Before long, the classroom door slid open.
A beautiful woman with long black hair and red eyes stepped inside. Her sharp yet gentle gaze swept across the room, and silence immediately fell.
"Class 8," she said calmly. "Follow me."
Those who weren't in her group sighed in relief, while Hinata, Kiba, and Shino rose from their seats.
Kiba bounded out first, eager as always. Shino followed without a word. Hinata trailed behind them, her steps light and measured.
They eventually stopped at a quiet, secluded training ground.
The woman turned to face them. "My name is Kurenai Yuhi," she introduced herself. "I'll be your supervising jōnin from now on. If all goes well, I'll be leading you on missions in the future. Why don't you three introduce yourselves?"
One by one, they did—names, likes, dislikes, and dreams.
Hinata found herself quietly intrigued by their words. People claimed such things weren't important—that dreams changed and goals shifted—but in her past life, she had never met anyone who truly stayed the same from beginning to end.
When introductions ended, Hinata hesitated before asking softly, "Um… Kurenai-sensei, earlier you said if all goes well. What did you mean by that?"
Kiba blinked in confusion. "Yeah, Sensei! You're already a jōnin—what could go wrong?"
Shino remained silent, his dark glasses reflecting the light. His quiet stillness made his presence almost ghostlike.
Kurenai's lips curved slightly as she glanced at Hinata. "That's because tomorrow you'll take part in a survival exercise. Those who pass will officially become genin. Those who fail…"—her smile deepened—"…will return to the academy for further training."
Seeing the shocked expressions on their faces, Kurenai chuckled softly.
"The survival exercise will be tomorrow morning. But if you're feeling confident, you can start preparing now. Whether or not you use this time wisely is entirely up to you."
With that, she disappeared in an instant.
…
Kiba clutched his head in panic. "Oh no! If I get sent back, I'll be a laughingstock! I told my sister I graduated already—she'll never let me live it down! I have to pass this, no matter what!"
Hinata said nothing. Her fingers fidgeted lightly as she lowered her head in thought.
"In my opinion," Shino said suddenly, his tone calm and analytical, "this survival exercise is more than just a combat test. It's likely designed to assess teamwork and coordination."
Kiba and Hinata both turned to him, surprised by his insight.
"Why do you think so?" Kiba asked.
"Because that's how it should be," Shino replied simply. Then he fell silent again.
"..."
"..."
…
That evening, Hinata returned home and practiced a full set of Gentle Fist techniques, followed by rigorous physical training. When her younger sister Hanabi asked to play, Hinata gently declined, explaining that she had something important to do the next day.
After dinner, she ate far more than usual, determined to store up energy for tomorrow's challenge.
The result was catastrophic—the rice, noodles, and nearly every edible item in the house were gone, leaving her family staring at her in stunned silence.
…
The next morning, Hinata met up with Kiba and Shino at the training grounds.
When they arrived, Kurenai-sensei was nowhere to be found.
After a brief discussion, they decided to act on their own initiative.
Kiba had Akamaru dig a hidden pit trap, Shino released his insects for surveillance, and Hinata activated her Byakugan to scout the area for any signs of their teacher.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Kurenai observed them through the Third Hokage's crystal ball.
Her team might not be the strongest in raw power, but in terms of reconnaissance, tracking, and tactical analysis, they were among the best.
She couldn't hide nearby like the other jōnin instructors—the Byakugan would expose her instantly.
"Their teamwork isn't bad," she commented quietly, "but they still lack proper coordination. That will improve with time."
The Third Hokage nodded thoughtfully as she continued her evaluation.
"Kiba is impulsive… Shino is analytical… and Hinata—" Kurenai's eyes softened slightly. "Hinata is timid, shy, and soft-spoken. But that's part of her charm—and her challenge."
Based on their overall performance, she ranked Shino first for composure, Kiba second for initiative, and Hinata last for hesitation.
Having seen enough, Kurenai thanked the Third Hokage and left.
…
"Here she comes!" Hinata whispered.
At once, Kiba and Shino sprang into action. Kiba covered up his trap, Shino recalled his insects, and Hinata deactivated her Byakugan, pretending to look unaware.
"Come with me," Kurenai called from a distance.
The three gathered their things and followed her—only to realize she was leading them to a different training ground entirely.
"Wha—!? Sensei!" Kiba groaned. "But I just finished digging that pit!"
Shino frowned slightly, retrieving his insects. "So all our preparations were for nothing…"
"Unexpected situations can occur at any time," Kurenai said calmly, her gaze sweeping across the three genin. "An enemy will never fight on your terms. I only told you to gather here—never that the survival exercise would be held here. Acting on your own initiative without proper intelligence didn't just yield no results; it also wasted your stamina and chakra. Be more careful next time."
Kiba's expression turned as if the world had ended, while Shino stood in silence, his thoughts hidden behind his dark glasses.
Hinata, however, understood immediately.
She's not just testing us—she's teaching through every move.
…
At the new, untouched training ground, Kurenai stood with one hand on her hip and two small bells dangling from the other.
"You have one hour," she announced, tying the bells to her waist. "If you can take a bell from me, you pass. If you can't, you'll return to the academy and repeat the year."
"Wait—there are only two bells!" Kiba shouted, clearly panicking.
Kurenai raised an eyebrow, her smile faint. "You talk as if you're certain you can grab even one. Worry about the number after you manage to touch a bell."
With that, she clasped her hands behind her back, standing casually in the clearing.
"Ready?"
Hinata and her teammates exchanged glances. Without a word, they scattered—each retreating into cover around the perimeter.
…
"Let's start with the most impulsive one," Kurenai thought, her right hand twitching ever so slightly.
"Now's my chance!" Kiba shouted, rushing forward with reckless speed, tossing a smoke bomb for cover.
Kurenai sighed inwardly as she saw him emerge through the haze.
So predictable.
Even Hinata, timid as she was, had more restraint. Kiba's eagerness blinded him to the truth every shinobi should know—apparent openings are often traps.
After exchanging a few blows, Kurenai effortlessly read his rhythm. A swift chop to the neck sent Kiba tumbling into unconsciousness.
Moments later, she sensed a new disturbance—Shino.
Illusions had limited effect on his insects, so theoretically, he should have been her toughest opponent. But raw strength and speed made all the difference. Within moments, even Shino was overpowered.
If Kurenai hadn't been deliberately holding back to test their skills, the fight would have been over in seconds.
Now, only one remained.
[Translator's Note: This is the end of the chapters. The rest is just extra wordings so we can meet the requirements for power stones voting.]
Under the Night's Veil
Under the cover of night, the city shimmered with countless lights, appearing exceptionally prosperous and breathtakingly beautiful.
On the top floor of a towering building, a group of men sat in tense silence, locked in a deadly staring contest.
"I've dedicated half my life to the organization," a middle-aged man sneered, cornered with no way out. "And now they won't even grant me a retirement? How heartless."
His tone carried no surprise—only resignation. It was as if he had long expected this outcome.
The others exchanged silent glances before raising their silenced pistols and gleaming daggers.
"Sitting around waiting to die isn't my style," the man growled, his eyes flashing with defiance. "If you want to kill me, then be ready to die with me!"
Before the others could react, he lunged first.
"!!!"
A fierce yet soundless battle erupted. Within moments, the struggle ended. The middle-aged man collapsed into a pool of blood—alongside more than a dozen of his former comrades.
As his vision darkened and consciousness began to fade, regret clouded his thoughts.
Who betrayed me? Anyone with half a brain should know… We were friends once—good friends…
His final breath left him with a bitter sense of unfinished purpose and resentment.
When the cleanup crew finished, the rooftop returned to silence. Only the faint metallic scent of blood lingered in the cool night air.
…
"Hinata-sama! HINATA-SAMA! "
Voices echoed around her.
Hinata awoke from darkness, blinking against the light, her mind hazy and overwhelmed by the chaotic shouts nearby. Everything felt noisy, distorted, and strange.
Her thoughts were tangled; her memories were scattered like broken glass.
Who am I? Where am I? What… am I supposed to do?
The guards assigned to protect her exhaled in relief when they saw her eyes flutter open.
"Thank goodness! You suddenly fainted—it scared us to death!"
"Hinata-sama, are you alright? Do you feel any pain or discomfort?"
"We should take her to the hospital immediately!"
"If the clan leader finds out, we'll be in serious trouble!"
"At a time like this, can you stop worrying about that?"
Their anxious voices overlapped and echoed in her head, each word amplified until it became unbearable. Her mind buzzed like a swarm of bees, unable to process anything.
Overwhelmed, Hinata closed her eyes—and fainted once more.
"!!"
The guards panicked. They dared not delay another second, rushing her to the hospital where a whirlwind of medical checks and tests followed.
…
"It's nothing serious," Hinata murmured weakly when she regained consciousness again. "I'm probably just… overtired. I'll be fine after some rest."
When she opened her eyes this time, she was already back home.
Throwing off her blanket, she rose unsteadily and walked toward the mirror.
Her reflection stared back—familiar, yet foreign.
"This isn't… a dream?" she whispered, stunned.
While she was unconscious, something extraordinary had happened.
A soul from another world—an older man with years of experience and an unyielding will—had collided with Hinata's original consciousness.
Instinctively, both fought for control.
Although the man possessed the hardened mind of an assassin, Hinata's spiritual strength was equally formidable. The battle between their wills raged fiercely, neither side yielding ground.
But as time passed, both began to weaken. If they continued, they would destroy each other entirely.
Facing mutual annihilation, the two came to an unspoken understanding.
Neither wanted to die.
And so, they chose to merge.
Thus, Hinata remained the same outwardly—but within, she was no longer the same person. Her soul was now a fusion of two lives, two worlds, and two minds.
[Ding!]
[Integration complete. Homeland construction initializing…]
A mechanical voice echoed in her mind.
Before she could react, her consciousness was pulled into a vast, open space—roughly a hundred square meters wide. Dense fog rolled along the perimeter, hiding whatever lay beyond. There was no way out.
Before her eyes, a glowing interface materialized—a control panel with several tools and icons.
The toolbar held items like hoes, shovels, nails, hammers, and wrenches.
The materials library contained piles of wood and steel.
At the bottom corner flickered a question mark. When Hinata focused on it, glowing text appeared:
"Clear the weeds, build your home, and complete the construction using the available tools and materials.
Reward: Mastery of the Gentle Fist."
"…What?"
She blinked. With a thought, she withdrew back into her body. Another thought—and she returned to the strange foggy space.
It wasn't an illusion.
Frowning in concentration, Hinata—now with the mind of a former assassin and the instincts of a shinobi—began to work.
She started by clearing the weeds, then dug the foundation according to the blueprint displayed in the manual. Despite her confusion, her hands moved with practiced precision.
Time flowed differently here—ten days in this dimension equaled only one day in the real world. That meant she could work as long as she wished without worrying about time outside.
…
[Ding!]
[Home construction complete. Reward obtained: Gentle Fist Mastery!]
A rush of energy surged through her body.
Hinata's eyes widened in awe as comprehension flooded her mind. Her understanding of Gentle Fist—its flow, rhythm, and chakra precision—had skyrocketed to an entirely new level.
It was as if the difference between a wooden stick and a steel pillar had been bridged in an instant.
Then, another notification appeared:
"Evaluation: 94.57 points.
Bonus reward: Select one — Byakugan Optimization, Neural Reaction Boost, or Strength Enhancement."
Before Hinata could choose, the virtual wheel spun on its own and landed on Byakugan Optimization.
Nothing seemed to change immediately, leaving her puzzled.
Then, new text appeared:
"Expand your territory and continue building your Homeland using the provided tools and materials.
Reward: 80 Divine Void Strikes. (Each section grants 10 Divine Void Strikes.)"
Her surroundings shifted.
The once modest hundred-square-meter space expanded tenfold into a sprawling thousand-square-meter plain.
The new blueprints showed far more complex structures—roads, a logging camp, a quarry, and even a steel plant.
This was no simple project.
Hinata studied the diagrams closely. Since her performance had been graded, she knew that the quality of her work directly affected her rewards.
A score of 94.57 was excellent—but perfection offered far greater returns.
To get the best reward, I need to give my best effort.
She spent time measuring distances, calculating angles, and planning the optimal construction layout before beginning again.
Her first target was the logging camp nearest to her original home, and she followed the blueprints down to the finest detail.
This time, thanks to her prior experience, her efficiency was significantly higher, and the results were nearly flawless.
When the camp was finished, all the wood in her materials library vanished.
"Hmm… Does each facility consume its own resource type?" Hinata mused.
Once the logging camp began automatically replenishing timber, she immediately started constructing roads and infrastructure.
Here, she never felt hungry, tired, or sleepy.
But unlike most, she didn't lose track of time.
In her previous life as an assassin, precision timing had meant the difference between success and death. Arriving a second too early or too late could have been fatal.
That sharp sense of timing remained with her—even now, in this strange familiar world.
…
Timing it perfectly, Hinata stepped outside. The morning air was cool and fresh, but as soon as she emerged, her eyes began to itch and sting.
Before she could react, her Byakugan activated on its own. The veins around her eyes bulged, making her reflection in the window look almost fierce—predatory, even.
"Byakugan optimization…?" she murmured, recalling the earlier notification.
A wave of pain and prickling surged through her eyes, forcing her to close them tightly. When the discomfort finally faded, Hinata blinked—and her breath caught in awe.
Everything looked different.
Her vision was sharper and brighter than ever before; her field of view had nearly doubled. Even more astonishing, time itself seemed to slow within her gaze—objects moved with a subtle lag, as if the world had adjusted its pace for her alone.
"So this is… optimization?" she whispered. "Incredible."
…Under the Night's Veil
Under the cover of night, the city shimmered with countless lights, appearing exceptionally prosperous and breathtakingly beautiful.
On the top floor of a towering building, a group of men sat in tense silence, locked in a deadly staring contest.
"I've dedicated half my life to the organization," a middle-aged man sneered, cornered with no way out. "And now they won't even grant me a retirement? How heartless."
His tone carried no surprise—only resignation. It was as if he had long expected this outcome.
The others exchanged silent glances before raising their silenced pistols and gleaming daggers.
"Sitting around waiting to die isn't my style," the man growled, his eyes flashing with defiance. "If you want to kill me, then be ready to die with me!"
Before the others could react, he lunged first.
"!!!"
A fierce yet soundless battle erupted. Within moments, the struggle ended. The middle-aged man collapsed into a pool of blood—alongside more than a dozen of his former comrades.
As his vision darkened and consciousness began to fade, regret clouded his thoughts.
Who betrayed me? Anyone with half a brain should know… We were friends once—good friends…
His final breath left him with a bitter sense of unfinished purpose and resentment.
When the cleanup crew finished, the rooftop returned to silence. Only the faint metallic scent of blood lingered in the cool night air.
…
"Hinata-sama! HINATA-SAMA! "
Voices echoed around her.
Hinata awoke from darkness, blinking against the light, her mind hazy and overwhelmed by the chaotic shouts nearby. Everything felt noisy, distorted, and strange.
Her thoughts were tangled; her memories were scattered like broken glass.
Who am I? Where am I? What… am I supposed to do?
The guards assigned to protect her exhaled in relief when they saw her eyes flutter open.
"Thank goodness! You suddenly fainted—it scared us to death!"
"Hinata-sama, are you alright? Do you feel any pain or discomfort?"
"We should take her to the hospital immediately!"
"If the clan leader finds out, we'll be in serious trouble!"
"At a time like this, can you stop worrying about that?"
Their anxious voices overlapped and echoed in her head, each word amplified until it became unbearable. Her mind buzzed like a swarm of bees, unable to process anything.
Overwhelmed, Hinata closed her eyes—and fainted once more.
"!!"
The guards panicked. They dared not delay another second, rushing her to the hospital where a whirlwind of medical checks and tests followed.
…
"It's nothing serious," Hinata murmured weakly when she regained consciousness again. "I'm probably just… overtired. I'll be fine after some rest."
When she opened her eyes this time, she was already back home.
Throwing off her blanket, she rose unsteadily and walked toward the mirror.
Her reflection stared back—familiar, yet foreign.
"This isn't… a dream?" she whispered, stunned.
While she was unconscious, something extraordinary had happened.
A soul from another world—an older man with years of experience and an unyielding will—had collided with Hinata's original consciousness.
Instinctively, both fought for control.
Although the man possessed the hardened mind of an assassin, Hinata's spiritual strength was equally formidable. The battle between their wills raged fiercely, neither side yielding ground.
But as time passed, both began to weaken. If they continued, they would destroy each other entirely.
Facing mutual annihilation, the two came to an unspoken understanding.
Neither wanted to die.
And so, they chose to merge.
Thus, Hinata remained the same outwardly—but within, she was no longer the same person. Her soul was now a fusion of two lives, two worlds, and two minds.
[Ding!]
[Integration complete. Homeland construction initializing…]
A mechanical voice echoed in her mind.
Before she could react, her consciousness was pulled into a vast, open space—roughly a hundred square meters wide. Dense fog rolled along the perimeter, hiding whatever lay beyond. There was no way out.
Before her eyes, a glowing interface materialized—a control panel with several tools and icons.
The toolbar held items like hoes, shovels, nails, hammers, and wrenches.
The materials library contained piles of wood and steel.
At the bottom corner flickered a question mark. When Hinata focused on it, glowing text appeared:
"Clear the weeds, build your home, and complete the construction using the available tools and materials.
Reward: Mastery of the Gentle Fist."
"…What?"
She blinked. With a thought, she withdrew back into her body. Another thought—and she returned to the strange foggy space.
It wasn't an illusion.
Frowning in concentration, Hinata—now with the mind of a former assassin and the instincts of a shinobi—began to work.
She started by clearing the weeds, then dug the foundation according to the blueprint displayed in the manual. Despite her confusion, her hands moved with practiced precision.
Time flowed differently here—ten days in this dimension equaled only one day in the real world. That meant she could work as long as she wished without worrying about time outside.
…
[Ding!]
[Home construction complete. Reward obtained: Gentle Fist Mastery!]
A rush of energy surged through her body.
Hinata's eyes widened in awe as comprehension flooded her mind. Her understanding of Gentle Fist—its flow, rhythm, and chakra precision—had skyrocketed to an entirely new level.
It was as if the difference between a wooden stick and a steel pillar had been bridged in an instant.
Then, another notification appeared:
"Evaluation: 94.57 points.
Bonus reward: Select one — Byakugan Optimization, Neural Reaction Boost, or Strength Enhancement."
Before Hinata could choose, the virtual wheel spun on its own and landed on Byakugan Optimization.
Nothing seemed to change immediately, leaving her puzzled.
Then, new text appeared:
"Expand your territory and continue building your Homeland using the provided tools and materials.
Reward: 80 Divine Void Strikes. (Each section grants 10 Divine Void Strikes.)"
Her surroundings shifted.
The once modest hundred-square-meter space expanded tenfold into a sprawling thousand-square-meter plain.
The new blueprints showed far more complex structures—roads, a logging camp, a quarry, and even a steel plant.
This was no simple project.
Hinata studied the diagrams closely. Since her performance had been graded, she knew that the quality of her work directly affected her rewards.
A score of 94.57 was excellent—but perfection offered far greater returns.
To get the best reward, I need to give my best effort.
She spent time measuring distances, calculating angles, and planning the optimal construction layout before beginning again.
Her first target was the logging camp nearest to her original home, and she followed the blueprints down to the finest detail.
This time, thanks to her prior experience, her efficiency was significantly higher, and the results were nearly flawless.
When the camp was finished, all the wood in her materials library vanished.
"Hmm… Does each facility consume its own resource type?" Hinata mused.
Once the logging camp began automatically replenishing timber, she immediately started constructing roads and infrastructure.
Here, she never felt hungry, tired, or sleepy.
But unlike most, she didn't lose track of time.
In her previous life as an assassin, precision timing had meant the difference between success and death. Arriving a second too early or too late could have been fatal.
That sharp sense of timing remained with her—even now, in this strange familiar world.
…
Timing it perfectly, Hinata stepped outside. The morning air was cool and fresh, but as soon as she emerged, her eyes began to itch and sting.
Before she could react, her Byakugan activated on its own. The veins around her eyes bulged, making her reflection in the window look almost fierce—predatory, even.
"Byakugan optimization…?" she murmured, recalling the earlier notification.
A wave of pain and prickling surged through her eyes, forcing her to close them tightly. When the discomfort finally faded, Hinata blinked—and her breath caught in awe.
Everything looked different.
Her vision was sharper and brighter than ever before; her field of view had nearly doubled. Even more astonishing, time itself seemed to slow within her gaze—objects moved with a subtle lag, as if the world had adjusted its pace for her alone.
"So this is… optimization?" she whispered. "Incredible."
…Under the Night's Veil
Under the cover of night, the city shimmered with countless lights, appearing exceptionally prosperous and breathtakingly beautiful.
On the top floor of a towering building, a group of men sat in tense silence, locked in a deadly staring contest.
"I've dedicated half my life to the organization," a middle-aged man sneered, cornered with no way out. "And now they won't even grant me a retirement? How heartless."
His tone carried no surprise—only resignation. It was as if he had long expected this outcome.
The others exchanged silent glances before raising their silenced pistols and gleaming daggers.
"Sitting around waiting to die isn't my style," the man growled, his eyes flashing with defiance. "If you want to kill me, then be ready to die with me!"
Before the others could react, he lunged first.
"!!!"
A fierce yet soundless battle erupted. Within moments, the struggle ended. The middle-aged man collapsed into a pool of blood—alongside more than a dozen of his former comrades.
As his vision darkened and consciousness began to fade, regret clouded his thoughts.
Who betrayed me? Anyone with half a brain should know… We were friends once—good friends…
His final breath left him with a bitter sense of unfinished purpose and resentment.
When the cleanup crew finished, the rooftop returned to silence. Only the faint metallic scent of blood lingered in the cool night air.
…
"Hinata-sama! HINATA-SAMA! "
Voices echoed around her.
Hinata awoke from darkness, blinking against the light, her mind hazy and overwhelmed by the chaotic shouts nearby. Everything felt noisy, distorted, and strange.
Her thoughts were tangled; her memories were scattered like broken glass.
Who am I? Where am I? What… am I supposed to do?
The guards assigned to protect her exhaled in relief when they saw her eyes flutter open.
"Thank goodness! You suddenly fainted—it scared us to death!"
"Hinata-sama, are you alright? Do you feel any pain or discomfort?"
"We should take her to the hospital immediately!"
"If the clan leader finds out, we'll be in serious trouble!"
"At a time like this, can you stop worrying about that?"
Their anxious voices overlapped and echoed in her head, each word amplified until it became unbearable. Her mind buzzed like a swarm of bees, unable to process anything.
Overwhelmed, Hinata closed her eyes—and fainted once more.
"!!"
The guards panicked. They dared not delay another second, rushing her to the hospital where a whirlwind of medical checks and tests followed.
…
"It's nothing serious," Hinata murmured weakly when she regained consciousness again. "I'm probably just… overtired. I'll be fine after some rest."
When she opened her eyes this time, she was already back home.
Throwing off her blanket, she rose unsteadily and walked toward the mirror.
Her reflection stared back—familiar, yet foreign.
"This isn't… a dream?" she whispered, stunned.
While she was unconscious, something extraordinary had happened.
A soul from another world—an older man with years of experience and an unyielding will—had collided with Hinata's original consciousness.
Instinctively, both fought for control.
Although the man possessed the hardened mind of an assassin, Hinata's spiritual strength was equally formidable. The battle between their wills raged fiercely, neither side yielding ground.
But as time passed, both began to weaken. If they continued, they would destroy each other entirely.
Facing mutual annihilation, the two came to an unspoken understanding.
Neither wanted to die.
And so, they chose to merge.
Thus, Hinata remained the same outwardly—but within, she was no longer the same person. Her soul was now a fusion of two lives, two worlds, and two minds.
[Ding!]
[Integration complete. Homeland construction initializing…]
A mechanical voice echoed in her mind.
Before she could react, her consciousness was pulled into a vast, open space—roughly a hundred square meters wide. Dense fog rolled along the perimeter, hiding whatever lay beyond. There was no way out.
Before her eyes, a glowing interface materialized—a control panel with several tools and icons.
The toolbar held items like hoes, shovels, nails, hammers, and wrenches.
The materials library contained piles of wood and steel.
At the bottom corner flickered a question mark. When Hinata focused on it, glowing text appeared:
"Clear the weeds, build your home, and complete the construction using the available tools and materials.
Reward: Mastery of the Gentle Fist."
"…What?"
She blinked. With a thought, she withdrew back into her body. Another thought—and she returned to the strange foggy space.
It wasn't an illusion.
Frowning in concentration, Hinata—now with the mind of a former assassin and the instincts of a shinobi—began to work.
She started by clearing the weeds, then dug the foundation according to the blueprint displayed in the manual. Despite her confusion, her hands moved with practiced precision.
Time flowed differently here—ten days in this dimension equaled only one day in the real world. That meant she could work as long as she wished without worrying about time outside.
…
[Ding!]
[Home construction complete. Reward obtained: Gentle Fist Mastery!]
A rush of energy surged through her body.
Hinata's eyes widened in awe as comprehension flooded her mind. Her understanding of Gentle Fist—its flow, rhythm, and chakra precision—had skyrocketed to an entirely new level.
It was as if the difference between a wooden stick and a steel pillar had been bridged in an instant.
Then, another notification appeared:
"Evaluation: 94.57 points.
Bonus reward: Select one — Byakugan Optimization, Neural Reaction Boost, or Strength Enhancement."
Before Hinata could choose, the virtual wheel spun on its own and landed on Byakugan Optimization.
Nothing seemed to change immediately, leaving her puzzled.
Then, new text appeared:
"Expand your territory and continue building your Homeland using the provided tools and materials.
Reward: 80 Divine Void Strikes. (Each section grants 10 Divine Void Strikes.)"
Her surroundings shifted.
The once modest hundred-square-meter space expanded tenfold into a sprawling thousand-square-meter plain.
The new blueprints showed far more complex structures—roads, a logging camp, a quarry, and even a steel plant.
This was no simple project.
Hinata studied the diagrams closely. Since her performance had been graded, she knew that the quality of her work directly affected her rewards.
A score of 94.57 was excellent—but perfection offered far greater returns.
To get the best reward, I need to give my best effort.
She spent time measuring distances, calculating angles, and planning the optimal construction layout before beginning again.
Her first target was the logging camp nearest to her original home, and she followed the blueprints down to the finest detail.
This time, thanks to her prior experience, her efficiency was significantly higher, and the results were nearly flawless.
When the camp was finished, all the wood in her materials library vanished.
"Hmm… Does each facility consume its own resource type?" Hinata mused.
Once the logging camp began automatically replenishing timber, she immediately started constructing roads and infrastructure.
Here, she never felt hungry, tired, or sleepy.
But unlike most, she didn't lose track of time.
In her previous life as an assassin, precision timing had meant the difference between success and death. Arriving a second too early or too late could have been fatal.
That sharp sense of timing remained with her—even now, in this strange familiar world.
…
Timing it perfectly, Hinata stepped outside. The morning air was cool and fresh, but as soon as she emerged, her eyes began to itch and sting.
Before she could react, her Byakugan activated on its own. The veins around her eyes bulged, making her reflection in the window look almost fierce—predatory, even.
"Byakugan optimization…?" she murmured, recalling the earlier notification.
A wave of pain and prickling surged through her eyes, forcing her to close them tightly. When the discomfort finally faded, Hinata blinked—and her breath caught in awe.
Everything looked different.
Her vision was sharper and brighter than ever before; her field of view had nearly doubled. Even more astonishing, time itself seemed to slow within her gaze—objects moved with a subtle lag, as if the world had adjusted its pace for her alone.
"So this is… optimization?" she whispered. "Incredible."
…Under the Night's Veil
Under the cover of night, the city shimmered with countless lights, appearing exceptionally prosperous and breathtakingly beautiful.
On the top floor of a towering building, a group of men sat in tense silence, locked in a deadly staring contest.
"I've dedicated half my life to the organization," a middle-aged man sneered, cornered with no way out. "And now they won't even grant me a retirement? How heartless."
His tone carried no surprise—only resignation. It was as if he had long expected this outcome.
The others exchanged silent glances before raising their silenced pistols and gleaming daggers.
"Sitting around waiting to die isn't my style," the man growled, his eyes flashing with defiance. "If you want to kill me, then be ready to die with me!"
Before the others could react, he lunged first.
"!!!"
A fierce yet soundless battle erupted. Within moments, the struggle ended. The middle-aged man collapsed into a pool of blood—alongside more than a dozen of his former comrades.
As his vision darkened and consciousness began to fade, regret clouded his thoughts.
Who betrayed me? Anyone with half a brain should know… We were friends once—good friends…
His final breath left him with a bitter sense of unfinished purpose and resentment.
When the cleanup crew finished, the rooftop returned to silence. Only the faint metallic scent of blood lingered in the cool night air.
…
"Hinata-sama! HINATA-SAMA! "
Voices echoed around her.
Hinata awoke from darkness, blinking against the light, her mind hazy and overwhelmed by the chaotic shouts nearby. Everything felt noisy, distorted, and strange.
Her thoughts were tangled; her memories were scattered like broken glass.
Who am I? Where am I? What… am I supposed to do?
The guards assigned to protect her exhaled in relief when they saw her eyes flutter open.
"Thank goodness! You suddenly fainted—it scared us to death!"
"Hinata-sama, are you alright? Do you feel any pain or discomfort?"
"We should take her to the hospital immediately!"
"If the clan leader finds out, we'll be in serious trouble!"
"At a time like this, can you stop worrying about that?"
Their anxious voices overlapped and echoed in her head, each word amplified until it became unbearable. Her mind buzzed like a swarm of bees, unable to process anything.
Overwhelmed, Hinata closed her eyes—and fainted once more.
"!!"
The guards panicked. They dared not delay another second, rushing her to the hospital where a whirlwind of medical checks and tests followed.
…
"It's nothing serious," Hinata murmured weakly when she regained consciousness again. "I'm probably just… overtired. I'll be fine after some rest."
When she opened her eyes this time, she was already back home.
Throwing off her blanket, she rose unsteadily and walked toward the mirror.
Her reflection stared back—familiar, yet foreign.
"This isn't… a dream?" she whispered, stunned.
While she was unconscious, something extraordinary had happened.
A soul from another world—an older man with years of experience and an unyielding will—had collided with Hinata's original consciousness.
Instinctively, both fought for control.
Although the man possessed the hardened mind of an assassin, Hinata's spiritual strength was equally formidable. The battle between their wills raged fiercely, neither side yielding ground.
But as time passed, both began to weaken. If they continued, they would destroy each other entirely.
Facing mutual annihilation, the two came to an unspoken understanding.
Neither wanted to die.
And so, they chose to merge.
Thus, Hinata remained the same outwardly—but within, she was no longer the same person. Her soul was now a fusion of two lives, two worlds, and two minds.
[Ding!]
[Integration complete. Homeland construction initializing…]
A mechanical voice echoed in her mind.
Before she could react, her consciousness was pulled into a vast, open space—roughly a hundred square meters wide. Dense fog rolled along the perimeter, hiding whatever lay beyond. There was no way out.
Before her eyes, a glowing interface materialized—a control panel with several tools and icons.
The toolbar held items like hoes, shovels, nails, hammers, and wrenches.
The materials library contained piles of wood and steel.
At the bottom corner flickered a question mark. When Hinata focused on it, glowing text appeared:
"Clear the weeds, build your home, and complete the construction using the available tools and materials.
Reward: Mastery of the Gentle Fist."
"…What?"
She blinked. With a thought, she withdrew back into her body. Another thought—and she returned to the strange foggy space.
It wasn't an illusion.
Frowning in concentration, Hinata—now with the mind of a former assassin and the instincts of a shinobi—began to work.
She started by clearing the weeds, then dug the foundation according to the blueprint displayed in the manual. Despite her confusion, her hands moved with practiced precision.
Time flowed differently here—ten days in this dimension equaled only one day in the real world. That meant she could work as long as she wished without worrying about time outside.
…
[Ding!]
[Home construction complete. Reward obtained: Gentle Fist Mastery!]
A rush of energy surged through her body.
Hinata's eyes widened in awe as comprehension flooded her mind. Her understanding of Gentle Fist—its flow, rhythm, and chakra precision—had skyrocketed to an entirely new level.
It was as if the difference between a wooden stick and a steel pillar had been bridged in an instant.
Then, another notification appeared:
"Evaluation: 94.57 points.
Bonus reward: Select one — Byakugan Optimization, Neural Reaction Boost, or Strength Enhancement."
Before Hinata could choose, the virtual wheel spun on its own and landed on Byakugan Optimization.
Nothing seemed to change immediately, leaving her puzzled.
Then, new text appeared:
"Expand your territory and continue building your Homeland using the provided tools and materials.
Reward: 80 Divine Void Strikes. (Each section grants 10 Divine Void Strikes.)"
Her surroundings shifted.
The once modest hundred-square-meter space expanded tenfold into a sprawling thousand-square-meter plain.
The new blueprints showed far more complex structures—roads, a logging camp, a quarry, and even a steel plant.
This was no simple project.
Hinata studied the diagrams closely. Since her performance had been graded, she knew that the quality of her work directly affected her rewards.
A score of 94.57 was excellent—but perfection offered far greater returns.
To get the best reward, I need to give my best effort.
She spent time measuring distances, calculating angles, and planning the optimal construction layout before beginning again.
Her first target was the logging camp nearest to her original home, and she followed the blueprints down to the finest detail.
This time, thanks to her prior experience, her efficiency was significantly higher, and the results were nearly flawless.
When the camp was finished, all the wood in her materials library vanished.
"Hmm… Does each facility consume its own resource type?" Hinata mused.
Once the logging camp began automatically replenishing timber, she immediately started constructing roads and infrastructure.
Here, she never felt hungry, tired, or sleepy.
But unlike most, she didn't lose track of time.
In her previous life as an assassin, precision timing had meant the difference between success and death. Arriving a second too early or too late could have been fatal.
That sharp sense of timing remained with her—even now, in this strange familiar world.
…
Timing it perfectly, Hinata stepped outside. The morning air was cool and fresh, but as soon as she emerged, her eyes began to itch and sting.
Before she could react, her Byakugan activated on its own. The veins around her eyes bulged, making her reflection in the window look almost fierce—predatory, even.
"Byakugan optimization…?" she murmured, recalling the earlier notification.
A wave of pain and prickling surged through her eyes, forcing her to close them tightly. When the discomfort finally faded, Hinata blinked—and her breath caught in awe.
Everything looked different.
Her vision was sharper and brighter than ever before; her field of view had nearly doubled. Even more astonishing, time itself seemed to slow within her gaze—objects moved with a subtle lag, as if the world had adjusted its pace for her alone.
"So this is… optimization?" she whispered. "Incredible."
…Under the Night's Veil
Under the cover of night, the city shimmered with countless lights, appearing exceptionally prosperous and breathtakingly beautiful.
On the top floor of a towering building, a group of men sat in tense silence, locked in a deadly staring contest.
"I've dedicated half my life to the organization," a middle-aged man sneered, cornered with no way out. "And now they won't even grant me a retirement? How heartless."
His tone carried no surprise—only resignation. It was as if he had long expected this outcome.
The others exchanged silent glances before raising their silenced pistols and gleaming daggers.
"Sitting around waiting to die isn't my style," the man growled, his eyes flashing with defiance. "If you want to kill me, then be ready to die with me!"
Before the others could react, he lunged first.
"!!!"
A fierce yet soundless battle erupted. Within moments, the struggle ended. The middle-aged man collapsed into a pool of blood—alongside more than a dozen of his former comrades.
As his vision darkened and consciousness began to fade, regret clouded his thoughts.
Who betrayed me? Anyone with half a brain should know… We were friends once—good friends…
His final breath left him with a bitter sense of unfinished purpose and resentment.
When the cleanup crew finished, the rooftop returned to silence. Only the faint metallic scent of blood lingered in the cool night air.
…
"Hinata-sama! HINATA-SAMA! "
Voices echoed around her.
Hinata awoke from darkness, blinking against the light, her mind hazy and overwhelmed by the chaotic shouts nearby. Everything felt noisy, distorted, and strange.
Her thoughts were tangled; her memories were scattered like broken glass.
Who am I? Where am I? What… am I supposed to do?
The guards assigned to protect her exhaled in relief when they saw her eyes flutter open.
"Thank goodness! You suddenly fainted—it scared us to death!"
"Hinata-sama, are you alright? Do you feel any pain or discomfort?"
"We should take her to the hospital immediately!"
"If the clan leader finds out, we'll be in serious trouble!"
"At a time like this, can you stop worrying about that?"
Their anxious voices overlapped and echoed in her head, each word amplified until it became unbearable. Her mind buzzed like a swarm of bees, unable to process anything.
Overwhelmed, Hinata closed her eyes—and fainted once more.
"!!"
The guards panicked. They dared not delay another second, rushing her to the hospital where a whirlwind of medical checks and tests followed.
…
"It's nothing serious," Hinata murmured weakly when she regained consciousness again. "I'm probably just… overtired. I'll be fine after some rest."
When she opened her eyes this time, she was already back home.
Throwing off her blanket, she rose unsteadily and walked toward the mirror.
Her reflection stared back—familiar, yet foreign.
"This isn't… a dream?" she whispered, stunned.
While she was unconscious, something extraordinary had happened.
A soul from another world—an older man with years of experience and an unyielding will—had collided with Hinata's original consciousness.
Instinctively, both fought for control.
Although the man possessed the hardened mind of an assassin, Hinata's spiritual strength was equally formidable. The battle between their wills raged fiercely, neither side yielding ground.
But as time passed, both began to weaken. If they continued, they would destroy each other entirely.
Facing mutual annihilation, the two came to an unspoken understanding.
Neither wanted to die.
And so, they chose to merge.
Thus, Hinata remained the same outwardly—but within, she was no longer the same person. Her soul was now a fusion of two lives, two worlds, and two minds.
[Ding!]
[Integration complete. Homeland construction initializing…]
A mechanical voice echoed in her mind.
Before she could react, her consciousness was pulled into a vast, open space—roughly a hundred square meters wide. Dense fog rolled along the perimeter, hiding whatever lay beyond. There was no way out.
Before her eyes, a glowing interface materialized—a control panel with several tools and icons.
The toolbar held items like hoes, shovels, nails, hammers, and wrenches.
The materials library contained piles of wood and steel.
At the bottom corner flickered a question mark. When Hinata focused on it, glowing text appeared:
"Clear the weeds, build your home, and complete the construction using the available tools and materials.
Reward: Mastery of the Gentle Fist."
"…What?"
She blinked. With a thought, she withdrew back into her body. Another thought—and she returned to the strange foggy space.
It wasn't an illusion.
Frowning in concentration, Hinata—now with the mind of a former assassin and the instincts of a shinobi—began to work.
She started by clearing the weeds, then dug the foundation according to the blueprint displayed in the manual. Despite her confusion, her hands moved with practiced precision.
Time flowed differently here—ten days in this dimension equaled only one day in the real world. That meant she could work as long as she wished without worrying about time outside.
…
[Ding!]
[Home construction complete. Reward obtained: Gentle Fist Mastery!]
A rush of energy surged through her body.
Hinata's eyes widened in awe as comprehension flooded her mind. Her understanding of Gentle Fist—its flow, rhythm, and chakra precision—had skyrocketed to an entirely new level.
It was as if the difference between a wooden stick and a steel pillar had been bridged in an instant.
Then, another notification appeared:
"Evaluation: 94.57 points.
Bonus reward: Select one — Byakugan Optimization, Neural Reaction Boost, or Strength Enhancement."
Before Hinata could choose, the virtual wheel spun on its own and landed on Byakugan Optimization.
Nothing seemed to change immediately, leaving her puzzled.
Then, new text appeared:
"Expand your territory and continue building your Homeland using the provided tools and materials.
Reward: 80 Divine Void Strikes. (Each section grants 10 Divine Void Strikes.)"
Her surroundings shifted.
The once modest hundred-square-meter space expanded tenfold into a sprawling thousand-square-meter plain.
The new blueprints showed far more complex structures—roads, a logging camp, a quarry, and even a steel plant.
This was no simple project.
Hinata studied the diagrams closely. Since her performance had been graded, she knew that the quality of her work directly affected her rewards.
A score of 94.57 was excellent—but perfection offered far greater returns.
To get the best reward, I need to give my best effort.
She spent time measuring distances, calculating angles, and planning the optimal construction layout before beginning again.
Her first target was the logging camp nearest to her original home, and she followed the blueprints down to the finest detail.
This time, thanks to her prior experience, her efficiency was significantly higher, and the results were nearly flawless.
When the camp was finished, all the wood in her materials library vanished.
"Hmm… Does each facility consume its own resource type?" Hinata mused.
Once the logging camp began automatically replenishing timber, she immediately started constructing roads and infrastructure.
Here, she never felt hungry, tired, or sleepy.
But unlike most, she didn't lose track of time.
In her previous life as an assassin, precision timing had meant the difference between success and death. Arriving a second too early or too late could have been fatal.
That sharp sense of timing remained with her—even now, in this strange familiar world.
…
Timing it perfectly, Hinata stepped outside. The morning air was cool and fresh, but as soon as she emerged, her eyes began to itch and sting.
Before she could react, her Byakugan activated on its own. The veins around her eyes bulged, making her reflection in the window look almost fierce—predatory, even.
"Byakugan optimization…?" she murmured, recalling the earlier notification.
A wave of pain and prickling surged through her eyes, forcing her to close them tightly. When the discomfort finally faded, Hinata blinked—and her breath caught in awe.
Everything looked different.
Her vision was sharper and brighter than ever before; her field of view had nearly doubled. Even more astonishing, time itself seemed to slow within her gaze—objects moved with a subtle lag, as if the world had adjusted its pace for her alone.
"So this is… optimization?" she whispered. "Incredible."
…Under the Night's Veil
Under the cover of night, the city shimmered with countless lights, appearing exceptionally prosperous and breathtakingly beautiful.
On the top floor of a towering building, a group of men sat in tense silence, locked in a deadly staring contest.
"I've dedicated half my life to the organization," a middle-aged man sneered, cornered with no way out. "And now they won't even grant me a retirement? How heartless."
His tone carried no surprise—only resignation. It was as if he had long expected this outcome.
The others exchanged silent glances before raising their silenced pistols and gleaming daggers.
"Sitting around waiting to die isn't my style," the man growled, his eyes flashing with defiance. "If you want to kill me, then be ready to die with me!"
Before the others could react, he lunged first.
"!!!"
A fierce yet soundless battle erupted. Within moments, the struggle ended. The middle-aged man collapsed into a pool of blood—alongside more than a dozen of his former comrades.
As his vision darkened and consciousness began to fade, regret clouded his thoughts.
Who betrayed me? Anyone with half a brain should know… We were friends once—good friends…
His final breath left him with a bitter sense of unfinished purpose and resentment.
When the cleanup crew finished, the rooftop returned to silence. Only the faint metallic scent of blood lingered in the cool night air.
…
"Hinata-sama! HINATA-SAMA! "
Voices echoed around her.
Hinata awoke from darkness, blinking against the light, her mind hazy and overwhelmed by the chaotic shouts nearby. Everything felt noisy, distorted, and strange.
Her thoughts were tangled; her memories were scattered like broken glass.
Who am I? Where am I? What… am I supposed to do?
The guards assigned to protect her exhaled in relief when they saw her eyes flutter open.
"Thank goodness! You suddenly fainted—it scared us to death!"
"Hinata-sama, are you alright? Do you feel any pain or discomfort?"
"We should take her to the hospital immediately!"
"If the clan leader finds out, we'll be in serious trouble!"
"At a time like this, can you stop worrying about that?"
Their anxious voices overlapped and echoed in her head, each word amplified until it became unbearable. Her mind buzzed like a swarm of bees, unable to process anything.
Overwhelmed, Hinata closed her eyes—and fainted once more.
"!!"
The guards panicked. They dared not delay another second, rushing her to the hospital where a whirlwind of medical checks and tests followed.
…
"It's nothing serious," Hinata murmured weakly when she regained consciousness again. "I'm probably just… overtired. I'll be fine after some rest."
When she opened her eyes this time, she was already back home.
Throwing off her blanket, she rose unsteadily and walked toward the mirror.
Her reflection stared back—familiar, yet foreign.
"This isn't… a dream?" she whispered, stunned.
While she was unconscious, something extraordinary had happened.
A soul from another world—an older man with years of experience and an unyielding will—had collided with Hinata's original consciousness.
Instinctively, both fought for control.
Although the man possessed the hardened mind of an assassin, Hinata's spiritual strength was equally formidable. The battle between their wills raged fiercely, neither side yielding ground.
But as time passed, both began to weaken. If they continued, they would destroy each other entirely.
Facing mutual annihilation, the two came to an unspoken understanding.
Neither wanted to die.
And so, they chose to merge.
Thus, Hinata remained the same outwardly—but within, she was no longer the same person. Her soul was now a fusion of two lives, two worlds, and two minds.
[Ding!]
[Integration complete. Homeland construction initializing…]
A mechanical voice echoed in her mind.
Before she could react, her consciousness was pulled into a vast, open space—roughly a hundred square meters wide. Dense fog rolled along the perimeter, hiding whatever lay beyond. There was no way out.
Before her eyes, a glowing interface materialized—a control panel with several tools and icons.
The toolbar held items like hoes, shovels, nails, hammers, and wrenches.
The materials library contained piles of wood and steel.
At the bottom corner flickered a question mark. When Hinata focused on it, glowing text appeared:
"Clear the weeds, build your home, and complete the construction using the available tools and materials.
Reward: Mastery of the Gentle Fist."
"…What?"
She blinked. With a thought, she withdrew back into her body. Another thought—and she returned to the strange foggy space.
It wasn't an illusion.
Frowning in concentration, Hinata—now with the mind of a former assassin and the instincts of a shinobi—began to work.
She started by clearing the weeds, then dug the foundation according to the blueprint displayed in the manual. Despite her confusion, her hands moved with practiced precision.
Time flowed differently here—ten days in this dimension equaled only one day in the real world. That meant she could work as long as she wished without worrying about time outside.
…
[Ding!]
[Home construction complete. Reward obtained: Gentle Fist Mastery!]
A rush of energy surged through her body.
Hinata's eyes widened in awe as comprehension flooded her mind. Her understanding of Gentle Fist—its flow, rhythm, and chakra precision—had skyrocketed to an entirely new level.
It was as if the difference between a wooden stick and a steel pillar had been bridged in an instant.
Then, another notification appeared:
"Evaluation: 94.57 points.
Bonus reward: Select one — Byakugan Optimization, Neural Reaction Boost, or Strength Enhancement."
Before Hinata could choose, the virtual wheel spun on its own and landed on Byakugan Optimization.
Nothing seemed to change immediately, leaving her puzzled.
Then, new text appeared:
"Expand your territory and continue building your Homeland using the provided tools and materials.
Reward: 80 Divine Void Strikes. (Each section grants 10 Divine Void Strikes.)"
Her surroundings shifted.
The once modest hundred-square-meter space expanded tenfold into a sprawling thousand-square-meter plain.
The new blueprints showed far more complex structures—roads, a logging camp, a quarry, and even a steel plant.
This was no simple project.
Hinata studied the diagrams closely. Since her performance had been graded, she knew that the quality of her work directly affected her rewards.
A score of 94.57 was excellent—but perfection offered far greater returns.
To get the best reward, I need to give my best effort.
She spent time measuring distances, calculating angles, and planning the optimal construction layout before beginning again.
Her first target was the logging camp nearest to her original home, and she followed the blueprints down to the finest detail.
This time, thanks to her prior experience, her efficiency was significantly higher, and the results were nearly flawless.
When the camp was finished, all the wood in her materials library vanished.
"Hmm… Does each facility consume its own resource type?" Hinata mused.
Once the logging camp began automatically replenishing timber, she immediately started constructing roads and infrastructure.
Here, she never felt hungry, tired, or sleepy.
But unlike most, she didn't lose track of time.
In her previous life as an assassin, precision timing had meant the difference between success and death. Arriving a second too early or too late could have been fatal.
That sharp sense of timing remained with her—even now, in this strange familiar world.
…
Timing it perfectly, Hinata stepped outside. The morning air was cool and fresh, but as soon as she emerged, her eyes began to itch and sting.
Before she could react, her Byakugan activated on its own. The veins around her eyes bulged, making her reflection in the window look almost fierce—predatory, even.
"Byakugan optimization…?" she murmured, recalling the earlier notification.
A wave of pain and prickling surged through her eyes, forcing her to close them tightly. When the discomfort finally faded, Hinata blinked—and her breath caught in awe.
Everything looked different.
Her vision was sharper and brighter than ever before; her field of view had nearly doubled. Even more astonishing, time itself seemed to slow within her gaze—objects moved with a subtle lag, as if the world had adjusted its pace for her alone.
"So this is… optimization?" she whispered. "Incredible."
…Under the Night's Veil
Under the cover of night, the city shimmered with countless lights, appearing exceptionally prosperous and breathtakingly beautiful.
On the top floor of a towering building, a group of men sat in tense silence, locked in a deadly staring contest.
"I've dedicated half my life to the organization," a middle-aged man sneered, cornered with no way out. "And now they won't even grant me a retirement? How heartless."
His tone carried no surprise—only resignation. It was as if he had long expected this outcome.
The others exchanged silent glances before raising their silenced pistols and gleaming daggers.
"Sitting around waiting to die isn't my style," the man growled, his eyes flashing with defiance. "If you want to kill me, then be ready to die with me!"
Before the others could react, he lunged first.
"!!!"
A fierce yet soundless battle erupted. Within moments, the struggle ended. The middle-aged man collapsed into a pool of blood—alongside more than a dozen of his former comrades.
As his vision darkened and consciousness began to fade, regret clouded his thoughts.
Who betrayed me? Anyone with half a brain should know… We were friends once—good friends…
His final breath left him with a bitter sense of unfinished purpose and resentment.
When the cleanup crew finished, the rooftop returned to silence. Only the faint metallic scent of blood lingered in the cool night air.
…
"Hinata-sama! HINATA-SAMA! "
Voices echoed around her.
Hinata awoke from darkness, blinking against the light, her mind hazy and overwhelmed by the chaotic shouts nearby. Everything felt noisy, distorted, and strange.
Her thoughts were tangled; her memories were scattered like broken glass.
Who am I? Where am I? What… am I supposed to do?
The guards assigned to protect her exhaled in relief when they saw her eyes flutter open.
"Thank goodness! You suddenly fainted—it scared us to death!"
"Hinata-sama, are you alright? Do you feel any pain or discomfort?"
"We should take her to the hospital immediately!"
"If the clan leader finds out, we'll be in serious trouble!"
"At a time like this, can you stop worrying about that?"
Their anxious voices overlapped and echoed in her head, each word amplified until it became unbearable. Her mind buzzed like a swarm of bees, unable to process anything.
Overwhelmed, Hinata closed her eyes—and fainted once more.
"!!"
The guards panicked. They dared not delay another second, rushing her to the hospital where a whirlwind of medical checks and tests followed.
…
"It's nothing serious," Hinata murmured weakly when she regained consciousness again. "I'm probably just… overtired. I'll be fine after some rest."
When she opened her eyes this time, she was already back home.
Throwing off her blanket, she rose unsteadily and walked toward the mirror.
Her reflection stared back—familiar, yet foreign.
"This isn't… a dream?" she whispered, stunned.
While she was unconscious, something extraordinary had happened.
A soul from another world—an older man with years of experience and an unyielding will—had collided with Hinata's original consciousness.
Instinctively, both fought for control.
Although the man possessed the hardened mind of an assassin, Hinata's spiritual strength was equally formidable. The battle between their wills raged fiercely, neither side yielding ground.
But as time passed, both began to weaken. If they continued, they would destroy each other entirely.
Facing mutual annihilation, the two came to an unspoken understanding.
Neither wanted to die.
And so, they chose to merge.
Thus, Hinata remained the same outwardly—but within, she was no longer the same person. Her soul was now a fusion of two lives, two worlds, and two minds.
[Ding!]
[Integration complete. Homeland construction initializing…]
A mechanical voice echoed in her mind.
Before she could react, her consciousness was pulled into a vast, open space—roughly a hundred square meters wide. Dense fog rolled along the perimeter, hiding whatever lay beyond. There was no way out.
Before her eyes, a glowing interface materialized—a control panel with several tools and icons.
The toolbar held items like hoes, shovels, nails, hammers, and wrenches.
The materials library contained piles of wood and steel.
At the bottom corner flickered a question mark. When Hinata focused on it, glowing text appeared:
"Clear the weeds, build your home, and complete the construction using the available tools and materials.
Reward: Mastery of the Gentle Fist."
"…What?"
She blinked. With a thought, she withdrew back into her body. Another thought—and she returned to the strange foggy space.
It wasn't an illusion.
Frowning in concentration, Hinata—now with the mind of a former assassin and the instincts of a shinobi—began to work.
She started by clearing the weeds, then dug the foundation according to the blueprint displayed in the manual. Despite her confusion, her hands moved with practiced precision.
Time flowed differently here—ten days in this dimension equaled only one day in the real world. That meant she could work as long as she wished without worrying about time outside.
…
[Ding!]
[Home construction complete. Reward obtained: Gentle Fist Mastery!]
A rush of energy surged through her body.
Hinata's eyes widened in awe as comprehension flooded her mind. Her understanding of Gentle Fist—its flow, rhythm, and chakra precision—had skyrocketed to an entirely new level.
It was as if the difference between a wooden stick and a steel pillar had been bridged in an instant.
Then, another notification appeared:
"Evaluation: 94.57 points.
Bonus reward: Select one — Byakugan Optimization, Neural Reaction Boost, or Strength Enhancement."
Before Hinata could choose, the virtual wheel spun on its own and landed on Byakugan Optimization.
Nothing seemed to change immediately, leaving her puzzled.
Then, new text appeared:
"Expand your territory and continue building your Homeland using the provided tools and materials.
Reward: 80 Divine Void Strikes. (Each section grants 10 Divine Void Strikes.)"
Her surroundings shifted.
The once modest hundred-square-meter space expanded tenfold into a sprawling thousand-square-meter plain.
The new blueprints showed far more complex structures—roads, a logging camp, a quarry, and even a steel plant.
This was no simple project.
Hinata studied the diagrams closely. Since her performance had been graded, she knew that the quality of her work directly affected her rewards.
A score of 94.57 was excellent—but perfection offered far greater returns.
To get the best reward, I need to give my best effort.
She spent time measuring distances, calculating angles, and planning the optimal construction layout before beginning again.
Her first target was the logging camp nearest to her original home, and she followed the blueprints down to the finest detail.
This time, thanks to her prior experience, her efficiency was significantly higher, and the results were nearly flawless.
When the camp was finished, all the wood in her materials library vanished.
"Hmm… Does each facility consume its own resource type?" Hinata mused.
Once the logging camp began automatically replenishing timber, she immediately started constructing roads and infrastructure.
Here, she never felt hungry, tired, or sleepy.
But unlike most, she didn't lose track of time.
In her previous life as an assassin, precision timing had meant the difference between success and death. Arriving a second too early or too late could have been fatal.
That sharp sense of timing remained with her—even now, in this strange familiar world.
…
Timing it perfectly, Hinata stepped outside. The morning air was cool and fresh, but as soon as she emerged, her eyes began to itch and sting.
Before she could react, her Byakugan activated on its own. The veins around her eyes bulged, making her reflection in the window look almost fierce—predatory, even.
"Byakugan optimization…?" she murmured, recalling the earlier notification.
A wave of pain and prickling surged through her eyes, forcing her to close them tightly. When the discomfort finally faded, Hinata blinked—and her breath caught in awe.
Everything looked different.
Her vision was sharper and brighter than ever before; her field of view had nearly doubled. Even more astonishing, time itself seemed to slow within her gaze—objects moved with a subtle lag, as if the world had adjusted its pace for her alone.
"So this is… optimization?" she whispered. "Incredible."
…Under the Night's Veil
Under the cover of night, the city shimmered with countless lights, appearing exceptionally prosperous and breathtakingly beautiful.
On the top floor of a towering building, a group of men sat in tense silence, locked in a deadly staring contest.
"I've dedicated half my life to the organization," a middle-aged man sneered, cornered with no way out. "And now they won't even grant me a retirement? How heartless."
His tone carried no surprise—only resignation. It was as if he had long expected this outcome.
The others exchanged silent glances before raising their silenced pistols and gleaming daggers.
"Sitting around waiting to die isn't my style," the man growled, his eyes flashing with defiance. "If you want to kill me, then be ready to die with me!"
Before the others could react, he lunged first.
"!!!"
A fierce yet soundless battle erupted. Within moments, the struggle ended. The middle-aged man collapsed into a pool of blood—alongside more than a dozen of his former comrades.
As his vision darkened and consciousness began to fade, regret clouded his thoughts.
Who betrayed me? Anyone with half a brain should know… We were friends once—good friends…
His final breath left him with a bitter sense of unfinished purpose and resentment.
When the cleanup crew finished, the rooftop returned to silence. Only the faint metallic scent of blood lingered in the cool night air.
…
"Hinata-sama! HINATA-SAMA! "
Voices echoed around her.
Hinata awoke from darkness, blinking against the light, her mind hazy and overwhelmed by the chaotic shouts nearby. Everything felt noisy, distorted, and strange.
Her thoughts were tangled; her memories were scattered like broken glass.
Who am I? Where am I? What… am I supposed to do?
The guards assigned to protect her exhaled in relief when they saw her eyes flutter open.
"Thank goodness! You suddenly fainted—it scared us to death!"
"Hinata-sama, are you alright? Do you feel any pain or discomfort?"
"We should take her to the hospital immediately!"
"If the clan leader finds out, we'll be in serious trouble!"
"At a time like this, can you stop worrying about that?"
Their anxious voices overlapped and echoed in her head, each word amplified until it became unbearable. Her mind buzzed like a swarm of bees, unable to process anything.
Overwhelmed, Hinata closed her eyes—and fainted once more.
"!!"
The guards panicked. They dared not delay another second, rushing her to the hospital where a whirlwind of medical checks and tests followed.
…
"It's nothing serious," Hinata murmured weakly when she regained consciousness again. "I'm probably just… overtired. I'll be fine after some rest."
When she opened her eyes this time, she was already back home.
Throwing off her blanket, she rose unsteadily and walked toward the mirror.
Her reflection stared back—familiar, yet foreign.
"This isn't… a dream?" she whispered, stunned.
While she was unconscious, something extraordinary had happened.
A soul from another world—an older man with years of experience and an unyielding will—had collided with Hinata's original consciousness.
Instinctively, both fought for control.
Although the man possessed the hardened mind of an assassin, Hinata's spiritual strength was equally formidable. The battle between their wills raged fiercely, neither side yielding ground.
But as time passed, both began to weaken. If they continued, they would destroy each other entirely.
Facing mutual annihilation, the two came to an unspoken understanding.
Neither wanted to die.
And so, they chose to merge.
Thus, Hinata remained the same outwardly—but within, she was no longer the same person. Her soul was now a fusion of two lives, two worlds, and two minds.
[Ding!]
[Integration complete. Homeland construction initializing…]
A mechanical voice echoed in her mind.
Before she could react, her consciousness was pulled into a vast, open space—roughly a hundred square meters wide. Dense fog rolled along the perimeter, hiding whatever lay beyond. There was no way out.
Before her eyes, a glowing interface materialized—a control panel with several tools and icons.
The toolbar held items like hoes, shovels, nails, hammers, and wrenches.
The materials library contained piles of wood and steel.
At the bottom corner flickered a question mark. When Hinata focused on it, glowing text appeared:
"Clear the weeds, build your home, and complete the construction using the available tools and materials.
Reward: Mastery of the Gentle Fist."
"…What?"
She blinked. With a thought, she withdrew back into her body. Another thought—and she returned to the strange foggy space.
It wasn't an illusion.
Frowning in concentration, Hinata—now with the mind of a former assassin and the instincts of a shinobi—began to work.
She started by clearing the weeds, then dug the foundation according to the blueprint displayed in the manual. Despite her confusion, her hands moved with practiced precision.
Time flowed differently here—ten days in this dimension equaled only one day in the real world. That meant she could work as long as she wished without worrying about time outside.
…
[Ding!]
[Home construction complete. Reward obtained: Gentle Fist Mastery!]
A rush of energy surged through her body.
Hinata's eyes widened in awe as comprehension flooded her mind. Her understanding of Gentle Fist—its flow, rhythm, and chakra precision—had skyrocketed to an entirely new level.
It was as if the difference between a wooden stick and a steel pillar had been bridged in an instant.
Then, another notification appeared:
"Evaluation: 94.57 points.
Bonus reward: Select one — Byakugan Optimization, Neural Reaction Boost, or Strength Enhancement."
Before Hinata could choose, the virtual wheel spun on its own and landed on Byakugan Optimization.
Nothing seemed to change immediately, leaving her puzzled.
Then, new text appeared:
"Expand your territory and continue building your Homeland using the provided tools and materials.
Reward: 80 Divine Void Strikes. (Each section grants 10 Divine Void Strikes.)"
Her surroundings shifted.
The once modest hundred-square-meter space expanded tenfold into a sprawling thousand-square-meter plain.
The new blueprints showed far more complex structures—roads, a logging camp, a quarry, and even a steel plant.
This was no simple project.
Hinata studied the diagrams closely. Since her performance had been graded, she knew that the quality of her work directly affected her rewards.
A score of 94.57 was excellent—but perfection offered far greater returns.
To get the best reward, I need to give my best effort.
She spent time measuring distances, calculating angles, and planning the optimal construction layout before beginning again.
Her first target was the logging camp nearest to her original home, and she followed the blueprints down to the finest detail.
This time, thanks to her prior experience, her efficiency was significantly higher, and the results were nearly flawless.
When the camp was finished, all the wood in her materials library vanished.
"Hmm… Does each facility consume its own resource type?" Hinata mused.
Once the logging camp began automatically replenishing timber, she immediately started constructing roads and infrastructure.
Here, she never felt hungry, tired, or sleepy.
But unlike most, she didn't lose track of time.
In her previous life as an assassin, precision timing had meant the difference between success and death. Arriving a second too early or too late could have been fatal.
That sharp sense of timing remained with her—even now, in this strange familiar world.
…
Timing it perfectly, Hinata stepped outside. The morning air was cool and fresh, but as soon as she emerged, her eyes began to itch and sting.
Before she could react, her Byakugan activated on its own. The veins around her eyes bulged, making her reflection in the window look almost fierce—predatory, even.
"Byakugan optimization…?" she murmured, recalling the earlier notification.
A wave of pain and prickling surged through her eyes, forcing her to close them tightly. When the discomfort finally faded, Hinata blinked—and her breath caught in awe.
Everything looked different.
Her vision was sharper and brighter than ever before; her field of view had nearly doubled. Even more astonishing, time itself seemed to slow within her gaze—objects moved with a subtle lag, as if the world had adjusted its pace for her alone.
"So this is… optimization?" she whispered. "Incredible."
…Under the Night's Veil
Under the cover of night, the city shimmered with countless lights, appearing exceptionally prosperous and breathtakingly beautiful.
On the top floor of a towering building, a group of men sat in tense silence, locked in a deadly staring contest.
"I've dedicated half my life to the organization," a middle-aged man sneered, cornered with no way out. "And now they won't even grant me a retirement? How heartless."
His tone carried no surprise—only resignation. It was as if he had long expected this outcome.
The others exchanged silent glances before raising their silenced pistols and gleaming daggers.
"Sitting around waiting to die isn't my style," the man growled, his eyes flashing with defiance. "If you want to kill me, then be ready to die with me!"
Before the others could react, he lunged first.
"!!!"
A fierce yet soundless battle erupted. Within moments, the struggle ended. The middle-aged man collapsed into a pool of blood—alongside more than a dozen of his former comrades.
As his vision darkened and consciousness began to fade, regret clouded his thoughts.
Who betrayed me? Anyone with half a brain should know… We were friends once—good friends…
His final breath left him with a bitter sense of unfinished purpose and resentment.
When the cleanup crew finished, the rooftop returned to silence. Only the faint metallic scent of blood lingered in the cool night air.
…
"Hinata-sama! HINATA-SAMA! "
Voices echoed around her.
Hinata awoke from darkness, blinking against the light, her mind hazy and overwhelmed by the chaotic shouts nearby. Everything felt noisy, distorted, and strange.
Her thoughts were tangled; her memories were scattered like broken glass.
Who am I? Where am I? What… am I supposed to do?
The guards assigned to protect her exhaled in relief when they saw her eyes flutter open.
"Thank goodness! You suddenly fainted—it scared us to death!"
"Hinata-sama, are you alright? Do you feel any pain or discomfort?"
"We should take her to the hospital immediately!"
"If the clan leader finds out, we'll be in serious trouble!"
"At a time like this, can you stop worrying about that?"
Their anxious voices overlapped and echoed in her head, each word amplified until it became unbearable. Her mind buzzed like a swarm of bees, unable to process anything.
Overwhelmed, Hinata closed her eyes—and fainted once more.
"!!"
The guards panicked. They dared not delay another second, rushing her to the hospital where a whirlwind of medical checks and tests followed.
…
"It's nothing serious," Hinata murmured weakly when she regained consciousness again. "I'm probably just… overtired. I'll be fine after some rest."
When she opened her eyes this time, she was already back home.
Throwing off her blanket, she rose unsteadily and walked toward the mirror.
Her reflection stared back—familiar, yet foreign.
"This isn't… a dream?" she whispered, stunned.
While she was unconscious, something extraordinary had happened.
A soul from another world—an older man with years of experience and an unyielding will—had collided with Hinata's original consciousness.
Instinctively, both fought for control.
Although the man possessed the hardened mind of an assassin, Hinata's spiritual strength was equally formidable. The battle between their wills raged fiercely, neither side yielding ground.
But as time passed, both began to weaken. If they continued, they would destroy each other entirely.
Facing mutual annihilation, the two came to an unspoken understanding.
Neither wanted to die.
And so, they chose to merge.
Thus, Hinata remained the same outwardly—but within, she was no longer the same person. Her soul was now a fusion of two lives, two worlds, and two minds.
[Ding!]
[Integration complete. Homeland construction initializing…]
A mechanical voice echoed in her mind.
Before she could react, her consciousness was pulled into a vast, open space—roughly a hundred square meters wide. Dense fog rolled along the perimeter, hiding whatever lay beyond. There was no way out.
Before her eyes, a glowing interface materialized—a control panel with several tools and icons.
The toolbar held items like hoes, shovels, nails, hammers, and wrenches.
The materials library contained piles of wood and steel.
At the bottom corner flickered a question mark. When Hinata focused on it, glowing text appeared:
"Clear the weeds, build your home, and complete the construction using the available tools and materials.
Reward: Mastery of the Gentle Fist."
"…What?"
She blinked. With a thought, she withdrew back into her body. Another thought—and she returned to the strange foggy space.
It wasn't an illusion.
Frowning in concentration, Hinata—now with the mind of a former assassin and the instincts of a shinobi—began to work.
She started by clearing the weeds, then dug the foundation according to the blueprint displayed in the manual. Despite her confusion, her hands moved with practiced precision.
Time flowed differently here—ten days in this dimension equaled only one day in the real world. That meant she could work as long as she wished without worrying about time outside.
…
[Ding!]
[Home construction complete. Reward obtained: Gentle Fist Mastery!]
A rush of energy surged through her body.
Hinata's eyes widened in awe as comprehension flooded her mind. Her understanding of Gentle Fist—its flow, rhythm, and chakra precision—had skyrocketed to an entirely new level.
It was as if the difference between a wooden stick and a steel pillar had been bridged in an instant.
Then, another notification appeared:
"Evaluation: 94.57 points.
Bonus reward: Select one — Byakugan Optimization, Neural Reaction Boost, or Strength Enhancement."
Before Hinata could choose, the virtual wheel spun on its own and landed on Byakugan Optimization.
Nothing seemed to change immediately, leaving her puzzled.
Then, new text appeared:
"Expand your territory and continue building your Homeland using the provided tools and materials.
Reward: 80 Divine Void Strikes. (Each section grants 10 Divine Void Strikes.)"
Her surroundings shifted.
The once modest hundred-square-meter space expanded tenfold into a sprawling thousand-square-meter plain.
The new blueprints showed far more complex structures—roads, a logging camp, a quarry, and even a steel plant.
This was no simple project.
Hinata studied the diagrams closely. Since her performance had been graded, she knew that the quality of her work directly affected her rewards.
A score of 94.57 was excellent—but perfection offered far greater returns.
To get the best reward, I need to give my best effort.
She spent time measuring distances, calculating angles, and planning the optimal construction layout before beginning again.
Her first target was the logging camp nearest to her original home, and she followed the blueprints down to the finest detail.
This time, thanks to her prior experience, her efficiency was significantly higher, and the results were nearly flawless.
When the camp was finished, all the wood in her materials library vanished.
"Hmm… Does each facility consume its own resource type?" Hinata mused.
Once the logging camp began automatically replenishing timber, she immediately started constructing roads and infrastructure.
Here, she never felt hungry, tired, or sleepy.
But unlike most, she didn't lose track of time.
In her previous life as an assassin, precision timing had meant the difference between success and death. Arriving a second too early or too late could have been fatal.
That sharp sense of timing remained with her—even now, in this strange familiar world.
…
Timing it perfectly, Hinata stepped outside. The morning air was cool and fresh, but as soon as she emerged, her eyes began to itch and sting.
Before she could react, her Byakugan activated on its own. The veins around her eyes bulged, making her reflection in the window look almost fierce—predatory, even.
"Byakugan optimization…?" she murmured, recalling the earlier notification.
A wave of pain and prickling surged through her eyes, forcing her to close them tightly. When the discomfort finally faded, Hinata blinked—and her breath caught in awe.
Everything looked different.
Her vision was sharper and brighter than ever before; her field of view had nearly doubled. Even more astonishing, time itself seemed to slow within her gaze—objects moved with a subtle lag, as if the world had adjusted its pace for her alone.
"So this is… optimization?" she whispered. "Incredible."
…