> Currently leading us is Sarutobi Hiruzen, the third Hokage in the village's history. We also had a 4th Hokage, Minato Namikaze, tragically lost in the Kyūbi attack. While many admired his stunning appearance, Minato-sama's legacy is truly carved by his wartime exploits and beyond. But above all, it is his selfless sacrifice against the Nine-Tails that forever secures his place in our hearts.
Somehow, the concept of risking one's life for another is quite perplexing. Does this understanding develop naturally as we mature?
Holding the title of Hokage signifies leadership of the entire village. Our current leader, Hiruzen Sarutobi, donned the mantle of Hokage at the remarkably young age of 22. This momentous decision, forged in the heat of battle, came from the esteemed second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.
To become a Hokage necessitates a potent blend of capability, strength, intelligence, and the visionary leadership to guide the village towards ever-greater heights. That's my perspective. However, the role's true nature might not be as gratifying or enjoyable as it initially appears.
Despite their ability to wield super-powered jutsu and summon beasts seemingly out of thin air, when was the last time he had the chance to showcase such skills?
Instead, he sits behind an enormous desk piled high with paperwork, a throne amidst his kingdom of documents. Endless hours are dedicated to reading, writing, stamping, attending meetings, and contributing to the betterment of the village. It's an extensive to-do list, and I can't help but wonder if this is truly the life he's meant to lead.
> While I was there last Saturday, he mentioned some strange tasks: transforming training grounds into farmland and deploying ninjas for agricultural work. Apparently, civilian leaders are now seen as vulnerable and require protection from the Jōnin.
That's how the Hokage-sama spends the most of his days, weeks, and months. However, amidst his hectic schedule, there are those rare moments when he ventures into the Ninja Academy to address us, the younger generation. He strolls down the bustling streets, engaging with the people on a more personal level.
Despite the overwhelming responsibilities of village on his plate, Hokage-sama manages to carve out a day each month to take a break from his duties and visit me. He gives me money from my parents' account, although that could be done by Anko-nee too…
And together, we make our way to the Memorial Stone. It's become a routine for me, much to the annoyance of those who witness our regular visits.
And there it is – engraved in cold, unforgiving stone:
Yoshizawa Michio, Yoshizawa Akeno
As for Hokage-sama,
Sarutobi Biwako
These names etched alongside hundreds of others, lost during the Kyūbi attack, the Uchiha massacre, and various missions.
In the midst of this prevailing sadness and gloom, there is a kid that radiates like a sunflower. With his spiky yellow hair, bright orange jacket, piercing blue eyes, and an ever-present, toothy grin (not to mention those distinctive whisker marks), his name is Uzumaki Naruto. He is, hands down, the most annoying person I’ve ever met. It seems everyone in the village has been on the receiving end of one of his outlandish pranks. Okay, maybe that's a slight exaggeration, but you get the picture.
There's a method to his madness, a discernible pattern to the pranks he pulls. His pranks aren't just random bursts of chaos; they're carefully orchestrated jabs aimed at those who've wronged him. And how do I know this intimate detail? Because I'm his partner-in-crime, the one pulling the strings from the shadows.
Engaging in mischief with him turns out to be a more effective stress reliever than the rigorous training sessions or immersing oneself in a good read.
Now, let's talk exceptions to the rule—his pranks never extend to Iruka-sensei and Hokage-sama, and there are many more, but you will get the point later.
It’s a matter of great secrecy, but Naruto can knock out Hokage-sama. I wouldn't be surprised if the Hokage's seat changed hands soon. Just joking (jōdandesu).
Naruto’s self-created Sexy Jutsu sent Hokage-sama reeling, multiple times.
Imagine this: Naruto unleashes his self-proclaimed Sexy Jutsu, transforming into a a nude lady, and Hokage-sama goes down like a sack of potatoes. The sheer audacity of it almost triggers an eruption of laughter, but I'm under scrutiny, so I swallow my amusement and maintain an impassive poker face.
"Every trick in the book and beyond," my father, a seasoned ninja, would always say, "is fair game when securing victory. After all, in the unpredictable world of the ninja, anything goes."
Returning to Naruto, he declares his dream of becoming Hokage every single day, not just in meetings but persistently, unceasingly and incessantly.
He is small (Chīsana), like me, yet already chasing a big dream (Ookina Yume). I hope he gets there, so I can watch him get buried in all that ridiculous paperwork from hell every day, every hour, every minute and every second, just so – woo, that was intense.
Should I consider myself evil?
Though I haven't pondered my future calling, a simple life as a strong ninja protecting this village seems ideal. Imagine flitting through the streets, enjoying games and savoring delicious meals. Life would be grand, indeed.
OR SO I HAD BELIEVED
The first rays of sunlight were just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting a soft glow across the sky. The air was cool and crisp, with the crisp scent of dew-kissed grass. The birds were just starting to wake up, as their songs filled the air with a sweet melody. The world was still and quiet, a moment untouched by worries, pure and serene.
Ding
[You have slept in your bed. HP and CP have been restored. All aliments and negative status have been cured.]
I cracked open my gritty, irritated eyes, heavy with sleep.
Confusion enveloped me as I realized, unlike any other day, I couldn't recall my dreams—not even a fragment. And I didn't appreciate that.
How can someone be here, disturbing my perfectly peaceful beauty sleep? Yes, beauty sleep, because, you know, sleeping helps make you beautiful or more handsome.
Opening my eyes, I met only a hazy blue blur, and with a sleepy groan, I raised a hand to bat it away.
Cut me some slack; my eyes were only halfway open!
Lurching from the cloud-soft abyss of my bed, I shuffled towards the bathroom. Nature's call answered, and a quick ninja-style bath ensued, clocking in at under 5 minutes. In my defense, efficiency is a ninja's forte.
Then I went to the backyard, which is massively huge, and I don’t know what to do with it. Yes, it’s massively huge, meaning I can fit about 10 standard small family houses. Nestled in the corner of the village, these residential abodes emitted a tranquil aura, a stark contrast to the bustling energy elsewhere.
As I stepped onto the grass, I initiated my daily ritual of stretching—a practice I had diligently adhered to for the past five years. With each passing month, my stretching routine seemed to extend further, evolving into a village anthem of sorts.
"The sun comes from the east, rising from the sea, showing us light and giving us hope.
We live in the village, hidden in the leaves, founded by the man, called him Ha-shi-ra-ma Senn-ju, a man with knowledge and wisdom so great…”
I started this exercise when I was merely a four or five-year-old boy. It was my mother who, with unwavering determination, instilled in me the importance of stretching. So, for me, this period of my day held a special emotional significance.
As I closed my eyes, I concentrated on completing the routine swiftly. Though the physical benefits were marginal, it doesn’t do much, but it helps keep my mind fresh.
- 10 minutes later -
*ding
“Hmm…”
- 20 minutes later -
*ding
Once more, that sound. What could it be? I can't sense anything in my surroundings. Perhaps someone is also training. I do have neighbors.
- Half an hour later -
*ding
Again!?
(W.N: It all happened in an hour. Picture it as the first instance occurring after 10 minutes, the next after 20 minutes, and the subsequent one after half an hour.)
I opened my eyes and found a small, rectangular blue box right in front of me.
“Huh?”
“What the heck is this!?”
Multiple blue boxes confronted me, and my initial thought was that I had fallen under some sort of Genjutsu.
Calming my breathing, I focused on gathering my chakra and used the dispersion technique.
“Kai.”
Again, “KAI!”
With even more chakra this time, “KAI!!”
[You created the skill ‘Genjutsu Dissipation’ .]
I immediately swatted at the boxes, and it seems to have worked. They’re gone.
Rumble-rumble.
‘After an hour of exercise, no sweat, but my stomach is rumbling. It seems I'll have to step up my training again.’
After deciding to eat, I started making my food.
I washed the rice until the water ran clear, then placed it into the rice cooker, adding the precise amount of water specified. After closing the lid, I switched on the rice cooker and settled in to patiently await the completion of the cooking process.
Right, can't do that!
I positioned a non-stick frying pan over medium heat, adding a modest amount of oil. As the oil heated up, I cracked two eggs into a bowl and whisked them together with a pinch of salt and pepper. Subsequently, I poured the beaten eggs into the pan, allowing them to cook for a minute or two until the bottom solidified. Using a spatula, I deftly flipped the egg, continuing to cook for an additional minute or until the opposite side was fully set.
I diced a block of firm tofu and gathered a handful of leafy greens. Next, I placed a small saucepan over medium heat and poured in a cup of water. As soon as the water reached a boil, I whisked in a tablespoon of miso paste and incorporated the tofu and greens into the mixture. I allowed the soup to simmer for a few minutes, ensuring the greens were properly cooked.
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
I served the rice in a bowl, topped it with a fried egg, and accompanied it with miso soup. As I took a bite, I couldn't help but savor the delicious combination of flavors. The rice was cooked to perfection, the egg was both fluffy and flavorful, and the soup, with its hearty and satisfying taste, completed the ensemble. It was truly a perfect meal.
‘I always feel accomplished after cooking; perhaps I should consider becoming a chef.’
*ding
[You have created a new recipe, “Cooked Rice with Egg and Soup." Recipe registered.]
[Cooked Rice with Egg and Soup]
20 EXP earned
*ding
A special skill has been created through a special act.
[Cooking Lvl. 1] has been created.
[Cooking Lv 1 (Passive)]
Cooking is the art and craft of preparing food for consumption, with or without the use of heat. Foods are an essential part of daily life. Food strengthens the mind, body, and soul. The higher the level, the better the taste and value of the food.
*ding
Because of your understanding of cooking and regular practices, your cooking skills have leveled up.
*ding
[Cooking Lvl 1] > [Cooking Lvl 8]
These blue boxes popped up again. Is it not Genjutsu?
I hurriedly ran towards my bed, stood on the sheets, and let myself fall to the ground… and boy, did it hurt.
“So, this isn’t a dream or a Genjutsu. What on earth is going on?"
I swiped away all the blue boxes and dug into my homemade food.
But of course, those blue boxes kept nagging at me.
Taking a deep breath, I mimicked one of my known uncles and made a crazed expression. “I swear to Kami-sama, whoever is playing this prank, I won't let you get away with it. I’ll find you, capture you, and when I capture you, I'll strip your skin, shatter your bones, tear your muscles, and sever your tendons.”
I shouted at the top of my lungs, but there was no response. There was no fluctuation of chakra either. It was starting to sound ominous and worrisome.
Let's try a different approach.
"You should know about the incredible drug that heightens sensitivity, but what I have is a hundred times more potent. It will make you experience the epitome of pain. If you even dare to move an inch after taking it, you'll wish for death due to the agony. In that state, I can inflict far worse upon you."
Still, there was no response.
Hmm, still no disturbance in the surrounding chakra either. If that’s the case, then the enemy should be an actual expert.
*ding
[A special skill has been created through a special act.]
[Lie Lvl 1] has been created.
[Lie Lvl 1 (Passive)]
The higher the level of ability to lie to people, the better the lie and the lower the chance of discovery.
[Lie Lvl 1] > [Lie Lvl 20]
*ding
[A special skill has been created through a special act.]
[Chakra Sense Lvl 1] has been created.
[Chakra Sense Lvl 1 (Active/Passive) CP Cost 5 CP/sec]
The ability to sense the chakra outside the body. The higher the level, the broader the area of sensing and the more precise the detection.
# Area Sense
# Chakra Signature Sensing
*ding
[Chakra Sense Lvl 1] > [Chakra Sense Lvl 6]
*ding
For thinking logically and taking reasonable action WIS +3
“This stupidity.” I looked at these blue boxes and frowned.
“I have to consider my life choices from now on.” Looking at the big shelf of the game collection, I massaged my forehead.
But why? Why is this happening?
"Has the world transformed into a game, or could it be that I've become a game character myself?"
*ding
For making the correct assumptions, INT+1 and WIS+1
"Do you expect me to believe that I've become a game character now?"
No response.
As I calmed down, I proceeded to wash my dishes.
*ding
A special skill has been created through a special act.
Because of your diligent act of washing dishes [Dish Washing Lvl 1] has been created.
[Dish washing Lvl 1 (Passive)].
The ability to wash dishes. The higher the level, the faster and cleaner the dishes will be.
*ding
[Dish washing Lvl 1] > [Dish washing Lvl 13]
[A new quest has been created.]
[Academy Run]
Objective: Get to the academy on time.
Success: Increase reputation with the Academy.
Failure: Pain.
[Yes - No]
There was a Yes-No button in front of me. Should I try?
I raised my hands and tapped ‘Yes’.
The boxes disappeared, but my eyes were wide open as I looked at my fingers.
I felt it.
I touched it.
It’s not a Genjutsu. It’s not a dream.
Let it go?
Woo.
It’s beyond me.
I tuned everything out, created an invisible membrane of chakra around me, and started walking towards my destination.
11 AM, Ninja Academy
My sensei, Ayoma Mari, stood before me with her trademark ‘I’m annoyed’ smile.
“So, Raito-kun, why are you late today?” Mari-sensei asked, cracking her knuckles.
“Ah, Mari-sensei, you see, a black cat crossed my path. I've heard that if it happens, you'll have bad luck all day. So, I waited for someone else to walk past first to avoid it. That's why I was a bit late.”
*Ding
Lie failed
Before I could say anything, I was punched and thrown into the class.
I can hear my bones cracking inside my body.
*Ding
-40 HP
*Ding
A skill has been created through a special action.
[Physical Endurance Lvl 1 (Passive)] has been created.
[Physical Endurance (Passive) Lvl 1 Exp 0.0%]
The power of your body to endure pain and damage. The higher the level, the less damage you take from a physical attack.
-0.5% physical damage taken.
‘Damn it, although Mari-nee is only using a bit of her power, it still hurts bad.’ Raito cursed, feeling his stomach, then paused all of a sudden.
“Raito-kun, this is me, telling you nicely once again... But if you come late one more time, then I will use my full force to help you understand. Do you understand Raito-kun~?”
“Yes, ma’am.” I quickly stood up and made my way to my desk, and I kept touching my stomach. It was somewhat odd.
That's when I heard comforting words from my dear friends.
"Raito, nice save there. I thought you were a goner."
"Raito, you sure have a thing for getting beaten up by Sensei."
"Mari-sensei, you rock.”
“Mari-sensei-50 and Raito-0.”
‘Stupid bastards.’
This was our daily routine in class, and someone even named it the ‘Morning Ritual.’
“All of you, shut up!” Mari-sensei shouted, slamming down the register.
“Today we are going to learn more about the Fourth Hokage, then we move on to shuriken and kunai throwing, and finally, we’ll end the day with the obstacle course.”
I stopped listening and started focusing on the mysterious boxes in front of me.
‘I do stuff, and it becomes a skill.’
‘Skills have level and description.’
‘This is very similar to those of games; specifically, it is more similar to RPG and simulation-type games.’
Raito felt a strange sensation. There was a word repeating in his mind. Without thinking, he voiced it out, "Status."
Surely a couple of people looked at him strangely.
Name: Yoshizawa Raito Lvl 7 Exp 30/5000
Title: Ninja Academy Student (+25% Exp till level 10)
Age: 12
HP: 775/875
CP: 500/500
STR: 19
VIT: 21
DEX: 21
INT: 20
WIS: 19
LUK: 27(+20)
Yoshizawa household member: Additional +50 HP per level +2 INT and +3 VIT per level.
Holder of lucky star: additional +1 LUK per level.
Yoshizawa Raito is an above-average student at the Ninja Academy, the son of Yoshizawa Michio and Yoshizawa Akeno.
'These stats seem a bit low, except for Luck, which has +20.'
I clicked on the +20.
[Equipment bonus: Necklace of the lucky star, +20 to LUCK stat. Additional +1 to luck per level.]
‘Hmm... If I remove the 20 Luck from the equipment bonus and consider my level, it means I have zero Luck.’ Raito was surprised by this realization.
‘I had zero luck?’
A distant memory resurfaced—his mother gently patting his head, his father placing a necklace around his neck. Raito grappled with the desire to remove the necklace, yet every attempt was met with his mother materializing from seemingly nowhere, sternly admonishing him never to take it off.
"Promise Mommy that you'll never take off this necklace." The black-haired woman planted a gentle kiss on Raito's forehead as she was embraced by a muscular man.
‘Dad, Mom.’
The warmth spread across my face as I reminisced about the moment my parents gifted me this necklace.
BAM!
-50 HP
Mari-sensei threw a book at me, and it was painful. I blamed it on this stupid thing.
Mari stood there in shock while everyone looked at Raito with odd expressions.
“Sorry, my hand slipped.” She slowly approached me. Her hands were positioned slightly behind her, and in an instant, three shurikens were hurled in my direction.
I quickly dodged the shuriken and ducked under my desk, thinking of worse scenarios.
“What gives Mari-sensei?” I yelled as I slowly crawled back to my seat. The world had gone quiet and this shadow had passed.
"Raito-kun, I will not tolerate my students daydreaming in my class, especially not you," Mari-sensei declared, walking back to the podium and fixing her gaze on me.
‘These are the times I miss Iruka-sensei; his gentle and useless punishments.’
“Raito-kun, are you okay?”
"Raito, do you have stomach problems today?”
"Raito-kun, 45, and Mari-sensei, 15.”
“Mari-sensei got a hit after a long, long time.”
This is one of the regular occurrences in this class. Initially, I would frequently get hit—though not by shuriken. Fortunately, she employed erasers, chalk stubs, and similar items."
I can exactly say the number of times, and it was 14 because of that damned counter.
After that, I developed a strange habit of always being on alert, but that easily tired me out.
Some helpful people, friends of my father, suggested to me that I learn the jutsu in the book, and so I did. It was a derivative of ‘chakra sensing’. This involved periodically releasing a small amount of chakra. Currently, the sensing range is limited, but the accompanying note assured me that it serves as an excellent exercise for honing chakra control. Over time, with consistent practice, the range is expected to expand
‘Sensing’ is also extremely useful in combat if your physical parameters are good. At my level, I can already sense Genin and Chūnin, but Jōnin is impossible. The most amazing person was a guy wearing a green spandex bodysuit. It was both creepy and awesome at the same time.
Mari-sensei has been training me daily by throwing shuriken, kunai, and books, gradually increasing the speed.
This game thing called it ‘Chakra Sense’ and gave it a perfect description.
‘This thing knows about me and my jutsu and is giving numbers to them.’
As I looked around, I saw that there were the names of the people and a level above their heads. ‘I don’t think I ever cared to know all their names.’
‘Is this subconscious?’
Tap, tap.
“Now, Raito, tell me why Minato Namikaze was chosen as the 4th Hokage."
I snapped out of my contemplation and promptly responded, “Isn’t it because Orochimaru was a power-hungry snake, Tsunade-sama was into drinking and gambling, and as for Jiraiya-sama, he outright refused the position? So, the only person capable enough was Namikaze Minato-sama.” I said as I shrugged my shoulders and shook my head.
Then I realized my mistake. These words were said in confidence, in a small space, with just a handful of people enjoying their time. The information as such were probably inaccessible to the most of the children in this room.
“Now, you have done it.” Mari, clad in purplish fiery aura, glared at Raito and took out some more shuriken.
*ding
After detecting an overwhelming amount of bloodthirst, you unlocked the skill “Detect Bloodthirst.”
[Detect Bloodthirst (Passive) Lvl 1 Exp 0.0%]
A skill that detects any blood lust directed at the user. It is an instinctive skill.
# Detects blood lust within 30 meters of the user’s location.
# It also alerts the user to its origin.
[Skill “Detect Bloodthirst” leveled up.]
[Skill “Detect Bloodthirst” leveled up.]
[Skill “Detect Bloodthirst” leveled up.]
Everyone around me took steps back as I dodged all the shuriken thrown at me.
“Raito, tell me the answer written in the book." Mari-sensei glared at me with those ‘I’ll-devour-you-if-you-said-anything-else’ eyes.
“Namikaze Minato-sama was one of the most formidable ninjas in the village. From a young age, he was smart, clever, and at the top of his generation. He was quick both in his mind and on his feet. During the Third Great War, Minato-sama made significant contributions to the village, ensuring the safety of the villagers and protecting the village.
With his mastery of the 'Thunder God Technique,' Minato-sama struck fear into his enemies and brought hope to his comrades. Due to his exceptional abilities, he emerged as the prime candidate among others and was ultimately selected as the Fourth Hokage.” I reluctantly answered. ‘Saying something that I don’t want to say feels bitter, like chewing lemon.’
“Now that is the answer I am looking for you all to write in the exams.” Mari-sensei said, her sweet smile hiding a veiled threat.
“Hai sensei!!” everyone roared in unison.
“Now everyone, move towards the grounds; Iruka-sensei is going to be there with you.”
I sighed at my luck and moved towards the grounds. As I walked, I softly commanded, “Skills.”
‘Ever since this morning, so many new things are in my brain.’
The only things I didn’t know were ‘Gamer’s mind’ and ‘Gamer’s body’. So, I tapped at them.
Gamer’s Mind Lvl Max (Passive)
Allows a peaceful state of mind. Allows the user to think calmly and logically. Grants users immunity to psychological status. Protects the user against mind attacks.
Gamer’s Body Lvl Max (Passive)
It grants a body that allows the user to live in the real world, like a game. HP and CP are fully recovered after sleeping. All negative ailments are cured after sleeping.
‘Seriously? I’ll always be able to think clearly and logically. Fear, anxiety, and depression are gone. Yamanaka techniques are useless against me?’
‘Isn’t this a bit too much?’
“So, I'm like a game character? And it comes with some incredible powers. Health and chakra recovery, freedom from negative ailments... what more could I ask for?”
Scanning the list, there were various skills, some grayed out and others not.
Taijutsu (Unarmed Combat Techniques)
Stealth
Trap Making
Kawarimi (Replacement)
Henge (Transformation)
Bunshin (Clone)
Shurikenjutsu and Kunaijutsu (Shuriken Techniques and Kunai Techniques)
Kenjutsu (Sword Techniques)
Chakra Control Exercises
Leaf Sticking Exercise
Drawing
Cooking
Dish washing
Genjutsu Dissipation
…
‘I just have to do these again to activate them?’
First Stealth.
I started walking slowly and activated my chakra, and pushing it towards my shoes. The chakra nullified any sounds my shoes would make, and as I walked near the walls, I became nearly invisible. ‘I can probably beat more that half of the whole academy in a game of hide and seek.’
*ding
Skill ‘Stealth’ has been activated.
[Stealth Lvl 1 (active/passive) CP Cost: 50 per minute]
An essential skill for all Shinobi. This skill gives the user the ability to move around undetected. Remain undetected, not to be heard or seen.
Because of your understanding of the skill
Skill “Stealth” leveled up.
[Stealth Lvl 5 (active/passive) CP Cost: 50 per minute]
An essential skill for all Shinobi. This skill gives the user the ability to move around undetected. Remain undetected, not to be heard or seen.
With a smile on my face, I stood in the corridor, testing my stealth ability again. I made even less noise than before. “So many new things in my head.”
If the gamer’s ability can assess my skill in numbers, I can train according to them.
‘I played a lot of games, and this is the result? Someone is using those games to make these...'
Contemplating the new information in my mind, I opened my eyes and looked at others on the skill list.
‘There are so many new things on stealth that I...'
‘It’s not mine, but-’
Standing on the empty corridor, I transformed into Iruka-sensei and shouted, “Why are all of you moving so slowly? If everyone is not on the grounds in the next five minutes, then everyone has to run around the academy twice.”
Instantly, everyone started running faster. I couldn't help but smile. This never failed to amuse me.
“Some things never change.”
*ding
Skill ‘Henge’ has been activated.
[Henge Lvl 1 Exp 0.0% CP Cost 50]
-A basic technique that allows one to transform them into other objects or people; however, because of the current level, it will not fool everyone.
-Increases the chance of being undetected by 2%.
Because of your understanding of skill ‘Henge’ leveled up.
[Henge Lvl 7 Exp 0.0% CP Cost 50]
-A basic technique that allows one to transform them into other objects or people; however, because of the current level, it will not fool everyone.
-Increases the chance of being undetected by 14%.
“I’ll explore the other skills later.”