Renjiro's hands trembled as the last of the System's messages faded from view. His entire body felt drained, but beneath that exhaustion, there was a strange, powerful calm.
His chakra coils pulsed — deep, steady, and strong. For the first time in his life, his chakra wasn't weak and sluggish. It flowed smoothly, filling his body with warmth.
Renjiro raised a shaking hand, curling his fingers into a fist.
"…This… this is real strength."
Ding! Status Updated.
Status Window
Name: Nara RenjiroLevel: 1HP: 100Chakra: 120 (Scaled to Kakashi Hatake's Current Reserves)Strength: 4Agility: 5Vitality: 5Intelligence: 8Perception: 7Unused Stat Points: 10
Renjiro stared at the glowing blue screen. His chakra had almost doubled. The Status Recovery skill also hummed quietly within him, knitting his fatigue, allowing him to breathe more evenly even after brutal training.
The corners of his lips curled upward.
"…I'm not hopeless anymore."
Outside, a crow cawed. The night was settling in. Tomorrow would be the first day of his official time at the Academy.
Renjiro rolled onto his side, pulling the blanket over his aching muscles. Sleep came quickly, but for once… it wasn't haunted by inferiority.
The next morning.
Renjiro stood in front of the Academy gates, a crowd of children buzzing around him. Some were excited, some nervous. He adjusted the small forehead protector tied to his belt, his black hair falling messily over his eyes.
And then he spotted them.
Kakashi Hatake — already infamous for his cold expression and sharp tongue, standing with quiet confidence that made older kids uneasy.Obito Uchiha — loud, clumsy, his goggles askew, trying to wave at every girl that walked past.Asuma Sarutobi — broad-shouldered for his age, a hint of mischief in his smirk as he leaned against the wall.Kurenai Yūhi — silent, observant, standing a little apart, her crimson eyes curious but guarded.
Renjiro swallowed hard. This was his generation. His rivals, his peers… and perhaps, one day, his comrades.
"Oi, Renjiro!"
A lazy drawl came from behind. Turning, Renjiro found Shikaku walking toward him, his hands tucked into his pockets.
"You better not embarrass the clan," Shikaku said with a smirk, though his eyes softened just a little.
Renjiro snorted, folding his arms. "Don't worry, brother. I'll surprise you."
Shikaku chuckled and ruffled his hair before heading off. "Hah. You? That'll be the day."
Renjiro's lips curled. Just wait, brother. That day isn't far.
Ding! New Quest Generated.Quest: First Impression.Objective: Make an impression on your first day at the Academy.Reward: 5 Stat Points, 1 Skill Scroll (Random).Failure: Reputation –5 with peers.
Renjiro's eyes widened slightly at the prompt. The System wasn't just for training — it wanted him to interact with the world. To step into the sunlight, not just lurk in the shadows.
He inhaled deeply, then walked through the gates, where destiny awaited.