Chapter 3: The System Awakens
Uzumaki Kushina settled into the empty seat beside Kagenori, immediately sensing the strange atmosphere that seemed to cling to the space around them. Multiple pairs of eyes watched them with peculiar expressions, some whispering behind their hands while others openly stared with mingled curiosity and disdain.
Masada Hayabusa clapped his hands together, cutting through the murmurs. "Alright everyone, settle down. Let's begin our lesson."
Throughout the class, Kushina found herself glancing sideways at the boy beside her. If everyone was isolating him, he must have a terrible personality, right? Yet he seemed perfectly normal. He had handsome features without any trace of menace, and he paid close attention to the lesson, taking careful notes as the instructor spoke.
Though they'd just met, Kushina felt a budding sense of camaraderie with Kagenori—mostly because he hadn't joined in mocking her red hair earlier. But if someone who looked like him was being shunned, what did that mean for her future here?
Kushina sighed softly, realizing she had bigger concerns than understanding her desk mate. This was her first day in Konoha, and already she'd been ridiculed upon entering the academy. Her future days here promised to be challenging.
Meanwhile, Kagenori noticed Kushina's occasional glances and felt equally perplexed. Was she curious about him because he sat alone? But why had she sighed like that? Did being his desk mate disappoint her?
He could usually understand people's reactions toward him, but Kushina had just arrived in Konoha today—she couldn't possibly know about his background yet. The confusion lingered in his mind.
However, Kagenori quickly pushed these thoughts aside as a long-awaited notification finally appeared in his consciousness.
[Witnessed important character Uzumaki Kushina's admission. Reward: 50 witness points.]
[Detected host has 100 witness points. Meets system activation conditions. Activate?]
Excitement surged through Kagenori. Finally, after all this time.
"Activate," he mentally commanded.
A translucent virtual panel materialized before his eyes. Startled, he glanced guiltily at Kushina beside him, but she remained slumped over her desk, chin resting in her hands as she stared blankly at the blackboard. No one else seemed to notice anything unusual either. Kagenori breathed a quiet sigh of relief—though he'd suspected others wouldn't be able to see the interface, the confirmation still comforted him.
His data displayed across the panel:
[Character: Kagenori]
[Bloodline: Uchiha Clan, Senju Clan]
[Bloodline Limit: None]
[Chakra: One-fifth of Sharingan-state Kakashi]
[Ninjutsu: E-rank Three Basic Techniques]
[Genjutsu: None]
[Taijutsu: Shurikenjutsu, D-rank]
Kagenori's eye twitched. What did "one-fifth of Sharingan-state Kakashi" even mean?
Below his character panel, he spotted an "Exchange Store" option. Opening it revealed a dazzling array of abilities, ranging from minor techniques to powerful bloodline limits. The variety seemed endless.
The system's voice echoed in his mind again. [Reminder: If host lacks prerequisites for purchased ability, witness point cost increases fivefold. Each major witnessed event will randomly provide three reward options. System rewards are not limited to ninja world capabilities but will not exceed ninja world power scaling.]
Kagenori frowned thoughtfully. "So if I want the Ice Release bloodline limit but lack the prerequisites, the cost would be five times normal. But if I already possess water and wind chakra natures, the price would be standard. Is that correct?"
[Host's understanding is correct. As this is the system's initial activation, a special gift is provided. Choose one of three rewards.]
[Reward 1: Awaken Sharingan, receive double tomoe in both eyes]
[Reward 2: All Thunder Breathing sword forms, plus lightning-nature chakra transformation knowledge]
[Reward 3: Devil Fruit: Yoyo Fruit, without weakness to seawater]
Kagenori studied the three options carefully, his mind racing.
The Devil Fruit could be immediately dismissed—what use was rolling around when he needed combat capability?
Awakening the Sharingan tempted him, but he hesitated. Since he carried Uchiha blood, he might naturally awaken it someday. More importantly, if he purchased it later through the exchange store, the cost would be standard since he met the bloodline requirement.
What he needed most right now was immediate combat strength.
Thunder Breathing's sword forms seemed perfect—direct power enhancement plus lightning-nature chakra transformation knowledge. In Konoha, all he currently had access to were the three basic techniques and standard physical training.
"System, I choose reward two!"
[Host, claim reward now?]
Kagenori's eyebrows shot up. "What happens if I claim it now?"
[Host possesses lightning-nature chakra but lacks transformation knowledge. System will temporarily control host's body to simulate lightning-nature chakra transformation, enabling mastery. All Thunder Breathing sword forms will be imprinted into host's memory, then physically simulated for complete mastery.]
"Don't claim it yet!" Kagenori mentally shouted.
[Reward temporarily stored in system space. Host may claim at any time.]
Kagenori breathed a sigh of relief. If the system had taken over his body here in the classroom to demonstrate lightning chakra control and sword techniques, he'd have been in serious trouble.
With the system activated and Thunder Breathing within reach, Kagenori finally felt a measure of security growing within him. He didn't plan to hide his abilities entirely—there was no point in remaining weak when strength could improve his situation. He'd need Konoha's resources to gather more witness points, especially with the Third Great Ninja War approaching.
In the ninja world, strength commanded respect. The stronger he became, the easier his life would be in Konoha—at least he wouldn't need to constantly worry about others' opinions.
But he couldn't reveal everything at once. The progression needed to appear natural, otherwise Konoha's suspicious higher-ups might take unwanted interest in him.
Suppressing his excitement, Kagenori decided he'd claim his reward after school, in the safety and privacy of his home. For now, he needed to maintain appearances and get through the rest of the school day, though the promise of what awaited him at home made every passing minute feel like an eternity.