[You have slept in your bed. HP & CP are fully restored]
Naruto's eyes opened to the sound of an alarm. When did I get an alarm? he thought, still half-asleep. He dismissed it, feeling too tired to care.
The morning light streamed through his window, casting a warm glow across his room. It did little to clear the haze in his head. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the gold-colored box that had appeared in his groggy state.
Naruto stretched, his muscles stiff and sore. He could feel the tension in his shoulders and neck. He sighed, feeling frustrated and confused. What happened last night? he wondered, his mind still a blur. He ran a hand through his messy hair, trying to shake off the lingering sleepiness. He knew he had to get moving, but his body felt heavy and uncooperative. He glanced around his room, looking for any clues that might jog his memory.
As he stood there, a wave of unease washed over him. Something about the previous night felt important, but he couldn't remember what it was. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. Focus, Naruto, he told himself. You'll figure it out.
Naruto walked over to the window and opened it, letting in the fresh morning air. He hoped it would help clear his mind. The cool breeze felt refreshing against his skin, and he closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying the sensation. He opened his eyes and looked out at the village.
It was a peaceful morning, with the sun just beginning to rise.
A sudden queasiness churned in his stomach, Naruto dashed towards the bathroom, disregarding the green rectangles that flickered like hallucinations above his potted plants.
Bursting through the door, he barely managed to wedge the kunai into the frame before succumbing to the urgency of his discomfort. After a few moments of intense discomfort, he felt relief wash over him.
The brief crisis had left him feeling weak and slightly embarrassed, even in the solitude of his apartment.
With a deep breath, Naruto stood upright and carefully fixed the toilet seat back into its precarious position.
No sooner had he finished than he stripped down and stepped into the shower, bracing for the shock. The water, ice-cold as always, hit him like a jolt of electricity, snapping him fully awake. He grabbed the bar of soap and began scrubbing fervently, from head to toe, paying special attention to every sensitive area. Just as rapidly as he had started, he rinsed off and shut the water, the entire process barely lasting two minutes.
Stepping out from the shower, Naruto reached for his toothbrush, prepped with a dab of toothpaste. As Naruto brushed his teeth, he glanced up at the mirror. Amidst his focused routine, his eyes caught the unusual sight of blue, glowing words hovering above his head.
[Name: Naruto Uzumaki]
[Level: 1]
Naruto waved his hands through the blue, glowing words that floated above his head, but they remained perfectly still, as if existing in another plane. He blinked several times, hard, and pinched himself, seeking reassurance of his reality.
Pain coursed sharply through his skin, unmistakably real. This isn't a dream, he realized, his brows knitting together in confusion as he stared once more at the persistent words. They hovered untouched, unyielding. Is this some kind of genjutsu?
Quickly putting his hands together, Naruto formed a handseal and concentrated his chakra, shouting, "Kai!" in an attempt to dispel any illusion. When nothing changed around him, he stood still for a moment, processing.
"If I did the technique wrong, I might still be trapped in a genjutsu. But if I did it right, then this is all painfully real," he reasoned aloud, his voice echoing slightly against the bathroom tiles.
As the realization settled in, Naruto's expression hardened, "Okay, Naruto, you've definitely been playing too many video games."
Ever since he was five, when the Hokage gifted him his first gaming console, video games had become Naruto's refuge from a world that often seemed unwelcoming. At school, owning the latest console might have been a gateway to making friends, but it never worked out that way. The parents of other children were wary and discouraged their kids from spending time with him. Despite this, video games became his silent teachers, imparting lessons about morality, heroism, and justice. Beyond his responsibilities at the ninja academy and his training, video games filled Naruto's hours, standing as his most loyal companions. They were always there for him, a constant in his unpredictable life.
Shaking his head, Naruto scoffed at himself, "You're right, what was I thinking? It must be the bad batch of instant ramen I ate. That's why I'm seeing things."
Blasphemy!
[ Achievement Unlocked: Selected as Player ]
[ Reward Options Available: Choose one of the following. Note: Selection will be randomized. Luck may influence the outcome. ]
[ Option 1: Feat ]
- [ Definition: A special talent or an area of expertise that gives a character special capabilities. The chosen feat is randomized and grants unique abilities to the player. ]
[ Option 2: Item ]
- [ Definition: A physical object that can be utilized and equipped. Items range from weapons to magic artifacts. The item received is based on luck and is drawn randomly. ]
[ Option 3: Scroll ]
- [ Definition: A scroll containing knowledge of techniques. Unlocks new skills and information when read. The contents of the scroll are random and may contain rare or unique skills. ]
[ Option 4: Stat Points ]
- [ Definition: Points that can be allocated to enhance a player's physical attributes. The number of stat points awarded is determined randomly from 0 to 10. ]
[ Option 5: Companion ]
- [ Definition: A pet that assists the player in their journey. Companions vary in abilities and species. The companion received is based on chance. ]
[ Option 6: Currency ]
- [ Definition: Overworld currency that can be used for various transactions and acquisitions. The amount received is randomized. ]
[ Choose wisely! ]
Naruto spat out his toothpaste and carelessly placed his toothbrush back in its holder. As he did so, a notification suddenly appeared. His unintentional movement while setting down the toothbrush inadvertently made a selection.
NO! give me a second chance?!
[ Feat: Observer - Passive ]
[ Level: N/A ]
[ Description: The 'Observer'feat enhances the user's ability to gather and analyze information from their environment. This ability is rooted in the user's continuous and attentive observation of their surroundings, people, and events.]
[ Passive Enhancements: ]
- [ Enhanced Perception: Sharpened sensory perception aids in noticing subtle details and changes in the environment. ]
- [ Analytical Processing: Increases the efficiency of processing and analyzing observed information. ]
- [ Knowledge Accumulation: Systematically collects and organizes knowledge based on observations made by the player. ]
[ Conditions: ]
Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.
- [ Knowledge Collection: The system gathers information based on Naruto's observations. ]
- [ Stat Influence: INT and WIS influence the level of detail and accuracy of the knowledge. ]
- [ Observational Detailing: The more observations Naruto makes, the more detailed the information provided. ]
- [ Level Dependency: The player's level affects the quality and depth of knowledge acquired. Higher levels yield more profound insights. ]
[ Special Notes: ]
- [ This feat does not require activation and operates continuously. ]
Naruto let out a groan as he looked at the feat he had unintentionally selected. Just my luck, a useless feat. What am I supposed to do with more knowledge? he thought, annoyed. I could've gotten something better.
Leaving the bathroom, Naruto quickly put on his shoes, secured his hip pouch, and strapped his weapons pouch to his leg. He cast a final glance around his small, cluttered apartment to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything essential. Satisfied, he opened the door and stepped out, heading for the Konoha Shinobi Academy.
As he descended the stairs of his apartment building, the steps creaked under his weight, echoing in the dim, narrow stairwell that was lightly dusted with dirt and small debris from years of minimal upkeep. The walls were plastered with peeling paint and old, faded posters. The handrail wobbled slightly as he gripped it.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Naruto was met with an unexpected sight. His landlord, a middle-aged man with thinning, greasy hair and a portly figure, was standing at the building's exit.
"Rent's due," the landlord barked, a golden question mark floating above his head. Naruto bristled at his tone; he had never liked the man.
Normally, Jiji, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, would handle the rent, but since turning ten, Naruto had insisted on taking on this responsibility himself. He had wanted to prove he could manage his own affairs with the money Jiji gave him. However, this had only given the landlord more opportunities to hassle him over every minor inconvenience.
A gold window popped up in front of him.
[ Initiating World Quest for Player: Naruto. Quest Parameters Loading. ]
[ Alert: World Quest ]
[ Quest Title: Pay the Pig ]
[ Objective: Remit rent payment of 1000 ryo to the landlord by 18:00 hours. ]
[ Rewards: 10 Experience Points. Enhanced reputation with landlord. ]
[ Penalty for Failure: Immediate eviction. Reputation decrement within Konoha village parameters. ]
[ Action Required: Acceptance or Declination of Quest ]
Naruto blinked several times.
"Make up your mind already, I don't have all day," said the landlord.
Naruto quickly touched the 'Acceptance' button.
"Remember, 6:00 pm or you're out of here," said the man once more time before walking past Naruto shouldering him rudely as he passed.
[ Name: Michiya Ota ]
[ Title: Landlord ]
[ Level: 2 ]
[ Note: For additional information, please level up or conduct more observations. ]
----------------------------------------
Naruto's walk to the academy took on a slower pace than usual as he scanned his surroundings, his attention caught by the new, unusual sight of level markers floating above the heads of everyone in the village.
His gaze flicked from one person to another.
He noticed that most of the children, bustling on their way to school or playing in the streets, were labeled as Level 1. The ninjas he passed varied significantly more in their levels, ranging from Level 5 to around 10.
His eyes narrowed slightly as he tried to categorize the new level markers above the villagers' heads. Levels 1 to 5 floated mostly above young Genins. Levels 6 to 10, he noted, were seen on a few Chunin teachers.
Naruto's gaze then shifted to the elusive "?" marks that floated above a Jonin he passed by.
"Cool."
Naruto spent the next two minutes trying to observe as many people as he could when another blue wind popped up.
[ Name: Akimichi Dogo ]
[ Role: Master Baker ]
[ Level: 4 ]
[ Health Points (HP): 500/500 ]
[ Chakra Points (CP): 150 ]
[ Class: Cook ]
[ Description: Renowned Master Baker within the Akimichi Clan. Famed across Konoha for exceptional baking skills. ]
Another gold window popped up interrupting his excitement.
[ Alert: World Quest ]
[ Quest Title: Don't Be Late ]
[ Objective: Arrive at the Academy on time. Time limit: 10 minutes. ]
[ Rewards: 10 Experience Points. Enhanced reputation with Class. ]
[ Penalty for Failure: Decrease in reputation with Class. ]
[ Action Required: Acceptance or Declination of Quest ]
"What?" Naruto exclaimed in surprise, his fingers hastily hitting the 'Acceptance' button.
Without a second thought, he burst into a sprint, heading towards the academy.
He barely registered the large timer that began to count down in the corner of his vision, the numbers ticking away rapidly.
With his heart pounding in his chest and his breath coming in quick gasps, Naruto dodged and weaved through the crowded streets. His eyes were focused, his brows furrowed in concentration as he navigated the familiar yet suddenly more urgent route. The numbers on the timer dwindled alarmingly fast.
Naruto arrived at the academy gates just in time, his shoes skidding on the gravel as he made a sharp turn into the building. He barreled down the hallway, his shoulder brushing against the wall as he took the corners in a wide, hasty arc. The sounds of his heavy breathing and the thumping of his shoes against the tiled floor echoed around him.
He barely slid into the classroom with two seconds to spare, his momentum carrying him a few steps inside before he managed to stop.
[ Quest: Don't Be Late ]
[ Status: Successfully Completed ]
[ Rewards Granted: 10 Experience Points, +1 Reputation with Classroom. ]
Naruto would have paid more attention to his surroundings if he hadn't been gasping for breath after sprinting halfway across Konoha. Granted, he recovered very quickly, but damn, that was difficult.
Naruto stood there for a moment, trying to gather his composure. He straightened up, running a hand through his tousled hair in an attempt to appear more put together. As he settled into his thoughts, a question nagged at him. 'Completed the Quest, but why is reputation with the class so important?' he wondered silently. 'What difference does it make, gaining reputation with them?'
Finally taking his seat with a tired huff, Naruto continued to observe.
[ Name: Haruno Sakura ]
[ Role: Academy Student ]
[ Level: 4 ]
[ HP: 100/100 ]
[ CP: 50 ]
[ Description: Haruno Sakura, recognized as the smartest student in class. Exhibits high intelligence but lacks in physical prowess. Known for her affection towards Uchiha Sasuke and rivalry with Yamanaka Ino over 'Sasuke-kun's affections. ]
Naruto growled at that one.
[ Name: Yamanaka Ino ]
[ Role: Academy Student ]
[ Level: 4 ]
[ HP: 100/100 ]
[ CP: 70 ]
[ Description: Member of the Yamanaka clan, known for mind techniques. Tends to prioritize appearance over skill development. Exhibits a strong affection for Uchiha Sasuke, leading to a rivalry with Haruno Sakura for his attention. ]
Naruto rolled his eyes as he never understood why girls in his class liked that Emo bastard.
[ Name: Hyuga Hinata ]
[ Role: Academy Student ]
[ Level: 6 ]
[ HP: 150 / 150 ]
[ CP: 100 ]
[ Description: Member of the elite Hyuuga clan, recognized for their doujutsu and unique taijutsu style. Hinata is known for her sweet nature but is quite shy, resulting in limited recognition among classmates. Her motivation to improve is fueled by the admiration for a person she holds in high regard. ]
Naruto couldn't help but smile at that. Hinata sounded awesome and she was by far the strongest girl in the class.
"Alright," mumbled Naruto. "Let's see what I can find with more and more time given to the observations."
----------------------------------------
[ 30 Minutes later ]
[ Name: Nara Shikamaru ]
[ Status: Lazy ]
[ Role: Academy Student ]
[ Title: The Lazy Genius ]
[ Level: 5 ]
[ Class: Shinobi of the Nara Clan ]
[ Race: Human ]
[ HP: 100 / 100 ]
[ AC: 12 ]
[ CP: 150 / 150 ]
[ Lineage Traits: ]
- [ Keen Mind ]
- [ Adaptability ]
- [ Quick Learner ]
[ Class Features: ]
- [ Shadow Manipulation ]
- [ Stealth Expert ]
- [ Tactical Genius ]
[ Feats: Redacted ]
[ Stats: ]
- [ STR: 7 ]
- [ DEX: 11 ]
- [ CON: 10 ]
- [ INT: 25 ]
- [ WIS: 15 ]
- [ CHA: 12 ]
- [ VIT: 10 ]
- [ LUK: 3 ]
[ Allies: Ino Yamanaka, Choji Akimichi ]
[ Equipment: ]
- [ Weapons: REDACTED ]
- [ Armor: REDACTED ]
- [ Gear: REDACTED ]
- [ Magic Items: REDACTED ]
[ Description: Nara Shikamaru is a member of the famed Nara clan known for their intellect and laziness. The unique ability to manipulate shadows makes them rather versatile shinobi. Shikamaru is by far the smartest Nara born in many generations and in turn is also the laziest. ]
[ Note: Removal of redactions may occur through leveling up or engaging in combat. ]
"Damn, Shikamaru is something else," Naruto remarked, not expecting his words to draw any reaction from the typically lethargic Nara. However, to his surprise, Shikamaru opened one eye and gave the blonde a sidelong glance from a few seats away.
Naruto managed to chuckle awkwardly.
Shikamaru, admittedly piqued by Naruto's comment yet unwilling to indulge too much, simply muttered, "Troublesome," and turned his head away, closing his eyes once again. The corners of his mouth twitched ever so slightly, betraying his usual indifference.