Kirimine Ayato closed the door behind him, shutting out the muffled footsteps of Uchiha Hayato and his father disappearing into the night.The house went quiet—too quiet.Only his heartbeat echoed faintly, slow and steady, like someone who'd already grown used to violence.
He let out a long breath and called out in his mind:
"System. Pull up my Status."
A soft digital tone replied.
[Status Window — Open]
User: Kirimine AyatoAge: 10Rank: Academy Trainee (Low)HP: 21/100MP (Chakra): 12/100Skills: Clone (Active), Immobilize (Active), Lion Bomb (Active), Soul Override (Active)Inventory: EmptyGold: 110EXP to Next Rank: 89/1000
Ayato stared at the screen, eyes dim but sharp.
"…Still pathetic."
The gap between him and real shinobi was a canyon.Even the kids at the academy could crush him in a heartbeat.
[System Notice: New Training Quest Available]
[Quest: Strengthen Core Stats]Objective: Increase Chakra and Stamina through self-directed training.Reward: +5 HP, +5 MP, Random Basic Skill BoxPenalty: None]
Ayato snorted softly.
"No penalty? How generous of you."
He accepted immediately.
Late that night, when most children slept easy and warm, Ayato knelt on the cold floor.He circulated chakra through his limbs—slow, burning, clumsy.Sweat soaked his shirt.His breaths turned ragged.But he kept going.
Hours slipped past.
[Stat Increased: MP +1][Stat Increased: HP +1]
A small gain.Barely anything.
But Ayato felt something settle inside him—Not pride.Not satisfaction.Just determination hardened into a quiet, dangerous edge.
"If the world wants me weak…"He inhaled."I'll break myself until I'm stronger than the world."
He fell asleep that night still sitting upright, exhaustion finally dragging him under.
Morning came with the gray haze of winter creeping between the window frames.
Academy chatter felt louder than usual.
"Did you hear? Someone made Uchiha Hayato run around the street like a possessed chicken—""His father's furious.""Whoever did it… they're dead."
Ayato walked past the whispers like a ghost, not even blinking.
He scanned the classroom—Hayato wasn't there.But another Uchiha was watching him.
Uchiha Yusuke.Eyes sharp.Expression unreadable.
Ayato ignored him and sat down.
[System Notice: Minor Skill Progress Achieved][Passive Skill Unlocked: Combat Instinct Lv.1]Your reflexes sharpen slightly in battle. Reaction speed +5%.
Ayato's lips twitched.A sliver of progress—barely a crumb—but it was something.
The instructor marched in."Practical class this afternoon. Prepare your gear."
Ayato felt Yusuke's stare again—longer this time.He could already sense what was coming.
"Fine," Ayato thought, eyes dropping to his desk."If someone wants to step on me next… let them try."
The gears that would lead into tomorrow's duel quietly clicked into place.