[Quest Complete! Taste of Death! Survive 3 Hours in Training Ground 44! +2500 EXP, +1 All Attributes, Hunter Perk.]
[Level Up!]
Status
Name: Nara Kichirou
Title: The Gamer, Grinder
Occupation: Apprentice (Sarutobi Hiruzen)
Class: Generalist
Level: 33
EXP: 1900/3300
HP: 2030/2030
SP: 1155/1155
CP: 4890/4890
Attributes:
STR: 120
DEX: 111
VIT: 203
INT: 137
WIS: 121
LUK: -77
Available Attribute points: 10
Available Perk points: 0
[Perk: Hunter
Increases damage against non-Summon animals by 10%.]
The Forest of Death wasn't a playground… at least, not for anyone under Level 50. Anko got a big kick out of watching me fight all the local wildlife, even though I was 90% sure she'd bail me out if I got in over my head. But I couldn't deny I was getting some great experience. Not EXP, though I did get a small amount with each kill. But I was getting a sample of what live combat with an enemy ninja would be like. Plus, there was something immensely satisfying about using the precious Skills I had spent so many hours grinding to actually fight something.
I made sure that the huge bear I'd been dueling had stopped twitching in its death throes before allocating my Attribute points.
Status
Name: Nara Kichirou
Title: The Gamer, Grinder
Occupation: Apprentice (Sarutobi Hiruzen)
Class: Generalist
Level: 33
EXP: 1900/3300
HP: 2030/2030
SP: 1155/1155
CP: 5000/5000
Attributes:
STR: 122
DEX: 117
VIT: 203
INT: 138
WIS: 123
LUK: -77
Available Attribute points: 0
Available Perk points: 0
[Achievement Unlocked: More Powah! (I)
CP is 5000 or higher. CP regen rate is passively doubled (stackable).]
Well, that was marvelous. The higher my CP had gotten, the longer it had taken to refill. This Achievement would help in that regard.
"You're not half bad, Kichirou," Anko grinned. I'd convinced her to use my name instead of 'brat' or 'kid'. "For a 9 year old, you're doing as good as your average Chunin hopeful. And you're hindered by your size. Plus it seems Hokage-sama hasn't gotten around to teaching many combat Jutsu apart from the Kage Bunshin. Once you get some decent tricks up your sleeve, you'll be a total beast!"
"Thank you, Anko-san," I said. "Now, might we return to the village? I don't want to be late for my own birthday party."
"Sure, we can start our way back," she agreed.
"And you're invited, by the way. Our group could use a big sister figure," I added.
"I got better things to do with my time than babysit a bunch of Academy students, Kichirou," Anko snorted.
"At least meet them. I got a feeling you and Naruto will get along like a house on fire. Soaked in gasoline, at that," I added.
"Will there be cake?" Anko asked.
"It's a kid's birthday party, of course there'll be cake," I rolled my eyes.
"Guess I could pop in for a minute," she shrugged.
We reached the village and I led her to the Nara Clan Head house. My friends, their parents, and Hiruzen were all there. I made introductions for Anko, and within 5 minutes she was having a blast. As I predicted, she and Naruto mutually found the other to be a riot. I talked with everyone, checking in on their progress at the Academy. Sasuke was holding the top spot, but Naruto did his best to make him work for it. Hinata was the best girl in the class by a mile. Shikamaru was too lazy to truly apply himself, but he wasn't flirting with being the Dead Last. Chouji was firmly in the middle of the rankings too.
That night, I was grinding my chakra control exercises while my Kage Bunshin were in the Library soaking up all that knowledge. And knowledge is power, after all. I was honestly surprised when I got a notification.
[Quest Complete! Well-Read Nara (I)! Read 10% of Nara Clan Library! +500 EXP, +10 INT and WIS, Gale-Force Reading Perk!]
Status
Name: Nara Kichirou
Title: The Gamer, Grinder
Occupation: Apprentice (Sarutobi Hiruzen)
Class: Generalist
Level: 33
EXP: 2400/3300
HP: 2030/2030
SP: 1155/1155
CP: 5200/5200
Attributes:
STR: 122
DEX: 117
VIT: 203
INT: 148
WIS: 133
LUK: -77
Available Attribute points: 0
Available Perk points: 0
[Perk: Gale-Force Reading
Doubles reading speed while retaining complete comprehension. If Reading Skill is Max Level, reading speed is tripled instead.]
Nice, that should speed things up considerably. That done, I went back to working on my Water Nature Chakra Leaf Exercise (what a mouthful) and using nothing but chakra to make a leaf soaking wet.
I got back to the grind. On the day of the Final Exams for my friends, Hiruzen surprised me. "Kichirou-kun, would you like to become a Genin?"
I blinked. "Um, sure? Would be nice to be able to farm D-rank missions for money and hopefully EXP. But I don't really care about my ranking so long as I can contribute."
"I know. You don't desire power and prestige, merely the means to protect your loved ones. Now, this won't be the standard Graduation Exam we give to Academy students. You are my apprentice, and you are to be held to a higher standard." Hiruzen walked over to the river that ran through the training ground. He did rapid fire hand seals and the water came to life and formed a human outline before coloring to become identical to himself. "A Mizu Bunshin has exactly 1/10th the strength of the creator." Before my eyes, the Mizu Bunshin made the Kage Bunshin seal and made 4 Kage Bunshin. "This is your test, Kichirou-kun: land a hit on me at 1/50th of my total power," Hiruzen stated. One of the Kage Bunshin stepped forward and got into a ready stance.
I took a deep breath and got into my own stance. Well, time to see if I measured up to 2% of my sensei going all out.
8 minutes 32 seconds later, I managed to catch the Kage Bunshin in a ninja wire trap and throw a kunai that got it right in the throat. I was below half HP, my SP was in the single digits, and I was less than 10% of my CP. But by thunder, I popped the fucking Kage Bunshin.
"Either I'm getting rusty or you're truly exceptional, Kichirou-kun," the original chuckled.
"Now, why do I get the feeling you said that because you never actually expected me to best that thing?" I panted.
"I didn't. I was going to pass you either way, you're stronger and better trained than most career Genin. But because you succeeded, I'll throw in a bonus," Hiruzen grinned. "But first thing's first."
He took out a forehead protector with the Konoha symbol engraved on the metal. He offered it. "Wear it with pride," he told me.
I tied it to my forehead, feeling the weight settle and knowing my life would never be the same.
[Quest Complete! You Are Shinobi! Become Genin! +2 Level, +10 All Attributes, Konohagakure Genin Occupation, Legal Adult Perk, Child Soldier Curse.]
Status
Name: Nara Kichirou
Title: The Gamer, Grinder
Occupation: Apprentice (Sarutobi Hiruzen)
Class: Generalist
Level: 37
EXP: 875/3700
HP: 2030/2030
SP: 1365/1365
CP: 5990/5990
Attributes:
STR: 140
DEX: 133
VIT: 225
INT: 171
WIS: 155
LUK: -77
Available Attribute points: 20
Available Perk points: 1
[Occupation: Konohagakure Genin
Attributes and Skills are increased 10% while on a sanctioned mission of Konoha.]
[Perk: Legal Adult
Old enough to kill, old enough to drink, old enough to fuck. One look at your forehead protector and adults will let you get away with all the traditional vices no matter your real age.]
[Curse: Child Soldier
Civilians and pacifists are discomforted by your profession. Until you turn 18, all interactions with said groups are 25% more likely to go badly.
I dismissed the screens and watched as Hiruzen bit his thumb before doing 5 hand seals. He slammed his palm on the ground, and a white-furred Monkey Summon wearing clothes and with a large scroll across his back appeared in a puff of smoke.
My jaw dropped. "The Monkey Summoning Contract? Are you serious?"
"You earned it, Kichirou-kun," Hiruzen assured me.
"Hiruzen, are you certain? This boy is but a child," the Summon protested.
"He's an exceptional child old before his time. I trust him to be a summoner worth the name," Hiruzen told the monkey.
"So be it," the monkey nodded before laying the scroll on the ground and opening it to the first open slot. I glanced through the names of past summoners, noting most of them were from the Sarutobi Clan. I bit my thumb hard enough to draw blood and signed my name in kanji before leaving my fingerprints under the signature.
[New Skill Created!]
[Summoning Jutsu (Active) Level: 1
With a sacrifice of blood and chakra, summon a member of your contracted Summon Clan to the battlefield. Cost: Various. Cost decreases with level and camaraderie with specific Summon. Known Summons: N/A.]
The monkey rolled the Summoning Contract back up and vanished back to its realm. Hiruzen grinned fondly at me. "You're free for the day, Kichirou-kun. I'd say take it easy, but why waste my breath? You can get your Ninja ID photo taken first thing tomorrow, and as soon as you have it in hand you can take D-rank missions at your leisure. And yes, Kage Bunshin may take them, so long as the client signs off on the mission scroll that the job was done properly. Otherwise, I still expect you to show up here 5 days a week."
I grinned. "See you tomorrow, Hiruzen-sensei."
I went back to my house to take a nap in my bed and recover all my HP, SP, and CP. When I woke up, I made some Kage Bunshin to read in the Nara Clan Library and went to the Ninja Academy. I sat on the swing on the tree in the courtyard (which literally had more screen time in the anime than Tenten, for the record) and idly passed the time until my friends got out of class.
When the rush of kids came out the doors, I stood and waved at Naruto when I spotted him. "Yo, little bro!" I called.
"Kichirou! Oh, wow, Hokage-jiji made you Genin?!" Naruto gaped when he got a good look at me and my new forehead protector.
The rest of the group followed after Naruto and I found myself looking down at the whole group. Huh, when did I become the tallest?
"He gave me his own version of the Graduation Exam and I passed. So, yeah, I'm officially a Konoha-nin," I confirmed. "And you lot will be joining me in 3 years, unless one of you applies to graduate early or something."
"Too troublesome," Shikamaru said immediately.
"I'd like to graduate with Shikamaru," Chouji shrugged as he opened a bag of chips.
"It'll be cooler to get promoted at the first Chunin Exams after I graduate! I'm going to become as awesome as I can while in the Academy, the Graduation Exam will be a cakewalk, and I'll set a record for becoming Chunin right after becoming Genin!" Naruto declared.
"What he said," Sasuke chuckled.
"I'd like to enjoy a peaceful time as a student with my friends before becoming a ninja," Hinata said with a small grin.
"3 years for you all it is, then," I nodded.
"We gotta celebrate you becoming Genin, though! Let's grab an adult and go eat out!" Naruto decided for all of us.
"You know, technically I'm an adult now, at least legally," I chuckled. "But yes, let's find someone else's wallet to take the burden of feeding you, you bottomless pit."
"Oh? Did I hear right? Kichirou-kun has become a Genin? To be expected, he has been Hokage-sama's apprentice for over six months now," Yamanaka Inoichi commented, coming over with little Ino beside him. He, Shikaku, and Chouza threw a monthly play date for Ino, Shikamaru, and Chouji, and I was often roped in when they were hosted at the Nara house.
"Kichirou-kun, you're so cool! Not as cool as Sasuke-kun, but you're a close second!" Ino said with eyes bright with girlish admiration. Could fangirls have secondary idols? If so, guess I was Ino's. Uncomfortable though, that.
"Thank you, Inoichi-ojisan. I don't suppose you'd be willing to take us all out to dinner to celebrate?" I asked. "Naruto and Chouji alone would wipe out my life savings."
"Sure, my treat. And maybe I can convince Ino to join your little group. I say she needs more friends and some help studying all the time."
"She's asked, we declined. She'd spend all her time bothering Sasuke instead of training with us," Hinata informed the Yamanaka Clan Head.
Inoichi frowned. "Is that so?" He looked at his daughter with exasperation. "Ino-chan, you're too young to be going gaga over boys yet. Can't you behave and become part of their study group?"
"Daddy, come on! How can I NOT love Sasuke-kun?! He's so amazing and cute!" Ino said with hearts in her eyes. She didn't notice or didn't care that Sasuke gave a full-body shudder at her words.
I had an idea, and I went with it. I pulled a kunai from the pouch strapped to my thigh and moved faster than the kids could see. I got behind Sasuke and held the kunai to his neck. "Ino, kill your father or I'll kill Sasuke," I said, my voice cold as ice.
Everyone froze. "W-w-what?" Ino asked, looking horrified.
I waited a beat, and then removed the bladed weapon from threatening Sasuke. "I'm not serious, of course, but what would you have done if I had been? THAT is why we hang out together and help each other train. Yes, we're friends and have fun, but we're also future ninja. The world is cruel, and we need to get strong in order to face it. That's why the others refused you joining, you wouldn't contribute, you'd just be a distraction to Sasuke and the others."
Ino gulped, looking at me like she'd never seen me before.
Inoichi frowned. "Was that really necessary, Kichirou-kun?"
"In my mind, yes. Ino needed a wakeup call. And maybe my friends needed a reminder that the Academy isn't all fun and games, it's to get us ready for a career as soldiers," I said reasonably.
"But, Kichirou, you never would hurt Sasuke… right?" Naruto asked hesitantly.
"If he became a threat to the village or any of you, I would," I said. "Would break my heart, but I'd do what is needed."
Sasuke gulped, then looked up at me. "Nothing is true, everything is permitted, right? Even friendship isn't absolute, and nothing was stopping you from slitting my throat a minute ago but your decision not to."
"That's right, Sasuke. And for what it's worth, sorry for using you as my hostage. I just figured using you would hit Ino the hardest," I said apologetically.
"I understand," Sasuke said, giving me a grin to show all was forgiven.
There was an awkward silence for a second, then Chouji cleared his throat. "So, food?"
Inoichi was looking at me with an unreadable expression. But he plastered on a grin and nodded. "Yep! Come on kids, let's get some grub."
With a party of 8, we went to an Akimichi buffet. I shamelessly padded my Inventory at each station before taking a plate back to our table. Ino was subdued, but was actually talking and chatting with everyone instead of fangirling over Sasuke.
When I went to refill my drink, Inoichi followed me. "That was a bold move you made, trying to teach my daughter and your friends a lesson," he commented neutrally.
"3 years before they become Genin, take their first C-rank, and leave the protection of the village. If they're not in the right mindset, they'll die before they get the chance to really live," I said, unrepentant.
"They'll have a Jonin-sensei to look after and protect them. And it's peacetime, Kichirou-kun," Inoichi pointed out.
"It's been less than a century since the end of the Warring Clan's Era, and there's already been 3 major wars between the Hidden Villages in the new era. The world is safer than it might ever have been in the past for the moment, but that's not the same as safe, Inoichi-ojisan. Even in the heart of Konoha, there's no such thing as zero danger. A terrorist attack, a coup, an S-rank Missing-nin, anything could happen. My friends can do all the training in the world, but without the right attitude they'll still end up slaughtered by the first true threat to come their way," I told him.
"And what makes you different from them, Kichirou-kun? What opened your eyes to the danger out there?" Inoichi pressed.
"Ask Hokage-sama to read you in about my Bloodline Limit, otherwise it's above your clearance," I said plainly.
He blinked. "Well… very well, then."
We went back to the table and rejoined the jovial atmosphere of celebrating my Genin status and getting free food with friends.
I got a notification just as we were finishing.
[New Skill Created!]
[Fuinjutsu Mastery (Passive) Level: 1
Increases effectiveness and decreases chakra cost of all Fuinjutsu-based Skills by 1%. Scales with level.]
The Nara Clan Library was a treasure trove of the Ninja Arts and priceless wisdom, but it wasn't very well-organized. The librarians were always too lazy. But apparently one of my Kage Bunshin had finally tracked down a manual on Fuinjutsu.
Let the hacking of reality commence. I almost cackled in glee.
Shikamaru and I went back to our house. Yoshino and Shikaku congratulated me when they saw my forehead protector, and then I went to the courtyard. I refreshed my Kage Bunshin to go read in the Library or train in a chakra control exercise. Once my CP had refreshed while I did some calisthenics, I decided to practice with the Summoning Jutsu. I bit my thumb, did the hand seals, and invested around 5500 CP into the Jutsu.
Poof. A Monkey a bit taller than me wearing samurai-like armor appeared. He blinked. "Hello. You must be the new summoner. Am I your first attempt at the Jutsu? If so, consider me impressed."
"Nara Kichirou. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. And your name?" I asked with a bow.
"I am Prince Taizan, second-born son of King Enma," Taizan introduced himself. "Now that I'm here, how may I assist you?"
"How about a lecture on the Monkey Summon Clan, so I know your capabilities and how best to utilize you in combat? Plus I'm fascinated to know your history and unique culture. Then, once I've recharged my chakra, we could have a little spar if you're up for it," I suggested.
"Very well," Taizan nodded.
The Monkey Summon Clan weren't known for their size like most other Summons, but they were considered some of the best at learning Jutsu and martial arts given their humanoid forms. Emma's shapeshifting power was apparently a learned skill that most upper-tier Monkeys could master. The Clan was ruled by King Enma as the Boss Summon, and his subordinates were his 12 sons. I noted in my head they were all named after the 13 judges of the dead from Chinese Taoism. Apparently Enma was a bit of a jack of all trades, while each of his 12 sons and their respective families/underlings had a specialization. Taizan's focus was on Kenjutsu, the art of the sword. I also learned that he was one of the weaker princes despite his age, somewhere between your average elite Genin and rookie Chunin. Solidly C-rank, to use the Bingo Book system.
"Are there any Monkeys older or stronger than King Enma?" I asked at the end of the half-hour talk.
"Kizaru-ojiisama. He is our Elder," Taizan said with clear respect. "He is too frail to engage in combat anymore, but he has learned the secrets of Senjutsu and mastered all 12 of the paths the Monkey Summon Clan have pursued. He never leaves Hometree though, our Summon Realm. If you ever want to meet him, you must first earn Father's respect, get an invitation from Grandfather, and then use the Reverse Summoning Jutsu to come to Hometree."
"Gotcha," I nodded. "Well, up for that spar?"
"Thought you'd never ask," he grinned before drawing his katana. I took out a kunai myself. I was confident he wouldn't slice off a limb unless he wanted to, he seemed to be a master of all his movements.
I used Observe.
Name: Taizan
Title: Second Monkey Prince
Occupation: Monkey Summon
Class: Samurai
Level: 43
EXP: 3700/4300
HP: 1950/1950
SP: 1850/1850
CP: 5270/5270
Attributes:
STR: 159
DEX: 211
VIT: 195
INT: 162
WIS: 176
LUK: 110
Huh, wondered what Perks he had that increased his CP from what it should be. And I guessed his CP was the exact cost for summoning him. Shaking my head, I focused back on my opponent.
"Begin!" Taizan said before launching forward.
I had just barely eked out a win against Hiruzen-sensei's Mizu Bunshin's Kage Bunshin. Taizan was better than that chakra construct, and he didn't vanish in one solid hit. I got my ass kicked, but it was a learning experience.
"You have serious potential, Kichirou," Taizan complimented after I yielded when he managed to pin me and hold his wakizashi to my throat. "I had to actually try, and you're only 9 years old. In time, you truly could earn the right to meet Kizaru-ojiisama."
"Thank you for the encouragement, Taizan," I grinned once I got my breath back.
"Well, I'm almost out of chakra. I shall return to Hometree. Feel free to summon me for another bout, lessons in Kenjutsu, or even just to talk. I shall spread word of you to my brothers and the rest of the Clan. Be warned, some of them will not accept you as summoner out of hand. They will insist on you passing a test of their invention to truly accept you," Taizan told me.
"Looking forward," I grinned.
He bowed, and then vanished in a puff of smoke.
I had a feeling defeating each of the 12 princes, King Enma, and maybe even Kizaru in single combat were Quests, quite possibly with an Achievement if I managed to beat them all. Something to work towards. I noticed it was getting late, and went to my room. I'd grind PT to crank out Strength and Dexterity points while sending Kage Bunshin to read and do chakra control exercises like I did most nights.
The next day, I went to the Hokage Tower as soon as it opened and got my Ninja ID after a quick photo. I put the card in my Inventory so I'd never lose it. I made 3 Kage Bunshin to take D-ranks and then reported to Training Ground 3 to meet with Hiruzen.
I fell into a routine of doing my training with Hiruzen 5 days a week, farming D-rank missions every day, my usual nightly grinding, and a rest day to reconnect with my friends every Sunday and just relax. On the day when Hiruzen needed to rest and I still trained, I tended to meet up with Anko and go to the Forest of Death for the day. She seemed to really be taking a shine to me.
It was in August when I managed to beat Taizan in an honest fight. I disarmed him and then hit him with a D-rank Lightning Jutsu that was essentially a taser and could incapacitate the average civilian or unsuspecting Genin. When he recovered to find me holding a kunai to his throat, he chuckled. "I acknowledge your victory. Impressive, Kichirou."
[Quest Complete! Barrel of Monkeys (Taizan)! Beat a Monkey Prince! +3000 EXP, Summoner Perk.]
[Level Up!]
[You have reached Level 40! +5 Attribute points each Level Up!]
Status
Name: Nara Kichirou
Title: The Gamer, Grinder
Occupation: Apprentice (Sarutobi Hiruzen)
Class: Generalist
Level: 40
EXP: 200/4000
HP: 2390/2390
SP: 1455/1455
CP: 6170/6170
Attributes:
STR: 150
DEX: 141
VIT: 239
INT: 171
WIS: 155
LUK: -77
Available Attribute points: 15
Available Perk points: 1
[Perk: Summoner
Reduce chakra cost of all Summons by 25%.]
I bowed to Taizan and dismissed him back to Hometree. I hoped the Well-Rounded Achievement went by multiples of 50, so I invested 9 points into Dexterity and the rest into Vitality.
Status
Name: Nara Kichirou
Title: The Gamer, Grinder
Occupation: Apprentice (Sarutobi Hiruzen)
Class: Generalist
Level: 40
EXP: 200/4000
HP: 2450/2450
SP: 1500/1500
CP: 6260/6260
Attributes:
STR: 150
DEX: 150
VIT: 245
INT: 171
WIS: 155
LUK: -77
Available Attribute points: 0
Available Perk points: 1
[Achievement Unlocked!]
[Achievement: Well-Rounded (III)
All Attributes (except LUK) are 150 or higher. CP is passively doubled (stackable).]
[Achievement: More Powah! (II)
CP is 10000 or higher. CP regen rate is passively doubled (stackable).]
Sweet. I picked my Perk and regarded the final screen.
Status
Name: Nara Kichirou
Title: The Gamer, Grinder
Occupation: Apprentice (Sarutobi Hiruzen)
Class: Generalist
Level: 40
EXP: 200/4000
HP: 2450/2450
SP: 1500/1500
CP: 12520/12520
Attributes:
STR: 150
DEX: 150
VIT: 245
INT: 171
WIS: 155
LUK: -77
Available Attribute points: 0
Available Perk points: 0
[Perk: Overclocking
Can convert HP to CP at rate of 1 HP/10 CP.]
Now, if I ever got into a situation where I had Health Points to spare and needed chakra fast, I could dip into it to pull off a desperate attack. And thanks to those Achievements, my training could go even harder.
And now that my CP was over 10k, I was reasonably confident to start experimenting with some chakra-intensive exercises.
I went out to buy some balloons.
That night, in my room, I grinned as I made a water balloon pop.
[New Skill Created!]
[Rasengan Stage I Exercise (Active) Level: 1
Rotated chakra in your hand to make a water balloon pop. Increases power and decreases cost of Rasengan Skill by 1%. Scales with level. Active cost of 200 CP/sec.]
I'd be grinding this even after I succeeded in making a Rasengan. Gains were gains, after all. Though maybe I should do this in the tub so that all the water from the popped balloons didn't stain the hardwood floor.
The days kind of blurred together from that point. I blinked and it was January. Hiruzen and I met in Training Ground 3 and he paused before giving me my usual assignment for the day. "Kichirou-kun… what kind of ninja do you want to be?"
"A good one," I said plainly.
"I'm serious, my boy. You've been focusing on general improvement. But it could take decades to achieve S-rank or Kage-level in every single field of the Ninja Arts. And that's a fine goal to have, but as you let me know we don't have that kind of time before Kaguya's return. You need to pick a specialization. A 'Class' as you call it. What role do you want to take on the battlefield?"
I nodded as I realized what he was getting at. Generalist was all well and good, but I needed to narrow my focus. I sat on the ground and thought very hard. What kind of fighter did I want to be? I did everything from review my stats, my personal preferences in combat, and what was important to me.
I looked up at Hiruzen. "I want to be a Tank."
"Elaborate, please," Hiruzen prompted.
"Tanks draw an enemy or enemies' attention and attacks in order to protect others in the party. They require a large health pool, damage mitigation skills, ideally the power to avoid being hit in the first place, and subtly maneuver the enemy so others can swoop in for the kill. Vitality is my highest stat and will remain so if I have a say, therefore I can take more damage. With my ability to grind, my large chakra reserves and ever-growing control can be funneled into Medical Ninjutsu to keep myself going and heal myself mid-fight. I can get fast enough to dodge all the bad guys' attacks and strong enough to do so wearing armor, which I can possibly enhance with Fuinjutsu. In short, the first to charge and the last to stop."
"It suits you," Hiruzen grinned. "Very well. Focus on training everything else in your own time. But from this day forth, we focus on making you the best Tank we can."
[New Class Acquired!]
[Class: Tank
The charging bull to distract the enemy so your allies can live. Increases HP, all Resistance-based Skills, and decreases CP cost of all Skills by 10% when fighting with allies against an opponent.]
Nice. I could equip that whenever I was part of a group and keep Generalist for when I was solo. Or should I make a second specialization for when I was on my own? I loved the Assassin's Creed games in my first life. I could develop into a stealth character, slipping in and out without being seen or making kills without a sound. A Stealth Tank, as it were. Something to think about.
The next few months, Hiruzen started to outsource my training. We still trained just as hard as normal, but he called in help from experts in those fields he knew others were better at.
I met with Might Gai to do Taijutsu training, physical conditioning, and also learn to draw attention. Hiruzen assured me I didn't have to wear the green unitard and scream about 'the power of Youth', but Gai served many of the same functions as a Tank himself. The enemy tended to focus on him because he was the loudest, the most eye-catching, and with his direct fighting style he was the most 'in your face' in the fight. I developed actual Taunt and Distraction Skills (Active and Passive respectively) to get an opponent to attack me instead of my friends. I also started leveling up Strength and Dexterity like nobody's business. Gai's 'challenges' counted as Quests when I tried to fulfill them, and I threw myself in wholeheartedly.
I met with the head of the Hospital, a Jonin named Kurosaki Isshin. No, I wasn't making this up. He even had a son named Ichigo who favored Kenjutsu and twin daughters. Unexpected crossover aside, I started learning Medical Ninjutsu under his supervision. I also got very good at dodging random attacks, he claimed a Medic-nin must always be on guard and ready to avoid damage because they were the team's most important asset. I devoured anatomy and physiology textbooks as I crammed a map of the human body down to the cellular level into my head and learned how to repair it with chakra.
When I mentioned I wanted a flip side to the Tank persona and get good at sneaking up on opponents and taking them out before they even knew I was there, Hiruzen brought me to the ANBU Captain codenamed Dragon. Given I never had to sleep, I started spending my nights doing stealth training, stalking patrolling Chunin under Dragon's supervision among other tasks. Sneaking was my Active Skill for decreasing attention sent my way, Pickpocketing was a Skill for stealing, while Stealth was a Passive Skill that enhanced both and I was sure similar Skills as well.
Hiruzen himself started to focus on Bojutsu, Ninjutsu, and Fuinjutsu. He told me the staff was an excellent weapon for offense and defense and could even be used lethally or non-lethally once you got good enough. Plus Enma could become the Adamantine Staff, arguably the strongest no in the world. He'd mastered 1000 Jutsu, earning the name Professor, and started the process of teaching every single one to me. And he showed me how to make specific seals as well as general theory to one day experiment and make my own Fuinjutsu.
Fuinjutsu, for the record, was like an artistic form of computer code. It used Kanji and certain unique symbols put together in certain shapes to somehow manipulate chakra and affect the world. Working out how each symbol interacted with every other and how each shape affected the overall outcome differently, I could tell, could take a lifetime to fully grasp. Luckily, I had Kage Bunshin. I could cram a lifetime into a much shorter time period.
My 10th birthday started with a notification at 12:01 am the day of.
[Achievement Unlocked!]
[Achievement: Denarian
You lasted 1 decade. +1000 EXP, +10 All Attributes, +1 Perk point *Happy Birthday, Son - God.]
[Level Up!]
Status
Name: Nara Kichirou
Title: The Gamer, Grinder
Occupation: Apprentice (Sarutobi Hiruzen)
Class: Generalist
Level: 45
EXP: 650/4500
HP: 2770/2770
SP: 1715/1715
CP: 14160/14160
Attributes:
STR: 174
DEX: 169
VIT: 277
INT: 193
WIS: 172
LUK: -77
Available Attribute points: 15
Available Perk points: 1
I made my decisions and allowed my points.
Status
Name: Nara Kichirou
Title: The Gamer, Grinder
Occupation: Apprentice (Sarutobi Hiruzen)
Class: Generalist
Level: 45
EXP: 650/4500
HP: 2770/2770
SP: 1750/1750
CP: 14400/14400
Attributes:
STR: 175
DEX: 175
VIT: 280
INT: 195
WIS: 175
LUK: -77
Available Attribute points: 0
Available Perk points: 0
[Perk: Puberty
You are blossoming into a man! Expect growth spurts, body hair, and strange new urges.]
I was sure God was having fun when he made that Perk. What would have happened if I never picked it? Would I remain prepubescent my whole life? But I got a free Perk point and figured I might as well get the process started.
I kept up my grind until breakfast, which I attended with my adoptive family.
"Happy birthday, Kichirou-kun!" Yoshino grinned. "Hokage-sama gave you the day off, no?"
"That's right," I confirmed. "He said he'd stop by the party tonight too."
"Any plans for the day?" Shikaku asked.
"I'll have my Kage Bunshin keep reading the Library. As for the real me, I thought I'd just wander around the village before the Academy lets out and everyone comes over," I shrugged.
After the meal, I walked Shikamaru to the Academy and got a quick hello with all the group, which now included Ino. They went in just before 8:00, and I decided to start my day off with a visit to the bookstore. Two hours later, I finished reading a best-selling novel I'd purchased and taken to the reading corner. Thank you, Gale-Force Reading. The story still fresh in my mind, I decided on a nice soak.
I reached the entrance to the onsen and paused. My minimap had picked up a rather strong presence. And he was on the outside wall of the women's half of the hot springs.
Well, well, well. How fortuitous. Guess he'd come into town to give Hiruzen a report or just randomly was passing through.
I walked around the outside border of the hot springs and spotted Jiraiya of the Sannin crouched by a peephole he'd probably made himself. He was giggling in a decidedly gross way, sketching or jotting down notes for bis 'research' in a notebook.
I managed to get right behind him. Either my Stealth Skill was higher than I thought or he was really distracted. I spoke up. "You know, you could always just use Henge and join them to get a better look."
Jiraiya looked over his shoulder at me. "You think I haven't tried? Any half-decent Tokubetsu or Sensor can sense me and then the jig is up."
"And any half-decent Tokubetsu or Sensor won't sense you right here anyway?" I shot back.
"Ah, but I'm not technically in the baths like this, that makes it okay or at least excusable for most. I've got a system here, kid."
"And why not just use a seal-based Genjutsu like your friend Senju Tsunade does and fool them, then?" I continued.
Jiraiya blinked. "Huh. Interesting. Worth considering. I like the way your mind works, kid."
"Thanks. Nara Kichirou," I introduced myself. "And I know who you are. Jiraiya the Gallant, Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku, even a crying baby would stare in awe, blah blah blah. No need for the Kabuki routine."
"Ah, my reputation precedes me, it would seem," Jiraiya grinned. "You're a bit young, but would you like a look?"
"I personally subscribe to the idea that if I can't get someone's clothes off myself I go without," I said dryly.
"Ah, so you live for the challenge. Admirable, but me, I'm not above cheating," Jiraiya said before going back to peeping.
I decided to take a risk and try Observe.
[Observe Skill Failed. Insufficient Level.]
Ah, well, worth a try.
"So, what brings you back to the village?" I asked conversationally.
"Oh, just nostalgia. Felt an impulse to come back and refamiliarize myself with my roots," Jiraiya said as he wrote down some poor girl's measurements.
"Were you planning to oh, I don't know, check in on your godson?" I posed.
He looked at me sharply. "How the fuck do you know about that?" he asked, eyes cold and face flat. I knew my age wouldn't save me if he deemed me a threat.
"I'm Hiruzen-sensei's apprentice and best friends with Naruto. I know things," I shrugged.
"Sarutobi-sensei got off his ass to train you, huh? You must be something special, Kichirou," Jiraiya said with a thoughtful frown.
"You can ask Hiruzen-sensei about it if you want. And if you want to get to know the boy you swore to raise if his parents died, you can stop by my birthday party tonight. Nara Clan Head house, 5:00 pm. Now, I'll leave you to your 'research'," I said before heading back to the entrance. I still wanted my soak, after all.
After I was pleasantly relaxed after an hour in the rejuvenating waters, I decided to hit up Anko's dango stand to see if she'd be there. I saw her, and had an unexpected reaction in my pants. Well, that didn't take long. But what did I expect when I picked the Puberty Perk with the Gamer power, honestly? I fought my erection down and went to sit next to her. "Hey, Anko."
"Kichirou! Happy birthday, you little munchkin," she grinned. "Want to lose that pesky virginity as your present from me?"
"Pleasant as that sounds on my end, I don't see how you'd get any enjoyment from robbing the cradle like that. Maybe once I'm taller than you and my voice is deeper than yours," I countered.
"Ooh, worried about your partner's pleasure? A very good sign," she chuckled. "But seriously, Kichirou, everyone has to start somewhere. And your first time should be with someone you trust. Whenever you're ready, I'll throw you a free ride."
"The fact that I'm 10 and you're 22 doesn't bother you?" I asked.
"You've never felt like a kid to me. You've been your own mini-adult since I met you a year ago. One of your friends, not even if you paid me. But you, I'd just enjoy it for the experience it is," she said honestly.
Think less of me if you must. But I hadn't had an orgasm in 10 years, Anko was a 9.8/10 on my personal hotness scale, and she was freely offering. "In that case, I'll accept your present," I said casually.
She almost choked on her dango. "Wait, what?"
"Your place or mine? Or would you like a hotel?" I continued.
"Don't joke with me, Kichirou. You're about five seconds away from me plucking you and humping your brains out," Anko said.
"Have at me," I said back.
She put some money on the counter and grabbed my shoulder. One Shunshin later, we were in her apartment. Over the next few hours, the Kissing, Fingering, Oral Sex (Female and Receiver), Vaginal Sex (Giver), and even Anal Sex (Female) Skills were created.
We made it to my party around 5:15 after a quick shower and straightening out our clothes. "Kichirou-kun! You're late to your own party!" Yoshino scolded when I came in.
"How? Did you start without me?" I asked playfully.
"Oh, you," she rolled her eyes. "And Anko-san, pleasure to have you with us."
"Pleasure's ALL mine," she said with a self-satisfied smirk.
"Kichirou! Where you been?" Naruto asked, rushing up to me.
"Anko's place. Sorry for being late, we just lost track of time," I said.
Shikaku had been in the middle of drinking something and did a spit take. He looked at the two of us incredulously.
"I will remind you, Shikaku-ojisan, that I am a legal adult," I headed off any of his objections.
"Troublesome," he groaned and went to get a stiffer drink.
"Why'd Dad react like that?" Shikamaru asked.
"If you have to ask, you don't want to know. So, Shogi?" I asked.
The other parents all stared at me or Anko for a good 10 minutes before going back to just mingling while us kids had our party.
At around 5:45, just as I was about to start opening presents, there was a knock on the door. My minimap let me know who it was.
"Who could that be?" Yoshino asked.
"It's Jiraiya. I bumped into him and invited him," I told her just before she left to open the door.
Sure enough, the self-proclaimed super pervert entered the living room a minute later. Anko had stars in her eyes. "Jiraiya-sama! I have all your books! Will you sign my boob?!"
"Oho! Always nice to meet a fan. And especially a lovely lady fan like yourself!" Jiraiya outright leered.
Ah, well, we weren't exclusive or anything.
After that fuss died down, I opened all the presents. Jiraiya had been gotten me a little something, a brand-new ninja tool set. I thanked everyone and then we had cake. Jiraiya took Naruto to the side for a little while and they had a private talk. Given it ended with Naruto sucker punching Jiraiya in the nuts, I assumed it didn't go well.
"What's up?" I asked as a fuming Naruto stormed over to me and the group.
"Turns out he's my godfather. As in agreed to take custody of me if my parents died. And now I'm 9.5 years old and this is the first time I'm meeting him? Yeah, fuck him. I don't need him," Naruto grumbled.
"Why would Jiraiya of the Sannin be your godfather?" Hinata asked curiously.
"Oh, um, that is… crap," Naruto sighed, realizing he'd gotten himself in a pickle.
Hiruzen came over. "Children, I must ask that you give your word not to reveal what I'm about to tell you to anyone. This is an S-rank secret. Disclose this to the wrong person, and the consequences would be dire."
"We swear, Hokage-sama," Sasuke said. The others gave their own agreement.
Hiruzen nodded and reached into his pocket. He pulled out a storage scroll and unsealed a framed photo. "I was saving this for your birthday, Naruto, but no harm in you all seeing it now. This is a photo of you and your parents, possibly the only one in existence given they died so soon after your birth."
Naruto took the frame with wide eyes. We all got a good look of a smiling Namikaze Minato in his iconic trench coat hugging a visibly pregnant Uzumaki Kushina.
"Holy shit! Naruto's the son of the Fourth Hokage?!" Ino gasped.
"Ino-chan! Language!" gasped a scandalized Inoichi.
"Wow, it seems so obvious now. The resemblance is uncanny," Chouji said, looking from the photo to Naruto.
"I was the one to take that photo," Jiraiya said, having recovered from Naruto's hit to his groin.
"Whatever, doesn't change things between us," Naruto said coldly.
Hiruzen sighed. "Naruto, if you're going to blame anyone, blame me. I'm the one who encouraged Jiraiya to leave you in the village. I don't approve of how he never came to visit, but the reason he's not raising you is my fault."
"Why?" Naruto asked, gaping at his beloved Jiji.
"Jiraiya serves a vital function as our spymaster, and running his network necessitates him traveling the world and being out of the village often. I couldn't risk you being alone with only him for protection if your father's identity came out. I needed you safe here in the village. I hope you can forgive me," Hiruzen said, bowing to Naruto.
Naruto gulped. "... Okay. If you thought it was for the best, I'll trust you, Hokage-jiji. But I'm still mad at Jiraiya. He could have at least checked in on me before now."
"Yes, he could have," Hiruzen agreed, giving his former student a hard look.
"Hehehe… I got my work cut out for me, getting your forgiveness, don't I?" Jiraiya asked Naruto while searching his cheek.
"You could say that," Naruto said with a downright disturbing grin.
I had the gut feeling Naruto was going to make Jiraiya jump through more hoops than March Madness before he let the Sannin off the hook. Should be fun to watch.