CHAPTER TWO: KENSHIN THE EXPLORER
Starting a conversation has always been an issue of mine, so when I found out I had less than five friends in this world, it wasn't surprising. I think it's like a part of my soul—something that's affected me up to the moment when I took over. Part of the metaphysical theory of reincarnation and all that.
Anyway, I put on my best-looking dress, grab whatever cash I have lying around—which comes up to a grand total of 2,000 ryo. Eh, not bad for an orphan. It's part of the orphan welfare fund, which ends now that I'm a ninja.
Now, about my ninja status—like I said before, I'm a member of the ninja corps. You know, those cannon fodder without a Jōnin instructor. We have to train ourselves, go on missions, gain contributions, exchange them for better-ranked jutsus, and then continue the grind.
Capitalism.
I think?
The Konoha Twelve and I are of the same generation, which—by the anime's timeline—means Naruto and Team Seven just passed Kakashi's test. Yeah, it's all about D-ranked missions at this stage. Taking the grace of not having a Jōnin instructor, I'm going to walk around the village to important sites like Ichiraku Ramen, the yakiniku place, the Hokage's office, the Great Stone Heads, and last but not least, the gates. Oh, maybe the academy too. That should be an achievement worthy of the system. Only time will tell. Join me on the next episode of an obscene word kids should not say.
...
Konoha doesn't seem that big from the old games like Ninja Impact, but walking distance in real life? Heh, you've got to be fit in the ninja world. First stop: Ichiraku Ramen. Wasn't that far from my place, to be fair.
"Hey, boss, one miso ramen."
What? That's the best I could do with my social anxiety—I had to say it fast.
"Coming right up."
Eh, was that Ayame? She looks good. Anyway, back to waiting for the ramen. In the anime, to my knowledge, the place is hardly full, and Naruto gets his ramen quickly, but here? It's quite packed. Don't think I'll be getting mine soon. Worst time to have social anxiety. Well, mine's not that serious like in the movies, but it's not a pleasant ride for my brain.
That's why I have voices in my head to help.
"One miso ramen, right here."
Would you look at that? The food of gods is at my court. A lot of you would want to know how it tastes, but…
...
Feat Achieved! Eat the Food of Gods
+1 Silver Trait Ticket.
---
Just as I deduced—otakus are naturally smarter than normies. The next agenda is to visit the other places to see if it triggers a reaction. Onwards, soldier.
...
A bust. Waste of my hard-earned ryo. Yakiniku has no worth. On to the Hokage's stone faces.
I feel like I'm leading you on a tour of the village rather than into some action you'd rather see. Patience is key. I'd rather slow down than disgrace my fellow transmigrators. I feel like better planning before major actions is smarter. It's all according to kiekaku.
I love Madara, but let's be real—he was always going to lose. Whether to Naruto and the gang or to Black Zetsu and Kaguya.
But his motives? Solid. Honestly, the peace in Boruto wouldn't exist without the Fourth Great Ninja War—not to mention most of the greatest fights and aura farming.
'Am I sweating? It's just rain. These fools could never make me perspire.'
I don't advocate for simping, but you've got to admit—your boy Obito was cooking.
And don't correct me—I may not quote his words to the letter, and it's been over a year since I watched it. No pressure, but it's been less than five hours since I found myself in an anime, so cut me some slack.
Back to the matter at hand—the aura farming must happen. Though, to my knowledge of time travel, it might not happen the same way again.
You know? I talk—or think—too much. It's all chaotic up here. Must be the trauma. Focus, Kenshin.
Hehe.
My plan is to join the Akatsuki. Not just join—be a good guy too. They're not really bad guys, anyway. Another argument for another day.
Wait for Madara's resurrection, pledge allegiance, tell him about Black Zetsu, beat Black Zetsu, then beat the Five Great Villages and force peace and whatnot.
Yay.
Anyway, that plan is trash, but that's the blueprint of success. I'm 100% certain the plan is going to change.
I'm not good at following plans.
...
Feat Achieved! Reach the Summit of the Hokage Monument
+1 Gold Random Ticket.
...…
Yeah, I reached the faces—painted by Naruto. Look closely and you can still see the paint marks and even smell it. Devious little brat. I will definitely enjoy my new life in the Naruto-verse.
In this life, I don't think I've talked to Naruto yet, which shouldn't be possible. He is the demon fox after all, and I'm just a background character who had less than five friends—which equates to zero now because I wouldn't be caught talking to cannon fodder.
Ew. What a terrible mindset. But that's just the truth. Even if I had no cheat, I'd hardly talk to other ninja. I might've been known by civilians because I'd find a nice wife and live the average day-to-day life. Now, I hold even more pride.
Escanor.
...
Feat Achieved! Reach the Ninja Academy
+1 Bronze Skill Ticket.
...
It's the holidays, so the place is hollow. But eh, the tree is still there. Somebody play sad music—I want to sit on it and brood.
Is it brooding that Naruto does? Or just crying?
Heh.
...
Walking around the village shouldn't be suspicious, right? Right? You never know in a village full of ninjas.
I'm still a child, so there's a little leeway.
Just the gates left—and no, I'm not leaving the village. I simply calculated that, after the feats achieved and all the touring, going to corners accessible to the average person would yield a reward. Also, it completes the tour. (That's the gates, if you didn't get it.)
...…
Feat Achieved! Reaching the Threshold
+1 Bronze Item Ticket
Feat Achieved! Tourist no Jutsu
+1 Silver Random Ticket
...…
Phew! That's all the theories confirmed. Time to go home, wash my hands, and roll.
...
Now to pray to my ancestors and all the gods, so they take pity on this poor soul.
System Roll
(Sounds like Power Rangers.)
...…
Rolling Bronze Item Ticket….
Common Item: Sealed Arsenal Scroll (a.k.a. "Pocket Armory")
A master shinobi's legacy, sealed in ink and cloth. One weapon at a time, forged by time and tempered by chakra.
Description:
A large grey scroll stored like a duffel bag across the back or waist. Inside is a vast sealing array containing a replica of every traditional cold weapon (swords, spears, kusarigama, axes, etc.), each forged from high-quality chakra-tempered steel. You can unseal and use one weapon at a time. Returning the weapon reseals it, restoring it to pristine condition upon next draw.
...…
Now we're talking. Not really OP, but every ryo counts. Then again, this kind of forces me to learn kenjutsu. Saves money though.
Let's keep rolling.
...…
Rolling Bronze Skill Ticket…
Common Skill: Novice Drawing (Budding Art Nin)
Description:
You have the drawing talent of a novice-level art student. Your sketches are passable—better than average villagers—but far from the refined scrolls of professional fūinjutsu masters or legendary artists like Sai.
However, your chakra harmonizes surprisingly well with your creativity. With training, you can progress much faster than most.
...
Are you trying to build me up? You kind of spoiled it by giving that amazing starter pack in disguise.
No complaints from me.
...
Rolling Silver Trait Ticket…
Common Trait: Flexible
Description:
You are inordinately flexible—more so than an expert contortionist.
...…
Hey look, my body moves sideways. What folly.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
It's just the beginning. I'll bounce back. With this Trait, I definitely will.
...…
Rolling Silver Random Ticket…..
Elite Skill: Master Drawing
Description:
You are not just a skilled artist—you are a visual storyteller, capable of perfectly capturing thoughts, emotions, or reality on any surface. With a brush, stylus, or chakra-infused ink, your creations can move, speak, or affect the environment and those who perceive them.
This mastery opens the path to a unique style of jutsu blending art, chakra manipulation, and psychological warfare.
...
Now I'm Sai. No, this isn't comforting. At least I should bag Ino.
...
Rolling Gold Random Ticket…..
Uncommon Skill: Intermediate Acting
You are a skilled actor, able to portray yourself exactly how you want to be seen and conceal your true emotions. But people familiar with you, or with sharp intuition (like detectives), may still see through your act.
...
I'm basically unstoppable. Well, not unstoppable, but eh—awesome acting skill will help with my little nefarious scheme I call a plan.
But how the hell do I get an uncommon skill from a gold ticket and an elite skill from a silver ticket?
Come on. That's ass. I'm leaving a bad review on Yelp.
This is the end of Kenshin the Explorer.
Author's Note:
This is the second chapter—I really worked my butt off on it, but finally caught a bit of leeway. The concept is loosely inspired by Chaos Gacha by Bronzdeck, but I've added my own spin to better fit the Naruto verse. No over-the-top gacha prizes here.
The gacha rewards come as they come, and they often set the tone for the story itself—sometimes chaotic, sometimes clever, sometimes both. It challenges my chaotic and ingenious sides in equal measure.
I know I might mess up—this is my first time writing anything like this—but I hope you'll stick around, be patient, and enjoy the ride.
See you in the next chapter!