Heaven Curse Mark

"Oh, Yun Xi, you're back?"

Just as he reached his front door, the man running the grocery store next door asked Yun Xi with a smile.

"Ah, good evening, Uncle Heiwa."

Seeing it was his neighbor, Yun Xi responded proactively. After all, as a war orphan, he had often received help from the neighbors. Among them, Uncle Heiwa was the one who treated him the best.

"I heard you're starting classes at the Ninja Academy tomorrow? I don't have much to give you, but this should be of some help."

Seeing Yun Xi stop, Uncle Heiwa reached into his coat and pulled out a pitch-black scroll, along with a somewhat thick envelope.

"Uncle Heiwa, how could I accept this?"

Yun Xi instinctively tried to refuse his kindness, adding, "I'm always sponging off you for food and drink as it is; I really can't take anything else."

"You brat, are you not going to listen to your uncle?"

Seeing Yun Xi reject his gesture, Uncle Heiwa's previously gentle expression turned slightly angry. After a brief scolding, he shoved the items into Yun Xi's arms and said with a nostalgic tone, "Child, once you become a ninja, you'll realize this world isn't as beautiful as you imagine. I just want you to survive."

"These two things aren't exactly precious, just a small token of my heart. Take them..."

After saying this, Uncle Heiwa's expression grew solemn.

"Uncle, I understand..."

Having heard his words, Yun Xi didn't refuse again. Instead, he gripped the gifts tightly in his hands.

"That's the spirit! Since you've chosen to become a ninja, you must give it your all!"

Seeing Yun Xi accept the gifts, Uncle Heiwa laughed heartily. He took one last look at the boy before turning around and heading back into his house.

Watching Uncle Heiwa's retreating back, Yun Xi thought to himself, I will definitely survive in this cruel ninja world!

The early autumn breeze carried a hint of chill, but Yun Xi's heart burned like the midday sun. Before today, he might have lacked confidence, but after obtaining the Pay-to-Win System, he knew that as long as he worked hard to earn money, becoming strong was just a matter of time.

"Let's see what Uncle gave me..."

Back inside, Yun Xi took the two items out and placed them on the tea table: a thick envelope and a pitch-black scroll.

"Let's see what this scroll is first."

Without hesitation, Yun Xi opened the black scroll.

"How could Uncle Heiwa have something like this?"

Upon seeing the contents, a look of shock appeared on Yun Xi's face. In his memory, Uncle Heiwa was just one of the thousands of commoners in Konoha—not even a ninja. Yet, this scroll contained the detailed training method for the Multi-Shadow Clone Technique!

The Multi-Shadow Clone Technique!

It was practically the first cheat code of the protagonist of Naruto. Not only could it create physical clones, but it also allowed the user to train ninjutsu and taijutsu through them. Even after the clones vanished, the experience gained from their training would be transferred to the original body. It was absolutely one of the most practical cheats in existence!

"Thank you, Uncle..." After carefully reading the contents, Yun Xi set the scroll down, feeling a deeper sense of goodwill toward the man. Although he didn't know how Uncle Heiwa had obtained the Multi-Shadow Clone Technique, as someone who knew the full plot, how could he not realize its value? Even Naruto, the protagonist of the series, had to steal the Scroll of Seals just to learn it.

"Let's see what's in the envelope..."

After putting the scroll away, Yun Xi picked up the envelope. Its exaggerated thickness suggested there was quite a lot inside.

Opening it, Yun Xi muttered, "So much money?"

There was nothing else in the envelope, just a stack of cash. Yun Xi made a rough calculation: a full 100,000 yen!

"Where did he get this much money?"

Yun Xi hadn't expected Uncle Heiwa to give him such a large sum. While it wasn't a huge amount for an average ninja, in Yun Xi's mind, Uncle Heiwa was just an ordinary civilian. Even with the grocery store, 100,000 yen was definitely not a small amount for him.

"Uncle, I will definitely remember your kindness!"

Setting the money down slowly, Yun Xi's expression turned solemn, his heart filled with gratitude.

"Then let's start getting stronger!"

Calming his emotions, Yun Xi placed the money in his hand directly onto the table and muttered, "Start top-up!"

"Ding, would you like to top up the full amount?"

"Top up everything!"

Once Yun Xi confirmed the transaction, the money on the table was covered by a flash of light and vanished the next second, while 1,000 Krypton Points were added to the system!

"Congratulations to the host for completing your first top-up experience. Reward obtained: Heaven Curse Mark (Complete Version)."

"Heaven Curse Mark?!"

Hearing the system's prompt, Yun Xi was somewhat surprised. He had originally expected the system to reward him with some ninjutsu or a bloodline limit.

He hadn't expected the system to give him this.

To be precise, the Heaven Curse Mark was neither a bloodline limit nor a traditional ninjutsu, but a secret technique invented by Orochimaru.

It was also a powerful forbidden technique, a jutsu Orochimaru had researched using Jugo as a prototype and the Jinchuriki's combat style as a concept. Users of the curse mark could possess immense power when activating it.

However, as the duration of use increased, it would place a heavy burden on the user's body and could even affect their state of mind!

"Is it a double-edged sword?" Yun Xi looked at the reward he had obtained, unsure of what to do.

"The Heaven Curse Mark improved by the system has no side effects."

Seeming to sense Yun Xi's hesitation, the otherwise rigid system actually offered a proactive prompt.

"Ah? That's great!"

Upon hearing the system's explanation, Yun Xi's expression instantly shifted from hesitation to excitement.

The reason was simple.

The benefits brought by a Heaven Curse Mark without side effects would absolutely not be inferior to an ordinary bloodline limit!

Once the Heaven Curse Mark was activated, not only would he gain powerful strength and speed, but his chakra reserves would also see a massive increase.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him a human-shaped Tailed Beast!

"If I remember correctly... this Heaven Curse Mark seems to have two forms, and while it brings power, it seems to be controlled by Orochimaru."

Although the system had already provided an explanation, Yun Xi still had a concern in his heart.

That was Orochimaru!

After all, in the original work, the creator of the Heaven Curse Mark was Orochimaru, and there was a certain possibility of being controlled by him.

Yun Xi did not want to become Orochimaru's puppet for the sake of temporary power!

As if reading Yun Xi's inner thoughts, the system spoke up again...

"Please rest assured, host. All rewards from this system are unaffected by anyone..."

After the system finished speaking, Yun Xi laughed, "Why didn't you say so earlier!"

Having confirmed that the Heaven Curse Mark was completely fine, Yun Xi chose to accept the reward.

"You damn system! Why does it hurt so much?"

Upon confirming he had received the Heaven Curse Mark, Yun Xi felt a surge of powerful energy suddenly erupt within his body.

But accompanying it was immense pain.

Only six years old, Yun Xi collapsed directly onto the floor of his room...