That evening, Masahiko ran laps for another hour. Only after pushing Naruto to his limit did he dismiss the boy and retreat to the outskirts of the village to practice the Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu.
As a C-Rank Ninjutsu, the Fireball Jutsu wasn't inherently difficult to learn. However, its actual power depended heavily on chakra volume and proficiency. Despite his innate affinity making Fire Style easier to cultivate, Masahiko had attempted the technique over a dozen times without fully mastering it.
Exhausted in both body and mind, he couldn't help but find the situation strange. Logically speaking, the footage he had generated today should have been more than enough to fill an episode. Why was there no movement from the System? Did it require progress in other areas?
Just as Masahiko was analyzing the variables, a rustling sound erupted from the forest. He immediately swallowed a Soldier Pill and activated the Body Flicker Technique at full throttle.
Whoosh!
With a sharp whistle of wind, Masahiko's speed exploded as he sprinted toward the village. But his escape was cut short.
Buzz… Buzz…
Following the ominous drone of insects, a figure materialized directly in his path.
"Yagyu Masahiko. Come with us."
In that exact split second—
[Naruto: The Prequel — Episode 2 Filming Complete!]
[Editing in progress…]
[Production Successful!]
[Total Appearance Time: 11 minutes 51 seconds.]
[Screentime Ratio: 56.4%]
[As a Villain Character, your screentime exceeded 50%. Your remuneration has been significantly increased.]
[Notice: "Naruto: The Prequel" will be broadcast tonight at 8:00 PM. The playback function and real-time Bullet Comments (Danmu) will be unlocked for you at that time.]
[Please adjust your acting and character direction based on the audience feedback.]
56.4%!
Masahiko was startled, but excitement quickly bubbled up within him. He'd done it! His current strategy was correct.
However, the cold reality of his situation instantly doused that joy. Compared to future rewards, the immediate situation was a matter of life and death. He calmly assessed the interceptor: mask, uniform—ANBU.
But to intercept him outside the village...
Root.
Masahiko's heart sank. He knew he had no choice.
The hood covering his eyes was yanked off.
Dim, flickering light assaulted Masahiko's vision. He squinted, taking a few seconds to adjust before the surroundings came into focus.
Before him sat a figure shrouded in the shadows cast by the singular lamp. One hand rested on a cane; bandages wrapped half his face, concealing an eye. Even seated, he exuded a towering, imposing aura.
Sure enough, it's this old geezer!
Masahiko quietly straightened his posture, allowing a look of appropriate confusion to wash over his face.
"You are..."
"Heh."
A low, emotionless chuckle echoed through the secret chamber.
Thud!
Thud!
Accompanied by the rhythmic tapping of the cane, the figure approached step by step. A solitary eye, sharp as a hawk's, bore down on him. The immense pressure made it difficult for Masahiko to breathe.
After staring him down for two full seconds, Danzō spoke coldly. "Recently, you have been frequently targeting the Demon Fox. Special training, provocation, psychological stimulation..."
Danzō leaned down, looming over Masahiko. "State your objective. Who is backing you?"
"I... I don't have anyone backing me! I grew up guided by the Third Hokage's Will of Fire. After becoming a teacher, I simply wanted to pass that will on."
Masahiko swallowed hard, his tone a mix of urgency and terror. "Besides... I believe that managing students is similar to training dogs. If you exhaust their energy, they won't cause trouble. That's why I..."
Danzō continued to stare at him. Then, he turned his back, the corner of his mouth twitching upward slightly, though his tone remained icy.
"The Will of Fire."
"A decent excuse. But hatred is your primary drive."
"Yagyu Masahiko. Seventeen years old. Civilian ninja. Parents killed during the Demon Fox's rampage..."
Danzō clearly didn't buy the noble act.
Masahiko's expression flickered with uncertainty before he quickly reverted to fear, bowing his head low. "I... I harbor no such thoughts!"
"There is no need to hide it. I am not the Hokage. I do not trust the Demon Fox, and I do not trust you."
Danzō turned back, looking down at him with disdain. "Dogs... a very apt metaphor. Just like a dog, the Demon Fox requires chains, whips, and the constraints of rules."
Masahiko kept his head lowered, remaining silent.
Danzō sat down on a chair nearby. "Go back. Regardless of whose pawn you are, I expect you to perform your duties diligently."
"Remember... I am watching you."
The next moment, a wave of heavy drowsiness washed over him. Masahiko slumped to the floor, unconscious.
When Masahiko woke up, it was already past nine in the evening. He had missed the initial broadcast, but fortunately, the System allowed for on-demand playback.
He sat up and scanned his surroundings.
My own home!
Masahiko froze for a second, then scrambled out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. He locked the door and windows, checked the mirror, and stuck out his tongue to inspect it.
"No Cursed Seal..."
"Good, good."
He finally let out a sigh of relief.
Returning to his bedroom, Masahiko summoned the interface and opened the holographic screen to watch the episode. He skimmed through it quickly.
Content-wise, it matched the data. He appeared for nearly twelve minutes, intercut with scenes of Naruto performing in Iruka's Ninjutsu class and Mizuki's weapon throwing class.
The episode ended on a cliffhanger, cutting exactly at the moment the Root ninja appeared before him and said, "Come with us."
And the editing... it was sinister.
They cut out the context and consequences, leaving only the footage of the ANBU seeking him out. Anyone watching would have the same immediate reaction:
This guy definitely has issues!
The audience feedback confirmed this. The bullet comments rolled across the screen:
"This is bullying, right? This guy is totally toxic!""Even though from a God-mode perspective, we know his methods benefit Naruto, standing in Naruto's shoes? My fist is itching.""If I were Naruto, I'd have suffocated.""But he's so handsome though!"
Comments like these were endless. But the final shot caused the comment section to explode:
"F*ck, ANBU? Who is this now? It can't be the Hokage summoning him, right?""Impossible. If the Third wanted him, would he need to send ANBU like that?""I told you he wasn't a good guy!""It's official canon now! Hammered!"
After reading through the comments, Masahiko fell into deep thought.
Good news: The villain identity is solidified.
Bad news: It's too solid!
But this was within his expectations.
"You can't have your cake and eat it too. As a villain, being maliciously edited is inevitable," Masahiko sighed inwardly.
As the episode concluded, the holographic screen faded, and the familiar summary text appeared on the panel.
[Popularity Rating: B]
[Comprehensive Assessment in progress...]
[Congratulations! You have been promoted to: B-Rank Golden Supporting Actor.]
[Reward Received: Ninjutsu Proficiency Boost Card.]
"30% to 60% constitutes a Golden Supporting Actor. The next tier is 'Popular Lead,' which requires over 60%..."
"However, the popularity rating was only a B this time."
According to the E through S scale, a B-rank rating was only one step above the passing grade of C.
Masahiko felt a bit speechless, but upon reflection, it made sense. In this episode, he did the heavy lifting and hogged the camera, but his actions were undeniably unlikable.
It seems...
To be a successful villain, aside from just creating 'conflict,' I need to cultivate personal charisma. Otherwise, if my popularity doesn't rise, it will affect my rewards.
Masahiko analyzed his performance while considering his next move. Danzō's intervention had exceeded his expectations.
Although Danzō hadn't said much, in Masahiko's view, the final sentence was the true point of the abduction.
"I am watching you."
Masahiko closed his eyes, lying in bed as he replayed the night's events. Finally, he opened his eyes, surprised by his own conclusion.
Could it be...
Is Danzō vetting me?