~~~POV: Fuyuki Uchiha~~~
It’s late morning, and I’m on my way to a location that will finish the Konoha Village quest. It’s been four days since I started this quest. After the second day, I started going to two locations a day. It’s been fun, I’ll be honest. Sneaking out and back in wasn’t something I thought I’d enjoy.
‘The real challenge is convincing Aiko to train me. She is a retired Shinobi. I doubt she wants any of the orphans practicing before the academy.’
I’ll come up with a plan after I get back to the orphanage. For now, I should focus on finishing this quest. It takes around 40 minutes, but I make it to my location.
[You have found the Konoha Library. Quest Progress 6/6]
One of the few locations where a person can come outside the academy to receive knowledge about Ninjutsu. A public resource that has probably helped more people than any library in my old world during modern times. I wonder what I could learn from the books inside.
‘Observe.’
[Konoha Library]
[The center of public knowledge within the walls of Konoha. Here, you can learn the history of the village and its conflicts with its enemies. There are books and texts on Shinobi Arts, but anything powerful is kept in more secure locations in Konoha.]
Skill Observe has risen its level by 7.
My Observe skill is almost max, sitting at level 91. I still don’t know how it completely works, but I have some theories. The level gap between myself and the person I use it on can’t be more than 60 levels, or I won’t get any information.
If they’re more than 30 levels, I can only see their HP, CP, and some information about them. Those levels started out bigger, but after leveling up the skill. It’s gotten better.
‘There it is.’
Quest ‘Konoha Village’ Completed!
Rewards:
1500 EXP
Slight increase in rep with citizens of Konoha
Slight increase in rep with Shinobi of Konoha
Title: Locator
[Title: Locator]
[You’re able to find dungeons and points of interest where possible bosses in the open world may lay in wait. You’ve unlocked the ability to challenge found dungeons and bosses in the open world.]
[The mini-map function has been unlocked.]
[Dungeon: Hokage Monument Unlocked]
You’ve leveled up!
You’ve obtained 7 stat points
You have 28 unspent stat points
‘Wow, that mini-map shows everything around me. People, stores, and movement from others outside my field of view. It seems to be a range of 25 meters.’
What really gets my attention is the Dungeon I’ve unlocked. Not only that, there are bosses in the world that I can find and fight. It’s really like a game out here, but at the same time, it’s the world of Naruto. I think it’s time I made my way back to the Orphanage.
The only quest I can do at the moment is ‘Get ahead of your peers.’ ‘Path to the Peak’ I can’t even see until I’m done with ‘Get ahead of your peers.’ I don’t know exactly how I’ll convince Aiko to start training me, but I do know if I don’t, I’m doomed.
It took around 40 minutes, but I’m back inside the orphanage, and no one knew I was gone. Once I’m back in my bed, a familiar face comes through the door leading into the bunk room. We meet eyes, and I can see him frown just a little.
Yuuto is my neighbor here, and for some reason, he doesn’t really like me. A lot of the other orphans don’t care for me all that much. Not that it really matters to me. It’s a little odd, though. I haven’t used Observe on Yuuto in a bit. Maybe I can find out a reason.
‘Observe.’
[Lvl. 1][Yuuto Kato]
Age: 5
HP: 110 CP: 95
[He’s an orphaned civilian who was brought here after the attack of the nine-tails five years ago. He lost his parents like a lot of other kids. He doesn’t belong to any clans. Yuuto doesn’t show much potential for the Shinobi Arts. He’s under the care of Miss Aiko, like all the Orphans here. He dislikes you due to Aiko showing favoritism to you.]
‘Favoritism? I haven’t noticed any favoritism from Aiko. Well, sometimes kids see things that aren’t really happening. I remember one time when I thought my mom loved the dog more than me. When you’re five years old, it’s really hard to tell the difference.’
Well, when I convince her to train me she’ll be showing obvious favoritism to me. That’s something I might need to plan around. If she’s worried about the other kid's impression of the training, she might not do it at all. It’ll kill my future.
Due to a reasonable and sound deduction, you’ve obtained +1 WIS.
“Hey, Yuuto. How’s your morning been?”
It’s not like I’m a silent loner in the orphanage. Sure, I prefer to spend most of my time alone. But I do talk to the other kids here. One day, we’ll all be adults. Yuuto takes a seat on his bed and releases a long sigh. Seems that just talking to him is something I shouldn’t do anymore.
“Aiko is making lunch; she wanted me to come ask what you wanted. You have a choice between ramen, pork, or veggie wraps.”
The attitude is present in his voice as he lists the options for me. Totally ignoring my question about his morning. I know it’s a little arrogant, but I crack a small smile. Dealing with kids when you’re mentally not can be funny, and this is funny to me.
‘I was a stupid kid once, and I can remember times I acted like Yuuto. Looking back, it’s pretty funny. Seeing it from the outside looking in, it’s even better.’
“Tell her I’ll be down for a veggie wrap.”
Yuuto stands up without a word and makes his way out of the room. I lean back in my bed and reflect on the last week.
‘What I really need to think about is whether or not I ever reveal I’m a Uchiha. The only person who knows is Aiko. If the clan ever finds out about me, I’ll be taken back. When the Uchiha Massacre happens, I’ll be caught in it.’
Staying with Aiko and hiding my bloodline is the best strategy moving forward. Besides, I haven’t even awoken the Sharingan yet. So, I really just look like an orphan. The best disguise is the one that keeps you hidden in plain sight.
Due to a clever strategy to protect yourself from future events, you’ve obtained +2 INT.
I appreciate the extra stats I’m getting from the system. It makes me think it’s preparing me for the future. Speaking of the future, how should I handle the events of canon…
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Deviation means things I don’t know about will happen, not that I know a lot to begin with. There are holes in my knowledge of Naruto. Admitting that, I should stick as close to canon as I know it. There is one problem with that.
Me.
Fuyuki Uchiha didn’t exist in the world of Naruto. My presence alone changes things. The actions I take will have far-reaching consequences that I can’t comprehend.
‘If I’m not careful, I can throw the entire world into the blazing fire. There isn’t a whole lot I know about Naruto. Even now, I don’t know what happens between now and the Uchiha Massacre. My knowledge is so limited.’
It could be worse. I could know absolutely nothing about the world of Naruto. Right now, I should be lucky I have so much going for me. But I shouldn’t waste the time I have.
‘I need to get Aiko to start training me as soon as possible.’
I do have a good chunk of the month left, and I know it’ll take more than one conversation. Getting started on it now is my best chance going forward.
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~~~POV: Aiko Hikara~~~
All the kids sit at the table and start on their food. Most of them pick either ramen or pork. The only one to ever pick the veggie wraps is Fuyu. He’s changed a lot since he woke up from that fever. He used to be such a ball of energy, always getting into something.
I haven’t let him out of the orphanage since I saw this change. For a while, I was worried this Fuyu was an imposter. After checking him with my medical Ninjutsu, it was obvious he was the same kid as always.
‘What’s changed in you, Fuyu… I don’t see the little kid anymore…’
His mother passed upon me the responsibility of raising him and another task when he was older. I don’t know why she told me not to return him to the Uchiha clan, but I’ve never known her to be wrong. I’ll have to talk to him about the academy in a few months.
Whether he wishes to be a Shinobi or not is up to him. I worry for the day his Sharingan awakens. The truth about him staying here will come out. The Uchiha clan wouldn’t be happy if one of their own was kept and raised outside their compound.
The next hour passes without much commotion; the kids eventually finish their meals and take off to do their own things. The only one who stays with me is Fuyu, who helps me with the dishes. He stands on a chair and washes the plates in hot water.
Staying quiet as he does. Then, he asked me something I didn’t expect to hear from him today.
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~~~POV: Fuyuki Uchiha~~~
‘Washing dishes isn’t something any of the kids enjoy, but the reason I do it is for a simple one. It allows me ample opportunity to talk with Aiko. I’m about to ask her to start training me. Doing this gives me an excuse to be close to her.’
Dishwashing - Passive (Lvl. 16 (25%)) A skill gained from continuous dishwashing. With more mastery you can clean any dirty spots with more speed.
Effects: +32% faster cleaning speed.
There is no time like the present. I’m almost certain Aiko will say no to me on my first request, but as long as I keep bugging her about it. I think I can wear her down to start training me.
“Aiko.”
She hears me call her name and turns to me, a small smile on her lips. Here we go.
“Can you start training me in the Shinobi Arts?”
Her eyes widen a little as I ask her this. Her mouth is slightly agape from a little kid like me wanting to start training. A reaction I figured I’d get. I half expect a rejection to come, but instead, she lifts me off the chair and brings me to the table to sit down.
Sitting next to me and making sure we’re making eye contact. This is going better than I thought, but it might be too soon to say that.
“Why do you want to be a Shinobi, Fuyu? It’s a hard and dangerous life. Not made for everyone. Look at me. I was a Shinobi once, but I gave up because I lost so much.”
She’s the only one who calls me Fuyu. A little nickname.
I can hear the sadness in her voice as she speaks. This is a chance for me to convince her, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be easy. I have the answer I need to make her give me a chance to prove I should be trained.
“The same reason you stopped. It’s hard and dangerous. If I’m not ready, I’ll die. I don’t want to be average. I want to be strong. Able to keep myself and the people I love safe.”
The surprised and slightly shocked look on her tells me I hit the nail where it needed to be hit. She looks away from me for a second, and a small sigh escapes her lips.
Due to convincing someone to do something against their initial choice, you’ve obtained +10 CHA.
You’ve unlocked the special stat Charisma.
Special Stats are unlocked for viewing.
As the notification from the system comes through, Aiko looks back at me. Seeing that there is a shift in her.
“If you want me to train you in the Shinobi Arts, you’ll need to build up your body first. Prove to me you’re serious about this.”
She stands up, and grabs my hand as she does. Bringing me to the front door of the orphanage and taking me outside. This is the first time she’s brought me out herself. We make it to the center of the street, and we stand there.
“Get started. Show me your will of fire.”
The sweet and caring voice that she used to always carry in her voice is gone. A serious and determined woman now stands next to me. I guess you never lose that edge when you retire.
Quest Created - ‘Run 10 Laps’
Run 10 laps around the block before time runs out. Time limit 20:00 minutes.
Conditions:
Complete the run in 20:00 minutes.
Complete the run in 15:00 minutes. (Bonus)
Complete the run in 10:00 minutes. (Bonus)
Rewards:
+800 Exp
+1200 Exp (Bonus)
+1800 Exp (Bonus)
Rep increases with Aiko Hikara.
Failure:
Rep decreases with Aiko Hikara
You won’t be trained by Aiko.
Accept (Y/N)
“You want to see me prove it, then I will.”
The quest is accepted as I respond to Aiko’s challenge, and I start running down the street. I’m pushing myself harder than I have in a long time to get all the timed rewards. As I’m running and running, I keep getting notifications from the system.
Due to the continued physical training, you have obtained +1 VIT and +1 AGI.
Due to the continued physical training, you have obtained +1 VIT and +1 AGI.
Due to the continued physical training, you have obtained +1 VIT and +1 AGI.
Due to the continued physical training, you have obtained +1 VIT and +1 AGI.
Due to the continued physical training, you have obtained +1 VIT and +1 AGI.
I’m at the ninth lap, and I’ve got a minute and thirty left before I fail the bonus of completing the laps in under 10 minutes. I really should’ve warmed up before this because my body is burning. But I push myself even harder and gain speed.
Due to the continued physical training, you have obtained +1 VIT and +1 AGI.
Completing the 10th lap with only 24 seconds left.
Quest ‘Run 10 laps.’ Completed.
Rewards:
800 EXP
1200 EXP
1800 EXP
Rep increases with Aiko Hikara.
You’ve leveled up 4 times.
You’ve obtained 28 stat points.
You have 56 unspent stat points.
You have unlocked the special stat Stamina.
I collapse on the ground at Aiko’s feet. Looking up at her with deep and ragged breaths coming in and out of my lungs. A normal kid my age shouldn’t have been able to do that… I shouldn’t have been able to do that… But I want her to train me so damn bad.
‘If this hasn’t convinced her to train me, I don’t know what will. I bet she was hoping I’d crash and burn. Show myself that I’m not ready yet. Jokes on her, though. I proved her wrong.’
A look of concern forms on Aiko’s features. Bending down and taking a knee. Grabbing me and lifting me from the ground in her arms. She turns around and starts taking us back inside the orphanage.
“Aiko… Did I pass…”
I’m still catching my breath, but I’m able to get my question out. She takes me to the kitchen and places me on a chair. Going to the sink and getting a class of water. After returning with the water, she sits down and slides it across the table to me.
“You ran 4 kilometers straight without stopping in under 10 minutes without any preparation or training. It’s one of the most impressive things I’ve seen a kid your age do, Fuyu.”
The soft and caring voice I’m used to hearing has returned.
“Yes, I’ll train you in the Shinobi Arts. It won’t be easy, but I can see how badly you want this. Just promise me you won’t overdo it like you did today.”
I simply nod my head with a giant smile. I’ve done it. I’ve convinced her to start training me.
“We’ll start tomorrow morning. Be ready, Fuyu. I won’t go easy on you just because you’re a kid.”
Wow, she’s actually gonna start training me right away.
‘I’ve done it. I’ve actually done it. I thought this was gonna be a lot harder. I even managed to complete the quest condition of Unlocking any 2 special stats. Charisma and Stamina.’
Special Stats - (Unlocking these stats requires certain actions or reaching specific conditions. Different stats are unlocked with different methods. Stat points cannot be allocated to these stats.)
Sense (LOCKED)
Stamina - 11
Indomitable (LOCKED)
Charisma - 10
Persistence (LOCKED)
Dignity (LOCKED)
Luck (LOCKED)
This is just the beginning. Tomorrow, the real training starts. Player’s Body and Gaia’s Blessing will make sure I’m ready for tomorrow. All the fatigue and soreness I have right now will be gone.
“Thank you so much, Aiko! I’m so excited!”
For the first time since arriving here, I show a burst of happiness and wrap my arms around Aiko. As I do, she lets out a floaty laugh and wraps her arms around me, too. This is the version of Fuyuki she’s used to seeing. I’m glad I can show it to her.
‘It’s not gone. Not by a long shot.’