Ayame couldn't help but envy Sakura.
It wasn't that Sakura wasn't cute—she absolutely was—but in certain areas, she still hadn't fully developed compared to Ayame.
Even though Sasuke had guided Sakura into adulthood, outwardly she still looked much the same.
She was too young, and this was her first relationship. Her inexperience showed.
At a glance, she still looked like a pure, innocent girl.
This was completely different from Tsunade in the future—Tsunade's mature charm was something Sakura could never replicate in her lifetime.
…
Ayame's envy came from something simple.
In the Naruto world, many girls were infatuated with handsome boys.
In the original story, wherever Sasuke went, he attracted a swarm of fangirls.
Like a celebrity idol.
Ayame had once been young too. Though she had never been in a relationship, she had imagined meeting a boy as handsome as Sasuke at Sakura's age.
Unfortunately, she didn't have Sakura's luck.
Ichiraku Ramen was always busy. Ayame worked every day and had no time for romance.
By every measure, she had reason to envy Sakura.
Especially when Sasuke seemed so gentle with her.
Handsome and considerate—he was practically the perfect boyfriend.
"Your ramen is ready!"
Teuchi served the bowls enthusiastically. For him, business wasn't about money—it was about watching customers enjoy the food he made.
That sense of fulfillment was what he loved most.
"It smells amazing. I'm digging in."
Sasuke picked up his chopsticks and started eating.
"Mmm. Delicious."
Food was fuel. After eating something good, strength returned to his body.
"Sakura, don't just watch me. Eat," he reminded her. "It won't taste as good once it gets cold."
The bowls were bigger than he expected.
In the original story, Naruto could eat several in one sitting.
Sasuke wasn't sure he could manage two.
…
Just as he thought of Naruto—
A familiar lazy voice drifted in.
"Uncle Teuchi! I'm starving! Ramen, please!"
It was Naruto Uzumaki.
Who knew where he had been napping during the day, only to wake up hungry at night.
In the original story, Naruto often skipped class. He wasn't as hardworking as Rock Lee. Most of the time, he would find a quiet, comfortable place and sleep.
Today was no different.
But Naruto could never have imagined—
That Uchiha Sasuke had completely changed.
And that the girl he had liked for so long—Sakura Haruno—was no longer the same.
Naruto entered, holding up a discount coupon.
He was too poor to eat ramen without one.
There had even been a time when he tried to treat Sakura to a meal, only to have her pay half because he didn't have enough money.
Going Dutch was normal in this world.
But being broke and still chasing after Sakura—it was embarrassing.
No wonder Sakura had never looked at him seriously when he had nothing.
"Sasuke!"
"Sakura—!"
Seeing Sasuke sitting at Ichiraku Ramen was shocking enough.
But sitting beside him—
Was the girl Naruto had adored for years.
Sakura looked… different tonight.
Of course, Naruto wouldn't understand why.
Her fair cheeks were flushed, her eyes soft and almost sweet.
'Why does she look so strange?'
Naruto couldn't quite grasp it.
"What are you two doing here?"
"Sakura, Sakura—I'm so happy to see you!"
He instinctively stepped closer. Even standing near her, talking to her, seeing her smile—was enough to satisfy him.
But Sakura was colder than ever.
"Naruto, I'm Sasuke's girlfriend now. Don't stand so close."
There was even a trace of disdain in her tone.
Naruto still had bits of dried grass stuck in his hair from wherever he had slept.
Compared to Sasuke's handsome and composed appearance, Naruto looked unkempt.
"T-That's impossible!"
It was like a bolt from the blue.
Naruto stared at them in disbelief.
And Sasuke was a man with a strong sense of possessiveness.
Even if the other person was Naruto.
He reached out, pulling Sakura's soft body into his arms.
Right there, in front of Teuchi, Ayame, and Naruto—
He lowered his head and kissed her.
"Ahhh—!"
Naruto nearly went insane on the spot, clutching his hair as he rushed forward.
But Sakura's closed eyes and shy expression said everything.
She was willing.
"Naruto. Don't overstep."
Sasuke raised a hand.
A surge of powerful chakra burst forth, instantly pushing Naruto back.
"…!"
Naruto was stunned.
Teuchi's eyes widened. "That chakra… It's at least Jōnin level."
Ayame covered her mouth, half gossiping, half blushing.
"Oh my… what a dramatic love triangle. Uchiha Sasuke is so cool."
Though still young, Sasuke standing there—protecting the girl in his arms with overwhelming strength—was undeniably striking.
And yet—
The most shocked person present was Sasuke himself.
When he had pushed Naruto away, he had suddenly heard the system notification in his mind:
[Invincible Sign-In System]
[Congratulations on successfully signing in by sealing the Nine-Tails. Reward: Nine-Tails Chakra.]
What the hell—
Sasuke stared at his own palm, then at Naruto, who was sitting on the ground in heartbreak.
'This system is too ridiculous!'
When he touched his eyes, he had upgraded to the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
When he touched his chakra core, he had risen to Jōnin-level chakra.
And now—
Just by pushing Naruto—
He had successfully signed in and obtained the Nine-Tails' chakra.
He didn't yet know how powerful it was.
But he knew one thing—
He had to hide it.
At his age, possessing Jōnin-level chakra was already terrifying.
The Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan had yet to be fully tested.
Now he had the Nine-Tails' chakra as well.
If this were exposed, it would definitely attract dangerous attention.
Playing the fool while hiding true strength—that was one of a transmigrator's essential skills.
Sasuke suppressed his excitement.
'This Invincible Sign-In System is truly insane.'
Earlier that day, he had practically explored every inch of Sakura and hadn't triggered a sign-in.
And yet—
Naruto had delivered the Nine-Tails' chakra to him in one move.
"Sasuke, are you alright?"
Sakura's bias was obvious.
Even though Naruto had been the one pushed to the ground, she was worried about Sasuke instead.
"Naruto, what are you doing? Why are you attacking my boyfriend Sasuke?"