C2 You Have to Ask the System!

The young man strolled with a lazy gait, taking small, unhurried steps. As he wandered aimlessly, he suddenly caught sight of a commotion unfolding in the distant woods.

"Isn't that kid from the Hyuga family?"

"Yes, those eyes, they must belong to Neji's cousin."

"Hmph, always walking around with their nose in the air, aren't they?"

"This one's probably got a nasty streak too, huh?"

"Coming from a prestigious family and being so talented, they act like they're something special."

After losing an ice cream to Hinata, a few kids had no qualms about ganging up on her. They clearly held a very poor opinion of the Hyuga clan.

"I... I didn't do that," Hinata murmured, her voice small and helpless as she lowered her head. Just as she was about to walk away, she was yanked back by her hair with a vicious tug.

"Running away without even apologizing? That's just pathetic."

"We can't let that slide."

Taking advantage of Hinata's reluctance to retaliate and the absence of any adults, the three kids became increasingly brazen.

"Hey, apologize!"

The ringleader spoke with a chilling tone, pushing Hinata to her knees. Gripping her hair tightly, he forced tears from her eyes.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I'm sorry..."

Despite being just a child, Ye Fenng felt a surge of protectiveness seeing Hinata cry so pitifully. He wondered to himself if it was illegal to hit a child.

"Are you done yet?"

Ye Fenng's presence suddenly loomed over the scene. His icy stare sent a shiver through the little troublemakers.

"Since I've stumbled upon this today, I think it's time for a lesson."

A wicked grin spread across Ye Fenng's face. He cracked his knuckles and assumed a practiced fighting stance. His years in the orphanage hadn't been in vain. Though he hadn't learned any ninjutsu, his physical conditioning was top-notch, and he was no stranger to a scuffle.

"Ha, who are you to look down on us?"

"There are three of us, you know!"

The trio of kids, though intimidated by Ye Fenng's intense gaze, refused to back down and charged at the young man. Hinata's brows knitted with worry as she watched the scene unfold.

With a nonchalant chuckle, Ye Fenng coolly prepared to turn the tables on them.

First, he threw a punch at the face of the person to his right, knocking the kid to the ground. Simultaneously, he ducked slightly, avoiding the punches from the other two assailants.

"Stay down."

While crouched, Ye Fenng seized a child's leg with both hands, pulling him down, and delivered a punch.

In a matter of seconds, another child hit the ground, grimacing in pain, unable to utter a sound.

The last one, sensing trouble, attempted to flee but was quickly caught.

A chop to the shoulder from Ye Fenng sent him tumbling to the ground.

"We're sorry, we..."

They tried to plead for mercy.

But they were met with a relentless barrage of punches.

A few minutes later, only three swollen faces were left groaning on the ground, barely recognizable.

Their own mothers wouldn't know them now.

"Um, thank you, thank you."

Hinata murmured, watching Ye Fenng's retreating figure.

A lovely blush tinted her cheeks.

Her clear eyes gazed at the young boy before her, her thoughts a mystery.

"There's no need for thanks."

"I have other matters to attend to, so I must be going."

Ye Fenng turned to leave, his mission accomplished.

Even if Hinata didn't develop feelings for him, she certainly wouldn't continue to pine for Naruto, the fool.

"Excuse me, may I know your name..."

Hinata's gentle voice called from behind.

"Uesugi Fenng."

...

Days flew by in a flash.

Today marked the annual enrollment day at the Kunoha Ninja School.

"Dad, studying is such a drag. Can I just quit?"

The pigtailed boy whined.

"You little rascal, off you go!"

After a swift punch, the boy trudged into the classroom.

Ye Fenng watched the scene unfold with a slight smile.

True to form, Shikamaru was as laid-back as ever, even as a child.

Ye Fenng remembered him well from the original Hikage saga as the only character whose brilliance was legendary.

The Ino, Nara, and Tyochi trio...

I should be seeing Ino today, shouldn't I?

Ye Fenng stroked his chin, recalling the charming and adorable girl from the original story, and a sly smile crept across his face.

Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.

"Hmph, Dad, you actually made me come here by myself after school starts,"

"So annoying."

Ino, the girl with the ponytail, huffed in frustration.

She failed to notice someone standing in her path.

"Bang."

Walking too hastily, Ino collided with Ye Fenng, her entire body pressing against him.

Luckily, Ino was not heavy, and her voice was that of a sweet little girl.

Otherwise, as a seasoned warrior, Ye Fenng might have immediately started questioning her lineage.

"Ah, I'm so sorry, so sorry."

Upon realizing her blunder, Ino quickly scrambled to her feet, flustered, and helped Ye Fenng up.

"I wasn't paying attention just now. I truly apologize."

The blonde little girl bowed her head in embarrassment.

Would her rash and careless behavior on the first day of school make her disliked?

Ino wondered with concern.

After getting up, Ye Fenng caught sight of Ino's remorseful expression and couldn't help but smirk.

What are the odds?

"Alright, I'll let it slide this time,"

"But if it happens again, I'll have to punish you, kiddo."

Ye Fenng said, a hint of irritation in his voice, as he gently pinched Ino's cheek, torn between reprimand and affection.

"You... that... I..."

Ino felt the touch on her face and was about to get angry.

It was one thing to touch her face, but to do so with such presumptuous familiarity was another.

But as she looked up, Ino was suddenly speechless.

His face was refined and imposing, with a maturity beyond his years, and his tousled hair fell elegantly across his forehead.

"How can he be so handsome..."

The little girl stood there, utterly smitten.

Ye Fenng was puzzled.

That's a question for the system.

Being reborn with such a pretty-boy face wasn't exactly my choice either.