"Naruto, Naruto!~"
Hiruzen Sarutobi raised his hand and lightly flicked the dazed Uzumaki Naruto on the forehead. "What are you spacing out for?"
"Ow!"
Uzumaki Naruto snapped back to reality, rubbing his forehead. He looked up at Hiruzen Sarutobi and asked hesitantly, "Third Hokage… do you know what a system is?"
Three days ago, a strange voice had suddenly appeared in Uzumaki Naruto's mind, asking him:
[Do you want to experience a different life? Load the Dimensional Life System and experience countless wonderful lives.]
For the past three days, that voice had echoed in his head from time to time, asking the same question over and over again—countless times. Worse still, he couldn't tell anyone about it.
Every time Uzumaki Naruto tried to mention the strange voice in his head to someone else, his consciousness would instantly fall into endless darkness.
That feeling—being completely unable to control his body, while his mind drifted in darkness for what felt like years—terrified the six-year-old Naruto. After that, he no longer dared to respond to the voice, nor did he dare to bring it up to anyone ever again.
If it weren't for the strongest Third Hokage being by his side today, giving him a sense of security, Naruto wouldn't have dared to ask even indirectly.
"System?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi paused when he heard the question. Thinking Naruto was simply asking about the meaning of the word, he pondered for a moment before replying,
"A system is an interdependent whole… just like how ninjas and the Village depend on each other."
Although he didn't know why Naruto would suddenly ask such a question, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt that as long as his answer was connected to ninjas and the Village, it would surely be appropriate.
"Like ninjas and the Village?"
Naruto's eyes lit up immediately upon hearing the explanation. "So, Third Hokage—are you saying that a system isn't a bad thing?"
"Of course not."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, then raised his hand and gently rubbed Naruto's head, smiling kindly.
"A system is like the bond between ninjas and the Village—indispensable. So Naruto, you must grow up to become an excellent ninja and serve the Village well."
"Mm!~"
After hearing such a clear affirmation, Uzumaki Naruto nodded vigorously, excitement written all over his face.
"Don't worry, Third Hokage! I'll definitely become an excellent ninja—no, I'll become a Hokage even better than the Third Hokage!"
Since the Third Hokage had said so firmly that a system wasn't a bad thing, Naruto felt that he could safely accept the system binding in his mind.
"Hahahaha!~"
Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but laugh, clearly pleased by Naruto's bold declaration.
"If it's you, Naruto, then you'll surely become an even more outstanding ninja than me. I remember that you'll be entering the Ninja Academy in a few days, right? Next, I'll teach you some pre-enrollment basics—and also tell you about the Will of Fire…"
Hiruzen Sarutobi talked at length, gently guiding and encouraging Naruto, until he finally coaxed the boy to sleep. Only then did he leave, contented.
[Dimensional Life System. Experience different lives without leaving home. Please—]
Uzumaki Naruto was jolted awake by the familiar voice in his sleep. Half-asleep and irritated, he replied,
"Stop asking already… I agree!"
[Ding. Host consent confirmed. Dimensional Life System binding successful. Would the host like to begin the experience immediately?]
"How do I experience it?"
Naruto sat up, rubbing his eyes as he asked.
[The Dimensional Life System offers two experience modes:
Virtual Experience Mode: The host's consciousness travels to different dimensional worlds to experience various lives. After each experience, the system will evaluate the host's "life experience" and "life completeness," granting corresponding rewards.
Note: The richer and more complete the host's life experience, the higher the evaluation and the greater the rewards.
(Hint: This mode carries no risk. The host may exit at any time.)
Real Life Mode: The host's physical body directly transmigrates to another dimensional world to personally experience a different life.
To enhance the experience, this mode includes "life goals" in addition to basic evaluations. The system will set goals at different stages of the host's life. Completing them will yield additional rewards.
(Hint: As this is a real transmigration, the host must complete at least one life goal before exiting.)]
[The host may freely choose an experience mode.]
[Warm Reminder: Since "Real Life" mode involves real transmigration, there are certain risks. It is recommended that first-time hosts choose the risk-free "Virtual Experience" mode.]
"Risks?"
Naruto's eyes lit up slightly.
"That's it—I choose Real Life mode!"
In truth, Uzumaki Naruto didn't fully understand the system's lengthy explanation, nor did he think to ask for more details. All he remembered was one sentence:
"Real Life mode has risks."
And as someone who wanted to become Hokage, how could he shy away from danger?
Mere risks weren't worth worrying about. If anything, they only made his blood boil.
The greater the risk, the more excited he became!
[Special Reminder: "Real Life" mode is a real transmigration and carries inherent risks. For the host's first experience, it is strongly recommended to choose the risk-free "Virtual Experience" mode.]
"I don't want to accept your suggestion!"
Naruto completely ignored the warning. He clenched his fist tightly and swung it forward with enthusiasm.
"I'm choosing the risky Real Life mode! Hurry up and start!"
[...]
The system fell silent for a brief moment before a series of notifications echoed in Naruto's mind.
[Choice confirmed. Dimensional Life System. Real Life Mode activated. Connecting to infinite dimensions…]
[Connection successful. Matching dimensional worlds…A total of 221,211 dimensional worlds detected. Filtering connectable and traversable worlds…Filtering complete. 1,302 dimensional worlds available.]
[First transmigration detected. Selecting the most suitable dimensional world for the host…Selection complete. Establishing world connection…Connection successful.]
[Transmigration is about to begin. Please prepare.]
[Transmigration countdown: 3… 2… 1—]