"Sign in! It has to be now. System, sign me in!"
[Host has selected Sign-in. Initializing function...]
[Congratulations! Sign-in successful. Reward obtained: Basic Spiritual Pressure, Basic Flash Step, Hado #1–30, Bakudo #1–30, and a Zanpakuto (Asauchi State).]
As the System's voice faded, Naraku felt a mysterious surge of power welling up inside him. Simultaneously, a flood of knowledge regarding the Destruction and Binding spells of Kido rushed into his mind.
A Zanpakuto?! Naraku's mind raced with confusion. Wait, isn't this the Naruto world? What's with the Soul Reaper powers? A Shinigami running around in a Ninja village? System, you really are trying to stir the pot, aren't you?
[Host, sign-in rewards are not limited to your current world. They are drawn randomly from across the Myriad Heavens. Furthermore, if your luck is good enough during Major Events, it is entirely possible to obtain the Rinnegan or Six Paths Mode!]
Fine, so I can get stuff from any universe. That's actually pretty versatile, Naraku thought. Even if he hadn't landed a top-tier Ninja ability, the powers from the world of Bleach were nothing to scoff at. Some Zanpakuto were so broken after Bankai that they were practically god-tier.
Based on his knowledge from his past life, Naraku figured the power scaling in Bleach was generally higher than in Naruto. If someone like Captain-Commander Yamamoto showed up and released his Bankai, the entire Naruto world would probably just melt. No one could stop that.
Of course, that kind of power was still a long way off. For now, Naraku amused himself by imagining a future duel: a ninja throws a Fire Style jutsu at him, and he counters with Sokatsui. They use Lightning Style? He drops a Raikaho. It would be perfect.
. . . . . . .
RUMBLE... BOOM!
Even inside the shelter, the earth-shaking tremors from outside echoed through the cavern. Dust rained down from the ceiling, making Naraku worry the whole cave might collapse.
The Nine-Tails' Rebellion was essentially the beginning of the Naruto story. In this man-made disaster, the Fourth Hokage and his wife sacrificed their lives, leaving behind a son who became the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki—a boy destined to be shunned by the village and grow up in crushing loneliness.
Back when he watched the anime, Naraku always felt bad for Naruto. The kid was ostracized, treated with cold contempt, and often went to bed hungry, yet he still loved the village and worked tirelessly to become Hokage. Naraku knew that if he were in Naruto's shoes, he probably would have turned into a villain long ago. He didn't think he had anywhere near that level of mental fortitude.
The chaos outside continued for hours. Eventually, exhaustion claimed Naraku's tiny body. His eyes grew heavy, and he drifted off to sleep. After all, he was only two years old; a lot of napping was only natural.
When he woke up the next morning, Naraku was lying in a large, comfortable bed. He sat up and looked around, guessing that the rebellion was over and he had been brought back home.
Oh right, I didn't get a good look at my rewards last night. And where's my sword?
"System? You there? Where are my rewards? And my Zanpakuto? How do I see them?"
[Host, you need only think 'Check Status' in your mind. All obtained items have been placed in the System Inventory. Simply think 'Retrieve' to take them out.]
Nice, it even comes with storage. That'll be handy for traveling later.
Open Status Panel, Naraku commanded internally. Immediately, a semi-transparent virtual screen floated before his eyes:
Host: Hyuga Naraku Level: Basic Spiritual Pressure (Genin Level) Abilities: Hado #1–30, Bakudo #1–30, Basic Flash Step Items: Zanpakuto (Asauchi State)
Naraku studied the information. So, Basic Spiritual Pressure scales to a Genin? If that's the case, then Intermediate and Advanced levels probably correspond to Chunin and Jonin ranks. I wonder what level equates to a Kage? Captain-level, maybe? Whatever—I'll find out once I start leveling up.
His gaze shifted to the weapon resting in the System Inventory. He mentally selected "Retrieve," and a plain-looking katana materialized in his small hands.
Is this really a Zanpakuto? No, strictly speaking, this is just an Asauchi—a nameless blade.
Since it was in the Asauchi state, he would need to learn its name to achieve Shikai. Only then would it become a true Zanpakuto. But... the System didn't give me a name. Looks like I'll have to wake it up myself.
With a thought, he sent the blade back into the System Inventory.
Now, let's look at the Kido spells. Between Hado and Bakudo, I've got both offense and defense covered. Not bad. It's a shame I didn't get any Kaido—the healing arts—otherwise I'd have the full set.
Actually... why don't I test a Hado out?
The idea made his heart race. Back in his previous life, this was all just fiction. As a shut-in otaku, he had spent countless hours daydreaming about having this kind of power. Now that it was real, he couldn't wait to try it.
He scanned the room and spotted a decorative vase on the nightstand. You'll do.
Naraku stood before the vase, closing his eyes to focus on the energy in his body. He pointed a tiny finger at the target and whispered the incantation: "Hado #1: Sho!"
The energy in his body surged toward his fingertip, and a small shockwave shot forward.
SMASH!
The vase shattered instantly.
"It actually worked! Hahaha!" Naraku beamed.
It wasn't world-breaking power, but it was only a Level 1 spell. He knew that the higher the number, the more devastating the destruction. Once his Spiritual Pressure increased, even this Level 1 spell could be lethal.
"Naraku? What was that? Is everything okay?"
A voice called out from beyond the room, followed by hurried footsteps. The door slid open, revealing Naraku's new father: Hiashi Hyuga, the head of the clan.
"Oh, the vase fell. You aren't hurt, are you?" Hiashi sighed in relief, gathering Naraku into his arms. Thinking it was an accident, he checked the boy over with genuine concern. Naraku gave him a sweet, innocent smile and shook his head.
Man, this is weird, Naraku thought. My body is two, but my soul is almost thirty. Playing the part of a toddler for a guy who's technically younger than me is... an experience.
Well, whatever. I basically hijacked his son's body. I guess I owe him one. I'll play along, act cute, and be a 'good boy' for now. Consider it payment for the new life.