in groups.
Chapter 34: Picking up Charm +1, Ino’s Gaze (Old Version)
Sasuke undoubtedly became the focus of the audience.
He was sparring with a male classmate who was much stronger than him. Sasuke was agile and swift, and although he was slightly inferior in strength, he was able to deftly neutralize his opponent’s attacks and seize the opportunity to launch a sharp counterattack with his exquisite skills and precise grasp of timing.
Each of his punches and kicks was clean, sharp, and full of explosive power. His eyes were focused and sharp, like a cheetah ready to pounce, always ready to deliver a fatal blow to his opponent.
Finally, after a beautiful shoulder throw, Sasuke successfully knocked the burly male classmate to the ground and won the sparring victory.
“Wow! Sasuke-kun is so handsome!”
“That’s amazing! Sasuke-kun is truly the strongest!”
The sidelines immediately erupted with screams and cheers from Sakura and other girls.
However, in the face of all this praise and admiration, Sasuke simply straightened his sleeves expressionlessly, then walked to the side, picked up his kettle and drank water, without even glancing at the girls screaming for him. His face still had that signature cold and arrogant expression, as if the wonderful sparring match and victory just now were just insignificant to him.
Hoshino Yuu stood at the edge of the crowd, quietly observing everything. He didn’t scream at Sasuke’s strength like the other girls, nor did he curl his lips in jealousy like some of the boys. His attention was completely focused on the faint attribute light ball on Sasuke’s body.
He discovered that when Sasuke displayed superb skills and powerful strength in sparring, or revealed his unique cold and arrogant temperament after victory, some extremely faint light balls with special attributes would float out of his body.
The colors of these light balls are very special. Some are dark purple as deep as the starry sky, and some are silver-white as cold as ice.
“Special attribute discovered: ‘Talent (Weakly Inspired by Uchiha Bloodline) +0.001’. Pick it up?”
“Special attribute discovered: ‘Lonely +0.02’. Pick it up?”
The system’s prompt sounded in You’s mind, causing him to feel a slight stir in his heart.
“Talent (weakly activated by the Uchiha bloodline)?” Yuu was a bit surprised. He knew the Uchiha clan was a prominent family in Konoha Village, renowned for their powerful Kekkei Genkai Sharingan. Could it be that when Sasuke displayed his strength, he unconsciously activated the dormant power of his bloodline, emitting this attribute light ball representing “talent”? Although the value was pitifully low, only 0.001, when it came to “talent,” it seemed like more was always better.
As for that “aloof” attribute, it fits the impression Sasuke usually gives. Yuu had previously picked up similar attributes, such as “distress” from Ino and “fierce” from Ronin. He suspected this attribute might have a subtle influence on his own temperament.
Two faint yet strange rays of light instantly merged into his body. An indescribable feeling flashed through him, as if his mind had sharpened and his understanding of power had deepened. Perhaps this was the effect of that insignificant “talent.” At the same time, a faint sense of loneliness, as if creating a distance between him and the world around him, quietly lingered within him. However, this feeling was quickly diluted by his own gentle state of mind, and it had no significant impact on him.
Yuu looked at Sasuke, who was still standing alone in the corner, giving off an air of keeping strangers away, and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: “The genius of the Uchiha clan is truly extraordinary. Whether it’s their strength or this unique ‘drop’, it’s very impressive.”
He knew that Sasuke’s strength came not only from his natural talent, but also from his deep inner desire for power and his unwavering obsession with revenge. This obsession was perhaps also one of the sources of his aloof temperament.
Yuu didn’t harbor any resentment towards Sasuke due to his coldness and arrogance. In his view, everyone has their own story and choices. He simply listed Sasuke as one of the sources of his “focused” attributes. After all, being able to pick up attributes related to “talent” and “bloodline” from this future “second-in-command” was undoubtedly a very tempting thing for him.
He began to look forward to what kind of amazing strength Sasuke would display next time, and what kind of strange attribute light ball would drop?
The weather in Konoha Village is like a child’s face, changing at any time.
A few days ago, the autumn weather was crisp and sunny, but today, a light drizzle suddenly began to fall. Fine threads of rain drifted down from the gray sky like cow hair, covering the entire village with a thin veil and bringing a lingering damp chill.
When school was over, the rain showed no sign of stopping, but instead got heavier. The students all held up umbrellas or used their school bags to support their heads and hurried home.
Hoshino Yuya was walking on the wet street, holding a slightly old oil-paper umbrella. The raindrops hit the umbrella, making a crisp “patter” sound, like a monotonous and peaceful lullaby.
Just as he passed a closed grocery store and was about to turn into the alley leading home, he suddenly caught a glimpse of a small, familiar figure standing helplessly under the eaves, hiding from the rain.
It’s Hyuga Hinata.
Hinata didn’t seem to have brought an umbrella today. She wore a thin school uniform, clutching her schoolbag tightly. She was shivering slightly, clearly chilled by the sudden autumn rain. Her face was pale, her eyes filled with anxiety and confusion. She would occasionally poke her head out and gaze at the rain-soaked street, as if hoping the rain would stop soon, or that someone would come pick her up.
Raindrops dripped down the eaves, forming a fine curtain of water in front of her, isolating her from the outside world and making her small figure look even more lonely and helpless.
Yuu stopped in his tracks when he saw this. He recalled Hinata catching a cold and coughing while practicing in the woods a few days ago, and a sense of pity welled up in his heart.
Without any hesitation, he held up the umbrella and walked quickly to Hinata.
Chapter 35: Training after school (picking up attributes) (old version)
Hinata looked up in surprise when she heard the voice. Seeing that it was Hoshino Yuu holding an umbrella, a look of surprise flashed across her face, and then a lovely blush quickly appeared on her face. She lowered her head somewhat at a loss and whispered, “Hoshi… Hoshino-kun…”
“It seems that you didn’t bring an umbrella.” Yu said gently, looking at Hinata’s hair and shoulders that were slightly wet by the rain.
“Hmm…” Hinata’s voice was as thin as a mosquito, and her little head drooped even lower, as if she felt a little embarrassed for her carelessness.
“You’ll catch a cold if you keep going like this.” Yu said, handing the oil-paper umbrella in his hand to Hinata without saying anything, “You can use this umbrella first. My home is nearby and we’ll be there soon.”
“Ah? Then…what are you going to do?” Hinata looked up in surprise and looked at You, her eyes full of worry and confusion. She didn’t expect that Hoshino-kun would actually give her his umbrella.
“It’s okay for me. I can just run a few steps and get there. It’s just a little rain, which is good for exercising.” You smiled casually, with a hint of unquestionable decisiveness in his tone.
Having said that, he didn’t give Hinata any chance to refuse. He turned around and rushed into the rain, running quickly towards home.
“Hoshino-kun!” Hinata held up the oil-paper umbrella in her hand that still carried Yu’s body temperature, and looked at Yu’s back gradually walking away in the rain, and couldn’t help but let out a low exclamation.
The rain quickly soaked Yu’s hair and clothes. The cold raindrops hit his face, bringing a biting chill. But he didn’t care at all. Instead, he quickened his pace and soon disappeared around the corner of the street.
Hinata stood blankly under the eaves, tightly gripping the oil-paper umbrella, the warmth of Yuu’s palm still lingering on the umbrella. She looked in the direction where Yuu had disappeared, and an indescribable warmth welled up in her heart, like a warm sun suddenly appearing in the damp autumn rain, dispelling the chill and helplessness in her heart.
She could feel her cheeks getting hot and her heartbeat inexplicably quickened.
Hoshino-kun…he…he actually gave me his umbrella…
This thought kept echoing in Hinata’s mind. She felt like she owed Hoshino-kun another big favor.
She lowered her head, looking at the slightly old oil-paper umbrella in her hand that protected her from wind and rain, and smelling the faint fragrance of oil paper emanating from the umbrella. The corners of her mouth couldn’t help but rise up in a happy and shy arc.
On the other side, Hoshino Yuu ran all the way back home in the drizzle.
When he pushed open the door and walked into the warm, dry room, he was almost soaked. His hair was sticking to his forehead, and his clothes were clinging to his body, freezing cold.
He couldn’t help but shiver, and quickly found a clean towel and change of clothes from the cabinet, preparing to take a hot bath to dispel the coldness in his body.
Although he was a little embarrassed by the rain, he was in an unusually good mood at the moment.
Because, at the moment when he handed the umbrella to Hinata and turned to run into the rain, he clearly felt that a large number of attribute light balls emitting bright pink halo and soft white halo burst out from Hinata’s body!
“Found three ‘Touching +0.05’ attribute light balls! Pick them up?”
“Found two ‘Favorability +0.05’ attribute light orbs! Pick them up?”
“Several light balls with the attribute ‘Warmth +0.03’ have been found! Do you want to pick them up?”
The system’s notification sound rang in his mind like a tide, making him so excited that he almost jumped up in the rain!
The “touched” attribute! The “favorable” attribute! And the values were all as high as 0.05! This was the highest single positive emotion attribute he had ever picked up! And then there was the “warmth” attribute, which represented pure kindness!
“Pick them up! Pick them all up! Not a single one can be left behind!” You shouted ecstatically in his heart.
In an instant, those attribute light balls that were as bright as stars and that only he could see turned into warm torrents, crossed the barrier of the rain curtain, and poured into his body continuously!
Indescribable waves of happiness, the feeling of being deeply moved and loved by others, washed over him like a tide, making him feel as if his entire soul had been sublimated! His spiritual power, at this moment, was also nourished and strengthened as never before!
He could clearly feel that Hinata’s favorability towards him had definitely reached a new milestone at this moment!
“It seems that ‘saving the damsel in distress’ (even if it’s just something as small as giving her an umbrella) is indeed the best way to increase favorability and obtain high-quality emotional attributes!” Yu thought proudly in his heart as he took off his wet clothes.
Although he paid the price of getting wet for this, in return he was able to gain such generous attribute rewards and a surge in Hinata’s favorability. In his opinion, it was a huge profit!
He even wondered whether he should pay more attention to the weather forecast in the future and go out on rainy days to see if he could “accidentally” encounter other “targets” who didn’t bring umbrellas.
Of course, this thought was only fleeting. He knew that such an opportunity was rare.
After a hot shower and a change of clean clothes, You felt a radiant warmth wash over him, the chill he’d felt before completely gone. He made himself a bowl of steaming ginger soup, sipping it as he savored the heartwarming moment of “handing an umbrella in the rain” and the exhilarating feeling of his stats skyrocketing. His mood was so good he felt like he was about to fly.
He felt that his relationship with Hinata seemed to have taken a big step forward, and his path of “acquiring attributes” became more fun and full of anticipation because of these heartwarming daily interactions.
The afternoon sun shone lazily through the glass windows into the shop, casting a soft glow on the delicate and beautiful flowers. The air was filled with the delicate fragrance of various flowers and plants, refreshing the heart.
Ino’s mother, Mrs. Yamanaka, went out today for something, so Ino is the only one looking after the flower shop for the time being.
As usual, Hoshino Yuu came to the flower shop to help after school.
Ino seemed a little absent-minded today. Unlike usual, when she saw Yuu, she would bark and order him to do this and that. Instead, she stood alone in a corner, holding a rag in her hand, wiping a blue and white porcelain vase that looked very valuable and exquisite.
Chapter 36: Physical Fitness Test, Shocking the Audience (Old Version)
The shape of the vase is very elegant, and the body of the vase is painted with lifelike landscape patterns. It is obviously worth a lot of money at first glance. It must be a collection that Mrs. Shanzhong cherishes very much.
Yuu noticed that Ino’s eyes were slightly red, and the tip of her nose was also slightly flushed, as if she had just cried. Her face was filled with a trace of grievance and frustration that was rarely seen on her face. She was completely different from the proud, confident, and even slightly domineering Miss Ino.
“Ino, what happened? What’s wrong with you?” You walked forward with some concern and asked softly.
When Ino heard Yuu’s voice, her body trembled slightly, and the rag in her hand almost fell to the ground. She looked up and saw that it was Yuu. Her eyes became even redder, her mouth pursed, and tears almost fell. Her voice was full of grievance and sobs: “Hoshi… Hoshino Yuu… I… I broke… my mother’s favorite vase…”
As she spoke, she pointed to a place not far from her feet where a pile of bluish-white porcelain fragments were scattered. These were the “remains” of the blue and white porcelain vase that You had just seen.
It turned out that when Ino was wiping the vase, she accidentally knocked the vase off the shelf and broke it into pieces.
When Mrs. Yamanaka came back, she saw that her beloved vase was broken. Naturally, she was distressed and angry, and could not help but scold Ino. Although Mrs. Yamanaka did not say anything too harsh, for Ino, who was always proud and rarely made such a low-level mistake, this made her feel very wronged and guilty.
“It’s all… it’s all my fault… I was careless…” Ino’s heart grew sadder as she spoke. She couldn’t hold back her tears, which finally fell like beads from a broken string, streaming down her fair cheeks. She cried, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. Her pitiful appearance, in stark contrast to her usual cheerful and confident self, created a stark contrast.
Yuu couldn’t help but feel a pity for Ino, looking at her tearful face. He knew that while Ino could be a bit harsh and playful at times, she was actually kind and responsible. Having accidentally broken her mother’s beloved vase, her inner remorse and sadness must be stronger than anyone else’s.
He didn’t say much, but silently picked up the broom and dustpan from the side and began to carefully sweep up the sharp porcelain fragments on the ground. His movements were very gentle, trying not to make too much noise to avoid irritating the emotionally unstable Ino.
Ino watched Yumo silently helping her clean up the mess, and the grievance and sadness in her heart seemed to ease a little. She sobbed and said intermittently: “Mom… Mom… She will definitely be very angry with me… That vase… is her favorite…”
“Aunt Yamanaka was just… a little angry for a moment,” You said as gently as she cleaned up the debris. “After all, it’s something she loved that was broken. Anyone would be heartbroken. Once she calms down, everything will be fine. She loves you so much, how could she really be angry with you?”
He poured the cleaned porcelain fragments into the trash can, then picked up a clean wet rag from the side and carefully wiped the remaining dust and small debris on the ground.
“But…but I…” Ino was still choking, as if she was still immersed in self-blame and unable to extricate herself.
Yu wiped the floor clean, stood up, walked over to Ino, and pulled out a clean handkerchief from his pocket (a good habit he’d developed recently, to deal with various “emergencies”). He handed it to her and said softly, “Don’t cry, Ino. We’re all human. It was just a small mistake, it’s no big deal. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and be more careful next time.”
His voice was soft, with a reassuring calm strength.
Ino took the handkerchief and wiped the tears from her face. Looking into Yu’s clear and sincere eyes, the grievance and panic in her heart seemed to be soothed a lot. She lowered her head a little embarrassedly and said softly: “Thank… Thank you, Hoshino Yu…”
She didn’t expect that the first person to comfort her at this time would be this “nerd” who was usually ordered around and even looked down upon by her.
Just when Ino’s emotions were gradually calming down and some subtle changes were happening in her heart because of You’s comfort and help, You was surprised to find that several attribute light balls emitting faint pink and soft white halos were floating out from her body!
“Found a light ball with the attribute ‘Grievance +0.02’. Do you want to pick it up?”
“Two light balls with the attribute ‘Dependency (Weak) +0.01’ have been found. Do you want to pick them up?”
The attribute of “feeling wronged”? This was the first time he had encountered this slightly negative, yet not entirely negative, emotional attribute. He speculated that this attribute might make it easier for him to understand and empathize with the feelings of grievance felt by others.
The attribute of “dependence (weak)” made him feel a little moved. Does this mean that, deep down, Ino has developed a slight sense of dependence on him?
A few faint rays of light merged into his body, and a complex emotion, a mixture of bitterness and relief, spread through him. At the same time, an inexplicable feeling of being closer to Ino also arose.
“Okay, don’t think about it anymore.” Yu looked at Ino’s still red and swollen eyes and changed the subject, “Didn’t Aunt Yamanaka ask you to sort out those newly arrived sunflowers? Let’s go do it together. If we finish it sooner, you can go home and rest earlier.”
“Hmm…” Ino nodded slightly, her voice still nasal, but her emotions were obviously much more stable than before.
She looked at Yu’s ordinary, yet remarkably reliable face, and her opinion of him subconsciously changed. She discovered that although Hoshino Yuu looked unremarkable at ordinary times, he could always show a reassuring patience and gentleness at critical moments.
Maybe… he is not as annoying as I thought.
Ino thought silently in her heart, and her cheeks felt slightly hot unconsciously.
You didn’t know the complicated thoughts in Ino’s mind. He was just happy that he had successfully performed another “attribute pickup” and also increased Ino’s “favorability” by the way (although the system did not directly prompt him).
Chapter 37: One Punch Knocks Out the Training Teacher (Old Version)
He felt that his “attribute pickup system” was simply a “harem… no, a warm daily auxiliary artifact” tailor-made for him!
In addition to classes and training, the daily life of the Ninja School also includes an essential “task” – being on duty.
Students in each class will take turns cleaning the classrooms and public areas to keep the learning environment clean.
On this day, it was the turn of Hoshino Yuu and several other classmates to clean their classroom.
For most of the lively and active students at the Ninja School, cleaning was obviously a boring, time-consuming chore. Therefore, except for a few serious girls, most of the students who participated in the duty were perfunctory and just got by.
The several male classmates who were on duty with You were typical examples.
Some of them took a broom and swept the ground a few times, raising a cloud of dust, and considered that they had completed the task; others took a rag and symbolically wiped the tables and chairs twice, without even wiping off the stains on them, and then they clamored to go to the training ground to play.
In the entire classroom, Hoshino Yuu was the only one who was still performing his duty meticulously and seriously.
He first picked up the broom and swept every corner of the classroom, including under the tables and behind the cabinets, which were rarely noticed by people, and swept them carefully, leaving no dust or paper scraps behind.
Then, he fetched a bucket of clean water, soaked the rag in it, wrung it out, and carefully wiped every desk and chair, wiping away all the ink, stains, and fingerprints on them, making the originally dull wooden tabletops shine again.
He also cleaned the classroom windows so that the afternoon sun could shine into the classroom more brightly.
Finally, he cleaned the chalk dust on the podium, collected the waste paper and garbage scattered on the ground, and threw them into the trash can outside the classroom.
After doing all this, the whole classroom looked brand new, the windows were bright and clean, and the air was much fresher.
If those students who had already sneaked off to the training ground to play saw the classroom at this moment, they would definitely be surprised and…ashamed.
Looking at the classroom he had cleaned with his own hands, You felt a small sense of satisfaction and joy in his heart. He liked the feeling of making the environment better through his own labor.
Just as he was about to pack up his tools and leave the classroom, the familiar system prompt sound suddenly rang in his mind without any warning!
“Ding! The host has significantly improved the cleanliness of the environment through their own actions. The special attribute “Clean Environment” has been picked up: “Neat +0.01.” Do you want to pick it up?”
When You heard the prompt tone, he was slightly stunned, and then an expression of incredible surprise appeared on his face!
“Pick up attributes from a ‘clean environment’? Cleaning can also reduce attributes?” He could hardly believe his ears.
He had always thought that the source of the attribute light balls was either from other biological individuals (humans or animals) or from certain objects containing special energy or information (such as books in the library, or weapons and equipment of dark party members).
He never imagined that such a seemingly ordinary daily behavior as “cleaning” could actually be the source of attributes!
Moreover, what dropped was a special attribute called “neatness” that he had never seen before!
“This system… is really full of surprises!” You secretly exclaimed in his heart.
A faint green ball of light, emitting a fresh scent like grass, emerged from the clean air of the classroom and then silently merged into his body.
Instantly, You felt as if his spirit had been inexplicably cleansed, as if the minor annoyances and distracting thoughts that had been accumulating in his heart had been purified by this refreshing energy. At the same time, he also gained a vague but deeper understanding of the concepts of “tidiness” and “order.”
Although this “neatness +0.01” attribute does not seem to have any substantial combat power bonus at present, You feels that this special attribute that can improve one’s mood and enhance the quality of life is also very precious.
More importantly, this unexpected gain opened a whole new door of “attribute pickup” for him!
He realized that the sources of attributes might be much wider and more diverse than he had imagined!
Not only people, animals, and objects, but even a certain “state” or “environment”, as long as it meets the system’s judgment standards, may become the source of attributes!
“If cleaning can earn you the ‘neatness’ attribute, then can cooking earn you the ‘culinary skill’ attribute? Can repairing things earn you the ‘repair’ attribute? Even… can helping others solve their problems earn you a moral attribute like ‘helpfulness’?”
Countless bold guesses and associations suddenly popped up in You’s mind.
He felt that his future path of “attribute acquisition” had suddenly become extremely broad and full of infinite possibilities!
He is no longer limited to “fleecing” others, he can also actively “nurture” and “harvest” various unique attributes by changing his own behavior and creating a favorable “environment” and “state”!
This discovery made You very excited.
He looked at the classroom in front of him that he had cleaned and made it look brand new, and his heart was filled with unprecedented motivation and expectation.
He decided that from now on, whether it was his duty or anything else he did, he would treat it more seriously and attentively. Because, maybe in some unnoticed corner, there might be an unexpected “attribute reward” hidden!
With this newfound understanding and excitement, You left the newly renovated classroom. He felt a deeper understanding and awe of this magical “attribute acquisition system.” And his daily life would become even more fun and…surprises because of it.
Time flies, the years pass by like a shuttle.
In Hoshino Yu’s diligent and conscientious “picking” career, another month passed quietly like water flowing through fingers.
During this month, which was neither short nor long, Yu’s life still revolved around his home, the Ninja School, the mountain flower shop, the Konoha Library, and various “attribute high-incidence areas” in the village.
Chapter 38 Is This Really an Ordinary Person? (Old Version)
He is like a tireless treasure hunter, who strives to discover “attribute treasures” that can make him stronger in his ordinary daily life.
His efforts were richly rewarded.
That night, when You finished a busy day and returned to his small house which was simple but well-maintained by him, he habitually recited in his mind and opened the attribute panel that only he could see.
A pale blue, translucent screen quietly emerged, clearly displaying the fruits of his laborious efforts over the past period of time:
Strength: 11.8 (increased by 0.8)
Physical strength: 12.5 (increased by 1.0)
Speed: 11.5 (increased by 0.7)
Spirit: 12.0 (increased by 0.8)
Intelligence: 11.6 (increased by 0.7)
Gentle Fist Experience: 0.4 (increased by 0.1)
Accuracy: 0.35 (increased by 0.1)
Instrumental: 0.3 (increased by 0.1)
Perception: 0.1 (increased by 0.05)
Will of Fire (weak enlightenment): 0.02 (increased by 0.01)
Weapon Knowledge (Fragment): 0.05 (New)
Charm: 0.15 (increased by 0.03)
Knowledge fragments (miscellaneous knowledge): total about 1.8 (increased by about 0.8)
Alertness: 0.03 (increased by 0.01)
Breath Block (weak): 0.012 (increased by 0.004)
Perseverance: 0.12 (increased by 0.04)
Happiness: 0.2 (increased by 0.05)
Agree: 0.08 (increased by 0.03)
Gratitude: 0.12 (increased by 0.04)
Favorability (Hinata): 0.1 (increased by 0.05)
Smell (Akamaru only): 0.003 (increased by 0.001)
Stealth (Swarm): 0.015 (increase 0.005)
Reconnaissance (Insect Swarm): 0.015 (increased by 0.005)
Tacit Understanding (Inuzuka Kiba and Akamaru): 0.03 (increased by 0.01)
Cleanliness: 0.02 (improved by 0.01)
… (Some other scattered minor attributes, such as “vitality” and “focus”, have lower values and are not listed one by one)
Looking at the densely packed data on the attribute panel that almost occupied the entire light screen, and the improved values behind them, which were still small but continued to grow, You’s heart was filled with an indescribable sense of pride and security.
All the basic attributes – strength, physique, speed, spirit, and intelligence – have steadily broken through the 12-point mark. Among them, the “physique” attribute has reached an astonishing 12.5, which is far beyond the average level of ordinary adult males, and can even be compared with some ninja apprentices who have undergone preliminary training.
The increase in strength made him feel as if he had endless energy in his body. Whether he was carrying heavy objects or performing some movements that required explosive power, he seemed to be able to do it with ease.
This improvement in his physique had significantly increased his endurance, recovery, and resistance to various negative states. Even after continuous high-intensity physical labor, he only felt mild fatigue, and only needed a short rest to recover quickly. Common illnesses like colds and fevers were practically nonexistent to him.
The increase in speed made his steps lighter and faster, and his reactions more sensitive. When weaving through the crowd or dodging some sudden obstacles, he could always make the fastest and most accurate reactions.
His spiritual growth allowed him to maintain a high level of clarity and focus, and his memory reached a remarkable level, practically capturing every detail. His perception also became more acute, allowing him to clearly detect even the slightest changes in his surroundings, such as the flow of air, the source of sounds, and even the subtle fluctuations in other people’s emotions.
The improvement in his intelligence has comprehensively strengthened his learning ability, comprehension ability, and logical thinking ability. Whether he is learning new knowledge or analyzing complex problems, he can grasp the key points and find solutions more quickly.
And those numerous and dazzling special attributes have greatly enriched and expanded his comprehensive abilities.
The accumulation of “soft fist experience” has given him a deeper understanding of this advanced physical skill. Although he still cannot perform real soft fist moves, he feels that he has a deeper understanding of the human body’s meridian points, as well as the techniques of using strength.
Improvements in his “precision” and “toolwork” allowed him to manipulate various objects with ease, as if they were extensions of his body. Whether throwing shurikens (although he only simulated it in his mind) or using various tools for detailed crafting, he achieved a remarkably high level of skill.
The appearance and improvement of his “Perception” attribute was a pleasant surprise. This attribute allowed him to more clearly perceive the energy fluctuations in his surroundings and the emotions emanating from others, which was undoubtedly crucial for him to find and pick up attribute light balls.
Although he still didn’t understand the specific effect of the improvement of “Will of Fire (weak perception)”, he could feel that his inner beliefs and will were becoming more and more firm and powerful.
The newly added “Weapon Knowledge (Fragments)” opened another door to power for him. He had a preliminary understanding of the structure, principles, and usage techniques of various weapons.
As for attributes such as “charm”, “alertness”, “breath blocking”, “perseverance”, “happiness”, “identification”, “gratitude” and “favorability”, they subtly influence his personality, interpersonal relationships and life status in all aspects, making him more calm, gentle, and easier to gain the love and trust of others.
Although, compared to those powerful people in the real ninja world, his strength is still a drop in the ocean, insignificant. His appearance is still that of an ordinary, unremarkable ninja school student.
However, only You himself knows that beneath his ordinary appearance, he hides a heart that is growing and transforming at an astonishing rate, and a body that is being continuously strengthened and transformed by various magical attributes.
He could clearly feel that he had undergone earth-shaking changes compared to a month ago.
Chapter 39 [You Ran Ju] is completed, system rewards! (Old version)
His demeanor had, unnoticed, taken on a newfound calmness and composure, lessening the confusion and timidity he felt when facing the unknown. His eyes had become more penetrating and confident, as if they could see through everything. His words and actions had become more appropriate and confident, no longer as timid as before.
This change from the inside out, although subtle, is real.
He knew that he was moving forward step by step towards becoming a stronger and more perfect self.
All of this is thanks to the magical “attribute pickup system” and his own uninterrupted diligence and hard work over the past month.
Looking at the gratifying numbers on the attribute panel, You’s mouth once again revealed a satisfied smile. He knew that this was just a new starting point, and the road ahead was still long, full of more challenges and opportunities.
But he has the confidence and determination to continue on this path of “picking up attributes” unswervingly.
Because he longs for stronger power to protect the hard-earned peace and warmth in his heart, as well as those he wants to cherish and protect.
And this desire will become the ultimate motivation for him to keep moving forward and never slack off.
Time flows like a rushing stream, never to return. In the blink of an eye, the Ninja Academy’s academic year draws to a close. A different, slightly tense and anxious atmosphere begins to fill the air.
Because the annual Ninja School graduation exam is coming soon.
For every student at the Ninja Academy, the graduation exam is a crucial turning point in their lives. Whether they can successfully pass the exam and receive the forehead protection symbolizing ninja status will directly determine their future path—becoming a glorious Genin of Konoha Village, embarking on a ninja journey filled with challenges and opportunities; or being unfortunately eliminated, returning to ordinary life, and losing their chance to join the ninja world forever.
Therefore, as the graduation exam date approaches, almost all the students, like wound-up machines, enter a highly tense state of preparation.
The usually bustling classroom had become considerably quieter, replaced by the rustling of pages and the murmur of discussion. The students were seizing the final moments, frantically reviewing various theoretical knowledge, hoping to score a few more points on the fateful exam.
The school’s various training grounds were packed and bustling with activity. In every corner, students could be seen diligently training. Some sweated profusely through physical training, hoping to improve their strength and speed; others repeatedly practiced three-body techniques and shuriken throwing, striving for perfect accuracy in every movement; and still others, those with family inheritance or special talents, secretly honed their unique skills, hoping to make a splash on the graduation exams.
The entire ninja school is enveloped in a unique atmosphere of both anticipation and unease. Everyone longs to graduate successfully and begin a new chapter in their lives, but at the same time, they worry about being eliminated due to lack of skills or poor performance, thus letting down their years of hard work and their families’ expectations.
In this tense and depressing atmosphere, Hoshino Yuu seems like a bystander who is out of the matter, and still lives his calm and regular life step by step.
He went to school on time every day, listened carefully to the theoretical lessons, and quietly “picked up” attributes in the practical lessons. After school, he would go to the mountain flower shop to help, or go to the Konoha Library to organize books, and occasionally “wander” around the village to find new sources of attributes.
The approaching graduation exam didn’t seem to have much of an impact on him. He knew full well that with his current inability to refine chakra, passing the graduation practical exam, which focused on the “clone technique,” was a near-impossible task.
So, unlike his classmates, he didn’t pour all his energy into exam preparation, nor did he feel anxious or uneasy. He simply calmly accepted this predetermined “result” and used this final moment to learn as many useful traits as possible from his classmates who were already overwhelmed with excitement and energy due to exam preparation.
In fact, the approaching graduation exam is a golden period for him to “pick up attributes”.
Because, during this period, students, driven by the desire to achieve good grades in their exams, will unleash an even stronger desire to win and practice even harder than usual. Their minds are highly focused, and their emotions are more prone to fluctuations. Whether it’s the joy of success, the frustration of failure, or the anticipation and anxiety about the future, they will all emit more attribute light balls than usual, and potentially of higher quality.
Yu seized this opportunity keenly. Like a farmer working hard in the harvest season, he shuttled through every corner of the ninja school, silently “harvesting” the “fruits” that only he could see.
He could clearly sense that every one of his classmates was filled with both longing and anxiety for the future. They longed to pass the exam, wear the Konoha forehead protector symbolizing honor and responsibility, become a true ninja, realize their dreams, and protect everything they held dear. But at the same time, they were also afraid of failure, afraid of being ruthlessly eliminated, and afraid of disappointing everyone’s expectations.
This complex and intense emotion intertwined together, making the entire ninja school seem to become a huge “attribute generator”, continuously providing You with various “nutrients”.
As Yuu silently acquires his attributes, he observes his companions, each at a crucial crossroads in their lives. He understands their hopes and sympathizes with their anxieties. While he may not be able to embark on the ninja journey with them, he silently wishes them all the best in his heart.
Hinata Hyuga, the little girl who is usually shy and timid and hides behind the crowd, has recently become extremely hardworking and…anxious.
As the eldest daughter of the Hyuga clan, she bore far greater pressure than her peers. The clan placed high hopes, or rather, enormous expectations, on her ability to successfully pass the graduation exams and demonstrate the strength and talent befitting a member of the clan upon graduation.
Chapter 40 Picking up [Gardening MAX] seeds (old version)
Hinata herself is also very eager to pass this exam to prove her ability to her family and prove that she is not a useless “waste”. She also longs to get her father’s recognition and catch up with the figure who has always been ahead of her and whom she admires so much.
However, she wasn’t entirely confident in her own abilities. She was inherently introverted and timid, not good at showing off in front of others. Furthermore, her talent for soft fists wasn’t particularly exceptional among the Hyuga clan. She constantly worried she’d fail at crucial moments, that nervousness would cause her to underperform, and that she’d ultimately disappoint everyone’s expectations.
This strong desire intertwined with deep worry kept Hinata’s mental state in a highly tense state.
She practiced Rouquan for longer and more intensely than before. Every day after school, she would go alone to the familiar grove and tirelessly repeat the moves she had memorized until she was exhausted and could no longer stand.
Her body was often covered in purple bruises from excessive practice, and her face was always etched with a lingering look of fatigue. But her eyes were more determined and persistent than ever before.
Hoshino Yuu would still “accidentally” “run into” Hinata who was training hard in the grove. When he saw Hinata’s hardworking appearance, he felt both admiration and heartache.
He knew that with Hinata’s current strength, as long as she performed normally, passing the graduation exam should not be a problem. But she always seemed to lack confidence in herself and always put too much pressure on herself.
You couldn’t bear to see this kind and hardworking girl torturing herself like this. So, when he “ran into” her, he would bring her some snacks he made himself to replenish her energy and spirit, using excuses like “it was on the way” or “I made too much and couldn’t finish it.”
For example, the red bean porridge carefully cooked with red beans and glutinous rice is sweet, soft and warms the heart and stomach; or the fruit soup made with fresh fruits and honey is refreshing, delicious and rich in vitamins; occasionally, he will try to make some cute little cookies or cakes, hoping to bring Hinata a little surprise and joy.
Every time, when Yuu handed these little treats to Hinata, Hinata would first open her eyes wide in surprise, and then her face would quickly turn red, like a ripe apple. She would always be a little bit at a loss and refuse, saying “No… no need… it’s too… too much trouble for Hoshino-kun…”
But You always insisted, and used the gentlest and most unyielding tone to ask her to accept it.
Hinata would always hesitate and be shy for a moment, but would eventually say thank you quietly and take the snacks that exuded an enticing aroma.
After You “left”, she would find a quiet corner and carefully savor the snacks. Every bite seemed to contain You’s care and encouragement, making her feel that her body and soul were greatly comforted and nourished.
Her heart was filled with indescribable gratitude and… a hint of inexplicable affection for Hoshino Yuu’s meticulous care. She felt that although Hoshino-kun looked ordinary, his heart was gentler and kinder than anyone else.
And every time Yu successfully delivered a snack to Hinata and saw the shy and touched expression on her face, he would feel a little satisfied and happy in his heart.
Of course, more importantly, he can pick up attribute light balls such as “gratitude”, “warmth”, “goodwill” generated by his care from Hinata, as well as “physique” emitted due to the recovery of physical strength.
You naturally enjoys this “win-win-win” situation where he can help others, improve himself, and gain some favorability at the same time.
He hoped that his little bit of concern could bring a little warmth and strength to this girl who was under tremendous pressure, and help her face the upcoming graduation exam with more confidence.
If Hinata’s worries come from family pressure and lack of confidence in her own abilities, then the competition between the “love-hate couple” Yamanaka Ino and Sakura is more due to the competitive spirit unique to adolescent girls, and… their common admiration for a cool and handsome guy.
Uchiha Sasuke, the “heartthrob” in the ninja school, is undoubtedly the fuse of all the conflicts and competitions between Ino and Sakura.
From a very young age, the two of them became “rivals in love” because of Sasuke, competing openly and secretly, and refusing to give in to each other. Whether it was academic performance, ninjutsu skills, or even daily dress, they would secretly compete with each other, hoping to surpass the other and attract Sasuke’s attention.
The upcoming graduation exam is a great opportunity for them to prove themselves and defeat their opponents.
If they could achieve better results than the other party in the graduation exam, if they could show greater strength than the other party in front of Sasuke, it would undoubtedly be something that would make them proud and proud.
Therefore, as the graduation exam approaches, the competition between Ino and Sakura quickly becomes intense.
The two of them devoted almost all of their spare time to crazy training.
On the school’s training ground, you can often see the two of them “meeting by chance” and “unintentionally” choosing to practice in the same area.
They will subconsciously observe each other’s training programs and progress, and then secretly increase their own efforts, trying to surpass the other party in all aspects.
For example, if Sakura is practicing shuriken throwing and hits five bullseyes in a row, then Ino will definitely practice hard to hit six or even more in a row.
If Ino successfully performs a relatively proficient clone technique, then Sakura will definitely not be willing to be outdone and will practice even harder, hoping to create a clone that is more perfect than Ino’s.
The two of them are like two little peacocks competing with each other, each wanting to show their most beautiful and powerful side in front of the other.
Although this fierce competition made both of them feel very tired and exhausted, it also greatly stimulated their potential, causing their strength to be significantly improved in a short period of time.
Chapter 41: Picking Up [Introduction to Tea Art] (Old Version)
As Ino’s “flower shop colleague” and “intimate younger brother”, Hoshino Yuu can naturally often feel the burning “fighting will” in Ino.
He saw Ino gritting her teeth and challenging her limits again and again on the training ground in order to catch up with Sakura’s progress, and he couldn’t help but secretly admire the girl’s competitiveness and persistence.
Of course, what made him even more “gratified” was that the fierce competition between Ino and Sakura also made them both “high-yield consumers” of “drop attributes”.
When they feel excited and proud of successfully surpassing each other, they will drop attribute light balls representing “joy” and “sense of accomplishment”.
When they feel unwilling and frustrated because they are temporarily behind the other party, they will drop light balls representing “competitiveness” and “indomitable spirit”.
And when they concentrate their attention and focus on a difficult skill, they will drop light balls with “spiritual” attributes of very good quality.
Yuu is like an experienced fisherman, skillfully walking on the edge of the two “whirlpools” of Ino and Sakura, without leaning to either side, silently picking up the various attributes that fall from them, and enjoying it.
He didn’t want them to get hurt because of excessive competition, nor did he want their friendship to break down because of it. He simply hoped that they could become stronger and more confident through this healthy competition.
Of course, it would be even more perfect if you could “pick up” some more attributes in the process.
He thought, perhaps, this is the so-called “while the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman gains” “attribute version”?
Unlike Hinata, who is obsessed with proving herself and is always worried about gains and losses, and unlike Ino and Sakura, who are jealous of each other and refuse to give in to Sasuke, Tenten has a very clear and practical goal for the upcoming graduation exam.
She hopes to pass the graduation exam successfully with her two teammates, Hyuga Neji and Rock Lee, and after graduation, be successfully assigned to the same Genin team and continue to be guided by their beloved teacher Might Guy.
Tenten, Neji, and Rock Lee—three boys and girls with distinct personalities yet equally hardworking and persistent—have formed a deep bond, under the guidance of their teacher, Gai, that transcends ordinary companions. They learn from each other, encourage each other, and strive for progress together, a unique sight at the ninja school.
Although Mr. Kai’s unique “passionate youth” teaching style sometimes seems a bit exaggerated and unreliable, it has indeed greatly stimulated the potential of the three of them, allowing them to achieve remarkable achievements in their respective fields of expertise.
Tenten knows very well that if she can continue to be guided by Teacher Gai after graduation and fight side by side with Neji and Rock Lee, her two most tacit partners, it will undoubtedly be the best choice for her future ninja journey.
Therefore, in order to achieve this goal, Tiantian worked harder than ever before in preparation for the graduation exam.
She devoted most of her energy to the special training of ninja tool throwing and manipulation skills, which she was best at.
She knew that the practical portion of the graduation exam, in addition to the basic three-body technique, also included shuriken and kunai throwing accuracy, a crucial assessment item. If she could excel in this area, it would undoubtedly increase her chances of successfully graduating and securing a desirable class placement.
So, every day after school, when other students were still struggling with theoretical knowledge or doing routine exercises on the training ground, Tiantian would go alone to a relatively remote training corner and conduct almost crazy ninja tool throwing training.
In front of her were rows of targets of different distances and sizes, including fixed wooden targets, movable hanging targets, and even some obstacle targets with tricky angles that she had set up herself.
She would start practicing from the most basic kunai and shuriken, striving to hit the bull’s eye accurately with every throw, without any error.
Then, she’ll gradually increase the difficulty, trying throws while moving quickly or blindly with limited vision.
She would also practice throwing multiple ninja tools at the same time, controlling their flight paths and landing points to form a dense attack network.
She would even try to incorporate some of her newly developed modified ninja tools with special effects (such as small detonating tags or smoke bombs) into throwing exercises to improve her combat capabilities.
Each of her strikes was swift, accurate, and ruthless, filled with power and beauty. Those icy ninja tools seemed to come alive in her hands, freely and at her will, flying towards any target she desired.
Hoshino Yuya had “accidentally” met Tiantian who was undergoing this high-intensity special training several times while “strolling around”.
He was deeply moved by Tiantian’s persistence and perseverance in doing everything she could to achieve her goals, and he also felt sincere admiration for her superb skills in manipulating ninja tools.
Of course, what surprised him even more was that Tiantian was like a moving “attribute gift package” when he was doing this high-intensity precision throwing and ninja tool manipulation exercises!
Every time she successfully throws, every time she hits the target accurately, and every time she completes a difficult ninja tool manipulation action, a large number of attribute light balls emitting bright blue light and dazzling silver-white light will float out from her body!
“Several light orbs with the attribute ‘Accuracy +0.035’ have been discovered! Do you want to pick them up?”
“Several light orbs with the attribute ‘Instrument +0.028’ have been discovered! Do you want to pick them up?”
“Several light orbs with the attribute ‘Perseverance +0.02’ have been discovered! Do you want to pick them up?”
“Found a light ball with the attribute ‘Weapon Control Experience (Advanced) +0.005’! Pick it up?”
The system’s prompt sound, like a beautiful piece of music, kept ringing in You’s mind.
You naturally did not hesitate to collect all these high-quality attribute light balls.
He could clearly feel his “precision” and “utility” attributes, under these “gifts” from Tiantian, growing at a visible rate. His subtle control over his body and the use of various tools and objects became increasingly adept, as if he had reached a state of perfection.
And those “perseverance” attributes make his willpower more resolute and powerful, and better able to resist fatigue and various negative emotions.
Chapter 42: Naruto’s Prank, Picking Up [Transformation Experience] (Old Version)
As for the extremely rare “Weapon Control Tips (Advanced)”, it was like finding a treasure to him! Although he couldn’t fully understand and apply these advanced techniques at the moment, the relevant knowledge and insights had already been deeply imprinted in his mind, planting a seed of hope for his future growth and development.
You silently picked up the attributes and sincerely cheered Tiantian on. He hoped that this hardworking and persistent girl could successfully achieve her graduation goal and continue to write their own “passionate youth” story together with her most trusted friends under the guidance of Teacher Kai.
Of course, it would be even more perfect if she could gain some high-quality attributes in the process of achieving her goal.
While the students at the Ninja School are nervously preparing for the upcoming graduation exams and are full of all kinds of aspirations and worries about the future, the future of Hoshino Yuu, the only “special student” in the class who cannot refine chakra, seems to have become a concern for the teachers.
That afternoon, when Yu was helping to sort out a batch of old scrolls in the library and was about to leave, he happened to meet Teacher Iruka who was also there to look up information.
When Iruka saw Yuu, a gentle smile appeared on his face, and he called out to him: “Yuu, you’re here. It’s just right, I have something I want to talk to you about.”
“Iruka-sensei.” Yuu bowed respectfully to Iruka and asked with some confusion, “Teacher, what do you want to talk to me about?”
Iruka-sensei gestured for Yuu to follow him to a relatively quiet corner outside the library before he spoke, “Yuu, as you know, the Ninja Academy will be holding its graduation exams soon.”
“Yes, I know, teacher.” Yu nodded, and he probably guessed what Iruka-sensei wanted to say.
Looking at Yu’s calm eyes, Iruka sighed softly in his heart, and his tone became somewhat tactful and reluctant: “Yu, regarding the graduation exam… I know your situation is rather special. Although your theoretical grades have always been excellent, even better than many students who can successfully graduate. However… the practical part of the graduation exam, especially the assessment of the clone technique, is indeed an insurmountable obstacle for you who cannot refine chakra.”
Yuu listened quietly, without showing any disappointment or frustration. He knew that what Iruka-sensei said was true.
Teacher Iruka paused and continued, “So, I want to ask you, for your life after graduation, do you have any plans?”
He looked at Yuu, his eyes filled with concern and a subtle pity. He knew that Yuu was actually a very smart and hardworking child. If he could have the talent to refine chakra, he would definitely become an excellent ninja in the future. But reality was so cruel.
Yuu pondered for a moment, a relieved smile appeared on his face, and he said: “Thank you for your concern, teacher. In fact, I have already prepared myself mentally for graduation. I know that I can’t pass the practical exam and I can’t become a real ninja.”
His tone was very calm, as if he was talking about something that had nothing to do with him.
“But, teacher, don’t worry, I haven’t felt discouraged or given up on myself because of this.” You continued, “Although I can’t become a ninja, I still hope to stay in Konoha Village, find a stable job, and live an ordinary life. I think being able to live a stable life in this peaceful village is also a very happy thing.”
Listening to Yuu’s words, Iruka-sensei felt both a sense of relief and a pity for him. He was relieved that Yuu hadn’t let his flaws get him down, maintaining a positive and optimistic outlook. He was also saddened that such a talented child had missed out on the path to becoming a ninja due to his inability to refine his chakra.
“I’m glad you think so,” Iruka nodded with satisfaction, then continued, “Actually, I came to you today to tell you something. If you’re willing, even if you don’t pass the graduation exam, you can choose to stay at the Ninja Academy, audit some theoretical courses, or help out in the school library. The school can provide you with some conveniences, at least allowing you to learn more knowledge, which will also be helpful for your future job search.”
Teacher Iruka sincerely hopes to create more future possibilities for this special student.
Yuu felt a warm feeling in his heart after hearing what Iruka said. He knew that Iruka was really thinking about him.
He bowed deeply to Mr. Iruka and said sincerely, “Thank you very much, Mr. Iruka! I appreciate your kindness. However, I already have some plans of my own. After graduation, I think I should find some work that can make a living, such as helping out in a flower shop or a restaurant to gain some social experience. As for learning knowledge, I will use my spare time to continue reading in the library.”
He did not completely reject Iruka’s kindness, but he also expressed his thoughts tactfully. He did not want to stay in the ivory tower of the Ninja School forever. He hoped to integrate into the real society as soon as possible and create his own life with his own hands.
Moreover, he also needed more free time and space to carry out his “attribute acquisition” project. If he was always trapped in school, it would be a constraint for him.
After listening to Yu’s answer, Teacher Iruka pondered for a moment, and finally nodded and said, “Well, since you have your own ideas, I respect your choice. No matter which path you choose in the future, I hope you can stick to it and don’t give up your dreams.”
“Yes! I will, teacher!” You nodded vigorously, his eyes full of determination.
“If you encounter any difficulties outside or need help, you can come to the teacher at any time.” Teacher Iruka reminded again, his tone full of the care of an elder for the younger generation.
“Thank you, Teacher Iruka! I will definitely remember your teachings!” Yu bowed to Teacher Iruka again, his heart full of gratitude.
This conversation with Iruka-sensei gave Yuu a clearer plan for his future. He knew that no matter whether he could become a ninja or not, he would work hard and live seriously, and not let down those who cared about him and helped him.
Chapter 43: Graduation Exam (Old Version)
And the secret in his heart – the attribute pickup system, will be his greatest reliance to achieve all this.
He believed that as long as he persisted in “picking up”, one day he would have enough strength to protect everything he wanted to protect and live the life he wanted.
Even if it is just the most ordinary, warm daily life belonging to Hoshino Yuu.
The day of the Ninja School graduation exam finally arrived as scheduled amidst the mixed emotions of anticipation, nervousness, excitement, and anxiety among all the students.
The graduation exam is divided into two parts: a theoretical exam and a practical exam. Only students who pass both exams can finally receive the forehead protection symbolizing ninja status, officially graduate from the Ninja Academy, and become a glorious Konoha Village Genin.
The first thing to take is the theoretical exam.
The exam took place in the Ninja Academy’s largest lecture hall. All the graduating students sat in intervals according to their student numbers, waiting solemnly for the exam to begin.
The atmosphere in the classroom was unusually solemn and oppressive. An invisible tension hung in the air. Even the usually boisterous Uzumaki Naruto was unusually quiet at this moment. He simply kept scratching his head and looking around, clearly filled with “dread” of the upcoming theory test.
Hoshino Yuu sat in a corner by the window in the classroom with a calm expression, in stark contrast to the nervous classmates around him.
He can be said to be full of confidence in the theoretical exam.
During the past period of time, he not only carefully studied all the theoretical knowledge taught by Teacher Iruka in class, but also took advantage of the convenience of “working” in the Konoha Library, as well as his “intelligence” and “memory” that far exceeded ordinary people after the system upgrade, to read a large number of books and scrolls, and accumulated an extremely complex and rich knowledge reserve.
Whether it was about the history of the ninja world, the geography of various countries, the basic principles of ninjutsu, the changes in the nature of chakra, or about tactics and strategy, intelligence analysis, medical first aid, and even some niche knowledge of herbalism and runes, he had dabbled in them all and understood them quite thoroughly.
It can be said that in terms of the mastery of theoretical knowledge alone, he may even be more solid and comprehensive than some experienced Chunins.
Therefore, the graduation theory exam, which seemed like a “disaster” to other students, was a piece of cake for him, and could even be said to be a “free point question”.
Soon, the invigilator walked into the classroom holding a thick stack of test papers. After briefly announcing the examination room rules, he began to distribute the test papers.
Yuu took the test and glanced through it. The questions covered all the theoretical knowledge learned in Ninja Academy, including fill-in-the-blank, multiple-choice, and true-or-false questions, as well as several short-answer and essay questions that required detailed explanation. The difficulty level was moderate, not too difficult for diligent students, but for those who usually neglected their studies and focused solely on practical training, it would probably be a struggle.
You picked up the pen, took a deep breath, and began to answer the questions calmly.
His thoughts flowed smoothly, and the knowledge points he had learned appeared clearly in his mind like movie scenes. He could accurately write down the answers to every question without much thought.
Filling in the blanks was a piece of cake for him, and he remembered all the technical terms and key data that needed to be memorized clearly.
For multiple-choice questions, he can tell the correct answer at a glance, and can even analyze the confusing aspects of other incorrect options.
For judgment questions, he can also rely on his solid theoretical foundation to accurately judge the truth or falsity of each proposition.
As for the short-answer and essay questions that required detailed explanation, they were his chance to showcase his talent. Not only did he accurately address the key points of the questions, but he also drew on extensive references, incorporating knowledge gained from various miscellaneous books to conduct deeper analysis and expansion, making his answers not only correct but also full of depth and insight.
Time passed by minute by minute, and in the classroom, the only sound was the scratching of pens across paper.
You answered questions very quickly, almost like flowing water. While other students were still agonizing over a difficult question, he had already finished most of the test paper.
He would occasionally look up and glance at the classmates around him.
Most of the students were writing furiously, giving it their all. Some had furrowed brows and bit their pens, clearly struggling with a problem; others had beads of sweat on their foreheads, evidently extremely nervous. Some, like Uzumaki Naruto, who normally didn’t like studying, were scratching their heads and looking around, trying to get some “inspiration” from other students. Only to be met with a stern glare from the invigilator, who forced them to stare helplessly at their blank papers.
Uchiha Sasuke still had that cold and indifferent expression on his face, and he answered the questions very quickly. It was obvious that these theoretical knowledge were not difficult for him.
Hinata Hyuga seemed a little nervous, her little face turned slightly pale, and her hand holding the pen was a little tight, but she was still thinking about every question seriously and trying hard to recall the knowledge she had learned.
Yamanaka Ino and Sakura, the “rivals”, temporarily put aside their “grudges” against each other and concentrated on answering the questions, hoping to outperform the other in this theoretical exam.
You retracted his gaze and continued to focus on his test paper.
In less than an hour, he had finished answering all the questions. He carefully checked the test paper from beginning to end, confirming that there were no omissions or obvious mistakes, and then nodded with satisfaction.
He felt that his accuracy rate in this theoretical exam should be very high, and he might even get full marks.
He raised his hand and signaled to the invigilator to hand in the paper early.
The invigilator looked at him with some surprise, as if he hadn’t expected someone to finish the test so quickly. He walked over, took You’s test paper, and briefly glanced through it. Seeing the answers written neatly on it, his eyes couldn’t help but flash with approval.
You bowed slightly to the invigilator, and then was the first to walk out of the examination room amid the envious, jealous, or puzzled gazes of other students.
For him, the first stage of the graduation exam was easily passed.
Chapter 44: Easily Passed, I’m the Genin Hoshino Yuu (Old Version)
Next up is tomorrow’s practical exam which is almost impossible for him to pass.
On the night after the graduation theory exam, the night sky over Konoha Village was exceptionally clear. A bright moon hung high in the sky, casting its water-like light, shrouding the entire village in a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.
In Hoshino Yu’s home, the flame of the oil lamp flickered gently, illuminating his calm face.
Unlike other students who passed the theoretical exam or were worried about the results of the theoretical exam, he did not immediately plunge into the final sprint preparation for the practical exam.
As usual, after having a simple dinner, he cleaned his cabin carefully, putting all the items in order and spotless.
For him, tidying up the room seems to have become a special ritual that can calm his heart.
He knew that tomorrow’s practical exam would be a “performance” that was doomed to fail for him.
The core assessment item of the graduation practical exam is the “clone technique.” This is the most basic and important E-level ninjutsu, a skill that every qualified ninja must master. It not only confuses the enemy and creates opportunities in battle, but also plays an unexpected role in reconnaissance and infiltration missions.
However, the prerequisite for performing the clone technique is to be able to refine and use chakra.
And Hoshino Yu, from birth till now, has not been able to extract even a trace of chakra from his body.
This is like a natural “insulator”. No matter how hard he tries, he cannot resonate with the magical energy of “chakra”.
Therefore, no matter how well he remembered the hand seals of the clone technique, no matter how thoroughly he understood the principles of the clone technique, as long as he did not have chakra in his body, he would never be able to successfully perform this ninjutsu.
He had already deeply experienced this cruel fact through countless attempts and failures.
Therefore, he did not have any unrealistic fantasies about tomorrow’s practical test, nor did he feel any loss or frustration because of it.
He was in an unusually calm mood, one could even say he felt a sense of relief as if everything had been settled.
What is meant to come will eventually come. What cannot be changed, just accept it calmly.
He walked to the window, pushed open the slightly old wooden window, and let the cool night breeze blow across his cheeks.
Outside the window, moonlight streamed across Konoha Village like water. In the distance, Hokage Rock, a symbol of the Hokage’s glory, appeared exceptionally majestic and solemn under the moonlight. From the street, the occasional footsteps of patrolling ninjas and the quiet chatter of returning pedestrians could be heard.
The whole village was immersed in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, as if the upcoming graduation exam was just an insignificant episode.
Yuu’s gaze drifted towards the lighted windows in the distance. He knew that behind those windows, there must be many young men and women his age, nervously making final preparations for tomorrow’s practical exam.
He thought of Hyuga Hinata, who was always shy and timid but worked very hard. He hoped that she could overcome her nervousness tomorrow, perform normally, and successfully perform the perfect soft fist and clone technique to gain the recognition of the family.
He thought of Yamanaka Ino, who was always a bit arrogant but kind-hearted. He hoped that she could use her intelligence and the advantages of her family’s secret skills to achieve good results in the exam and surpass her “fateful rival.”
He also thought of the heroic Tenten who loved ninja tools. He hoped that her superb ninja tool skills would shine in the exam, so that she and her friends could be assigned to the same class as they wished.
He even thought of Uzumaki Naruto, who always got into trouble but had a heart that never gave up. He hoped that this “last-place finisher” could also create a miracle tomorrow and shock all the examiners with his unyielding spirit.
The corners of You’s mouth involuntarily raised a gentle arc.
Although he himself cannot become a ninja, he sincerely hopes that these kind and hardworking companions he knows can successfully pass the exam, realize their dreams, and embark on their own ninja journey.
He would silently bless each of them in his heart.
The night deepens and the moon sets in the west.
Hoshino Yu closed the window and blew out the oil lamp.
He lay quietly on the tatami in the dark, listening to the occasional chirping of insects outside the window, his heart filled with peace.
He has already prepared for tomorrow’s “failure”.
He has also made preliminary plans for his life after “failure”.
His life might not be as eventful and legendary as those of his fellow ninjas, but he believes that as long as he works hard, lives his life with his heart, and diligently “pick up” those “attributes” that belong to him, he will surely be able to live a peaceful, fulfilling, and warm daily life that belongs to Hoshino Yuu.
The day of the graduation practical examination finally officially kicked off in a tense and solemn atmosphere.
The exam took place at the Ninja Academy’s largest open-air training ground. Several experienced Chunin examiners stood solemnly in the center, presiding over and judging this crucial exam.
All the graduating students lined up neatly according to their class and student numbers and took turns to take the assessment.
There are three main items in the practical exam: the throwing accuracy of shuriken and kunai, the demonstration of basic physical skills, and the most important one – the use of clone technique.
For most students, the first two tests were generally passable with diligent practice. The real difficulty and turning point lay in the final test, the “Doppelganger” test.
Because the clone technique not only requires students to be able to accurately form the corresponding hand seals, but more importantly, it requires students to be able to successfully refine and use chakra to create at least one physical clone.
This requirement is undoubtedly a huge challenge for students with weak chakra control or insufficient chakra.
The examination is proceeding in an orderly manner.
One by one, the students walked forward nervously and, under the gaze of the examiner, tried their best to demonstrate their abilities.
Some students performed poorly in the shuriken throwing session due to excessive nervousness, which caused sighs of regret.
Chapter 45: Class Division, Class 7 or…? (Old Version)
Some students were stiff and full of flaws in their physical training demonstrations, and were ruthlessly given low scores by the examiners.
Many more students failed the final test, the “Duplicate Technique.” They either failed to perform due to incorrect hand seals, or created grotesque “defective” clones due to insufficient chakra, ultimately accepting the “unqualified” grade.
Whenever a student left the examination room dejectedly because of failure, there would be suppressed discussions and sympathetic looks around.
Of course, there were also many talented and strong students who performed well in the exams, winning praise from examiners and applause from classmates.
Uchiha Sasuke, without a doubt, passed all the assessments with perfect scores. The number of clones he displayed was not only numerous, but each one was identical to the original, a truly flawless display, drawing frantic screams from Sakura and other girls.
Yamanaka Ino and Sakura also passed the exam without any problems thanks to their solid foundation and stable performance at critical moments. After learning that they had passed, they both couldn’t help but smile with relief, but then they looked at each other, their eyes full of competitive spirit.
Hinata Hyuga was incredibly nervous during the exam, her face pale and her hands trembling slightly. But when it came time to perform the clone jutsu, she took a deep breath, remembering Yuu’s encouragement and her own days of diligent practice. Finally, she succeeded in creating a slightly blurry, yet real, clone. While the result wasn’t perfect, it barely met the passing mark. She was so excited she nearly cried.
Tenten, with her superb ninja tool throwing skills, shined in the competition, winning unanimous praise from the examiners. Although her clone technique was only barely qualified, she still passed the exam smoothly overall.
As for Uzumaki Naruto, he once again performed his signature trick. After several failed attempts at the clone jutsu, resulting in a pile of grotesquely shaped “junk,” just when everyone thought he was doomed, he unexpectedly learned the Multiple Shadow Clone jutsu from the “Forbidden Scroll” thanks to the “special encouragement” of Iruka-sensei and the “secret persuasion” of Mizuki-sensei. He successfully performed it at a crucial moment, shocking the audience and ultimately securing a spot on the list. (Of course, this is the original storyline; Yuu didn’t know these details; he only saw Naruto finally don the forehead protector.)
As time passed, fewer and fewer students took the exam.
When the examiner read out the name “Hoshino Yuu”, the training ground, which was originally a little noisy, fell into a subtle silence again.
Everyone’s eyes were focused on this “special student” who was like a “legend” in the ninja school.
There is sympathy, curiosity, confusion, and some schadenfreude.
You calmly walked out of the line, slowly walked to the center of the venue, and stood in front of several examiners.
He still had that gentle and calm smile on his face, as if what was about to take place was just an ordinary daily practice, not a graduation exam that would determine his future destiny.
“Hoshino Yu, start your exam.” An examiner in charge said expressionlessly.
Yuu nodded and began throwing shurikens and kunai. With the recent improvements to his “Accuracy” and “Use” attributes, as well as better control over his physical strength, his throws, while still not as accurate as Sasuke’s, were much more consistent. At least he didn’t miss the target awkwardly anymore, barely reaching the passing line.
Next came a demonstration of basic taijutsu. Yuu leisurely executed a set of basic punches and kicks taught at the ninja academy. While his movements appeared ordinary and lacked any brilliance, they were well-behaved, without any obvious errors. This was largely due to his improved physique and soft fist experience, which had significantly improved his coordination and power management.
In the first two tests, although You’s performance was still not outstanding, it could be considered as “flying low”.
However, the real test has just begun.
“The last item is the art of cloning,” the examiner announced coldly.
You took a deep breath, looked at the examiner in front of him, then glanced at the classmates around him who were paying attention to him, and his heart calmed down.
He stretched out his hands and began to slowly form hand seals according to the order of the clone technique he remembered – Wei-Si-Yin.
Each of his hand seals was performed in a standard and accurate manner. Although his speed was not fast, it was smooth and natural.
Then, he closed his eyes and began to try to “sense” and “condense” the chakra in his body like other classmates.
However, no matter how hard he tried or how hard he concentrated, his body was still empty and dead silent.
He could not feel the existence of any chakra, nor could he absorb any energy from the outside world.
He was like a conductor wrapped in an insulator, completely isolated from the surrounding world filled with chakra energy.
Time passes by every second.
Yu still maintained the posture of making hand seals, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead due to his high concentration.
But he knew that all this was in vain.
Without chakra, you cannot perform ninjutsu. This is an irrefutable law in the ninja world.
Finally, he slowly opened his eyes, lowered his hands, and showed a helpless and calm smile on his face. He shook his head gently at the examiner in front of him.
“I’m sorry, examiner, I… can’t perform the clone technique.” His voice was calm, without any trace of loss or unwillingness.
The examiner looked at You, a barely perceptible trace of regret flashing in his eyes, but he still announced coldly: “Hoshino You, you failed the clone technique test. You also failed the comprehensive evaluation of the graduation practical test.”
This result was within everyone’s expectations, yet also beyond everyone’s expectations.
As expected, a person who cannot refine chakra will naturally not be able to pass the practical examination centered on the clone technique.
Unexpectedly, when facing this doomed “failure”, Hoshino Yuu showed extraordinary calmness and composure.
He did not become dejected and cry like other students who failed the exam, nor did he blame others or give up on himself.
Chapter 46 No, I want to be beautiful alone (picking up attributes) (old version)
He still had that gentle smile on his face, as if this “unqualified” evaluation was just a trivial episode to him and could not affect his mood at all.
The classmates around him had different expressions on their faces as they watched Hoshino Yuu calmly accept the result of his failure.
Some students showed sympathy and regret in their eyes. They felt that Hoshino Yuu was actually a very good person, with solid theoretical knowledge and a good personality. If it weren’t for his inability to refine chakra, he would definitely become an excellent ninja.
Some students seemed indifferent, even gloating. In their opinion, someone who couldn’t even perform the most basic ninjutsu shouldn’t have been in a ninja school, and being eliminated was only natural.
Among the crowd, Hinata Hyuga and Ino Yamanaka both cast worried and concerned glances at You.
Hinata’s little face was full of anxiety and uneasiness. She really wanted to go up and comfort You, but because she was shy, she didn’t know what to say.
Ino frowned slightly, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. Although she always liked to tease and order Yuu around, deep down, she didn’t want to see Yuu so disappointed (although Yuu didn’t show it).
Only You himself felt an unprecedented sense of ease and relief when he heard the examiner announce the result.
It was as if a huge stone that had been weighing on my heart had finally fallen to the ground.
He knew that from this moment on, he had completely drawn a line between himself and the path of “Ninja”.
He no longer had to worry about not being able to refine chakra, nor did he have to worry about not being able to pass the graduation exam.
He can now accept his ordinariness calmly and pursue his own peaceful and warm daily life.
Hoshino Yu calmly accepted the result of failing the exam.
When the examiner announced that he had failed and signaled him to leave the examination room, he did not become dejected, dejected, or even cover his face and cry like some other students who failed the exam.
He still had that signature gentle smile on his face, as if what he had just experienced was just an ordinary classroom test, not a graduation exam that would determine his future destiny.
He bowed slightly to the examiners to express his gratitude, and then walked out of the examination room calmly.
His calmness and composure surprised everyone present, and even made them feel a little… unbelievable.
You know, for students of ninja schools, failure in the graduation exam often means that their years of hard work have been wasted, and that they have no chance of pursuing their dream of becoming a ninja. This is an extremely heavy blow to any ambitious young man or girl.
But Hoshino Yuu seemed not to be affected by this result at all.
His eyes were still clear and bright, his steps were still steady and calm, and there was even a faint smile at the corner of his mouth.
He didn’t feel lost, depressed, or unwilling. Instead, he felt a sense of…relaxation and relief as if the dust had settled.
It’s like taking off some heavy burden, and I can go out lightly to embrace a new life of my own.
He walked up to the classmates who had passed the exams and were gathered together excitedly discussing the future or congratulating each other.
He saw Uchiha Sasuke who was surrounded by Sakura and other girls, but still had a hint of arrogance on his face.
He saw Ino, who was arm in arm with Shikamaru and Choji, discussing where to go to celebrate.
He saw Tenten standing with Neji and Rock Lee, a bright smile on her face.
He also saw Uzumaki Naruto, who had just passed the “make-up exam” and was excitedly showing his newly acquired forehead protector to Teacher Iruka.
And Hinata Hyuga, who was standing shyly at the edge of the crowd, but her eyes were full of joy and longing for the future.
A genuine smile appeared on Yuu’s face. He walked up to Hinata, Ino, and Tenten and sincerely congratulated them: “Congratulations, Hinata, Ino, and Tenten, you all passed the exam successfully!”
When the girls saw You, their smiles faltered slightly, and then they all looked at him with some worry and concern.
“Hoshino-kun…” Hinata called him softly, her eyes full of apology and uneasiness, as if she didn’t know how to comfort him.
“Hey, Hoshino Yuu, are you…are you okay?” Ino also put away her usual arrogance, and there was a hint of imperceptible concern in her tone.
Tenten was more direct. She patted You on the shoulder and said, “You, don’t be too sad. Even…even if you can’t become a ninja, it’s not a big deal.”
Yuu felt a warm feeling in his heart as he looked at their sincere and concerned eyes. He smiled and shook his head, saying, “I’m fine, really. In fact, I had anticipated this outcome. I’m unable to refine chakra to begin with, so it’s only natural that I wouldn’t pass the clone jutsu test.”
His tone was relaxed and frank, without any reluctance or pretense.
“And, to be honest, I actually feel… quite relaxed now.” Yu continued, “I no longer have to worry about not being able to become a ninja, nor do I have to worry about the graduation exams. I can be an ordinary person and live the life I want.”
The girls listened to You’s words and saw the genuine smile on his face, and their worries gradually dissipated. They could feel that You had truly let it go and was not depressed by failing the exam.
“Hoshino-kun…it’s great that you think so.” Hinata said softly, with a relieved smile on her face.
“Hmph! You still have some self-awareness!” Ino curled her lips, but her tone was not as harsh as before. Instead, it carried a hint of sarcasm. “But even if you can’t be a ninja, you… you are still a very good person!” After she said this, her cheeks flushed slightly.
“Yeah, yeah!” Tenten nodded vigorously and said with a hearty smile, “You, even though you can’t be a ninja with us anymore, we will always be friends! If you need any help in the future, just let me know!”
You listened to the girls’ words of comfort and encouragement, his heart filled with gratitude. He knew that they really cared about him and regarded him as a true friend.
“Thank you,” You said sincerely, “I feel very honored to have friends like you.
Chapter 47: Encountering Hongdou and Picking Up [Cursed Desire]? (Old Version)
In the future, I will find a job in the village and live a good life. You should also work hard to become an excellent ninja and realize your dreams! “
He looked at them, his eyes full of blessings and expectations.
The girls also nodded and said that they would definitely work hard.
After saying goodbye to the girls, Yu went to congratulate some other familiar classmates, such as Shikamaru, Choji, Lee, etc. Everyone was a little surprised by his calmness and calmness, but they were also infected by his optimism and open-mindedness.
Uzumaki Naruto also ran over, patted Yuu’s shoulder carelessly, and said, “Hey! Hoshino Yuu! Even though you didn’t pass this time, don’t lose heart! Even someone like me who was at the bottom of the class could graduate, so you will definitely be able to find your own path in the future! We will always be companions!”
Yu looked at Naruto’s face, which was full of sunshine and confidence, and the brand new Konoha forehead protector on his forehead, and couldn’t help but smile knowingly: “Well! Thank you, Naruto! You should also work hard and work hard to become Hokage!”
“Of course!” Naruto raised his chin proudly.
After saying goodbye to all his familiar classmates and sending his best wishes, Youcai slowly left the ninja school training ground filled with sweat, laughter and tears alone.
He knew that from today on, his life would turn a new page.
Although he could no longer train alongside these companions, and could no longer experience the challenges and adventures of the ninja world with them.
But he believed that as long as he lived with his heart and tried hard to “pick up” the “attributes” that belonged to him, he would be able to find his own peace, warmth and…happiness in this world.
Hoshino Yuu, who failed the exam, did not feel disappointed at all.
Instead, his heart was filled with unprecedented ease and infinite expectations for the future.
The graduation ceremony of the Ninja School was held as scheduled a few days later.
The ceremony took place in the school’s auditorium, which was decorated both inside and out, creating a festive and solemn atmosphere.
All the graduating students who passed the graduation exams wore brand new school uniforms and Konoha forehead protectors that symbolized honor and responsibility. They sat in the front row of the auditorium in high spirits, waiting for the ceremony to begin.
Their faces were filled with excitement, pride and infinite longing for the future.
Students like Hoshino Yuu who failed to pass the graduation exam were arranged to sit in some inconspicuous corners at the back of the auditorium, witnessing the glorious moments of their peers as “spectators”.
You found a seat in the corner and sat down, quietly watching the lively and solemn scene in front of him.
He did not feel the slightest bit lost or jealous because of his status as a “bystander”.
He was just sincerely happy and wished well for his companions who were about to embark on the path of becoming a ninja.
The ceremony proceeded in an orderly manner under the leadership of Mr. Iruka.
First, the school principal delivered a passionate speech, congratulating all the students who had successfully graduated. He also placed high hopes on them, hoping that they would remember the will of fire, work hard to become an excellent Konoha ninja, and contribute their own strength to the prosperity and peace of the village.
Then, it was the graduating class’s representative’s turn to speak. Unsurprisingly, this year’s representative was Uchiha Sasuke. He remained cool and handsome, his speech concise and to the point, brimming with confidence and a firm belief in the future, drawing screams from the girls in the audience.
Next comes the most exciting moment – the Hokage will personally issue a ninja qualification certificate to each qualified graduate and grant them a green vest that symbolizes their status as a Genin.
The current Hokage is still the kind and wise Third Hokage – Sarutobi Hiruzen.
The Third Hokage, wearing a solemn Hokage robe and with a kind smile on his face, read out the name of each graduate in turn and handed the certificate and vest to them personally. He also encouraged them and hoped that they would practice hard and live up to the glory of Konoha Ninja.
Every graduate whose name was called would excitedly walk up to the stage and receive the heavy honor from the Hokage, their faces filled with excitement and pride.
You was in the audience, watching this scene quietly.
He saw Hinata Hyuga. When her name was called, she remained shy, but her eyes were filled with determination and joy. As she accepted her certificate and vest from the Hokage, she gave Yuu, who was in the audience, a grateful and warm smile. Yuu also smiled and nodded at her.
He saw Yamanaka Ino. She walked onto the stage with a radiant look, her face brimming with confidence and pride. After accepting her certificate and vest, she flirted with Sasuke in the crowd, offering a provocative glance.
He saw Tenten. She walked onto the stage with a valiant presence, a beaming smile on her face. She, Neji, and Rock Lee had all successfully qualified for graduation. The three of them stood together, their eyes filled with shared anticipation for the future.
He also saw Uzumaki Naruto. When his name was called, this usually troubled, last-place performer, became unusually excited and… nervous. He almost stumbled onto the stage, his eyes welling up as he received his certificate and vest from the Hokage. He knew this forehead protector meant so much to him.
Looking at these familiar faces, each wearing a forehead protector that symbolizes the identity of a ninja, You felt sincerely happy for them.
He knew that from this day on, their lives would embark on a completely different path from his own. They would experience more challenges, see a wider world, and write their own ninja legends.
And he, Hoshino Yu, will be an ordinary Konoha villager, silently blessing them behind their backs, and strive to live his own peaceful and warm daily life.
The graduation ceremony ended successfully in a solemn and warm atmosphere.
When the ceremony ended, the entire auditorium was plunged into a sea of jubilation.
The graduates excitedly hugged each other, congratulated each other, and shared their joy and aspirations for the future.
Their faces were filled with youthful vigor and the joy of success, as if the whole world had become a better place because of their graduation.
You did not leave immediately. He still sat in that inconspicuous corner, quietly looking at the vibrant scene in front of him.
Chapter 48: Picking up [Snake Affinity] (Old Version)
At this moment, he was pleasantly surprised to find that a large number of light balls with various bright attributes were constantly emanating from the graduates who were in high spirits and excited because of their successful graduation!
There were pink balls of light that represented pure joy, golden balls of light that represented excitement, silver balls of light that represented a sense of accomplishment, and some cyan balls of light that represented anticipation for the future…
These attribute light balls, like festive fireworks, bloomed brilliantly in the air of the auditorium, and then rushed towards You!
“Found a large number of ‘Joy +0.03’ attribute light balls! Do you want to pick them up?”
“A large number of ‘Excitement +0.02’ attribute light balls have been discovered! Do you want to pick them up?”
“A large number of ‘Sense of Accomplishment +0.01’ attribute light orbs have been discovered! Do you want to pick them up?”
“A large number of ‘Expectation +0.015’ attribute light orbs have been discovered! Do you want to pick them up?”
A series of system notification sounds rang out in You’s mind like a tide, making him so excited that he almost jumped up on the spot!
“It’s… too rich! This is simply a carnival of attributes!” You shouted in ecstasy in his heart.
Without hesitation, he used all his strength to silently chant in his mind: “Pick them up! Pick them all up! Don’t let any of them go!”
In an instant, those colorful, high-quality emotional light balls that only he could see, as if attracted by some invisible and powerful magnetic force, turned into dazzling torrents, shooting out from the excited graduates and pouring into his body continuously!
Indescribable positive emotional energy filled with joy, excitement, a sense of accomplishment and anticipation, like a warm tide, completely submerged You’s entire body and mind!
He felt that his spiritual power, at this moment, was nourished and sublimated as never before! His mood also became incomparably happy, relaxed, and full of hope!
He even felt that his perception of the world had become clearer and more beautiful!
For him, this graduation ceremony was an unexpected “attribute feast”!
Not only did he witness the glorious moments of his companions and share their joy, but more importantly, he also gained such rich emotional rewards from it!
You silently thanked these lovely graduates in his heart. Perhaps, he thought, this was the “attribute version” of the saying “giving a rose to someone leaves a lingering fragrance on your hand.”
As the jubilant atmosphere in the auditorium gradually died down and the graduates left in groups to share the joy with their families and friends, Youcai quietly left this place that had witnessed countless youthful dreams with a heart full of satisfaction and infinite longing for the future.
He knew that his career in the ninja school had officially come to an end.
And his “warm daily life of picking up attributes” full of unknowns and surprises has just begun.
The early morning sunlight shines through the gaps in the window and lazily falls on Hoshino Yu’s face, bringing a hint of warmth.
You slowly opened his eyes, his consciousness gradually waking from a deep sleep. He stretched out his body, his bones making a slight crackling sound, and he felt an unprecedented sense of ease and comfort throughout his body.
Today is the first day that he officially “says goodbye” to his ninja school career.
He no longer had to get up at a fixed time as usual and rush to school for courses that meant little to him, nor did he have to silently endure those sympathetic or mocking looks in practical classes.
He could finally arrange his time and life completely according to his own wishes.
This long-lost sense of freedom made him feel extremely comfortable and relaxed.
He didn’t get up immediately as usual, but stayed in bed for a while, lying on his side on the tatami, staring blankly at the ceiling, and began to seriously plan his future life.
First, there was the issue of livelihood. His parents’ savings were not much, and after paying for Ninja School tuition and maintaining basic living expenses over the past few years, there was little left. He had to find a job that could support himself as soon as possible.
Secondly, there was the great task of “attribute acquisition.” This was his greatest reliance for establishing himself in the future, and perhaps even changing his destiny. He needed to find a job that would both sustain his livelihood and allow him to connect with more people and places of energy fluctuation, so that he could continuously acquire various attributes and improve his strength.
“Hmm…what kind of job should I look for?” You touched his chin and fell into deep thought.
Working in a restaurant? You’d get to meet all kinds of diners, and maybe even pick up some unique properties like I did at BBQ Q last time. Plus, you could even solve your own food problem.
Should I continue helping out at the library? Even though there’s no salary, it’s the best place to improve your intelligence and acquire bits of knowledge. It’s also a quiet and free environment.
Or… continue to help out at the Yamanaka Flower Shop? Mrs. Yamanaka has always been very kind to him, the work at the flower shop is relatively easy, and he can often see Ino… and occasionally pick up some “Charm” and “Spirit” attributes.
Yu carefully weighed the pros and cons of his options. He knew that while he had some minor stat boosts, he was still essentially just an ordinary teenager, without any ninja abilities or special skills. Finding a respectable, well-paid, and perfect job in Konoha Village that would allow him to “pick up stats” was nearly impossible.
“It seems that I can only find a few odd jobs to make a living while slowly looking for better opportunities.” You finally made a decision.
He planned to continue helping out at the Yamanaka Flower Shop during the day; at least there was a small but stable income there, and Mrs. Yamanaka knew and trusted him. In the evenings or during other free time, he could read in the library or pick up odd jobs in the village, like delivering food or running errands.
This arrangement can not only ensure basic living, but also take into account the improvement of “intelligence” attributes and the opportunity to interact with different groups of people. It is a relatively safe transition plan.
As for “acquiring attributes,” he needed to proceed with even greater caution. He had to maintain a low profile at all times, not arousing anyone’s suspicion. He had to quietly accumulate his own strength in the silence of ordinary daily life.
After planning the general direction of the future, You’s mood became brighter and more down-to-earth.
Chapter 49: Red Bean’s Balls, Picked Up [Sweet Tooth] (Old Version)
He jumped out of bed and started washing, preparing breakfast and cleaning the room. Everything seemed in order and he was full of anticipation for a new life.
After breakfast, You did not carry his schoolbag as usual, but changed into a clean and neat casual clothes, and then walked towards the Yamanaka Flower Shop.
He was going to discuss with Mrs. Yamanaka to see if he could transform the previous “help” into a formal, full-time job.
When You came to the Yamanaka Flower Shop and explained his situation and ideas to Ino’s mother, Mrs. Yamanaka, unexpectedly, Mrs. Yamanaka agreed without any hesitation.
“Oh, Yu-kun, you finally graduated!” Mrs. Yamanaka smiled amiably, but then asked with a hint of concern and regret: “But… I heard from Ino that you… failed the graduation exam?”
You nodded calmly and said with a smile, “Yes, Aunt Yamanaka. I failed the practical exam because I couldn’t refine chakra.” His tone was calm, without any sense of loss or embarrassment.
Mrs. Yamanaka looked at Yuu’s calm and composed demeanor, and she felt a surge of admiration and affection for the young man. She knew that for a child who had studied at the ninja academy for so many years, not being able to graduate and become a ninja was a crushing blow. Yet, Yuu accepted this outcome with such equanimity, a rare quality.
“Oh, what a pity! Youjun, you’re such a smart and hardworking kid…” Mrs. Yamanaka sighed, then immediately put on an encouraging smile and said, “But it doesn’t matter! Even if you can’t become a ninja, Youjun, you’re still a very good kid! Auntie believes that you will achieve something in other areas in the future!”
She paused, then took the initiative to speak, “It just so happens that our flower shop is indeed short of staff recently. Ino, that girl, is now a Genin. She will definitely go out on missions more often in the future, and will have less time to come to the shop. If you don’t mind, come here to help full-time! As for the salary… I may not be able to give you too much for the time being, but I guarantee that it will be enough for you to maintain a basic life in Konoha Village. What do you think?”
Mrs. Yamanaka’s words hit the spot. He had been a little worried that finding a proper job would be difficult for a freshly graduated and unemployed student. Unexpectedly, Mrs. Yamanaka readily accepted him.
“Really? Aunt Yamanaka! Thank you so much!” Yuu showed a surprised and grateful expression on his face, and quickly bowed to Mrs. Yamanaka, “I don’t mind! Not at all! I will definitely work hard and will never let you down!”
“Haha, Auntie believes in you.” Mrs. Yamanaka smiled and patted You’s shoulder. “Then from today on, you are an official employee of our Yamanaka Flower Shop! Welcome aboard!”
In this way, on the first day after graduation, Hoshino Yu successfully found his first formal job – a full-time clerk at the Yamanaka Flower Shop.
Although the salary for this job is not high and the content is rather trivial, it is nothing more than moving flowers and plants, watering and fertilizing, pruning branches and leaves, cleaning the store, and occasionally helping to deliver flowers and other odd jobs.
However, for You, this is already a very good start.
First of all, this job can provide him with a stable and reliable source of income, solving his urgent needs.
Secondly, the working environment in a flower shop is relatively relaxed and free, so he can have more time and energy to arrange his own “attribute picking” plan.
Once again, Mrs. Yamanaka treated him like family, making him feel the warmth and sense of belonging he had long missed.
Moreover, although Ino came to the shop less often than before after becoming a Genin, she still came back to help or take a look. Yu still had the opportunity to interact with this tsundere young lady and “pick up” some attributes by the way.
Yuu was full of enthusiasm and energy for this new job. He came to the flower shop on time every day and completed all the tasks assigned by Mrs. Yamanaka meticulously, even more seriously and attentively than before.
With his increasing “physique” and “strength”, he seemed to be more relaxed and at ease when carrying those heavy flower pots and goods, and his efficiency was also greatly improved.
With his improved “intelligence” and accumulated “fragments of knowledge (gardening, miscellaneous knowledge)”, he also showed some small “talent” in taking care of flowers and plants and arranging the store, and he could even occasionally give Mrs. Yamanaka some good suggestions.
With his enhanced “spirit” and “perception,” he is able to more keenly perceive the needs and emotions of customers, thereby providing more thoughtful and considerate service.
All these changes in him were noticed by the attentive Mrs. Yamanaka, which made her more and more satisfied and fond of You. She even praised You in front of Ino more than once, saying that he was “capable”, “sensible” and “promising”.
While You was working diligently, he did not forget his “main job” – picking up attributes.
There are people coming and going in the flower shop, and he can pick up various emotional attributes from the customers who come to buy flowers.
While caring for flowers and plants, he could occasionally pick up extremely faint attributes such as “vitality” or “natural affinity” from those vibrant plants.
When Ino occasionally comes to the store and her emotions fluctuate due to the success or failure of a mission, it is a good opportunity for him to pick up attributes such as “spirit”, “joy” or “competitiveness”.
Just like that, You started his first official job after graduation at the Mountain Flower Shop. His life had turned a new page, filled with ordinary busyness, but also with unknown… harvests and expectations.
Time passed quietly, and You’s work at the Yamanaka Flower Shop gradually got on track. Diligent, attentive, quiet, yet gentle, he quickly earned the praise of his neighbors and regular customers. Mrs. Yamanaka was especially effusive in her praise, treating him almost like a son.
After becoming Genin, the former companions also began their new ninja careers. They were assigned to different classes and, under the guidance of their respective Jonin, began to carry out various missions, honing their will and strength.
Although everyone’s life trajectories have changed and the opportunities to meet are much less than before, the friendship established in the ninja school has not faded.
Chapter 50: The First Guest of Youran Residence (Old Version)
Especially Hinata, this thoughtful, gentle and kind girl, has never forgotten Yu, the “special” friend who once cared for and helped her when she was lost.
After becoming a Genin, Hinata was assigned to Team 8, led by Kurenai Yuhi, alongside Kiba Inuzuka and Shino Aburame. They were primarily responsible for reconnaissance, tracking, and support missions.
Most of these tasks are low-difficulty D-level or C-level tasks, such as helping the daimyo’s wife find her lost pet cat, or going to the farmland around the village to help weed and catch insects. Although it sounds trivial and insignificant, it also allows Hinata to continue learning and growing through practice.
In between these simple tasks, or on her rare days off, Hinata would always find an opportunity to quietly come to the Yamanaka Flower Shop to visit Yu who was working there.
She usually didn’t stay in the store for too long, nor did she attract too much attention. She would just quietly walk in when there were not many customers in the store, and then stand aside a little shyly, watching You busying around.
When You noticed her and greeted her with a smile, her little face would immediately turn red and her eyes would be a little evasive, but the corners of her mouth would not help but rise in a gentle arc.
“Hoshi…Hoshino-kun, are you…are you okay?” Hinata always asks about Yu’s recent situation in her mosquito-like voice.
“I’m fine, Hinata. How about you? Have you been carrying out your missions smoothly recently?” Yuya would always put down his work, respond to her gently, and ask about her situation with concern.
Hinata would quietly share with Yuu some of the funniest things she’d encountered on recent missions, or some minor annoyances. For example, she’d excitedly describe how she’d used her Byakugan to find the playful kitten in the dense forest; she’d also complain with some annoyance about Kiba’s impulsive personality, which always required her and Shino to clean up his messes; and she’d wearily recount the hard work of weeding the fields.
Her words carried a hint of pride in having just become a Genin, as well as a hint of the immaturity and fatigue of a young girl.
You always listened patiently, smiling and nodding from time to time, or offering some words of comfort and encouragement.
He would tell Hinata: “Hinata, you are really amazing. You can use the Byakugan so well.”
He would comfort her: “Teamwork always requires adjustment. I believe that you, Kiba, and Shino will become more and more in sync.”
He would encourage her: “Although carrying out missions is hard, every experience is a valuable growth. You must believe in yourself, and you will definitely become an excellent ninja.”
Hinata listened to Yu’s gentle and encouraging words, and the fatigue and anxiety in her heart always miraculously dissipated a lot. She felt that talking to Hoshino-kun always made her feel an inexplicable sense of security and strength.
Before leaving, Hinata would always muster up the courage to say to Yuu, “Hoshino-kun, you… you must not give up hope. Even… even if you can’t become a ninja, you are still a very, very gentle and kind person. In my heart, your gentleness and kindness are more important than great strength.”
Her words were soft but full of genuine emotion.
Yuu felt warm and touched as he listened to Hinata’s heartfelt encouragement. He knew that this shy girl was expressing her care and recognition for him in her own way.
“Thank you, Hinata.” Yuu smiled and responded sincerely, “I will remember your encouragement.”
And at the moment when Hinata’s emotions fluctuate because she expresses her sincere thoughts and gets a response from You, You always finds with surprise that some attribute light balls emitting pure white light float out from her body!
“Found a light ball with the attribute ‘Sincerity +0.03’. Do you want to pick it up?”
“Found a light ball with the attribute ‘Favorability +0.02’. Do you want to pick it up?”
A pure and warm emotional energy flowed into his body, making him feel as if his soul had been purified. And the attribute of “favorability” made him realize that his weight in this gentle girl’s heart had increased a little.
Every time Hinata visits quietly, it is a warm reunion for Yu and also a small “attribute harvest”.
He thanked Hinata for her sincerity and encouragement, and cherished this hard-earned pure friendship that transcended the boundaries between “ninja” and “ordinary people”.
He knew that no matter how different their future paths would be, this warm friendship would become a beautiful landscape in each other’s hearts.
Unlike Hinata’s gentle encouragement, the interaction between Tenten and Yuu is more direct and…full of “pragmatism”.
After successfully graduating and being assigned to Team 3 under the guidance of Might Guy along with Neji and Rock Lee as he wished, Tenten quickly plunged into more intensive training.
As a ninja who uses ninja tools as her main means of combat, Tenten knows that if she wants to keep up with the two “monsters” Neji and Rock Lee in future battles, she must constantly improve her ninja tool manipulation skills and have more powerful and diverse weapons and equipment.
Therefore, after becoming a Genin, her need for various ninja tools has become even greater than before. Not only does she need to consume a large number of conventional ninja tools such as kunai and shurikens for daily training, but she also needs to constantly search for and try out more advanced, more powerful, or special ninja tools to enrich her arsenal.
The ninja tool shop in Konoha Village naturally became one of the places she frequented most.
That day, after completing a team training, Tiantian ran excitedly to the Yamanaka Flower Shop and found Hoshino Yuu who was helping to arrange the flowers.
“Hey! You! Are you free? How about accompanying me to visit the ninja tool store?” As soon as Tiantian entered the door, he said to You in a hurry with a hearty smile on his face.
You was slightly taken aback by Tiantian’s sudden invitation. “Go to the ninja tool shop? Me?” He pointed at himself in confusion. “I know nothing about ninja tools. If you go there, why should I go there?”
“Oh! It’s because you don’t understand that I have to let you go!” Tiantian said as a matter of course, and he moved closer to You mysteriously and lowered his voice, “I want to get some new ninja tools recently, but I always feel that those ordinary standard ninja tools are boring.
Chapter 51: The cakes sent by Hinata, picked up [Gentleness] (Old version)
I remember you always had some strange ideas in your head, and your perspective on things was different from us ninjas. So, I’d like to hear your ‘outsider’ views on those ‘strange’ ninjas. Maybe it can give me some new inspiration!
You couldn’t help but laugh after hearing Tiantian’s explanation. He hadn’t expected that the “physics principles” he had “randomly figured out” during their discussion of ancient weapon diagrams in the library would leave such a deep impression on Tiantian, even making her feel that his “layman’s opinion” was very valuable.
However, he was also quite interested in ninja tools themselves. After all, with him currently unable to use ninjutsu and genjutsu, mastering some powerful ninja tools might prove to be incredibly useful at crucial moments. Furthermore, perhaps visiting a ninja tool shop would yield some attributes related to “weapons,” “forging,” “precision,” or “use.”
Thinking of this, You readily agreed to Tiantian’s invitation: “Well, since you think so highly of a ‘layman’ like me, then I will risk my life to accompany you on a stroll. However, I must state in advance that I only have a superficial understanding of ninja tools. If I say anything amateurish later, please don’t laugh at me.”
“Don’t worry! I just want to hear your layman’s words!” Tiantian patted You’s shoulder vigorously, looking very happy.
So, You asked Mrs. Yamanaka for a short vacation, and together with Tenten, they excitedly walked towards the largest ninja tool shop in Konoha Village.
The ninja tool shop in Konoha Village was completely different from the dark and cramped place Yu had imagined. It was spacious and bright, with shelves filled with a dazzling array of ninja tools that gleamed with metallic luster. From the most basic kunai, shuriken, and senbon, to various models of detonating tags, smoke bombs, and baoliang pills, to more rare items like kusarigama and iron claws, and even some modified ninja tools with special mechanisms, the selection was so extensive that Yu was dazzled.
There were many ninjas in the store selecting and purchasing ninja tools. The air was filled with a faint smell of saltpeter and the unique cold smell of metal.
Every time he entered the Ninja Tool Shop, he was like a fish returning to water. He excitedly shuttled between the shelves, picked up each Ninja Tool, examined and weighed them carefully, with a professional and obsessed light flashing in his eyes.
Yu followed behind her, looking at the ninja tools of various shapes with curiosity, while concentrating his mind, trying to pick up some attribute light balls from the ninja tools themselves or from the ninjas who were choosing ninja tools.
Unfortunately, the ordinary ninja tools on the shelves didn’t seem to emit attribute light balls on their own. Most of the ninjas who came to buy tools were just doing routine selections and purchases, with minimal emotional or energy fluctuations, and the attributes dropped were few and far between.
However, Yuu was not disappointed. His main purpose was to accompany Tiantian to “consult” on ninja tools.
Tiantian quickly took a fancy to a new, specially designed shuriken launcher that could fold and fire continuously. She picked it up and played with it, feeling its weight and feel, but her brows furrowed slightly.
“The design of this launcher is quite clever. It can fire five shurikens continuously, and it folds up for easy portability,” Tiantian said to You, a hint of hesitation in his tone. “But… I always feel like there’s something wrong with the material. It’s too light. I’m not sure how durable it is. Plus, the trigger feels a bit stiff, which might affect the accuracy of the shot.”
Upon hearing this, You also moved forward and carefully observed the shuriken launcher in Tiantian’s hand.
Although he did not understand the specific forging process and materials science, he vaguely felt that something was wrong with his increasingly improved “perception” ability and the superficial understanding of “mechanical structure” and “ergonomics” obtained from various “knowledge fragments”.
He thought for a moment and said, “Hmm…you have a point. This launcher seems to have a lot of rivets at its joints, rather than a one-piece structure. Under high-intensity, continuous use, these joints may be more prone to loosening or deformation. Also, look at its grip design. It doesn’t seem to completely fit the curve of the palm. Holding it for a long time may be uncomfortable, and it will indeed affect the stability when aiming.”
He pointed to the slightly jerky trigger and said, “The spring or transmission device inside this trigger may need better lubrication, or replaced with a more elastic and wear-resistant material to ensure smooth and accurate firing.”
What You said were actually simple truths based on his own observations and random speculation. But his clear logic and insightful analysis made Tiantian nod repeatedly, his eyes filled with agreement and… a hint of surprise.
“Right, right, right! That’s it!” Tiantian clapped his hands vigorously. “I felt something was wrong just now, but I couldn’t figure out what exactly was wrong! You should have looked carefully! This transmitter looks good but doesn’t work. Don’t buy it!”
She decisively put the transmitter back on the shelf.
Next, Tiantian took a fancy to a short blade with a peculiar shape. The blade had an irregular serrated edge, which looked very sharp and… fierce.
“How about this? It looks quite powerful!” Tiantian picked up the short blade and chopped it twice in the air, causing a sound of breaking wind.
Yuu examined the short blade carefully, frowned, and said, “Hmm… This serrated edge does have strong cutting power. Once it hits a target, the wound it inflicts will be difficult to treat. However, its piercing ability is probably average, and this irregular edge will be more troublesome to polish and maintain, right? Most importantly… I feel like its center of gravity seems a little too forward. Will it be difficult to control when swinging quickly or blocking?”
Tiantian listened to You’s analysis and agreed that it made sense. She tried to swing the short blade a few times quickly, but it felt a bit top-heavy and not very comfortable.
“Well… you’re right. There is indeed a problem with the center of gravity. It is not very flexible to use.” Tiantian also gave up this intimidating-looking short blade.
In this way, Yuu accompanied Tiantian in the Ninja Tool Shop for a long time, relying on his observation and analytical abilities that seemed like an “amateur” but could often hit the nail on the head, as well as the “strange” knowledge he gained from various “fragments of knowledge”.