A Little Provocation

Uzumaki Chenhao's lips curled slightly as he heard the system's prompt in his mind, staring at the burly youth standing before him.

"Ptooey."

The burly youth never expected Chenhao to spit right in his face.

"Damn, you're really asking for it. Guess it's time to teach you a lesson—otherwise you'll forget who you are!"

"Ding, congratulations to the host for successful provocation. Experience points +100. 567/1000. Reaching 1000 points allows promotion to Chunin! Rasengan upgraded to Mastery level."

"Thump thump thump!!!"

"Ding, Damage Resistance +1."

"Ding, Experience Points +1."

In just two seconds, Chenhao exchanged several blows with him fist for fist. But just as the burly youth was about to throw another punch, Chenhao suddenly smiled.

So this is what the body feels like after the Damage Resistance boost? he thought with a grin. Pretty impressive—those hits didn't do a thing to my fists!

"Ding, 5 minutes remaining to complete the mission. Please finish it immediately!"

Seeing Chenhao's smile, the burly youth's rage exploded. He swung a vicious punch.

But to his shock, Chenhao shot out his hand, blocked the incoming fist, and gripped it tightly.

What? How is that possible?

"Sorry about that—blocked your punch. Now, for the rest of the time, enjoy what I've been putting up with!" Chenhao said with a smile.

"Ding, host successfully showed off. Strength +10."

Realizing he was in serious trouble, the burly youth tried to pull his fist back, but no matter how hard he struggled, it wouldn't budge. Panic set in.

"Rasengan!"

A blue sphere materialized in Chenhao's free hand, and he slammed it into the youth's stomach.

"Boom!"

Chenhao released his grip, and the burly youth was sent flying by the Rasengan. Since the technique had just been upgraded and wasn't fully stabilized, his life wasn't in danger—but he'd still need a few days to recover.

"What... how is that possible?" Their leader stared in disbelief as his subordinate was blasted away, then clenched his fists, ready to charge at Chenhao.

"Damn it." Yano hadn't even reacted before Chenhao appeared right in front of him, punched him to the ground, and started pounding him relentlessly.

Because Chenhao was so fast, the other two had only seen his afterimage.

"Remember this—I'm going to get stronger. Every bit of pain you've caused me, I'll pay back in full! Today is just the start!" Chenhao shouted as he kept hammering Yano.

The remaining thug stood frozen, watching his boss get beaten senseless, unable to believe this was the same Chenhao they'd bullied every day.

A full minute passed before he snapped out of it and quickly pulled Chenhao away.