Since she was young, Shen Bingran had always been surrounded by guys willing to say yes to anything, just because of her looks.
Naruto seemed around her age, so she subconsciously assumed he'd be the same—just another boy eager to please her.
She didn't expect to be shut down so directly.
"I just saved you. And now you want my help again? What exactly do you have to offer me?" Naruto asked bluntly.
Shen Bingran had looks, sure. But that alone wasn't enough to earn Naruto's help.
Hearing that, her face grew serious.
"I... I can pay you," she said after some thought.
Naruto shook his head without hesitation.
"I'm not interested in money."
His tone and expression made it clear—he wasn't joking.
When your strength reached a certain level, money became meaningless.
To be honest, Naruto couldn't even remember the last time he used money.
Seeing that, Shen Bingran started wondering if Naruto was from some ancient clan—maybe even a noble heir, loaded with wealth from birth.
'If not money, then… what else do I even have to offer?'
She glanced at her own body.
That was the only other thing she could think of.
A few seconds passed, but Naruto grew visibly impatient.
"Enough. Do you know who the strongest person around here is?"
His question snapped her out of her thoughts.
"The strongest nearby? That's definitely our academy's Headmaster. She's an Eighth Tier powerhouse. One of the strongest in the world."
"Eighth Tier, huh? Sounds like a good benchmark. Where is she now?" Naruto continued.
"Benchmark?" Shen Bingran gave him a weird look.
"The Headmaster usually doesn't stay on campus, but she's here now to oversee the National Academy Tournament."
Naruto nodded.
"Good. Take me to her. After that, I'll consider helping you."
This caught her off guard.
"Meet the Headmaster? But… she doesn't see just anyone."
"Doesn't matter. Just bring me to her. She'll see me when I arrive."
"...Fine."
They crossed several city streets until they reached the towering gates of Jianan Academy.
Just as they arrived, a boy with a buzz cut in a blue school uniform strode toward them like he owned the place.
"Ranran! I heard you ran into the Black Tiger King on your mission! Are you okay?"
Shen Bingran frowned.
"How many times do I have to tell you? Don't call me Ranran. It's annoying."
The boy brushed it off and then turned his gaze on Naruto.
"Who's this guy? Why are you walking with him?"
Shen Bingran opened her mouth to explain, but before she could speak—
WHAM!
Naruto casually lifted a leg and kicked the guy straight across the yard.
He flew back dozens of meters, slammed into the academy wall, and dropped like a sack of rice. Out cold. Possibly dead.
Naruto calmly lowered his leg.
Shen Bingran opened her mouth again—but ultimately said nothing.
'He didn't even bother asking who the guy was. Just knocked him out without hesitation...'
'So ruthless. But... kinda cool.'
Three more students came running, cursing Naruto and shouting threats.
WHAM. WHAM. WHAM.
Naruto kicked all three into the wall too.
Cracks spread across the stone.
"Let's go. Don't waste time," he said, walking through the gate.
Shen Bingran quickly caught up with small, nervous steps.
Inside the academy, students in matching uniforms walked around, many carrying weapons.
Naruto figured someone from the academy would come question him after those beatings.
But no one did.
Apparently, in this world, beating someone half to death was just… normal.
The academy was massive, with buildings stretching as far as the eye could see.
On their way to the Headmaster's office, the system's voice suddenly rang out in Naruto's mind.
"Emergency Mission Issued: Participate in Jianan Academy's Tournament and win first place. Reward: 10 Divine Tree Seeds (God-Tier)."
"Note: This mission is mandatory and cannot be declined."
Unlike the system's usual robotic tone, this time… there was emotion.
Naruto could practically hear the red warning box blaring in his head.
"Emergency mission? Mandatory? That's a first..."
"Yo, System-bro. What's with the attitude today?"
To Naruto's surprise, the system actually replied for once.
"Mission Subcondition: Another system has been detected on this planet. Eliminate it."
Naruto froze mid-step.
Another system?
A rival protagonist?!
The shock gave way to concern.
He'd had it pretty good with his system so far. What if the other one was stronger?
As if sensing his worry, the system replied with quiet arrogance.
"No need to worry. Among system-world protocols, I rank near the top."
Naruto relaxed a little.
"Any info on this other guy? Can I prepare?"
"I'll notify you when you meet."
'Great. So not only do I need to meet the Headmaster—now I'm fighting in a tournament too. Guess it's the old 'stick then candy' routine, huh?'
They reached the building.
Shen Bingran turned to lead him inside, but Naruto stopped her.
"No need. Just tell me which floor and room."
"Uh… top floor. There's only one room up there."
Naruto glanced up.
Way too much bureaucracy going through the front.
'I'll take the shortcut.'
Before she could react, Naruto soared into the sky and appeared instantly on the top floor.
Kamui opened a hole in the window. He stepped in casually.
Inside, the Headmaster was busy reviewing tournament documents.
Naruto blinked.
So this Shen Bingran's "Headmaster" was a woman, huh?
She wore a flowing white gown, her hair done up high.
Her elegance radiated subtle authority.
At first glance, Naruto almost mistook her for Bibi Dong from his previous life.
Same kind of vibe. Same powerful presence.
The Headmaster didn't flinch. She looked up, eyes cold.
"Who are you? Why are you here?"
Her tone made one thing very clear—
Say the wrong word, and she wouldn't hesitate to kill him.