Hiruzen stared at me. For a moment, the mask of the kindly grandfather slipped, revealing the sharp, analytical eyes of the Professor, looking for a threat.
But then, just as quickly, the mask slid back into place. His shoulders sagged, and he let out a long, weary sigh of smoke.
"I am the Third Hokage," he said gently, though his voice lacked its usual warmth. "And I am the one who has looked after you since you were younger. Do you truly not remember?"
I held his gaze for a second longer, then let my eyes drop. The memories were settling into my brain like wet concrete. I remembered him handing me an envelope of funds. I remembered him smiling while I ate noodles. And I remembered him visiting me at times.
"I remember… I think," I said, rubbing my temples. "My head feels fuzzy. Everything feels tangled."
Hiruzen nodded, seemingly relieved by the explanation. "The doctors warned us of this. The trauma to your mind was severe. Come, ramen can wait. You need more rest."
He placed a hand on my shoulder. It was meant to be comforting, but it felt like a shackle.
[SYSTEM ALERT!]
[MODULE: QUEST LOG... INSTALLED (65%)]
"Yea," I muttered, turning away from the ramen stand. "Let's go back."
The walk back was brutal.
Now that the [EARTH_PRIME_MEMORIES.] download was complete, the village didn't just look like a high-resolution anime background anymore. It felt hostile.
Every time a villager glared at me, a corresponding memory spiked in my brain. The shopkeepers banning me from their stores. Parents pulling their children away from me at the park. And Anbu watching my every move from the roofs, guarding the village from me.
We entered the hospital room. Hiruzen guided me to the bed, his movements were stiff.
My earlier question must have shaken him more than he’s letting on, I thought.
"I will have the medic check your vitals again," Hiruzen said, moving toward the door. "Get some rest, Naruto. We can discuss other things like your re-enrollment into the Academy when you’re feeling more like yourself."
He’s moving fast as hell now. He must really not want to answer any more hard questions.
Suddenly, a chime rang in my ears. The blue window in front of me flashed red, expanding rapidly.
[SYSTEM ALERT!]
[URGENT QUEST GENERATED]:
[THE POLITICIAN’S MASK]: The Third Hokage is content with keeping you ignorant and loyal. He intends to leave without addressing the root of your isolation. Do not let him escape.
[OBJECTIVE]: Force Hiruzen Sarutobi to reveal hidden truths about yourself.
I looked at the text.
Force him, huh?
I wasn't a proper ninja yet, and even if I was, I still couldn't beat him in a fight. The only weapon I currently had was the one thing Naruto never used: Leverage.
Just as Hiruzen reached for the doorknob, I spoke up. My voice was quiet, devoid of the usual boisterous energy.
"The Academy?" I asked, feigning ignorance. "That ninja school? If that’s what you’re talking about, then I'm not going back there."
Hiruzen paused. His hand hovered over the handle. Then, he turned around slowly, his brow furrowed.
"Pardon?"
I sat on the edge of the bed, swinging my legs. I didn't look at him. I looked at my hands—calloused and small.
"I said I’m not going," I clarified. "In fact, I think I'm done with the whole ninja thing."
Hiruzen blinked.
"Naruto," his smile faltered. "That is not a simple decision to make. Being a ninja is a goal you’ve always strived for."
"Is it?" I looked up, locking eyes with him. "Because from what I remember, I’ve failed the graduation exam twice: I can't mold chakra right, I don’t understand most of what’s being taught, the students mock me when I try, and the villagers look at me like I'm a disease."
I leaned back, crossing my arms behind my head.
"I think it’s time to explore a different path in life. A simpler life sounds pretty good. No explosions. No glares. Just... peace."
The room went dead silent.
I watched Hiruzen’s face carefully. I saw the panic flare behind his eyes.
"Naruto," Hiruzen’s voice dropped, becoming serious. "You have a gift. You have potential. To throw it away due to a momentary setback..."
"Setback? It’s a pattern that’s clear as day," I cut him off, my tone turning sharp. "Unless I get a good enough reason as to why I should even bother to put my life on the line for a village that wishes me dead, then I’m afraid that this is the end of the line for my potential shinobi career."
What's he gonna do? Force me? Shiiit, he can try, but I’ll find a way to break out.
Hiruzen sighed, the sound heavy with the weight of decades. He reached into his robes, pulled out his pipe, and lit it. The scent of tobacco filled the sterile room.
"Naruto," he began, his voice taking on that preaching cadence I remembered from the anime. "Do you know what the Will of Fire is?"
"It is the belief that love is the key to peace," he said, watching the smoke curl toward the ceiling. "The village is a family. The elders protect the adults, the adults protect the children, and the children grow to protect the next generation. Even if the villagers are cold to you now, if you protect them, if you show them your heart... then one day, they will accept you."
He looked at me with soft, imploring eyes. "Quitting now would be turning your back on that family."
It was a good speech. Probably worked on a lot of impressionable kids. But I wasn't a kid. I was a cynical bastard with a huge memory file of neglect.
"That’s a nice message, Old Man," I said flatly. "But let’s be real. It’s just a story to impress children."
Hiruzen’s brow furrowed. "It is not just a story. It is the foundation of Konoha."
"Is it?" I challenged, sliding off the bed to stand on my own two feet. "What kind of foundation hides the reason why everyone hates you?"
I took a step forward. "You talk about the leaves protecting the buds, but it feels like the leaves have been shielding everyone else from me."
Hiruzen went rigid.
"I'm not stupid," I said, pointing a thumb at my own chest. "I know I didn’t just fail the exam because I can't control my chakra.”
His eyes widened.
“When I mold it, it feels like something else is mixing with it. Something… distinct, but I don’t know what."
That got his complete attention.
"And the way the villagers look at me," I continued, pressing the advantage. "They don't look at me like I'm just a failure. They look at me like I'm a monster. Like I'm that Fox that attacked the village."
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The silence that followed was suffocating. The air pressure in the room seemed to drop. Hiruzen wasn't just an old man anymore; he was the God of Shinobi, and his aura was leaking out.
But I didn't back down. The quest objective demanded that I push him.
"So tell me," I demanded. "What’s the connection, why do they hate me?"
Hiruzen closed his eyes. The smoke from his pipe swirled around us like a barrier. He looked older than I had ever seen him. He walked over to the window, looking out at the village he loved so much. Then, with a wave of his hand, a barrier of seals flared to life on the walls.
"Twelve years ago," he began, not turning to face me. "The Nine-Tailed Fox attacked Konoha. Many were dying and something needed to be done. So, Minato Namikaze—the Fourth Hokage, stepped in to defeat the beast.”
He paused briefly. “However, during the battle, he quickly realized that he could not kill the beast. The Fox was classified as a tailed beast—a mass of chakra that could not be destroyed, only sealed or contained."
He turned back to me. "So, he sealed the beast into a newborn baby. He hoped the village would see the child as a hero. A living vessel that kept them safe."
"But they didn't," I finished for him.
"No," Hiruzen admitted, shame coloring his tone. "They only saw the beast. And in their grief, they directed their hatred at the child."
“Who happens to be me,” I stated as he hesitantly gave me a nod in confirmation.
[THE POLITICIAN’S MASK]:
-
STATUS: COMPLETE
[REWARDS]:
-
WIS +1, CHA +1
-
RELATIONSHIP SHIFT: Hiruzen Sarutobi (Guarded → Guilt-Ridden)
I felt a small tingle in my brain as the stats applied, but I kept my face stony.
"And my parents?" I probed, trying to push my luck. "If the Fourth sealed it in me... did he just grab a random baby? Or did my parents have a say?"
Hiruzen didn’t give a visible response. This was the line he didn't want to cross. Revealing the Jinchūriki status was one thing; revealing the heritage of the Fourth Hokage would have been a geopolitical nightmare.
"They were... high-ranking shinobi," he said carefully, choosing his words like he was walking through a minefield. "They died protecting you. Protecting the village. That is all I can say for your safety. If people knew whose child you were, you would have enemies far worse than angry villagers."
I narrowed my eyes. Tch, this ninja!
"Fine," I said, exhaling a breath I didn't know I was holding. "So I'm a warden for a monster. And my parents are dead heroes."
I looked at him, letting the disappointment show. "That doesn't make me want to be a ninja. That makes me want to move even faster away from it. Why would I fight for people who treat their 'savior' like trash?"
Hiruzen looked desperate now. He stepped forward, his hands open. "Because you can change them, Naruto. You can prove them wrong. If you become strong... if you show them you’re capable of protecting them... they will acknowledge you."
"I don't care about their acknowledgment," I said smoothly. "I care about my survival. And right now, being a ninja seems like a great way to die young, like my parents."
You ain’t getting me that easily, my ninja.
Hiruzen gritted his teeth.
"What if..." he started, an idea forming. "What if we made sure that didn’t happen? What if I ensured that you had proper instruction?"
I raised an eyebrow. "You mean like functional training?"
"Yes," Hiruzen nodded firmly. "We can hold a trial period of sorts. I will have a couple instructors aid and assess your skills. They will focus on your chakra control and give you the tools you need."
He looked me in the eye. "Give the shinobi life one more chance. A real chance, with real support. And If, after a month, you still wish to leave it, then I will not stop you."
Will not stop me? I paused to think about it. I don’t believe that, but he’s presenting something I need, so I’ll have to accept it.
"Okay," I said. "But I want terms."
"Terms?"
"I want everything in writing," I said, pointing to the desk. "Terms and conditions for review. And if I fail or quit, no obstructions."
Hiruzen looked stunned by the business-like attitude, but he nodded.
"Very well," he said, his face etched with a mixture of relief and exhaustion. "I will have the paperwork drawn up immediately, and we will go over the terms together tomorrow. Once we both agree, your trial will begin."
"You better get writing then, Old Man," I said, finally cracking a small, sharp smile.
He turned, the barrier seals fading from the walls with a soft hiss, and walked out the door. The moment the latch clicked shut, I let out a breath that deflated my entire chest.
"Man," I whispered, flopping back onto the pillows. "That was… exhausting."
I stared at the ceiling for a moment, letting the adrenaline fade. I had done it. I had secured a safety net and a way to secure training without my accelerated growth looking suspicious.
Everything can be easily explained, I mused. Perfect.
"Alright," I said, sitting up and rubbing my hands together. "Now for the fun part."
I waved my hand in the air. "System. Full Menu."
The interface expanded, filling my vision with sleek, translucent windows.
[STATUS] | [QUEST LOG] | [SKILLS] | [INVENTORY] | [???] | [???] | [???]
So some things still need to be unlocked, I pondered. Or are they still updating? Well, there’s only one way to find out. After all, I did ask for an interactive System.
“System, is everything downloaded and ready?” I asked.
[LISTENING…]
[SYSTEM STATUS]:
[INSTALLING: EXPANSION_PACK_1... 45%]
[PENDING INSTALL: EXPANSION_PACK_2]
[PENDING INSTALL: EXPANSION_PACK_3]
[ESTIMATED COMPLETION: 10 HOURS]
An expansion pack?! What the fuck?! I got DLC too?!
“Alright then, show me some very important things I should know.”
[SYSTEM OVERVIEW]: Leveling Up Garners All Player Stats To Increase By One Stat Point.
“Yea, I figured. That’s really good to know,” I said, placing a hand on my chin. “What else?”
[DAILY QUEST]: Mandatory Objectives The Player Must Complete Every Day Or Incur Severe Penalties. (No Leveling Up Permitted From Completion).
-
100 Push Ups
-
100 Sit Ups
-
100 Squats
-
100 Punches
-
100 Kicks
-
10 Km Run
-
30 Mins of Leaf Concentration Exercise
[DAILY QUEST REWARDS]: Rewarded Upon Completion Of Daily Quest.
-
1000 Ryo
-
Full Recovery:
-
Restoration of HP, CP, & Stamina to 100%
-
Can magically heal severe injuries, including reattaching or regenerating lost limbs.
-
Can also be saved and used at any point throughout the day (limited to once per day).
-
-
+3 Stat Points:
-
Bonus Stat Points earned from completing daily quests.
-
They are stored indefinitely and can be used freely at any time until they are allocated.
-
Allocated points will be locked into stats. No resetting stats once points have been allocated.
-
-
1 Random Loot Box:
-
Blessed Loot Box: Items Player wants
-
Cursed Loot Box: Items Player needs
-
“Holy shit, that’s a lot for a warm up, isn’t it?” I said. “And that full recovery is busted.”
[WARNING]: Failure To Complete Daily Quest Will Result In A Transfer To A Penalty Zone For A Survival Duration Of 4 Hours Or A Random Added Affliction Throughout The Day.
A penalty zone and a random affliction? I pondered. I don’t like the sounds of those. Better stay on my toes with these daily quests.
Suddenly, I remembered something I saw when the interface first showed up.
“System, show me my attributes and break down the attributes overall for me. I want to know what I gain in each.”
[PLAYER ATTRIBUTE STATS]:
[PASSIVE STATS]:
The Nine-Tails’ Jinchuriki:
-
Large Chakra Reserve (Continuous Growth) (INT +??)
-
???? (WIS +?)
-
Passive Healing (CON +??)
Uzumaki Vitality:
-
Exceptional Stamina (CON + ??)
-
Will of Clan (WIS +?)
Gamer Body:
-
All Status Effects Are Healed When Player Rests or Levels Up
-
Passive Recovery via sleep:
-
Provides steady increase in HP & CP over several hours.
-
The efficiency of this recovery is tied directly to HP & CP stats.
-
While sleep can heal minor wounds and fatigue, it cannot instantly regenerate missing limbs or provide the immediate tactical advantage of a mid-combat Status Recovery.
-
-
-
Hero/Villain Potential (CHA +?)
-
Determination (CHA +?)
[BASE STATS]:
-
Strength (STR): 6
-
Constitution (CON): 8 [(+??) Hidden Passive, Unlocks At Level 10]
-
Dexterity (DEX): 5
-
Intelligence (INT): 4 [(+??) Hidden Passive, Unlocks At Level 20]
-
Wisdom (WIS): 6 [(+??) Hidden Passive, Unlocks At Level 10 & 20]
-
Charisma (CHA): 7 [(+??) Hidden Passive, Unlocks At Level 20]
Look at that, a perfect mix of a high-end D&D style interface mixed with the aesthetic of Solo Leveling, I thought, mesmerized. But some of these needing to be unlocked for full view is kinda annoying, but it makes sense.
“System, tell me what these stat attributes can allow me to do. Give me a break down.”
[ATTRIBUTE BREAKDOWN]:
-
Strength (STR): Enhanced Raw Physical Power, Damage Output, Weapon Damage, Hand To Hand Combat Capabilities, & Attack Power of Summons.
-
Constitution (CON): Enhanced Stamina, Endurance, Physical Defense, Fatigue Negation, HP Pool, Resistance To Status Effects, & Quick Recovery/Regeneration.
-
Dexterity (DEX): Enhanced Agility, Balance, Reflexes/Reaction Time, Evasion, Physical Speed, & Precision (Accuracy).
-
Intelligence (INT): Critical Thinking, Memory Enhancement, Logic, Rationality, Enhanced Chakra Reserves (CP Pool), Chakra Control, Ninjutsu Mastery, & Processing Speed.
-
Wisdom (WIS): Common Sense, Situational Awareness (Precognition/Danger Sense), Insight, Will Power, Mental Fortitude (Genjutsu Defense), Perception, & Sensory Abilities.
-
Charisma (CHA): Persuasiveness, Personal Magnetism, & Charm.
“That’s a pretty good breakdown and some of these are completely busted,” I said, grinning ear to ear.
I skimmed through the rest of the interface to see if there was anything else worth knowing about, but most things were locked or didn’t give me access because of my lower level. All that I needed to do now before beginning my journey was to wait for full initialization.
“I wonder what else will show up when everything fully downloads,” I said to no one in particular.
It’s a bother to wait, but it’ll be worth it.