Blue Star, 8 PM, on Aikawa's new anime recommendations, "naruto: prequel" was particularly eye-catching.
After it started broadcasting, very quickly... "First!"
"'naruto: prequel'? Kishimoto has only drawn up to the Chunin Exams; is this some filler anime original?"
"Obviously."
"Even though I know it might be trash, I can't help but take a bite."
Despite the criticism, the number of bullet comments continued to increase.
The "naruto" manga was very popular in this world, especially after recently entering the Chunin Exams arc, its popularity soared again.
So.
Although it was a "prequel" and likely a bait-and-switch, all naruto fans couldn't help but click on it.
After the OP, soon—
Naruto's running figure appeared on the screen.
He was carrying a bucket of ink, stepping quickly.
The bullet comments immediately had a bunch of complaints like "the old formula" and "the same old prankster Naruto."
Masahiko, who was off work and at home also watching the video and bullet comments, keenly noticed a crucial piece of information—
In this world, Kishimoto's manga had also only reached the Chunin Exams!
The situation was slightly different from his previous life.
He was lost in thought, his gaze moving with the bullet comments.
Soon—
"A new character? He's kind of handsome!"
"Holy crap, his movements are so pretentious, but he really is handsome. I love this art style!"
"Huh? Is this Naruto's new teacher? But he didn't appear in the manga!"
As the broadcast continued, everyone finally understood the timeline of the "prequel."
Naruto and Sasuke were seven years old.
In the plot, there was even a scene of Itachi sending Sasuke to school; the Uchiha had not yet been exterminated.
However.
What everyone discussed most heatedly was this "Yagyu Masahiko," whose art style was quite different from the other teachers.
"So pretentious, so handsome, I love it!"
"His attitude is so double-standard..."
"A villain, right? Let me take a guess, one of Orochimaru's people? Since he didn't appear in the main story, he must be a prequel original villain."
"But he's so handsome. Is Kishimoto really not considering letting him appear in the main story?"
The discussion in the bullet comments was heated; Masahiko stared at the screen and quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
He didn't appear in the second half of the episode, which mainly focused on Iruka's teaching and Naruto's poor performance in Ninjutsu.
Although he only appeared in the first half, in the first episode of just over twenty minutes, he occupied a quarter of the runtime.
His debut performance was undoubtedly a success!
After the whole episode finished playing, the light screen closed automatically, and lines of text appeared on the panel.
[Popularity Rating: S]
[Comprehensive Evaluation...]
[Congratulations! You have been promoted to: S-rank Featured actor]
[Received Remuneration: Actor's Basic Training - Taijutsu Chapter]
[Permission granted, "Ability Training" module loaded successfully!]
"10% to 30% screen time makes one a Featured actor?"
Masahiko was thoughtful, looking at the next few lines, and then his mind moved—
In the next instant, a brand new panel appeared before his eyes.
[Ability Training]
[Unlocked: Basic Training - Taijutsu Chapter]
[Time Limit: Permanent]
Yagyu Masahiko sat down, staring at the "Basic Training - Taijutsu Chapter" on the panel. After just a second... his vision blurred, space distorted... and when he came to, he was in a completely blank world with a stiff figure before him.
Might Guy!
However, it wasn't the current Jonin Guy, but the Young Might Guy who was only eleven years old and had just become a Chunin.
"My name is Might Guy. Starting today, I am responsible for your basic Taijutsu training. Please guide me!"
The other party bowed deeply.
Yagyu Masahiko returned the gesture: "Please guide me!"
"Basic Taijutsu is constant training and hard work, turning punches, kicks, elbows, and dodges into instinct..."
Young Might Guy quickly spoke about his insights.
Masahiko froze for a second, then laughed in spite of himself.
That's right.
This wasn't the real Might Guy; otherwise, he would definitely be excitedly talking about unintelligible things like "youth" and "passion."
He was just a projection created by the System.
Masahiko composed himself and listened intently.
Young Might Guy spoke for a long time before saying: "You can train here, or engage in actual combat training with me."
"Okay."
Masahiko nodded.
The next moment—
Shoo!
Both used the Body Flicker Technique simultaneously, closing the distance at high speed.
But.
Just as Masahiko raised his hand, Might Guy's foot had already kicked over.
Bang!
When hands and feet collided, the hands naturally suffered more, but fortunately, with Chakra reinforcement and blocking, he wasn't injured.
He countered quickly, however... Bang bang bang!
Several counterattacks combining the Body Flicker Technique and Taijutsu were unable to do anything to Young Might Guy; the opponent could always quickly block his killing moves.
Both were getting faster and faster, but Masahiko found that he was getting hit more and more often instead.
Whoosh!
Masahiko no longer held back, the boost from the Body Flicker Technique increased by another level, leaving an afterimage where he stood—
Bang!
Young Might Guy was kicked flying, his hands supporting him on the ground as he tried to flip back up, but Masahiko's follow-up attack arrived immediately.
His leg was like a blade, tracing an arc in the air and smashing down from above.
Boom!
Young Might Guy was hit again, falling to the ground, his figure blurring and disappearing without a trace.
In just a second, another "Young Might Guy" appeared.
Masahiko made a judgment—
The projection of "Young Might Guy" completely simulated the 11-year-old Might Guy; his physical fitness, attributes, and mastered abilities were identical.
If they were the same age, he would be no match for Guy.
Even so, Masahiko still had many bruises on his body.
Fortunately, this was a special space for study and training.
After getting beaten, Masahiko's mind moved, and he found that his injuries were immediately refreshed.
"Constant training can turn movements into instinct and improve reaction speed in battle..."
He pondered for a moment and tried asking: "Which aspect should I focus my training on?"
"Optimize your movements; your moves are not refined or concise enough. Additionally, increase training intensity to turn the movements into muscle memory..."
Young Might Guy replied.
Then train!
Masahiko threw himself into actual combat training again.
Although ordinary training could also improve strength, it was not as effective as actual combat.
"Don't use the Body Flicker Technique; let's have a pure Taijutsu duel."
"Yes."
...Late at night, the insects chirped.
Yagyu Masahiko sat up.
He checked the time—
Nine-thirty.
"I've been training for two hours?"
He stood up, his body making a series of "crackling" sounds, and a burst of indescribable refreshment emerged.
Masahiko opened the window and jumped out with a "whoosh."
He landed lightly and silently.
Masahiko froze for a few seconds, a bright smile appearing on his face.
As a ninja, climbing and landing using Chakra were basic skills, but this time, the movement at the moment of landing was almost instinctive.
This was exactly the effect of "Basic Training."
The abilities from training could be manifested in reality!
Under the light, Masahiko's eyes were bright, his heart full of joy as he pondered how to play his role next.
At this time, outside—
"Lee! Are you giving up just like that?"
"No! Guy-sensei, I haven't given up, I can still keep going!"
"Oh—!!! This is youth!!!"
Hmm?
Masahiko looked outside, and a plan had already formed in his mind.