Naruto: SSS-Rank Romance System

Hinata was skeptical but didn't press further.

Naruto's words gave her hope. When comforting a young girl, offering constructive suggestions, even if impractical, can often suffice. As for how her father might abolish the Caged Bird Seal or what obstacles might arise… that didn't matter for now.

At the very least, Hinata's worries vanished for the moment, and a smile returned to her face.

"Thank you, Naruto-kun."

"No need to thank me. As long as you're happy, that's enough."

Hearing this, Hinata's face inexplicably turned red again.

[Progress in pursuing Hinata: Kyuubi's approval at 14.2%.]

Naruto had the urge to pinch her cheeks but held back, scratching his head instead.

"Hinata, you should head in. I need to leave now."

"Aren't you going to watch the match, Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked, puzzled. "Sakura and Ino's fight should start soon."

"No," Naruto replied awkwardly. "Since I forfeited, I can't go back in."

Even if he could, it would be awkward. Who should he cheer for? Supporting Sakura would make sense, but ignoring Ino entirely would seem harsh. Cheering for both would make him look indecisive.

"Naruto-kun..." Hinata hesitated briefly before lowering her head and shyly murmuring, "You can use my body."

"Like earlier. It's a bit uncomfortable—feels like my brain is breaking—but if it's just watching the match, it shouldn't be that bad."

"I can't possess someone's body; I can only use it once," Naruto said with a wry smile. "This isn't some kind of life-swapping game."

"Is there such a jutsu? One that can only be used once?" Hinata asked with a hint of regret.

Naruto was speechless, thinking, Why are you disappointed? If we got caught, we'd both be doomed. 

"Yes, only once," he said.

"Alright, then."

Naruto: "..."

Damn, did I trigger some hidden personality trait? 

By the time Naruto snapped out of it, Hinata had already run off.

He shook his head and turned toward the exit of Training Ground 44. Before leaving, he would have to traverse the Forest of Death alone.

While most participants waited in the central tower to leave as a group under the supervision of Jonin, Naruto couldn't be bothered. Staying would be pointless since he didn't plan to watch the matches.

He left the Forest of Death without incident. After a quick meal at Ichiraku Ramen, Naruto returned home, washed up, and flopped onto his bed.

The Chunin Exams had been fruitful for him: he'd acquired two A-rank jutsu—Lightning Style: Thunder Strike and Wind Style: Wind Blade. Although neither was at maximum potential and required more practice, it was still a win.

Gaining two A-rank jutsu and making progress in winning over Hinata? All in all, this exam had been profitable.

With fewer things to worry about, he unexpectedly felt at ease.

With those thoughts, Naruto drifted into a deep sleep.

---

Meanwhile, in the central tower of the Forest of Death:

Rock Lee had opened the Fifth Gate of the Eight Inner Gates to counter Gaara's fierce attacks. The two fought fiercely, but Might Guy noticed Lee's body was reaching its limit. At the critical moment, he stepped in as Team 3's supervising Jonin to end the match.

An exhausted Lee narrowly avoided a tragic fate, dodging the "700 episodes of irrelevance" curse.

Victory went to Gaara, who, though reluctant, dared not challenge Might Guy. The strange bowl-cut man was clearly Lee's teacher. If one Lee nearly crippled him, Gaara wouldn't dare provoke Might Guy.

Sakura and Ino's match ended in a draw after an intense fight that left both girls unconscious.

The matchups for the Chunin Exam finals were set:

- Sasuke Uchiha vs. Gaara

- Neji Hyuga vs. Kankuro

- Shikamaru Nara vs. Temari

- Kiba Inuzuka vs. Shino Aburame

Participants were given a month to prepare before the finals.

---

"RING! RING! RING!"

Naruto groggily reached out and swatted his alarm clock, sending it flying. He rolled over and tried to fall back asleep.

Seconds later, a loud knock shattered the silence.

"Naruto!"

"How long do you plan to sleep? You promised to go camping with everyone by the river, remember?"

Sakura's voice rang out, accompanied by impatient banging on the door.

Naruto squinted groggily, vaguely recalling agreeing to a joint camping trip between Team 10 and Team 7—was it yesterday or the day before?

The reason was simple: Ino and Sakura's newfound friendship had forced Shikamaru and Choji to comply with their demands, dragging Naruto into the mix.

"Sakura, is this where Naruto lives?" Ino's voice came from outside. "You seem very familiar with this place."

"That's because..." Sakura began.

Before she could finish, the door swung open. A sleepy Naruto in pajamas scanned the two girls, yawning as he asked,

"When did you two become such good friends?"

"None of your business! Hmph!" Ino stuck out her tongue.

"Since the second round of the Chunin Exams, you wouldn't know since you forfeited." Sakura hugged Ino, the two energetic girls acting playfully.

"We've made up!"

"Yep, we're friends now!" Ino nodded.

"Oh." Naruto responded vaguely, then finally got himself ready. The three left together.

---

The riverbank was some distance from the village, situated below a massive waterfall. Waiting there were Shikamaru and Choji, both wearing oversized sun hats under the blazing sun.

Among the five, only the two girls remained enthusiastic.

"Hey, Naruto, isn't Sasuke coming?" Shikamaru yawned, looking half-asleep.

Naruto was also drowsy, helping to set up the barbecue.

"He can't come. That curse mark of his seems troublesome, so Kakashi-sensei took him for special training."

"Special training, huh? Asuma mentioned something similar to me."

"Congrats on making it to the finals, Shikamaru," Naruto said half-heartedly.

"Don't congratulate me. It's such a drag," Shikamaru complained. "I finally get some time off, and Ino forces me to go camping."

"Why didn't you just refuse her?" Naruto asked while working. "And why drag me into it?"

"No way. Ino looks after us so much. It'd be impossible to say no." Shikamaru sighed, grabbing a fishing rod. "I'll go catch some fish."

Naruto glanced at him, then eyed the obviously high-quality rod in his hand.

"Where'd you get that rod?"

"It's my dad's. He used to brag about being great at fishing."

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