Blue Star — 8:00 PM
On popular New Anime Picks, one title immediately stood out:
Naruto: Prelude
The moment it went live—
"First!"
"'Naruto: Prelude'? Kishimoto's only drawn up to the Chunin Exams. Is this some anime-original filler?"
"Obviously."
"I know it's probably trash… but I'm watching anyway."
Despite the skepticism, the live comments kept flooding in.
The Naruto manga was extremely popular in this world—especially now that the Chunin Exams arc had begun. Its popularity had surged again in recent weeks.
So even though this was labeled a prequel—and clearly smelled like a bait title—no Naruto fan could resist clicking.
After the opening—
Naruto appeared on screen, sprinting through the streets with a bucket of ink in his arms.
The comment feed instantly exploded.
"Same old Naruto.""Classic prank setup.""Can he do anything else?"
At home, Masahiko watched quietly, eyes flicking between the screen and the scrolling comments.
Then he caught something important.
In this world, Kishimoto's manga had also only reached the Chunin Exams.
That was different from his previous life.
He leaned back slightly, deep in thought.
Soon—
"New character?""Wait, he's actually really handsome.""His movements are kind of over-the-top, but wow, the art style is nice.""Is that Naruto's new teacher? He wasn't in the manga."
As the episode continued, viewers gradually pieced together the timeline.
Naruto and Sasuke were only seven years old.
There was even a brief scene of Itachi walking Sasuke to school. The Uchiha clan still existed.
But what people discussed the most—
Was Yagyu Masahiko.
His character design stood out sharply from the other teachers.
"So dramatic… but I like it.""Total double standards.""Calling it now—he's a villain.""Probably tied to Orochimaru. No way he survives into the main story.""But he's way too handsome to throw away. Kishimoto, what are you doing?"
Masahiko stared at the screen and quietly exhaled.
He didn't appear in the second half of the episode, which focused on Iruka's class and Naruto's struggles with ninjutsu.
Still—
In a twenty-minute episode, he'd taken up nearly a quarter of the runtime.
A successful debut.
The episode ended. The screen dimmed, and text appeared before his eyes.
[Popularity Rating: S][Comprehensive Evaluation in Progress…]
[Promotion Granted: S-Rank Special Guest Actor][Reward Acquired: Actor's Basic Training — Taijutsu]
["Ability Training" module unlocked]
"So jumping from ten percent to thirty percent screen time gets you a Special Guest slot…"
Masahiko's eyes shifted as his thoughts moved.
A new panel unfolded.
[Ability Training]Unlocked: Basic Training — TaijutsuDuration: Permanent
He focused on it.
The world blurred.
Space twisted—
And when his vision cleared, he stood in a pure white void. A rigid figure faced him.
Might Guy.
Not the future Jonin—but an eleven-year-old version, freshly promoted to Chunin.
"My name is Might Guy," the boy said, bowing deeply. "From today on, I will be responsible for your basic taijutsu training. Please guide me!"
Masahiko returned the bow. "Please guide me."
"Taijutsu is repetition," Guy said seriously. "Punches, kicks, elbows, dodges—trained until they become instinct."
Masahiko paused… then laughed softly.
Right.
If this were the real Guy, he'd already be yelling about youth and passion.
This was a projection—created by the system.
He focused.
Guy continued explaining fundamentals before concluding, "You may train freely—or engage me in live combat."
"Combat," Masahiko said immediately.
Whoosh!
Both activated Body Flicker at the same time.
Masahiko raised his hand—
Too late.
Guy's kick was already there.
Bang!
Hands against feet—never a favorable exchange. Chakra reinforcement softened the blow, but it still stung.
Masahiko countered—
Bang! Bang! Bang!
A series of rapid attacks, blending taijutsu and flicker steps—blocked every time.
They moved faster and faster.
Yet Masahiko was the one getting hit more often.
He narrowed his eyes.
Whoosh!
His speed surged. An afterimage remained where he stood—
Bang!
Guy was kicked airborne.
Before he could recover—
Masahiko followed up.
His leg came down like a blade.
Boom!
The figure shattered and vanished.
Another Young Might Guy appeared instantly.
Masahiko assessed the situation.
This projection perfectly simulated the real eleven-year-old Guy—physical stats, reaction speed, techniques.
If they were the same age, Masahiko wouldn't stand a chance.
Even now, bruises covered his body.
Thankfully—
This was a training space.
With a thought, his injuries vanished.
"Refinement," Guy said. "Your movements aren't concise. Increase intensity until technique becomes muscle memory."
Masahiko nodded.
Then—
Train.
Again and again.
"No Body Flicker," Masahiko said. "Pure taijutsu."
"Yes!"
Late at night, insects chirped softly outside.
Masahiko sat up suddenly.
He checked the time.
9:30 PM.
"Two hours… already?"
He stood.
His joints crackled lightly—and a wave of exhilaration washed over him.
He opened the window and leapt out.
Whoosh.
He landed silently.
Masahiko froze.
Then smiled.
Chakra-assisted movement was basic for a ninja—but this landing had been instinctive.
No hesitation.
No adjustment.
This was the result of Basic Training.
The skills carried over.
Under the moonlight, his eyes gleamed as he considered his next move.
Then—
From outside—
"Lee! Are you giving up already?"
"No! Guy-sensei! I can keep going!"
"OH—THIS IS YOUTH!!!"
Masahiko glanced toward the noise.
A plan was already forming.