The System Rewards Again – An Unexpected Gift
The Third Hokage exhaled a puff of smoke, his aged but wise eyes carrying an unreadable depth.
"Furthermore, the Haki Sensory Technique class you conducted for the ANBU unit will continue under Orochimaru's supervision."
He continued calmly, "Thanks to your initial guidance, most elite ninja have grasped the training direction."
Just as those words settled—
**[Ting!]**
**[Mission Complete: Successfully Introduced Haki Sensory Training to the ANBU Unit!]**
**[Reward: 2000 System Points]**
**[Bonus Item: 'Heavenly Tranquil Jade Bracelet' – A sacred wood that grows under pure Yang energy, absorbing celestial essence over ten thousand years. Effect: Harmonizes spirit energy, prevents mental deviation, and repels evil influences.]**
**[Item can be exchanged for 5000 system points.]**
Satoru's eyes immediately lit up.
2000 system points!
And this supreme-grade artifact!?
He nearly let out a triumphant yell but maintained his composure in front of the Hokage.
(*Hmm... This bracelet is undoubtedly priceless, but should I trade it for points? Or should I keep it?*)
After pondering for a moment, he decided to keep it. A relic capable of repelling evil and stabilizing the mind was invaluable. He planned to gift it to Eren for his upcoming birthday on March 30th.
---
### Journey to the Hyuga Clan – A Grand Estate
After leaving the Hokage's office, Satoru and Eren strolled toward the eastern sector of Konoha, where the Hyuga estate lay.
The afternoon sun cast long golden rays, illuminating the traditional wooden buildings that stood tall in unwavering grandeur.
The Hyuga residence was surrounded by imposing stone walls, its massive gates lacquered in an ebony finish, radiating a dignified aura.
As they neared the entrance, they noticed two small children crawling on the grass.
Satoru glanced over and raised an eyebrow.
A boy with sharp, cold eyes.
A girl with long hair and gentle features, her white eyes wide with curiosity.
**"Oh? Neji and Hinata?"**
Eren scanned the estate's architecture, slightly intrigued.
Unlike other areas of Konoha, the Hyuga residence carried a distinctively ancient Japanese aesthetic.
Two Hyuga guards stood at the gate, giving a respectful nod before heading inside to inform their superiors.
Satoru observed the towering walls and grand entrance, his mind clicking.
**"This is a true noble clan... It's like stepping into a historical martial arts sect."**
Before long, Hyuga Hizashi emerged, followed closely by a middle-aged man with a commanding presence—Hyuga Hiashi, the Hyuga Clan Head.
---
### The Hyuga Clan's Interest – An Unexpected Response
The moment Hiashi laid eyes on Satoru, his composed expression flickered ever so slightly.
Even Hizashi, usually calm, furrowed his brows in surprise.
The other Hyuga members who followed behind them—froze.
They had heard rumors of Satoru's exceptional talent, but they had not expected… such a drastic change in appearance!
Tall, refined, his aura exuding an air of transcendence—as though a celestial being had descended into the mortal world. His features were sharp and dignified, his demeanor both casual and confident.
Several young Hyuga women behind Hiashi exchanged glances, faint blushes forming on their faces.
Meanwhile, Hiashi silently smirked.
**"As expected, he is the perfect candidate for an alliance."**
**"It was worth inviting him."**
Satoru responded with a polite smile, engaging in brief pleasantries with Hiashi and Hizashi.
They were soon escorted into the main guest hall, a spacious and meticulously arranged chamber adorned with paper lanterns and elegant calligraphy scrolls.
Unlike other clan estates, the Hyuga Clan maintained a staff of non-combatant women who served as attendants, clad in traditional kimono, tasked with pouring tea and playing musical instruments to entertain guests.
The sheer display of discipline and aristocracy spoke volumes of the clan's prestigious standing.
---
### The Appearance of Hyuga Mikoto – A Remarkable Woman
"Mikoto, come forward," Hizashi called out.
From the inner residence, a tall and graceful figure stepped into view.
Satoru and Eren instinctively turned their attention toward her.
Fair-skinned like carved jade, her raven-black hair shimmered under the soft glow of the lanterns.
She possessed a poised yet striking presence—her white Byakugan eyes radiating intelligence, unwavering confidence evident in her gaze.
Satoru's mind momentarily blanked.
Mikoto entered the hall with elegance, but upon spotting Satoru, her pupils dilated slightly.
She... was momentarily stunned.
Then, an almost imperceptible flush dusted her cheeks.
Clearing her throat softly, she regained composure and took a seat beside Hiashi, maintaining a dignified posture.
Hizashi smiled and introduced her formally.
"Satoru, this is Hyuga Mikoto."
"She is a 17-year-old Jonin, an ANBU operative specializing in perimeter sensory techniques."
"She is highly proficient in Wind Release, combined with Gentle Fist, and has mastered the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms. Moreover, she is well-versed in medical ninjutsu."
Satoru gave an approving nod, genuinely impressed.
**"A truly exceptional kunoichi."**
Eren, however, remained indifferent, quietly observing the interactions.
---
### A Fateful Conversation
As the conversation progressed, Satoru, Eren, and Mikoto found themselves engaged in increasingly natural discussions alongside Hizashi.
What started as mere pleasantries soon transformed into an intriguing exchange of thoughts.
Mikoto, initially formal, gradually displayed her sharp wit and depth of knowledge.
Satoru, while maintaining his usual composed demeanor, couldn't shake off an odd sensation.
This wasn't just any regular meeting.
Why did it feel… different?
For the first time in his two lives, he felt his heart race ever so slightly.
He subtly bit his tongue, trying to refocus his thoughts.
**"I've already spent years sharing shy glances with Ayane from the academy."**
**"I never really confirmed if it was love, but there was a bond."**
**"I don't want to complicate things with unnecessary attachments…"**
**"But sometimes… feelings aren't something we can control."**
---
### A Handshake That Changed Everything
As their discussion concluded, Satoru and Mikoto extended their hands for a parting handshake.
The moment her soft, silk-like hand made contact with his—
Satoru's mind nearly short-circuited.
A subtle, unfamiliar warmth spread through his chest.
He quickly released her hand, his face neutral, but deep inside, a storm was brewing.
Eren, standing to the side, remained expressionless…
Yet a knowing smirk played at the corner of his lips.
As though he had just witnessed something inevitable.
---
**End of Chapter 69.**