I watched as the door clicked shut and my parents stepped out of my room, leaving me alone in the quiet space. I lay back, staring up at the wooden ceiling above as my mind began to wander.
Well, although they aren't my real parents, they are my parents now, I thought, letting out a soft sigh. After all, I am Ryuma now. With the genuine love and care they keep showing me, how could I not treat them as my family?
I raised a hand, flexing my fingers against the light. It seems I don't have any aptitude to become a ninja. Even after coming to this fantastical world of Naruto, it looks like I won't be using any fire-breathing or water-throwing techniques. But honestly, maybe being ordinary isn't such a bad thing. With my lack of aptitude, becoming a ninja is practically impossible anyway. I'm not some mastermind or genius who can somehow lay hands on Hashirama cells, the ultimate cheat code in this world. And even if I were some brilliant schemer, who's to say I would even survive the process of Hashirama cell fusion? Whatever. Living a peaceful life as an ordinary farmer isn't that bad.
A calm smile slowly formed on my face as I made up my mind, finally letting go of my lingering desires for power and glory.
Just as a sense of relief settled over me, a sudden shock jolted straight through my entire body. It felt as if someone had touched a live electrical wire directly against my skin, sending a violent shudder down my spine.
What is happening? I thought frantically, my eyes darting around the room to see if there were any exposed wires or loose cords nearby.
Before I could make sense of it, a clear, distinct sound resonated directly from the depths of my mind: "Congratulations, host, on transmigrating into the Naruto world. I am your system."
"Huh?" The word slipped out of my mouth out loud before I could stop myself. I immediately clamped my hand over my mouth, checking the doorway to make sure no one had heard me. Trying to regain my composure, I drew upon my knowledge from the countless fantasy web novels I had read in my past life.
System? I called out directly within my mind.
"Yes," the voice chimed in response.
A wave of utter disbelief washed over me. Are you kidding me? I projected my thoughts loudly. First I get transmigrated into this Naruto world, and now I even get a system? What, am I a fanfic character written by some stupid fanfic author or something?
The system completely ignored my existential crisis, continuing forward with its announcement in the same calm tone: "Congratulations, host, on acquiring Zoro's physique."
The moment those words echoed through my head, a powerful surge of heat erupted within my chest and rapidly spread throughout my entire body. It felt as if my blood was boiling and my muscles were reshaping themselves from the inside out. Something incredible was definitely happening to my physical frame. I jolted, shooting straight up into a standing position as the warmth coursed through my limbs.
"Wait..." I muttered aloud, staring down at my hands as my heart hammered against my chest. "I got Zoro's body? Does that mean…?"
I scrambled out of bed and ran directly toward the mirror in my room, stepping close to catch my reflection. I stared closely at my face. Everything remained the same. My hair was still the same familiar white color it was supposed to be. Staring at the pale locks, I let out a long breath and wiped my brow. Phew, at least it's not green. Otherwise, how the hell would I explain my hair suddenly turning bright green overnight?
Now that I actually had a system, my curiosity got the better of me. Well, what exactly are you, system? I asked in my mind. What are your functions, and why am I even here?
The system replied instantly in my head: "Well, you guessed correctly previously."
So you mean I really am a character...? I tried to interrupt, but the system plowed right over my thoughts, not letting me get a word in edgewise.
"Anyways, now that you have acquired the physique of Zoro, you can become stronger simply by engaging in rigorous physical exercise. This will not only increase your physical strength, but as a direct result, your chakra will also increase. After all, in this Naruto world, physical energy and spiritual energy merge to produce chakra. As for your sword training, Zoro is residing within your mental space."
The moment I heard the words "mental space," I immediately interrupted. By mental space, you mean something like the inner world where Tailed Beasts reside inside a Jinchuriki, right?
"Well, correct again," the system stated smoothly. "Zoro will reside in your mental space. If you wish to learn swordsmanship and advanced applications like Observation Haki, Armament Haki, or even Conqueror's Haki, Zoro himself will teach you everything."
I blinked, thoroughly confused by the whole setup. So... what exactly is your role then?
"Well, my role is officially done here," the system answered casually. "I gave you Zoro's physique, I gave you Zoro, and as for all the weapons Zoro has ever wielded, you can obtain them whenever Zoro approves of you, perhaps through tests or similar trials. So, my work here is complete. Bye-bye! I have other hosts to attend to."
"Wait..."
Before I could process it, the system fell completely silent.
Hello? System? System? Knock, knock anybody there? I called out repeatedly in my mind.
Silence. There was no response at all. The system was truly gone, leaving behind no trace that it had ever existed in the first place.
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