Unexpected

"The risk is simply too great. The strength of the Hyuga Clan is no less than that of our Uchiha Clan. Is it really wise to do this during such a tense time..."

As Yun Xi explained the plan he was prepared to implement, a flicker of hesitation crossed Uchiha Itachi's face.

After all, any action taken at a time like this could easily provoke the Hyuga Clan.

Although Yun Xi's plan was indeed tempting to Uchiha Itachi...

"If we don't try something at a time like this, we might end up even more passive."

Yun Xi had never been one to sit and wait for death. Once he learned that the Hyuga Clan was already preparing to move against him, he had already readied his counterattack.

Even though Uchiha Itachi believed such a plan was far too risky.

Yun Xi felt...

This plan was worth a try!

In fact, Yun Xi's plan was very simple.

It was to use the method for evolving the Byakugan as bait to get Hyuga Hiashi to cooperate with him.

Although they had clashed during their first meeting, Yun Xi did not believe that Hyuga Hiashi, as the head of the Hyuga Clan, could truly resist such a temptation!

"Have you really decided?"

Seeing that Yun Xi seemed to have made up his mind, Uchiha Itachi asked once more, then stepped forward and said, "If you have made your decision, then let me be the one to step forward."

"Mm."

Yun Xi nodded, then spoke to Uchiha Itachi in a grave tone, "The plan is settled. As for the timing of the contact, you decide that yourself."

"Very well. I will return to the clan first."

With Yun Xi's nod, Uchiha Itachi, never one to be timid, agreed to the matter directly.

After discussing some of the finer details of the plan, Uchiha Itachi was the first to leave Yun Xi's home.

In an instant, silence returned to the room, leaving Yun Xi alone.

"Whether I can change the original plot depends on this plan..."

Watching the shadows slowly shift outside, a trace of nervousness welled up in Yun Xi's heart.

Although he felt an inexplicable confidence, both in terms of the original plot and his control over the plan.

Everything was still just a plan, after all.

It was impossible not to feel nervous...

Moreover, what Yun Xi worried about most was not the failure of the plan.

It was...

Whether there would be a penalty if he failed a task assigned by the Choice System...

That was the point that worried Yun Xi the most.

Thinking of this, a tremor flashed through Yun Xi's mind.

"System, are you there?"

To clarify whether there would be penalties for failing to complete the choices provided by the Choice System, Yun Xi addressed the system directly.

"I am."

This time, the Choice System did not remain silent but spoke up immediately.

It was the same emotionless, mechanical voice, yet Yun Xi detected something unusual within it...

Clearly.

This so-called Choice System possessed intelligence!

"I would like to ask, if I make a choice but fail to meet the requirements of that option, will the system impose a penalty?"

Temporarily suppressing the chaotic thoughts in his mind, Yun Xi asked directly.

After all, compared to anything else.

Clearly, understanding the system was the most important matter for Yun Xi at the moment.

"There will not be."

The system replied.

Suddenly, a notification appeared in Yun Xi's mind.

Yun Xi opened it immediately...

He discovered it was a simple introduction to the system...

"Ding. The primary purpose of this system is to assist the host in becoming the strongest in the Ninja World. There are no additional penalties for any choices, however..."

"However, making certain choices may place the host in danger, and once a choice is made, it cannot be rescinded; otherwise, rewards will be reclaimed."

With the explanation finished, the Choice System vanished from Yun Xi's mind once again.

Yun Xi, meanwhile, felt a mix of laughter and tears.

"This system..."

Yun Xi shook his head helplessly.

Although he hadn't found any mention of penalties in the system's explanation, he could still grasp the underlying implication of the prompt.

It was nothing more than this: any choice was free, and failing to complete a task wouldn't result in any direct consequences.

However...

Some choices would plunge Yun Xi into danger.

Simply put, the power of choice rested in Yun Xi's hands, but making certain selections could very well lead him into peril.

He could even die.

"This system is certainly straightforward."

After understanding the system's lack of explicit penalties, Yun Xi felt a momentary sense of helplessness. While the rules appeared liberal, the risks were actually quite significant.

Take this current choice, for example. Although helping Uchiha Itachi would yield a decent reward, getting involved in the Uchiha Clan's massacre meant the risks Yun Xi faced were far from low.

Danzo.

Obito.

Akatsuki.

And so on...

These organizations and individuals were absolutely not people the current Yun Xi could face head-on. One slight misstep, and he could very well end up dead.

"It seems I'll have to be careful when making choices in the future."

After grasping the system's rules, a chill instantly crept into Yun Xi's heart. Fortunately, his previous choices had been inconsequential, which was why he hadn't fallen into any traps.

"Hmm?"

Just as Yun Xi was questioning the system, a figure suddenly appeared outside his door and lingered there for a long time.

In an instant, Yun Xi prepared himself for battle.

"Who could it be..."

As he slowly approached the door, Yun Xi pondered silently. The Anbu and the Root Division represented the Third Hokage and that old fox Danzo, respectively; they would never appear so openly before him and expose their identities.

So...

"Is it the Hyuga Clan?"

While speculating, Yun Xi reached the door. After composing himself, he asked the person outside in a tone of feigned confusion, "May I ask who you are?"

"..."

Yet, as Yun Xi spoke, the person outside offered no response. Seeing this, Yun Xi became even more cautious.

"Should I open the door..."

Yun Xi fell into hesitation. With three factions already lurking around his home, the appearance of this mysterious middle-aged man only made the already tense atmosphere feel even heavier.

Yun Xi felt an inexplicable sense of crisis.

"No, I have to find out!"

Initially, Yun Xi hadn't wanted to open the door, but the thought of someone spying on him from the shadows ultimately convinced him to see exactly who was standing on his doorstep.

"Thud..."

As Yun Xi opened the door, a middle-aged man standing before it collapsed forward.

His body hit the floor with a dull sound.

It was an Anbu Chunin...

And what shocked Yun Xi even more was...

The Anbu Chunin before him was clearly already...

Dead...