Time flowed like a river—
Quietly, steadily slipping away.
After that day Asuma collapsed in terror before Jin—
Jin's position as the undisputed ruler of the Ninja Academy was further solidified.
However, during this period, Jin felt that Kurenai and Rin were perhaps being a little too enthusiastic.
They were constantly bringing him different kinds of alcohol.
And during lunch breaks, they vied to invite him to eat with them.
As for Jin's choice, naturally, it was...
"Jin, have some more. This is a bento I made myself."
Rin rubbed her nose cutely, eyes filled with anticipation, as she handed the bento box to Jin.
"Jin-kun, this bottle is from my father's private collection. Give it a try."
Kurenai, not to be outdone, produced a tightly sealed bottle of alcohol and offered it to Jin.
"Hmm, let me try."
Jin licked his lips, first opening the bottle Kurenai brought and taking a large swig.
Gulp, Gulp—
"Hah! Good stuff!"
After the satisfying drink, Jin let out a long sigh, his eyes showing pure enjoyment.
["Ding! Detected Host drinking to a state of Satisfaction. Swordsmanship Insight +3."]
It truly lived up to Kurenai's claim—her father's treasured liquor.
Ordinary alcohol usually only granted a random +1 stat point each time the Dionysus System triggered.
But this bottle added 3 points to Swordsmanship Insight all at once.
"I'm glad you like it, Jin-kun."
Seeing Jin drink her offering first, Kurenai smiled happily. She glanced sideways at Rin, who was pouting slightly in frustration, and her red lips curled upwards slightly.
Rin was indeed a little annoyed seeing Jin prioritize the fine liquor Kurenai brought.
Actually, Rin had also snuck quite a bit of alcohol from home before.
However, after days of diligent practice, Rin had finally managed to make a delicious bento.
Plus, her family had discovered her alcohol pilfering.
They gave Rin a stern lecture and subsequently hid the alcohol much more securely.
So, Rin had only brought the bento she made today.
Damn it, I won't lose!
Rin saw Kurenai's joyful expression and Jin's look of enjoyment as he drank, and fiercely clenched her small fists.
Her eyes darted around, and suddenly, she smiled.
"Jin, how can you drink without some side dishes? Quick, try the bento I made!"
Rin carefully opened the bento box, smiling.
"Hmm, good point."
Jin was thoroughly enjoying the drink; this bottle was arguably one of the best he'd ever had.
Hearing Rin's words, he felt a pang of regret.
There was a saying from his past life: good wine pairs with good food.
Without proper side dishes, wasn't it a waste of such fine liquor?
When his gaze shifted to the bento Rin brought, his eyes lit up again.
Inside the bento box, which was noticeably larger than standard ones, was packed full of various exquisite meat dishes.
As the saying goes, how can one drink without meat?
If paired with vegetables, even the best liquor would taste somewhat lacking.
Rin had clearly put effort into understanding Jin's tastes.
During their previous interactions, Rin had noticed that Jin only ate meat when drinking during lunch.
Therefore, the bento Rin made consisted entirely of meat dishes.
"Mmm, delicious!"
Jin picked up a piece of fried chicken, popped it in his mouth, and praised it.
Gulp, Gulp—
With that, he took another gulp of alcohol.
"Haaa— So satisfying."
The combination of meat and wine made Jin's eyes narrow in pleasure.
["Ding! Detected Host drinking to a state of Sublimation. Constitution +5!"]
["Ding! Congratulations, Host's Constitution has broken the threshold, reaching Elite Chūnin level. Chakra +15."]
["Ding! Congratulations, Host's Chakra has reached Elite Chūnin level!"]
At this moment, the familiar mechanical voice sounded in Jin's mind again.
"Hmm, leveled up?"
Jin clenched his fist, feeling a strength greater than before.
"Open status panel."
<><><><><><><><>
Host: Jin Kimoku
Age: 8
Constitution: Elite Chūnin Level
Chakra: Elite Chūnin Level
Swordsmanship Insight: Swordsman
Special: Asura Sword Intent
Overall Strength: Tokubetsu Jōnin Level
(Note: Special bonuses apply while intoxicated.)
<><><><><><><><>
Unlike the systems in some novels Jin had read in his past life—
The Dionysus System seemed rather like Jin himself: aside from alcohol, it wasn't overly interested in other things, somewhat lazy.
Therefore, it only updated the panel when a threshold was broken and didn't display specific numerical values.
Not that Jin cared.
After all, in Jin's view, stats were just static numbers; they didn't represent actual combat capability.
If you've got guts, come trade blows with me first.
Never mind that his current Overall Strength was listed as Tokubetsu Jōnin level—that was just a static panel display.
When Kakashi challenged him back then, Jin had barely reached Chūnin level.
But after drinking, didn't he still cut Kakashi down with one slash?
As for the special Asura Sword Intent—
That was the reward given after he cut down the teacher who dared smash his liquor bottle, shocking the entire Ninja Academy.
It was a terrifying Sword Intent born from the fusion of Swordsmanship and presence.
What he used against Asuma earlier was the Asura Sword Intent.
It plunged the enemy into the Sword Intent, making them feel as if facing a terrifying Asura demon.
Without a tenacious will, they could only be helplessly slaughtered.
After a quick glance, Jin stopped paying attention to the panel.
After all, with such fine wine and meat before him, why think so much?
Enjoying the present was the most important thing.
"Hmph."
Kurenai saw Rin smiling happily again, let out a soft snort, and her eyes darted around.
Her little head carefully pondered where else her dad might have hidden good liquor.
As for her father, who had been heartbroken over the frequent disappearance of his precious wine—
Well, Kurenai couldn't be bothered with that right now.
<><><><><><><><>
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