Naruto: Clan Simulation and Bloodline Evolution from Scratch

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*****

Ino was a smart girl—she immediately understood.

Right now, Ximen Zhen was writing about the Uchiha clan, which meant that in the future, he could write about other Konoha clans, maybe even the stories of the Hokage themselves.

If the Yamanaka clan wanted to maintain a good reputation then, they would naturally need to establish a strong relationship with Ximen Zhen now.

Ino didn't feel any resistance toward this kind of social maneuvering. In fact, she fluttered her beautiful emerald-green eyes and began linking her current mission with the idea of getting closer to Ximen Zhen.

Having figured it all out, she gave her grandmother a playful wink.

Yamanaka Mayu returned a knowing smile—the kind of tacit understanding that only two closely bonded people could share.

Although Ximen Zhen couldn't quite grasp the nonverbal exchange between the grandmother and granddaughter, he clearly understood that this Yamanaka elder had seen through his potential to one day write the "Legend of the Hokage."

As expected of the Yamanaka clan—keen insight and the ability to read hearts.

"If that day comes, I promise I'll record the Yamanaka clan's wonderful story truthfully," Ximen Zhen chimed in at the perfect moment, which made the atmosphere between the three grow even more harmonious.

"Then I must thank you in advance, Ximen-kun. As it happens, I have a few stories related to the Uchiha clan—perhaps they'll help with your writing."

"That would be immensely helpful. Thank you so much."

Ximen Zhen picked up his brush and began recording the stories told by Yamanaka Mayu.

To his surprise, she even revealed detailed information about the day Madara Uchiha left Konoha.

As expected of the Yamanaka clan—their knowledge of Konoha's secrets was deep and thorough.

Even though Ximen Zhen's books had already stood the test of three alternate timelines, he wouldn't miss any opportunity to refine them further. After all, this was now his full-time occupation.

Before he knew it, the afternoon had flown by.

Just as Ino began yawning—her golden ponytail swaying with each stretch—Yamanaka Mayu, looking a little tired, said, "That's enough for today, Ximen-kun. I hope these stories have been helpful."

"They've been a huge help, Grandma Yamanaka."

Ximen Zhen called her "Grandma Yamanaka" without a hint of awkwardness. His clear, respectful tone even made Yamanaka Mayu look at him more kindly.

Ino pouted. Why did it feel like her grandmother was being stolen from her?

Before she could sort out her emotions, her grandmother's scolding finger was already pointing at her forehead.

"Sit up straight. Look at your posture—how are you ever going to find a husband like that?"

"I—"

Before Ino could argue, Mayu continued, "I still have to go home and prepare dinner for your grandfather. You stay and accompany Ximen-kun."

"Eh? Of course I should go back with you! Why do I have to stay with him?"

"Grandma, aren't you worried about leaving me alone with a boy?"

Ino grumbled, but her complaints were all for show—because now, her real mission was beginning.

"I trust Ximen-kun's character. I've read both his writings and his handwriting—they reflect a gentle and kind heart."

"I'm leaving you behind because there's something I need you to do."

Mayu whispered something into Ino's ear, and Ino instinctively cast a sideways glance at Ximen Zhen, hoping to pique his curiosity.

Ximen Zhen just wanted to laugh. So this was where the real show started?

He had to admit—these two had gone to great lengths to get close to him.

That said, the warm and friendly atmosphere among the three wasn't entirely an act. Given Ximen Zhen's talent for writing, Yamanaka Mayu genuinely wanted to build a connection with him.

Ino understood this too. Once her grandmother had left, she returned with a bright smile.

Leaning her elbows on the desk and resting her chin in her hands, her smug expression gleamed with satisfaction. In her emerald eyes, Ximen Zhen's focused writing figure was perfectly reflected.

"So, is there something else? Planning to stay for dinner?"

"I wouldn't mind feeding you, but all I've got for dinner is rice, grilled fish, and miso soup. Will that do?"

Ino puffed out her cheeks. "I'm not some rice-guzzler like Sakura! I didn't come here to mooch off your dinner."

"Just now, my grandma told me she discovered one of your secrets."

"If you confess honestly now, I'll help you keep it—and maybe even solve the problem for you."

"If not... hmph."

Ino looked at him with an expression that said she had him completely figured out.

Only after spending the whole afternoon together could she speak to Ximen Zhen in this teasing tone.

What she hadn't considered was how much closer they'd actually grown during that time.

Ximen Zhen turned to look at her. Ino was only twelve years old, but her delicate features, paired with her golden hair and green eyes, already hinted at the beauty she would one day become.

Before crossing over, Ximen Zhen had always been weak to girls like Ino—this made him feel a sudden urge to tease her.

So he suddenly put on a serious face and mimicked the aura of a high-ranking Sunagakure advisor from one of his simulations. He raised his hands to form a hand seal.

"You've discovered my secret? Then I can't let you go."

"Sorry, Ino... I actually wanted us to be friends…"

"Ninjutsu—Heavenly Burial Technique!"

Startled by his sudden intensity, Ino jumped back instinctively and began preparing to use the Body Replacement Jutsu.

Killing intent was a real force in the shinobi world—and she felt it.

But the moment she saw Ximen Zhen fumbling with his hand seals—his fingers practically tying themselves in knots—she realized she'd been tricked.

"Pfft—hahaha!"

Ximen Zhen burst out laughing, so hard he fell off his chair.

Initially flustered and angry, Ino couldn't hold back her laughter either. She giggled, and soon they were both laughing out loud, eyes locked in shared amusement.

Supporting himself on the desk and rubbing his waist, Ximen Zhen tried to sit up. Ino graciously reached out to help him and pulled him up, saying, "We're even now. Time to get down to business."

Seeing a system prompt appear before him, Ximen Zhen reluctantly let go of her hand.

"So, what's this secret? I'm curious too."

"You've awakened your chakra, haven't you?" Ino asked bluntly.

Ximen Zhen's smile froze—intentionally, of course.

"Alright, alright, no need to panic. It's not that big of a deal," she said.

"You're not the only civilian in Konoha with chakra—it's just that your chakra levels are unusually high. You should've become a ninja."

Clutching his chest in mock surprise, Ximen Zhen said, "Is the Yamanaka clan's sensory ability really that sharp?"

"Of course! We are the Yamanaka clan!" Ino declared proudly, puffing out her chest.

Ximen Zhen gave a thumbs-up. "No wonder you're the 'Pig' representative of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio!"

The words had barely left his mouth when Ino's fist landed squarely on his shoulder, her tone half-scolding, half-laughing: "I'm not a pig!"

(End of Chapter)