The alley was dark and narrow. A burly man, carrying a basket full of herbs, hurried toward home, his face set in determination.
I hope little Dai is okay on his own… please, no trouble while I'm gone.
But just then—
Bang!
A strange noise rattled from a dumpster in the corner. The man froze, instinctively taking two steps closer… then stopped, frowning. After a long hesitation, he started to turn away.
Finally—someone had come!
In his haze, Shiranui Itsuki thought he heard steady footsteps approaching. Then, a pair of large, warm hands gently lifted him up.
"This child… looks a lot like my boy," the man murmured, his voice as warm as a hearth in winter. His touch carried a comfort that cut through the cold.
Quest Complete: Escape the Dumpster. Please claim your reward.
The system's mechanical voice remained utterly indifferent, as if Itsuki's life or death meant nothing.
But Itsuki… had survived.
A weak smile tugged at his lips before his eyelids drifted shut.
Seeing that faint smile, the man couldn't help but laugh softly himself. He tucked Itsuki against his chest. "Don't worry. I, Might Duy, swear on the power of Youth itself—I'll make sure you live!"
Laughing heartily, the man strode away, the Leaf forehead protector on his brow gleaming brightly in the moonlight.
Wherever the leaves dance, the Will of Fire never dies.
When Itsuki opened his eyes again, a massive spider skittered arrogantly across the cracked ceiling above him, weaving its web.
So… I really got saved?
He slowly turned his head to examine his surroundings. The room was bare: a creaky wooden bed, an empty tatami floor, and nothing else. Poverty dripped from every corner.
Beside him lay another baby, about the same age. Round-faced, bowl-cut hair like a melon rind, and a clumsy cuteness that was both ugly and adorable.
Across the room sat the strong man from earlier. Dressed like a farmer, he was sorting through a basket of herbs with serious focus. His watermelon-shaped haircut made him look ridiculous, but at the same time strangely full of life.
The sight struck Itsuki with a jolt of familiarity—yet also a strange sense of distance.
I know him… and yet I'm certain I've never seen him before. How bizarre.
Shaking his head, Itsuki closed his eyes again. Until he understood the situation, it was safer not to act out of character. For now, he was just a baby.
Beginner Quest: Escape the Dumpster (Complete)!Reward: Basic Kunai Throwing – Available.
"Claim."
The instant he accepted, a new skill slot etched itself into his mind:
Skill: Kunai Throwing (Beginner).
At the same time, a sudden warmth surged into his tiny hands, flowing from his fingertips through his entire body. Itsuki felt his very constitution being strengthened—but as the energy spread, it thinned. By the time it reached his legs, it had almost vanished entirely.
Clearly, most of the boost had focused on his hands.
When the warmth faded, Itsuki opened his eyes and instinctively gripped the wooden bedpost beside him.
Crack! Crack!
Wood splintered beneath his tiny fingers, leaving behind deep, unmistakable indentations.
He loosened his grip and smirked at the damage. "Looks like… even in this Naruto world, I'm already stronger than any ordinary two-year-old."