Prologue -
In the final moments before the accident, I'd had a wry thought. "Take me away, truck-kun," I whispered, a phrase uttered in light-hearted resignation that was popular among anime and light novel fans. But the ensuing pain and darkness that engulfed me were anything but light-hearted.
My senses became a chaotic whirl of pain and noise. I could hear hospital equipment beeping, people shouting, but their words were drowned out by the pulsating agony that was radiating from my skull. Light became a weapon, piercing my eyes as needles, and I quickly shut them to shut out the torment. I had thought that maybe I was being isekai'd - reincarnated in another world after a heroic deed. But instead of becoming a protagonist in a different universe, I was left in my own, a quadriplegic, robbed of all the potentials my future had once held.
Life after the accident was a living hell. I lost my high-paying investment banking job, my savings drained away, and I was fired from my once flourishing career. My fiancé left me, and although I couldn't blame her, the sting of abandonment cut deep. She'd stayed with me for two years, hoping for a recovery that never came.
The visits from my friends gradually ceased, and I was left in solitude, imprisoned within my own body. My parents used their retirement savings, even went into debt, trying to ensure I had a comfortable life. But I couldn't let them suffer because of me. So, I made the choice, the only choice I had left. I took my own life, and with the life insurance policy, they could pay off their debts.
It was then that I met him, the devil, in the void that lingered after death. His laughter echoed, full of mockery and disdain. "You really thought you were gonna get isekai'd," he sneered, his large red finger pointing at my forehead.
The vein in my forehead throbbed, a reminder of the anger and frustration that simmered within me. But I had no retort, just a simple "yes," spoken through gritted teeth.
"Getting isekai'd is a curse you know." He chuckled at my confusion, a chilling sound that resonated in the emptiness.
"Well, that's not how anime usually makes it seem." I retorted, some of my previous life's defiance seeping through.
His laughter boomed once more, "Fine, I know exactly how to punish you. If you were isekai'd, what would you want?"
A wide smile spread across my face, and my eyes twinkled in anticipation. "Cheat-like powers that could help me get rich, of course," I said hopefully. After all, my previous life was devoted to finance and wealth. The privilege it bestowed, the influence it wielded, and the luxuries it allowed were not just enticing, but essential. I had always enjoyed living like a rich young master and longed for the same in a new world.
The devil's smug grin spread wider as he said, "Done," and with a snap of his fingers, everything went dark. Little did I know then what my request truly entailed and how it would shape my journey in the new world.
"He's not dead," a feminine voice said. "This is a miracle."
I opened my eyes and saw a transparent crimson screen floating in front of me saying:
[Congratulations, you've received The Devil's Curse of Greed.]
I looked around the room but everything else was blurry except for the red screen and no matter how hard I tried to focus my eyes I couldn't make out what anything in the room was.
"Why isn't he crying?" a male's voice said. "Is he really okay?"
"I don't know," the feminine voice said, somewhat puzzled herself, "but other than that, he's fine."
"Hand him here," the male said, "he should see his father."
Hmmm, I hope my parents are attractive. The only thing better than being rich is being handsome and rich. I thought as I clenched my tiny baby fist. The man picked me up from where I was and when I got close enough to him, I could finally make out the details of his face. Oh no, he's ugly. But I started sweating nervously when I noticed his forehead protector. Oh shit, why do I have to be here, of all universes?
"Why is he crying?" the man said.
"Maybe he wants to see his mom first," another feminine voice said.
"You're awake," the man said. "We did it!" he cheered, showing his wife their crying newborn child.
"I don't remember you doing anything," she said playfully. "Now, hand the baby here." The man walked over and handed his wife the child.
"It's okay little Daiko, Mommy is here." I looked at my mother and felt a little more relaxed. "It's obvious he likes his kaa-chan more than tou-san," she said, sticking her tongue out at her husband.
They seem very nice. I mean, it might not be the worst thing, especially if I was born after the fourth great shinobi war. I took a deep breath. Plus, my mom isn't completely ugly either, I might still turn out somewhat handsome, but this is still one of the worst universes to be rich in, but if Naruto already created world peace, then I guess it should be fine.
ROOOOOOAAAAAAR! BOOOOOOOM. CRAAAASH. A gutteral roar rang out, followed by an explosion, and all of the windows in the room were destroyed. The sounds of people shrieking and children crying came from outside as someone shouted, "CALLING ALL NINJA, THE KYUUBI IS ATTACKING!"
F**k my life. I thought before I started crying. After my accident I couldn't do much and my only solace was watching anime and while I enjoyed Naruto I wasn't a fan of the battle shounen genre. Why couldn't I have been reborn in a slice of life harem anime?
Chapter 1 – The Richest Orphan
I lost both my parents during the nine tails attack and was placed in the orphanage. In a way, this was better as I wouldn't have to worry anyone or worry about anyone in this life. But I was born in the world of shinobi, where money is almost worthless. What's the point of being rich if I wouldn't even have the standard of living of the poor on Earth? Secondly, the rich here are constantly at risk of being kidnapped. And lastly, even if I could afford an army of the strongest shinobi, none of them can even hold a candle to the power of a non-revived , I started crying. I don't know if I'm crying because I'm a baby or because this situation is really hopeless, I'm really f**ked.
Ding. [You've realized your situation.]
This fucking devil is watching me, I thought but I couldn't stop crying. A moment later one of the sisters of the orphanage came to soothe me.
"It's okay little one," the nun cooed.
It's really not, I thought before crying even louder. The nun started humming a tune I instantly recognized as the Blue Bird Naruto Shippuden opening. Wait! I would be screwed if I was a regular person but I'm an isekai character. HAHAHAHA! I'm probably going to be really overpowered.
What a strange child, the nun thought, one minute, he's crying his eyes out now he's happy and giggling, maybe he just wanted some attention. "You're a strange baby, Kuten Daiko," she said.
My name is Kuten Daiko, no in Japanese the last name goes first so my name would be Daiko Kuten, like the god of wealth. HAHAHA! What a perfect name for me. Everyone else might want to be the god of shinobi but I would definitely want to be the god of money. Now I just need to come up with a plan so I can live a life of wealth and leisure.
Ding. Quest Created – Have 1000 Ryo by the time you turn 5.
Rewards: Unlock Chakra
Failure: Untimely death.
Now how the f**k am I supposed to make money as a child and why am I going to die? Wait, it doesn't say anything about making the money, I just need to have the money.
5 years later.
Quest Status – Have 1000 Ryo by the time you turn 5.
Completion – 999/1000
Rewards: Unlock Chakra
Failure: Untimely death.
For five years I've been scrounging this place for change. I just need one last Ryo, but I can't find any. I've looked through all the usual spots, but there's nothing in between the floorboards, under the couch cushions, or in the wishing well, even the best spots like the nuns' purses and the safe are empty. There's no way I can afford to die right now, I have to find 1 Ryo no matter what. Others in my position might give up but, I can't. I'm going to be the god of money. That's my nindo, my ninja way, believe it. I couldn't enjoy my previous life at all and ended up being a burden to everyone around me but, I'm going to live this one to the fullest.
"Daiko, what are you doing under the couch? Are you looking for change again?" the nun said as she grabbed Daiko by his ankles and pulled him out from under the couch.
"Ms. Aiko, can I borrow 1 ryo?" Daiko asked, trying to look as cute as possible. Ms. Aiko was a short slender woman in her early twenties dressed in the traditional nun garb with brown hair and black eyes. She started working at the orphanage a year before the nine-tails' attack and had taken care of the newly orphaned kids. She was one of the few nuns who could put up with Daiko's antics, in fact, she thought it was somewhat cute.
"Daiko, you can't even buy anything with 1 ryo. Now follow me, everyone else is waiting with you to celebrate your birthday."
"I can't go until I find 1 ryo, Ms. Aiko!" he shouted.
"Daiko, why are you acting like you owe a loan shark money? You don't need 1 ryo, now everyone's been trying to find you for the last half hour," she said grabbing my wrist and pulling me towards the common area.
"I can't go yet Ms. Aiko," Daiko shouted as he dropped to the floor. But Ms. Aiko didn't stop and just kept walking, dragging him as he started kicking and screaming. Damn shinobi and their super strength, Daiko thought.
"Daiko-chan, you'll be fine," she said.
"I really won't be," Daiko said. Maybe the money isn't due until midnight tonight or until the time I was born, I might still have some time, he thought, in that case, I need to get this over with as soon as possible. "Well, let's get this over with," he said as he picked himself up off the ground and started following Ms. Aiko.
This kid is still so weird, Ms. Aiko thought as the two entered the common area. As soon as he could crawl, all he did was look for money.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAIKO!" the nuns and dozens of orphans shouted.
"Oh, you guys," Daiko said bashfully, "you didn't have to."
"Oh, in that case, you don't want your present," the orphanage matron said playfully.
"I didn't say that, Ms. Nono," he said as he extended his hand out.
"Blow out your candles first and make a wish," Nono said, laughing at the greedy child.
Daiko walked up to the cake, took a deep breath, and blew out his candles. I wish I could find 1 more ryo today.
"Did you make your wish?" Nono asked.
"Yes Ms. Nono."
"What did you wish for?" she asked.
"If I tell you, it won't come true," he said innocently
"Everyone knows what he wished for," one of the older orphans said causing everyone else to nod in agreement.
"Oh yeah, and what do you think I wished for Tatsuki?"
"Money," Tatsuki, one of the older orphans said plainly, causing everyone else to nod in agreement.
"Ummm, I didn't…" Daiko said obviously lying. "Do all of you guys think I'm that greedy?" asked causing everyone else to nod in agreement again.
"I guess you don't want this then," Ms. Aiko said waving the red envelope she held in her hand.
"I didn't wish for money, but that would be a great present," Daiko said while coughing and taking the envelope from Ms. Aiko's hand.
Ding. Quest Completed – Have 1000 Ryo by the time you turn 5.
Completion – 1,999/1000
Rewards: Unlock Chakra
Huh, there's a thousand ryo in this. If I would've known that there would be a thousand ryo in this envelope I wouldn't have had to bust my ass looking for this money in the first place. That devil probably wasted all of my time on purpose. Well, maybe if they didn't see how greedy I was, they wouldn't have given me money as a present in the first place. If I recall correctly, Tatsuki got a kunai for his birthday and Kosuke got some books for his. Tears started forming in Daiko's eyes as he thought about this, "thank you so much everyone, this is the best birthday present I've ever gotten."
Nono and Aiko smiled at Daiko's heartfelt gratitude. "It's not a problem Daiko, open your present."
"I don't need to, I know exactly how much is in here," Daiko said as he smelled the envelope.
"There's no way you can know how much money is in there," Kosuke said.
"Wanna bet?" Daiko said with a grin on his face. "How about this, everyone who wants to gamble can put all the money they want to bet together, and if I'm even 1 ryo off, you guys can take my money."
"I'll bet," Tatsuki said.
"Daiko-chan, you're too young to be gambling," Nono said. "And so are the rest of you kids."
"It's not gambling if you know you're right Ms. Nono."
"You really want to lose all of your birthday money don't you," Ms. Aiko said eagerly. "You were just crying over 1 ryo, are you sure you could handle losing all of the money in that envelope."
"Not you too Ms. Aiko," Nono said exasperatedly.
"I'm not a kid, plus this is a good opportunity to teach Daiko-chan a lesson about the dangers of gambling."
"How much do you want to bet Ms. Aiko?"
"I'll bet the 1 ryo you were crying over."
"How is that fair? You know there's more than 1 ryo in this envelope."
"That's all I'm betting take it or leave it."
"I'll take it," Daiko said helplessly. "Does anyone else want to bet too? I'll even take 1 ryo."
"Well if it's just 1 ryo, I'll bet too," Nono said.
This shameless woman, wasn't she just lecturing me? "Anyone else? Last call." Daiko asked. After seeing Ms. Nono wager 1 ryo, everyone else also wanted to bet 1 ryo. Daiko counted all of the bets and announced with a sly grin, "all of the wagers added up total 100 ryo. That means if you win everyone who bet 1 ryo would get back 10 ryo." Nono and Aiko's faces paled as they looked at each other in shock while most of the other kids got excited when they heard how much money they could win.
This kid knew exactly how much money was in the envelope and did the math on the spot, is he a genius? What five-year-old knows how to do division? Let alone an uneducated orphan, Nono thought. But more than that, to be able to figure out the odds he had to know how much money was in the envelope. How exactly did he figure that out?
"Wait if we put in 1 ryo and we get back 10, I want to put more money in," a young girl said.
"Me too," Tatsuki said.
"I already said I wasn't going to take any more bets," Daiko said but pretended to think, "well, since I like you guys so much, I'll let you put more money in."
"I don't think that's a good idea kids," Nono said.
"Ms. Nono, I think this would be a good time to teach these kids about the dangers of gambling," Daiko said, causing Nono and Aiko's jaws to gape as the vein in Nono's temple bulged and thumped.
"Why are you saying that like you're older than me, here I'll bet 100 ryo," Tatsuki said as more orphans shoved their money into his hands.
After counting all of the money, Daiko said, "If you guys win, a 1 ryo bet would get back 2 ryo."
"Hey, that doesn't make any sense at all. How are we going to get less back even though we put in more money? Ms. Nono, Daiko is trying to rob us," Kosuke whined.
"No, he's right," Ms. Aiko admitted.
"Well, we're still getting back more money, so it should be fine," Tatsuki reasoned, "but we shouldn't put in any more money.
Daiko, oblivious to his mistake, pulled out the envelope and moved to unseal it. "Wait, you haven't told us how much money you think is in the envelope," one of the older orphans said.
"There's exactly 1000 ryo in this envelope, isn't that obvious," Daiko said, looking at the boy dumbfoundedly. He quickly opened the envelope and counted ten 100 ryo bills. "See," the adolescent said as he laughed and pocketed all of the money he had taken, "this is really the best birthday ever. I'll see you guys later."
Daiko then rushed out of the room in a hurry before any of the kids could follow him but was stopped in the hallway when he heard, "Wait a minute, Daiko."
"Ms. Nono, I won the money fair and square," he said as he hugged the bills he held tightly to his chest afraid she would make him give it all back.
"I'm not going to make you give it back. I'm just curious, how did you know how much money was in the envelope?" she asked suspiciously.
Shit, I messed up, Daiko thought as he racked his brain trying to come up with a reasonable answer. "I remembered the books Kosuke got for his birthday added up to 1000 ryo," he said innocently.
Daiko left the orphanage and went outside to the playground where he found a boy playing alone in a sandbox. When the boy heard his footsteps, he turned around and beamed when he saw Daiko walking towards him. "Hey Daiko, why aren't you inside enjoying the party."
"How can I enjoy my birthday if you're not there, baka-chan?"
"Stop calling me that," he said in mock annoyance as he blushed.
Daiko waved him off as he said, "Anyway, it's your birthday too, and I just got you your birthday present."
"You got me a birthday present?"
"Yeah, here you go," he said as he pulled out a stack of bills.
"You're even giving me the money you love so much," the boy said as tears streamed down his face before dripping down his whiskers.
"It's fine Naruto, don't make such a big deal about this. You know money isn't everything. How can money compare to friendship."
Naruto scowled and assumed a defensive posture, "Who are you, and what have you done to Daiko-chan?"
"Just take it, baka-chan," he said as he forced the bills into Naruto's hands. "But don't let anyone else know I gave it to you."
"Like anyone would believe me even if I told them," he laughed.
Chapter 2 – Unlocking Chakra
I'm simply a genius, five years old and I've already unlocked chakra by myself. If I start training now, I'm definitely going to be able to take over the world after the time skip especially with my isekai cheat system. "System," Daiko whispered.
"Daiko, stop talking to yourself in the bathroom," a female voice said.
"Yes, Ms. Aiko," Daiko said apologetically. He then looked at the red screen in front of him.
Quest Completed – Have 1000 Ryo by the time you turn 5.
Completion – 1,999/1000
Rewards: Unlock Chakra
Now how does this work? Do I just click on the reward? He thought as he pressed on the screen.
Ding. [Chakra Unlocked]
You have unlocked your chakra. The Devil's Curse of Greed takes effect.
Your chakra is equal to the amount of money you have.
Huh, isn't this too overpowered? A thrill coursed through him, like a jolt of electricity as a shiver ran through him. How much money would I need to be stronger than the first Hokage or Kaguya? What part of this is a curse?
"Come on Daiko, you can't spend all day in there!" Ms. Aiko yelled shaking Daiko out of his fantasies.
Still buzzing from the excitement of his newly unlocked chakra, Daiko exited the bathroom and decided to put his new power to the test. Hmmm, I wonder if I can do the chakra concentration exercise from the anime, Daiko thought. Daiko walked outside and spotted a pile of leaves near a tree. Taking it, he pressed it to his forehead and focused, trying to channel his chakra to it. As soon as he did, he noticed he could effortlessly keep the leaf on his forehead. I thought this was supposed to be hard, maybe I really am a genius, he inwardly mused to himself. Maybe I can even do the tree-climbing exercise, he thought before he looked around and after noticing no one was around him went behind the large tree. Without hesitation, he placed his right foot on the tree ensuring he coated it with chakra. He focused before adding his left foot, pushed, and suddenly he was defying gravity as both of his feet were sticking to the tree. He enjoyed the feeling of defying gravity for a few seconds before he fell to the ground as he felt his back straining unable to maintain his odd position. My chakra control is good but I guess I'm too weak to tree walk for longer than a few seconds, he thought as his heart pounded in his chest. I really am a genius, getting isekai'd really is the best.
"Status," Daiko whispered from the ground as a crimson screen appeared in front of him.
Chakra/Money: 1,990/1990 Ryo
What? How did I lose 9 ryo? Is someone stealing from me? No, the money should be in my pocket, did it fall out while I was tree walking, he thought as he looked around hoping to find some bills near the tree but found nothing. No, does using chakra take my money? Is that the curse of greed? He thought as he grabbed a leaf from the ground while monitoring his status window. He put the leaf on his head but removed it after only a second when he noticed the change in his status window.
Chakra/Money: 1,989.5/1989.5 Ryo
Ding. [You've begun to understand The Devil's Curse of Greed.]
Daiko went through his bills and soon found a bill that looked as if it were cut in half. His previous excitement dampened greatly, replaced with newfound caution. I have to be more careful, I have to manage my chakra the same way I would manage my money. Yes, I can be a genius shinobi but at what cost, my wealth and leisure, what's the point of being a genius if I have to bankrupt myself? Daiko knew he was standing on a precipice. His chakra system was indeed a double-edged sword, its potential, and pitfalls glaringly apparent. He would need to be clever, resourceful, and above all, strategic, if he wanted to live his life of wealth and leisure while surviving in the shinobi world. But for now, he had his proof. He was more than just a five-year-old. He was a genius, an isekai'd protagonist, a wild card in a game that was about to get a lot more interesting.
Chapter 3 – Four ways to get rich in the shinobi world
The soft, comforting sounds of Konoha's night-time bustle did little to soothe Daiko's racing mind. Seated on the roof of the orphanage, the midnight glow of the moon casting long shadows across the village, Daiko was deep in contemplation. His arms folded across his chest, fingers tapping rhythmically, his eyes stared unblinkingly at the scattered constellations above.
His newfound reality posed a unique challenge. His chakra was tied to his wealth; an unconventional problem that demanded an unorthodox approach. If he wanted to unlock the full potential of his powers, he needed money. And not just a modest sum – he needed to be obscenely wealthy. He needed a plan, a strategy that would accumulate vast amounts of wealth while ensuring his survival in this shinobi world. With this goal in mind, Daiko methodically sorted through his options.
I'm not completely screwed, I have the memories from my past life, I have knowledge about the future, and I have an isekai cheat system. There are four ways I can think of to get filthy rich.
1. Stealing. Now this might be a less than honorable approach but I have to seriously consider it. I mean I'm not planning on becoming a common thief, preying on the weak and innocent. No, I can steal from the rich and powerful. It's a simple principle, really. If I were to steal, why not steal from those who deserved it? This world was filled with sinners. And although they might try their best to justify themselves by saying they were just following orders, or it was for some greater good, or the peace of a village, in the end almost all of the elites are bound to have blood on their hands. In the anime, Naruto was the only ninja who never killed anyone meaning everyone else is fair game. I will simply redistribute that wealth, from their unworthy hands into my own. In this world I will be a businessman, and this is nothing more than a business transaction.
2. High-rank missions. The life of a shinobi is fraught with dangers, but it is similarly lucrative. Missions, particularly high-rank ones, came with hefty payouts. I was already planning on becoming an elite shinobi to protect myself after all, in a world filled with dangers, those without power were nothing more than cannon fodder. My advanced knowledge and isekai system also give me an undeniable edge. Furthermore, this might also be a good way to travel around the world and collect assets.
3. Business. This world is primitive in terms of economic practices, a fact that a former investment banker can easily exploit. I can establish businesses, apply strategies, and economic principles I learned in my past life to become the first ninja billionaire. There are countless opportunities for financial growth in Konoha and beyond, I just need to seize them.
4. Abuse my knowledge of this world. A smug smirk shone on Daiko's lips as he licked his lips. The idea of exploiting the predictability of future events is enticing. Whether it be gambling on the Chunin exams or with Konoha's infamous Tsunade, I can place bets that I will be certain to win. Daiko shimmied as he thought about how much money he would make betting that a young Konohamaru would beat a post-Pain arc Naruto during the Chunin exams. And it's not just gambling, I might be able to use my knowledge of the future to marry into wealth. While I might be average looking, I can probably steal Naruto's spot as Hinata Hyuga's love interest and become heir to one of the wealthiest clans in Konoha. My knowledge of the future might be my best bet to reaching my goal of living comfortably the fastest.
Daiko's thoughts slowly settles as the night deepened. His plan was beginning to take shape, his path forward becoming clearer. He felt a surge of resolve, tomorrow would be the beginning of his extraordinary journey.