"Of course… it's the Uchiha Clan. So that's when their rise began."
Raizen's eyes narrowed at the three young men standing before him. Their hair bristled like hedgehogs, their high-collared clothes stiff and formal, and their arrogance radiated from every smirk. He didn't expect to see the Uchiha family here, not in his first days with the Amamiya Clan.
The trio spoke with Amamiya Gen, the clan patriarch. Though they weren't stronger than him, their haughty demeanor left no room for equality. Gen, normally composed and commanding, had no choice but to lower his tone.
Looks like the Amamiya Clan isn't on equal footing. And judging by those smug, crimson eyes… they're not here for a friendly chat. Otherwise, Gen wouldn't be so careful with his words, Raizen thought, frowning.
The patriarch led the Uchiha into the main hall, leaving Raizen with an opening. He dashed to Uncle Yamamoto, the chūnin who had been watching silently, and grabbed his hand. Yamamoto raised an eyebrow.
"What is it, Raizen-kun?"
"Uncle Yamamoto, why are the Uchiha here?" Raizen asked, feigning innocent curiosity — the kind that made even himself roll his eyes.
Yamamoto sighed. "It's not about the Ueshi Clan directly. Gen invited the Uchiha to deal with them. But I don't know what they'll ask in return… let's hope they aren't too demanding."
"Ueshi Clan?" Raizen froze.
The Ueshi Clan was nearby and infamous for their Earth-style ninjutsu. They had attacked the Amamiya family before, taking lives and testing boundaries. Once equals, the Amamiya were now forced to rely on outside aid — in this case, the formidable Uchiha.
Raizen muttered to himself: Weakness is the original sin, huh?
Despite the clan boasting ten or more jōnin, they were still underpowered in this chaotic era. Provoked by enemy forces, they could only endure, relying on alliances to survive.
Yamamoto, sensing Raizen's frustration, touched his head firmly. "Weakness is dangerous. But you are the hope of the Amamiya Clan. One day, you will lead them to prosperity. I've always believed it. Grow stronger, Raizen-kun."
"Yes, Uncle Yamamoto!" Raizen replied loudly, though a bitter pang of sorrow tugged at him. He alone knew the abnormal truth of the world he had come from — a world where red eyes and tailed beasts commanded absolute power, far beyond the feeble scum of the Warring States.
God thief… life is so unfair, he muttered internally.
Then, an unfamiliar voice echoed in his mind, mechanical and insistent.
"Perceived strong resentment… system loading…""Perceived strong resentment… system loading…""Perceived strong resentment… system loading…"
Raizen convulsed, eyes wide, his small body trembling. System loading? Legendary protagonist…?
Yamamoto noticed his sudden twitching. "Raizen-kun? What's wrong?"
"Ah, haha… I'm fine, Uncle Yamamoto. Just… stomachache. I'll go to the latrine first!" Raizen clutched his abdomen, feigning discomfort, and sprinted toward his cabin.
System's almost ready… I hope this isn't another trap, he thought as Yamamoto watched him go with a sigh.
Back in his room, Raizen's screen flickered to life. A soft ding resonated, and a transparent interface hovered before him:
[Super Achievement System]
"Binding Host: Amamiya Raizen" the system announced. A list of achievements scrolled past:
First Kill, First Kill Chūnin, First Kill Jōnin, First Kill Shadow Power… Genin Terminator… Jōnin Terminator… Hundred Kill… Thousand Kill… Ten Thousand Kill… Butcher… Human Male…
Raizen blinked. So, I complete achievements and get treasure chests… that's it?
He quickly queried the system.
"Three types of treasure chests exist," the cold voice explained. "Diamond, gold, and silver. Diamond chests contain random items with higher chances of rare treasures. Gold chests grant abilities. Silver chests grant skills."
Raizen's grin widened. Random treasure, secret skills, all sorts of ninjutsu… this is insane. Even in a weak clan like Amamiya, I could survive, even rise to the top. Hah… finally, a way out of this cursed Warring States.
For the first time in this fragile body, Raizen felt something resembling hope — and a hunger to become the strongest. If the heavens favor me… I'll take the world, one achievement at a time.