Why didn't Sakura get the buff?

I have to admit, even though they're just little buds, they're still very cute flower buds.

Mo Chen didn't disturb them, standing at the door and quietly admiring the busy figures of Tenten and Hinata.

Even knowing they approached him with ulterior motives, just seeing their pretty faces made him feel at ease.

"Ah, Mo Chen's back!"

Tenten turned, her hips swaying, right into Mo Chen's line of sight. Startled, she couldn't help but exclaim.

Hearing Tenten's shout, Hinata next to her trembled and also turned around, her expression a little nervous and embarrassed.

After all, they had come uninvited, and the two weren't familiar with each other. Entering Mo Chen's house without permission felt a bit presumptuous.

But this was only Hinata's thought.

The two in the kitchen heard the commotion and immediately scrambled out, bumping into each other.

"Mo Chen, you're finally back! We've been waiting for you for ages." Ino barged forward, grabbing one of Mo Chen's arms.

"Just wait a little longer, the food will be ready soon." Sakura rushed up and grabbed Mo Chen's other arm, glaring fiercely at Ino, signaling she wouldn't let the other girl have her way easily.

The two refused to yield, their eyes clashing with intense sparks.

Mo Chen hadn't expected their first formal meeting to be like this. Weren't these two planning to hide their intentions at all?

But speaking of which, even at this age, Ino was quite well-endowed.

Sakura was flatter, but she had a little something too.

Soft and fragrant, the touch of a girl was indeed quite nice.

He thought to himself but didn't show it, instead putting on a confused act and saying somewhat helplessly, "You guys... what's going on?"

Tenten quickly squeezed over and forcefully pried Ino and Sakura's hands off, glaring at both of them while also sending a threatening warning in the Chat Group.

[Tenten: All of you, behave yourselves. Absolutely no leaks about the Chat Group, or don't blame me for kicking you out. Right now, my relationship with Mo Chen is the closest!]

[Sakura Haruno: Hmph, what's the big deal? I'm just being enthusiastic.]

[Ino Yamanaka: It's all Forehead's fault. You said you were only loyal to Sasuke, so stop causing trouble here. And didn't you say you were going to leave the group? Why haven't you left yet?]

[Sakura Haruno: This is my business, it has nothing to do with you!]

[Hinata Hyuga: Everyone, let's not argue. Let's deal with the current situation first, otherwise Mo Chen-kun will get suspicious.]

[Tenten: All of you, shut up!!]

After a few quick exchanges in the group chat, Tenten pulled Mo Chen aside in reality and awkwardly explained, "Sorry Mo Chen, I brought them to your house without your permission."

"It's because they just became Ninja and were happy about completing a mission, so they wanted to have a meal out. Then they heard I was coming here and followed me."

"They said they're all your classmates, and I thought it shouldn't be a problem. But I didn't expect them to be so forward. If you're angry, I'll make them leave right now!"

As she spoke, she glared fiercely at Ino and Sakura again.

Sakura looked dismissive. She admitted she was envious of the Buff effects Tenten and Ino had, and she did want to freeload.

But in her opinion, Mo Chen was just an unknown nobody. He should be overjoyed to have her, a noble lady, grace his home.

Not to mention, she was such a cute girl, showing him rare friendliness and enthusiasm. Shouldn't Mo Chen be eternally grateful?

Ino, on the other hand, was more sensible. She quickly straightened her expression and said to Mo Chen, "I'm sorry Mo Chen, we were indeed presumptuous. We just got carried away for a moment. If we made you uncomfortable, I apologize."

"Mo... Mo Chen-kun!" Hinata also walked over, speaking nervously and shyly, "I'm sorry too, for not getting your permission..."

Mo Chen scanned them briefly. Although he didn't know what Sakura was thinking, judging by her expression, she was someone who could be eliminated first.

"Everyone, don't be nervous, I'm not blaming you!" Mo Chen said with a gentle smile. "I was just startled by your sudden appearance. No one usually comes to my place, so I'm actually quite happy you're here."

Sakura's lips curled slightly, and she shot Ino and Tenten smug glances.

See? You guys are the ones overreacting!

Unfortunately, all she got in return were Ino and Tenten's eye-rolls.

[Ding! Congratulations to group member Hinata Hyuga, the group level has been upgraded from LV0 to LV1, gaining a 200% All-Attribute Buff!]

As if sensing Mo Chen's thoughts, the group system's prompt sounded at the opportune moment.

A flicker of surprise flashed in Hinata's eyes. Sakura waited for a while, but hearing no further prompts, her face instantly darkened.

She desperately wanted to curse and complain in the group chat.

But being as smart as she was, she could easily imagine that if she did, she would become the clown in the next second.

[Ino Yamanaka: Congratulations Hinata, this is truly an unexpected joy. It seems Mo Chen really doesn't blame us, right, Forehead @Sakura Haruno]

[Tenten: Hinata also gained Mo Chen's approval, congratulations Hinata! That's right, isn't it? @Sakura Haruno]

[Hinata Hyuga: Thank you! But I'm a bit confused, why didn't Sakura get a Buff?]

[Ino Yamanaka: Yeah, why is that? @Sakura Haruno, why do you think that is?]

[Sakura Haruno: Annoying!]

Sakura was about to explode. She vaguely knew what was going on.

But she absolutely refused to admit it was her problem, believing instead that she was being targeted by this Chat Group system!

Ino winked at Sakura, her eyes full of teasing, then chuckled and said to Mo Chen, "Mo Chen, I heard from Third Lord that he didn't blame you for what happened yesterday, right?"

"Although it's a shame you didn't become a Ninja, I believe you'll definitely have another chance later."

"And I'll tell you a little secret, I went to the hospital yesterday and found those two guys who ambushed you, and I gave them a good thrashing."

"They're famous at the hospital now, they don't even dare to stay there anymore and checked out before they were fully healed."

Ino wanted to gain a buff effect and knew she needed to get closer to Mo Chen, so she wouldn't do good deeds without taking credit.

As expected, Mo Chen showed a hint of gratitude towards her and said sincerely, "Thank you so much, Ino. I didn't expect them to do something like that."

"Speaking of which, it was Teacher Hiroshi who pleaded with Third Lord on my behalf. I must visit him later to properly thank Teacher Hiroshi."

If Ino hadn't brought it up, Mo Chen would have truly forgotten about Chie Mai and Ryota.

He needed to find an opportunity to get revenge later; Mo Chen was a petty person.

As for Endo Hiroshi, he was essentially a background character; his presence or absence wouldn't affect the overall situation.

But since the other party spoke up for him, if he showed no appreciation, wouldn't that be ungrateful?

"Mo Chen is so kind!" Ino praised, pushing Mo Chen down onto the sofa. "As compensation for our uninvited visit, you can just rest here. We'll handle dinner."

Mo Chen noticed a fleeting hint of disappointment in Ino's eyes.

She was probably disappointed that her attempt to claim credit didn't result in a group level-up, right?