Kushina Uzumaki sat in the empty seat next to Chihiro.
As she settled in, she immediately sensed the strange atmosphere in the room.
Many of the students were giving her and Chihiro odd glances—some curious, others wary.
Masada Hayabusa, their homeroom teacher, clapped his hands. "Alright, let's begin class."
During the lesson, Kushina occasionally glanced at Chihiro from the corner of her eye.
Why is everyone isolating him? she wondered. He must have a bad reputation or something… but he seems pretty normal.
He was good-looking—not in a fierce or intimidating way, but quietly handsome—and he was paying close attention to the lecture.
Though it was their first time meeting, Kushina's impression of him wasn't bad. Mostly because, unlike the others, he hadn't laughed at her when she introduced herself and got mocked for her accent.
Logically speaking, someone this good-looking should be popular… so why is he sitting alone?
She sighed. Anyway, now's not the time to be worrying about others.
It was her first day in Konoha after transferring from Uzushio, and it already felt overwhelming. The stares, the whispers, the teasing… it didn't bode well.
Looks like life here won't be easy, she thought.
Meanwhile, Chihiro was in a very strange mood.
He had noticed Kushina glancing at him now and then.
She must be curious because no one sits beside me. But… why did she sigh just now?
He frowned slightly.
Could it be that being seated next to me already feels burdensome to her?
If it were anyone else, he could understand. But this was Kushina Uzumaki. She had just transferred today and shouldn't know anything about his circumstances.
Chihiro was puzzled.
But before he could think further, a sudden notification echoed in his mind:
[Witnessing the enrollment of an important character, Kushina Uzumaki — 50 Witness Points rewarded.]
[Total Witness Points: 100 — Activation conditions met. Would you like to activate the system?]
Chihiro's heart surged with excitement. Finally!
"Activate."
A virtual panel appeared in front of his eyes, glowing faintly.
Chihiro glanced around in a panic. Kushina was staring blankly at the blackboard, clearly distracted. The rest of the class showed no reaction.
He exhaled in relief. As he'd hoped, only he could see the panel.
It displayed his personal data:
---
[Character: Chihiro]
[Bloodline: Uchiha Clan, Senju Clan]
[Kekkei Genkai: None]
[Chakra Level: One-fifth of Sharingan-state Kakashi Hatake]
[Ninjutsu: E-Rank – Clone, Substitution, Transformation (Three Basic Jutsu)]
[Genjutsu: None]
[Taijutsu: D-Rank – Basic Shurikenjutsu]
---
One-fifth of a Sharingan Kakashi? What kind of weird measurement is that? Chihiro muttered internally.
Below the profile was a tab labeled "Exchange Shop."
Opening it, Chihiro found a dazzling array of options—everything from simple jutsu to rare Kekkei Genkai and even foreign powers like… Devil Fruits?
Suddenly, the system spoke again:
[Reminder: If the host does not meet the prerequisites for an ability, the cost will be multiplied fivefold. For each major event witnessed, the system will provide three random rewards. These rewards may originate outside the ninja world.]
Chihiro narrowed his eyes. "So, for example… if I want Ice Release but lack both Water and Wind chakras, the cost is five times higher. But if I meet those conditions, it's normal?"
[Correct. As a first-time system activation bonus, the host may select one of the following three rewards:]
---
Reward 1: Activate the Sharingan — two tomoe in both eyes
Reward 2: Thunder Breathing — All sword forms, including Lightning Chakra Form Transformation & Nature Transformation
Reward 3: Devil Fruit — Float-Float Fruit (Grants flight, side effects removed, user can still swim)
---
Chihiro considered the options.
The Float-Float Fruit… nah. I can already run on walls with chakra. Flying's cool, but not useful enough.
As for the Sharingan—tempting, but since I have Uchiha blood, I might awaken it naturally or at least buy it at the normal rate later.
What he needed now was real, immediate combat power.
Thunder Breathing…
"A new blade each season. A cool blade each season."
It even comes with Lightning Release mastery…
His decision was clear.
"System, I choose Reward 2."
[Would you like to receive the reward now?]
Chihiro hesitated. "What exactly will happen if I do?"
[Since the host possesses Lightning chakra but lacks form and nature transformation mastery, the system will temporarily control the host's body to simulate both. Sword forms will be uploaded into your memory and physically demonstrated internally.]
He jolted. "No! Not here! I'll accept it later!"
[Reward has been stored. It can be claimed from the system inventory at any time.]
Chihiro let out a breath of relief.
He couldn't risk attracting attention by suddenly going through flashy transformations in the middle of class.
But now… with the system activated, and Thunder Breathing techniques waiting, he finally felt secure.
He had no interest in playing the weakling. Hiding power served no purpose if it meant missing opportunities.
Besides, the Third Great Ninja War was approaching.
To survive—and thrive—Chihiro needed Witness Points, and Konoha was the best place to gather them.
He didn't plan to flaunt all his strength immediately. That would only raise red flags with Konoha's leadership—Hiruzen, Danzo, and the others.
He would show his strength gradually, subtly.
For now, he waited quietly, excited to go home and officially receive his reward.