The Tsukikage Clan's history stretches back to the early Sengoku period, a time when ninjutsu was still young and unrefined. Back then, the clan was a powerful bloodline family, feared for their unique Transparency Release and their flawless, inherited swordsmanship.
Moving like ghosts under the moonlight, Tsukikage warriors were unmatched assassins—unseen and untouchable.
But nothing lasts forever.
As perception-type ninjutsu grew more advanced, the clan's secret technique lost its edge. Those with weak bloodline traits could be easily detected, ambushed, and eliminated. Over time, the clan suffered countless retaliations, defeats, and losses. Their sacred sword techniques fell into obscurity, carried away with each retreat.
By the time the Hidden Leaf Village was founded, the once-mighty Tsukikage had become little more than a forgotten footnote in shinobi history. A minor clan with only a single line of succession.
In Konoha Year 14, the last head of the clan—Tsukikage Renzō—died during a mission. With his death, the legacy of the Tsukikage fell silent, leaving behind just one final heir.
Konoha Year 16 – Tsukikage Compound
Beneath the amber glow of the setting sun, a lone figure practiced diligently in the courtyard.
A young boy, no older than six, moved with discipline far beyond his years. His delicate features and bright eyes were framed by short, neatly-cut black hair. Though his clothes were simple, they were clean and crisp.
His stance was textbook perfect—every movement sharp and measured. Each step, swing, and grip was executed with robotic precision.
Yet he was still just a child. After nearly two hours, his hands trembled from exhaustion, the wooden sword barely staying in his grip.
A gentle voice called out from nearby, "That's enough for today, Reiji. Go wash up—dinner's almost ready."
The boy blinked, then lit up with sudden joy. He dropped the sword and darted into the house like a gust of wind.
Watching him disappear, his mother—Tsukikage Akari—tilted her head, surprised.
"…Reiji usually never gets that excited."
She shook her head fondly, then stooped to pick up the wooden sword. As she examined the worn hilt, her expression softened with pride.
"Renzō once said Reiji was slow, unremarkable… but it seems he was wrong. With this kind of discipline and progress, maybe… just maybe, Reiji really can restore our clan's name."
Inside the bathhouse, the calm and collected Reiji was… dancing.
"YES! Finally!" he whispered excitedly, punching the air. "An entire year, and I've finally broken through novice-level swordsmanship!"
Because the truth was—this child's soul wasn't originally from this world.
One year ago, after a strange accident, he had reincarnated into the body of the Tsukikage Clan's last heir. Armed with knowledge from his past life—and an obsession with Naruto—he had quickly pieced things together.
The clan name, the timeline… everything matched.
He had become the man who would one day be the father of Gekkō Hayate.
Hayate was born around Konoha Year 34, the same time as Kakashi. It was Year 16 now. With Tsukikage Renzō already dead, and no siblings in sight, Reiji had no doubts: unless something extremely weird happened, Hayate would one day be his son.
But this time, Hayate wouldn't be born into weakness.
Because Reiji had something that no one else in this world did:
The Sword Heart System.
A cheat ability straight out of an RPG, the System allowed him to grow stronger through sword training. Each 100 points of practice raised his sword level, regardless of natural talent. And with every breakthrough, he could draw a new sword skill—randomized, but based on his progress.
His first reward at the Novice stage?
Passive Skill: Weapon Mastery
The ability allowed him to quickly adapt to any bladed weapon, and gave a passive boost to sword damage and control. It was the key reason he had mastered standard forms on his own, with no teacher.
After a full year of hard work, he had finally earned this:
Swordsmanship (Entry-Level): 0 / 100
And, of course, the System had to throw in its usual sarcastic evaluation:
Congratulations! You've reached entry level. You now have a 50% lower chance of cutting yourself. A true 'three-legged cat' of swordsmanship!
Reiji rolled his eyes. "Better than last time."
Because his previous review?
You are marginally stronger than a sewer rat. Please avoid real blades, as the system does not offer finger reattachment.
He smirked. "No wonder I've mellowed out. If someone from Zaun reincarnated here, this system's CPU would've been cut in half by now."
Pushing aside the sarcasm, Reiji brought up the Skill Draw. A shimmering interface unfolded before him, names flashing across the screen like cards in a deck.
It slowed… then stopped.
[Secret Skill: Assault]
Briefly enter an invisible state. Upon reappearing, launch a high-speed thrust attack.
Reiji's eyes lit up.
"Wait… invisibility? Like the Transparency Release?" he whispered. "Did the System just awaken my bloodline limit?"
He was ready to test it right then—but his mother's voice interrupted.
"Reiji, dinner's ready!"
He sighed.
"No rush. I've got time."
At the dinner table, Tsukikage Akari kept glancing at her son. Since training ended, he'd been wearing a goofy grin.
"What's got you so cheerful?" she asked.
Reiji paused, then forced a straight face. "Just remembered something funny."
Akari squinted at him. "Wait… is it because Ninja Academy starts in two days?"
He froze. Then smiled again. "Ah. Yeah! That's it."
Akari laughed. "You've worked so hard. You'll be the top of your class, I'm sure of it."
Reiji nodded, already thinking ahead.
In just two days, he would be entering the academy alongside legends-in-the-making: Jiraiya, Tsunade, Orochimaru. The future Sannin.
And Reiji, the reincarnated swordsman with the Sword Heart System, was ready.
Konoha wouldn't know what hit it.