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Naruto: Power In Play Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Twice. Since he had reincarnated, Ando had eaten meat at the orphanage only twice. The first time was on head matron Takara's birthday. He remembered it clearly because he had gotten lucky and ended up with two pieces of meat in his meal.

Isobe had made a fuss about it and attracted the head matron's attention. But in the end, the woman just laughed it off and told Ando to keep it. It was also the first time he had heard the strict woman's laughter. It did not sound as evil as he thought it would.

The second time was during the dragon festival, a local celebration to commemorate the day the Senju and the Uchiha made peace and ended the war in the region. It honored the founding of the hidden village of Konoha and its leaders: Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara.

And today, they were having meat again, making it the third time. Ando knew something was up, but he couldn't remember if there was anything special about the day. Shrugging to himself, he made his way to his usual table and waited for what was to come.

As the room filled with bustling conversations, an authoritative figure stepped forward, instantly commanding attention. The atmosphere seemed to shift, as if the very air recognized the gravity of her presence. With a stern expression etched upon her face, her piercing eyes scanned the crowd.

Taking a deep breath, Takara raised her hand, signaling for silence. The room gradually fell into hushed whispers, then complete stillness. Without the need to shout, her voice traversed the room like a wave of water. Every syllable was enunciated with precision, carrying a weight that demanded immediate attention.

"Everyone, quiet down for a while," she declared. "I have important news to share! The Hokage, our exalted leader and the most important person in the Village Hidden in the Leaves, will be gracing us with his presence today. He will be arriving around nine." She paused for a second to let the information sink in before continuing. "I want all of you to be on your best behavior. I don't want any ruckus, and I don't want to see any sign of trouble. Follow these instructions diligently, and you will avoid facing the consequences of displeasing me. Have I made myself clear?"

The orphans nervously bobbed their heads up and down. "Very good. You may get back to your meal."

The head matron scanned the room one last time with a superficial smile on her face before walking away.

Ando let a small smile tug at his lips as he observed the orphans slowly evacuate the tension. He had no doubt that Miss Takara knew how to handle the kids. She commanded respect effortlessly. He felt like the woman had an interesting story, but he was too scared to approach her.

Time passed quietly as the orphans followed their daily routine, studying until the bell rang at nine. They headed to the gathering hall, where Ando joined the others on a large carpet in the center of the room. He glanced around, taking in the scene, then focused on the podium ahead.

An old man in a white robe and wearing a red triangular hat stood at the front. His face was marked by wrinkles, his beard whitened by time, but there was no mistaking the vitality in his eyes. He was dressed in a long red robe that covered all but his feet, topped with an open white coat and a white scarf. He held a brown smoking pipe in his right hand, while his left hand rested on his back.

He smiled as he waited for the children to fill the hall. Only when the last child was seated and focused on him did he finally open his mouth.

"Greetings, my dear children. I hope you have all been doing well." The man gave the room a kind smile as he started his speech. "I have once again come to wish you all a happy new year. I would have come earlier if I could, but alas, my duties to the village have kept me busy."

He sighed playfully and shook his head. "I really do hope that once you grow up, you will be able to help me shoulder this burden. I am getting too old to do this." His easygoing manner unconsciously prompted the children to relax. Yet, there was something about him that kept them attentive. Maybe it was the way he carried himself, or the sound of his voice. It transmitted a message, telling everyone in the room to pay attention to the seemingly ordinary old man standing at the front.

It was very different from the feeling that the head matron, Takara, evoked. One gave the feeling that you had to follow because it was the rule. The other made you feel like you had to listen because it was the right thing to do.

"Today, my dear children," the man continued, "I want to share with you the two most important values that will shape your lives and the lives of those around you: gratitude and responsibility."

He paused for a moment, allowing the words to sink in before continuing. "Gratitude is the key to appreciating the blessings that life offers us. It is about recognizing and acknowledging the kindness, love, and support we receive from others. It's easy to take things for granted, but when we cultivate gratitude, we open our hearts to the beauty and abundance that surrounds us."

The man smiled warmly, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "But gratitude alone is not enough, my dear children. We must also embrace responsibility. It is our duty to take care of ourselves, our families, and our community. Responsibility means doing what is right, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. It means standing up for what we believe in and making a positive difference in the world."

He paused once again, allowing the weight of his words to settle among the young minds. The Hokage could see the minds of the children churning. He had no doubt that more than ninety percent of his words flew right over their heads. Sadly, they lacked the experience and the necessary knowledge to truly digest his words.

But even so, even if only ten percent was retained, he would be satisfied. They could take it step by step.

"As you grow older," the man continued, "remember that true greatness lies not in power or wealth but in the ability to be grateful for what you have and to take responsibility for making the world a better place. Each of you has the potential to make a difference, no matter how small it may seem."

The frowns on the children's faces deepened. Some even scratched their heads. The Hokage let out a lighthearted laugh at the display. It was indeed a good idea to leave the confines of his office and walk around from time to time.

"Alright, it seems like I have been boring you long enough with my talk. What I want to hear about right now is you. How have you been, my children?"

The orphans were hesitant to stand out and start talking to him. It was only natural. He had to push them a little. "I heard that the head matron Takara is quite the strict person. You can't be afraid of her, right?" A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "If so, you don't have to worry. I am the Hokage. With me here, nothing will ever happen to you."

"Matter of fact, I'm quite curious about why you are so scared of her. Could it be that she has been bullying you? Let me know and I'll find justice for you!"

He could see the results of his words in an instant. The children immediately started to relax, their taut nerves unwinding. A few even stepped forward and raised their hands.

"Alright, you! The young handsome boy at the back. What wrongs has Takara committed against you?"

"L-lord Hokage, Miss Takara once spanked me because my bed was wet. I swear it wasn't me. It was my roommate—"

Ando watched the exchange unfold with a smile on his face. The children's eagerness to pour out their hearts to the Hokage was palpable. If their words were to be believed, one would think that Miss Takara was the most malevolent person to have ever walked the earth. It was an intriguing show, and the Hokage played along, encouraging them. The old man even produced a scroll from seemingly thin air and began taking notes.

Ando couldn't help himself and burst into laughter, caught up in the contagious mood. It was amusing to think that this unassuming man was actually the strongest person in the village. Truthfully, Ando hadn't expected the Hokage to be like this. He had trouble reconciling the image of the almost doting old man with the scheming leader he had in mind. He almost resembled a parental figure to the children.

However, the lighthearted atmosphere shifted when Isobe decided to voice his grievances.

"Lord Hokage! I have a complaint, although it doesn't feel like a complaint. But it has left me feeling upset," Isobe proclaimed, rising from his seat, perhaps empowered by standing within the group. Maybe he simply craved some attention. Ando couldn't be sure, but he too was curious about what could have disturbed the boy.

"Ah, judging by your expression, it must be something quite complex. Please, tell me, what happened that left you feeling this way?" the Hokage encouraged him, wearing an expression of understanding and support.

"Well, it's like this. A few days ago, during dinner, I noticed that my friend had a lot more meat on his plate than me. And... it made me angry. I didn't like that he received more meat than anyone else. I didn't like receiving less," Isobe revealed, his words piquing Ando's interest. The friend mentioned in Isobe's story was Ando, and he had indeed noticed Isobe's evident dissatisfaction. However, there didn't seem to be a need to bring it up with the Hokage.

"I... I'm not really angry at my friend for getting more meat. I mean, it's good for him. But I disliked how the head matron completely ignored it. She always tells us we're equals. So why didn't she do anything that day?" Isobe continued, his frustration evident.

The Hokage observed the boy for a moment, then scanned the room for the person mentioned in the story. It didn't take him long to identify Ando—a small, yet weirdly muscular boy sitting close to Isobe with a frown on his face.

"It appears that you're more upset about the difference in treatment than your friend receiving more meat. And that, young child, shows that you have a strong sense of justice," the Hokage began, his tone calm and assuring. "It's completely normal to feel this way, but I want you to know it's not your fault. Sometimes, things may seem unequal or unfair, but it doesn't diminish your worth. It could be a mistake or a misunderstanding—"

"But it happens frequently, and it's not fair. This wasn't the first time. And I feel like nobody cares about what I need or how I feel," Isobe interrupted, his fists clenched in frustration.

The Hokage studied the young boy, noticing his balled-up fists and the deep loneliness etched on his face. Isobe lacked a parental figure to rely on, someone who could advocate for him. That feeling of isolation had been building up, finally erupting over what could be considered a trivial matter.

Hiruzen could empathize. These were the very reasons that compelled him to leave the confines of his office, despite his demanding schedule. These orphans needed care. Rising from his seat, he approached Isobe with a steady gait. Placing a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder, he crouched down, meeting him at eye level.

"I hear you, and I care about what you need and how you feel," the Hokage reassured him. "Sometimes, it might seem like things are unfair, but it doesn't mean people don't care. Let's try to talk to the caretakers and explain how you're feeling. They may not be aware of what happened or how it made you feel."

Isobe lowered his head, nodding silently. His long blonde hair concealed his face, but the damp patches forming on the ground betrayed his tears. The Hokage offered his shoulder a comforting squeeze before rising to address the others.

"My dear children, life isn't always fair, and sometimes it feels as though no one understands our struggles. But know this: your voices matter, and your feelings are valid. It's crucial to express ourselves, even when it feels difficult or scary."

He paused, letting his words settle, then continued.

"As your Hokage, it is my duty to protect and guide you. I will listen to your concerns, advocate for your well-being, and work tirelessly to create an environment that fosters equality and compassion. Each one of you deserves to be treated with respect and kindness."

The Hokage's gaze shifted from face to face, his eyes filled with unwavering determination.

"Remember, my young friends, you are not alone. Together, we will address the injustices and make the necessary changes to ensure that every child under our care feels valued and loved. Your happiness matters, and I promise you, we will strive to make it a reality."

Sitting amongst the crowd, Ando observed the unfolding scene with a sense of unease. On one hand, he couldn't deny feeling moved by the Hokage's speech and the genuine empathy he displayed. However, a nagging sense of doubt tugged at Ando's thoughts, creating a discrepancy between the Hokage's current demeanor and what he thought he knew about the man.

Ando couldn't shake the fact that this seemingly compassionate and supportive figure was the same Hokage who had led countless individuals to their deaths. It felt contradictory and left him questioning the authenticity of the Hokage's words. How could someone with such a history of making difficult decisions and facing the grim realities of leadership suddenly embody this level of compassion?

The conflicting emotions within Ando cast a shadow of doubt over the Hokage's intentions, making it difficult for him to fully believe in the sincerity behind the man's actions. But who was he to judge the man? What did he know about him? Better yet, what did he really know about this world?

His conflicted thoughts did not escape Hiruzen's notice. From the corner of his eye, the Hokage observed the unusually muscular child frow at his words. And recognized him as the one who was the subject of the previous kid's troubles.

Another spy? he tentatively thought. The youngster's body showed signs of training. And his eyes betrayed a sense of maturity that the others did not have. But Hiruzen quickly squashed down that idea. Spies would not be so open about their uniqueness. He did not exclude the possibility of the boy trying to play reverse psychology. But ultimately, it was too early to tell.

"Boy, I can see that something is troubling you. Is there something the matter?" Hiruzen approached Ando, observing the flicker of panic that briefly flashed across the boy's face. Coming to a stop in front of Ando, the Hokage offered a warm smile. "Are you alright?"

[The system has detected an elevated level of stress in the user's spirit!]

[Do you wish to counter it with Gamer's Mind?]

Without hesitation, Ando accepted the prompt, allowing the calming effects of Gamer's Mind to wash over him. Instantly, his mind cleared, and the gears of his thoughts began turning once more, no longer paralyzed by panic.

"Lord Hokage... that person Isobe was referring to, it was me," Ando admitted, his voice tinged with a trace of fear. "I can't help but feel troubled that my actions have caused him such distress. It was never my intention for things to turn out this way."

He offered an excuse and lowered his head, unable to meet the Hokage's gaze, a mix of guilt and anxiety weighing heavily upon him.

"I understand," the Hokage responded, offering a gentle chuckle. "It seems like, just like your friend, your just nature is weighing down on your thoughts. But do not worry, child."

The Hokage paused, his expression becoming more serious, conveying a sense of understanding and maturity.

"You see, life is filled with moments where unintentional actions can impact others deeply. It's essential to learn from these experiences and strive to make amends, when possible," the Hokage advised, his voice carrying the weight of wisdom. "True growth comes from acknowledging our mistakes and taking steps to rectify them. You have shown remorse, which is a sign of character. Even though there has been no fault on your part. Your ability and willingness to reflect on yourself is a quality that not many have. Use it well, you will find many opportunities to learn and grow from."

The Hokage placed a reassuring hand on Ando's shoulder, his voice filled with genuine compassion. "Remember, we all stumble and make mistakes along the way. What truly matters is how we choose to rise above them and make things right."

As the old man removed his hand from his shoulder, Ando could not help but ponder over what the true meaning behind those words could be.

Naruto: Power In Play Chapter 3

Chapter 3

[You have slept in your bed! HP and CP fully restored!]

A short and sharp noise, reminiscent of a small bell, rang out, waking Ando. He wasn't sure whether the sound or the words came first, but both were a small blessing, a reminder of the world he had left behind.

A world he would never visit again.

Ando sighed as he pushed his bedsheet aside, a slight shiver running through his body as the cold morning air touched his skin. The sun had yet to rise fully, but there was enough light to distinguish his immediate surroundings. He kicked his feet off the bed and began stretching his body, preparing his muscles for his morning routine of push-ups, sit-ups, planks, and squats. For a week now, this had been his daily regimen.

At first, he had been too lazy to move out of bed, especially when he always woke up earlier than the other kids. He thought he could get some more sleep, like he used to do in his previous life. But that was the problem. He couldn’t sleep. His mind would wander back to those memories, and the more he thought, the more unstable his feelings became.

In the end, he had to find something to occupy his mind.

“Twenty-one, twenty-two, ... twenty-three, twenty-four…”

Ando gritted his teeth and forced himself to do one last push-up, rounding up the count to twenty-five. His chest heaved up and down as sweat pooled on his body, making his damp shirt feel stuffy and uncomfortable.

Twenty-five was almost double the number of push-ups he could do on his first day. The same was true for all his other exercises. Be it sit-ups, planks, or squats, he could now do almost twice as much as before. And that was within one week of work.

These changes were reflected in his stats. He now had 6 vitality, 6 stamina, and 6 agility points. Contrary to his initial belief, he didn’t need to double his stats to see improvement. Just a small, but noticeable, enhancement was enough. He attributed this progress to his increased stats and to one particularly broken perk: Gamer’s Body.

Gamer’s Body allowed him to live like a video game character, restoring him to peak condition with just a night's rest. This meant any damage done to his body, including torn muscles from daily training, would be fully healed by the next day. And combined with the peculiar resilience of the natives' bodies, the results were nothing short of amazing. This served as his motivation to train diligently every day.

After calming down, Ando moved back to his bed and sat cross-legged. After strenuous activity, he found it easier to meditate. Meditation was another skill he gained three days after trying in vain to unlock his chakra each evening. It helped calm his mind, and by focusing his meditation on unlocking his chakra, it stopped his thoughts from wandering.

Eventually, the first rays of the sun penetrated the curtains, signaling the end of his exercise.

[Meditation: Level 2 (71%)]

Ando uncrossed his legs and got up. He tidied up his bed and changed into his everyday clothes: a loose white shirt and black pants. He then headed directly to the shower. He didn’t like showering with the others, so he always made sure to be the first one there.

These past few days, he had been acting out of character. His routine was drastically different from the previous Ando’s. He wasn’t naïve enough to think it would go unnoticed. He lived in a world of ninjas, a world of violence and deceit. People here would die if they weren’t observant or careful enough. Ando had no doubt that the matrons had already arranged for someone to keep tabs on him.

But the only reason he allowed himself to be so carefree was that he had an excuse.

At the tender age of eight, he was grappling with a weighty decision that would shape his future. In this world, orphans like him were obliged to choose their life path early on: to either embark on the treacherous path of becoming a ninja or to embrace the relative safety of civilian life.

One could conclude that this inner turmoil drove him to immerse himself in books, seeking knowledge to enlighten his mind about the unfamiliar world he was on the brink of entering. His secluded demeanor and newfound passion for learning were all manifestations of his earnest quest to make an informed choice and adapt to the challenges that lay ahead.

 ********************************************

“Hey Ando, I’ve noticed that you have been avoiding us lately.”

“Do you have some trouble? Is there something that’s bothering you?”

The questions caught him by surprise. Ando looked up from his plate to find the inquisitive stare of his roommate, Isobe. He glanced around to see all three of his roommates looking at him with curiosity. It seemed they had finally decided to confront him about his strange behavior.

Ando forced a nervous smile and lowered his eyes, “I’ve been thinking lately… You know, about what I want to do later. I’m already eight, you know. Unlike you guys, I will have to make up my mind about where I want to go soon.”

“Ohh yeah! Sometimes I forget that you’re actually older than us,” Isobe said with an enlightened look on his face. “I thought we did something to piss you off or something and you just decided to brood. You even avoid us at the canteen.”

The other two laughed, and Ando found himself laughing awkwardly alongside them. “Yeah, it has nothing to do with you guys. It’s just… I'm kinda freaking out a bit.”

The three shared a look before one of them asked, “That’s weird. I thought you wanted to be a ninja. Did you change your mind?”

“… I want to be a ninja. But I’m kinda hesitant about it—”

“What’s there to hesitate about?! Haven’t you seen how cool the ninjas are?!”

Ando furrowed his brow at being interrupted, but quickly smoothed out his expression. The kids started gushing excitedly about how awesome ninjas were, cruelly unaware of the hell that those people lived on a day-to-day basis. But he knew. And to tell the truth, without the gamer system backing him up, he would have likely chosen to be a civilian in this life. Just like how in his previous life he chose to be a programmer instead of going to the military. His life now mattered more to him than ever before, especially now that he knew how easy it was to lose it.

Still, he couldn’t expose the dangers of the ninja life to the kids. And it pissed him off. One of the most fundamentally wrong things in this world was the fact that they imposed such choices on kids who didn’t know a single thing about life. It was cruel. And what was even more cruel was that there was nothing they could do about it. Not him, and not even the leaders of his village.

They lived in a harsh world. A world where the strong preyed on the weak. And to remain at the top of the food chain, their village had to nurture their strength, their military power. Ando may not have been particularly brilliant, but given enough time and information, he could connect the dots himself. It would have been easy to blame the leaders of the village. But the problem ran far deeper than that.

It was why he pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind and forced the corners of his lips to rise. Putting some fake enthusiasm in his voice, he participated in the discussion. He listened as the kids talked about their dreams, their hopes, and their genuine excitement for the path they had chosen.

As the lunchtime chatter subsided and the meal came to an end, Ando once again refused Isobe’s offer to join them in a game of tag. He preferred to spend his time in the library, knowing full well that he was alienating himself from the others.

Still, he liked it that way. Though a moment ago, he had ‘participated’ in a lively conversation with them, a sense of detachment gnawed at him from within. The weight of his true age and the burden of knowledge set him apart from the other children. There was no way for him to truly connect with them. And hanging around them would just give the others more opportunity to spot flaws in his act.

He watched as the others headed for the courtyard, while he made his way towards the library.

“You’re here again, Ando,” greeted the caregiver, a warm smile gracing her aged face. She was a woman in her fifties, her hair now whitened with age and her face adorned with deep wrinkles. Her kind, brown eyes held a gentle and playful light within them.

“I’m starting to think that you appreciate these books more than your own friends.”

Ando looked at the woman and felt slightly relaxed. He returned her smile, “I can’t resist the allure of these books,” he replied playfully. “Sometimes it feels like they understand me better than anyone else.”

The caregiver chuckled softly, her laughter filling the space between them. “Ah, the company of books can be quite comforting indeed. But remember, my dear, there is a whole world waiting for you beyond these pages.”

“I know, but… I just feel the need to know more before I step out into that world. To be prepared.”

The caregiver's eyes softened upon hearing his answer. “Curiosity is a wonderful trait, Ando. It's important to seek knowledge and be informed. But don’t let it consume you. Sometimes, embracing the unknown can be just as important as seeking answers. Life has a way of guiding us, even when we don’t have all the answers.”

Ando paused in his steps. It was indeed harder to argue with an adult. His smile returned as he shook his head. “You’re right. But I still want to read books!”

The old caregiver laughed at his response, finding amusement in his stubbornness. “You don’t like to listen to adults, do you? I didn't peg you as the hard-headed type,” she said with a gentle shake of her head. “It’s alright, Ando. I’m not here to stop you. In fact, I appreciate your enthusiasm for reading. You’re the only kid who willingly spends his days here with little old me.”

Ando nodded. Caretaker Itsuki was one of the few people he genuinely enjoyed spending time with. Her understanding and supportive nature were like a breath of fresh air to him, providing comfort and a sense of belonging. In a world where he often felt like an outsider, Itsuki's presence brought a sense of companionship and understanding.

Naruto: Power In Play Chapter 2

Chapter 2

I opened up my status screen one more time to see if I had missed anything. And I effectively did miss something.

For one, I was not five years old. I vividly remembered the status screen I opened in the white expanse, and it clearly stated that I was five years old. But now, I somehow turned eight. Somehow, I felt like it was related to my rocky entrance into this world.

Secondly, after the memory integration, the previous host's skills were passed on to me and listed on the system's skill tab. The skills themselves were nothing special, but they were essential for my survival. Without the memories or the skills, I wouldn't know how to communicate with the people of this world. After all, I was not a native. Furthermore, without the host's skills, I wouldn't know how to perform the tasks assigned to me as an orphan, which could lead to potential problems.

I heaved a small sigh of relief after seeing the language, calligraphy, and reading skills listed in my skill tab. Anything else could be ignored, but not these. I needed to deepen my knowledge of this world. And without those skills, I might as well give up.

Feeling slightly refreshed by this realization, I moved on to my next plan: What could I do now to get a head start?

From the memories I inherited, I learned that the Hokage would be visiting the orphanage this month. If I'm correct, he usually makes an annual visit to give the children a speech, followed by less frequent visits every three months. This was a significant event for the orphanage, and the matrons were enthusiastically preparing the kids for it. So, it made me think.

What could I get from the Hokage exactly? Honestly, instead of feeling excited about the potential gains, I was more scared of him finding out about me and my unique circumstances. Actually, I wouldn't even try to get anything from the old man. Aside from getting a look at how strong someone at the top of the village is, I will make sure not to attract any unwanted attention or suspicion. My best bet would be to lay low and grow on my own.

I found myself pondering whether I could hide from him, but I swiftly pushed those thoughts aside. While it was a valid concern, it was beyond my control.

I decided to just sit on my bed for a moment, my eyes drifting towards the other sleeping kids. They looked peaceful. I also wanted to relax. But I was afraid of overthinking—about my past life, about how I would live, about everything. I knew I had to face these feelings one way or another. But for now, I just didn't have it in me. It would just make a mess out of me. Considering the fact that I had just transmigrated, it was just not safe.

I needed to find a distraction.

On impulse, I got off the bed, folded my blanket, and tidied up the sheets. Then, without a second thought, I removed my shirt and dropped to the ground to do push-ups. I didn't know why, but I felt like exercising would be a good idea.

As I began to move, the physical exertion of the exercise took over and I found myself lost in the rhythm of the movements. With each repetition, I felt the tension in my body start to ease and my mind begin to clear. It was as if the act of pushing myself physically was helping me to push past my mental blockades as well.

With my current stats, I only managed to do fifteen push-ups before my arms started shaking. My body heated up, and I started to sweat. My breathing became heavy, but I held strong. I gritted my teeth and pushed on. Sixteen, seventeen... eighteen—

My left arm suddenly gave out, no longer able to bear the exertion. I started to fall face-first onto the wooden floor. Fortunately, the impact was cushioned by the planks, sparing me any injury. After a moment of disorientation, I rolled onto my back and gazed up at the ceiling, my mind targeting the system now that I was temporarily unable to exercise.

Eighteen reps with my current stats. That gave me an idea about how to quantify strength. But the problem was that my system didn't have a 'Strength' stat. So, I could only guess that strength is a result of a combination of physical stats.

In a sense, it felt logical. Strength is actually the application of power. How much strength I have or can show depends a lot on the way I apply my power, for how long I have been exerting myself, and how much my body could actually produce. A lot of factors were taken into account. For now, I'll settle with that explanation. I won't try to piece everything together at once.

Sensing that I had recovered enough to keep on exercising, I once again started doing push-ups. This time, I only managed to do sixteen. My muscles were still sore, leading to my arms giving out sooner than I expected.

Thus, I deduced that despite possessing Gamer's Body, I could still function like a normal human being. Which was a relief. It meant that I could train to get into shape and not just rely on level-ups to improve.

Even with my little experiment done, I kept on doing push-ups until I could do no more than five reps. Then I started doing sit-ups and squats until exhaustion. By the time the sun had risen, I was practically covered in sweat and starving.

It was then that one of my roommates woke up. He started turning around in his bed before giving out a loud yawn while sitting up, his still drowsy blue eyes turning towards me.

"Good morning, Ando," he greeted lazily. "What are you doing so early in the morning?"

"I was training," I replied with what I hoped to be a light smile. I paused for a second to think before I continued. "You see, I had a really cool dream!"

The boy, Isobe, perked up at my words. He had short, dirty blonde hair, and a slightly darker complexion than me. "What dream?"

"I dreamed I was a legendary ninja fighting against an army of bandits to save the village," I lied. But I had to somehow explain why I would suddenly start acting out of character. "I was like a hero, you know."

"Wow, really? Tell me about it!" The boy got excited, and his voice started getting louder, rousing another kid from his slumber.

"Quiet down, you two. I am trying to sleep here!"

I smiled as Isobe made a sheepish expression and moved to my bed. I then proceeded to make up a story for the boy as I recovered my energy. It was only a few minutes later that the two other kids decided to get out of bed. The girl headed straight for the bathroom, while the other kid decided to join me and Isobe to talk about random things.

A little while later, a caretaker, Daisuke, walked into the room to wake us up. She was a slim, tanned woman in her early forties. Her dark hair was combed into a ponytail, and she gave off the vibe of a strict, no-nonsense person. Seeing that we were already awake, she told us to get in the shower. Most kids were actually scared of Daisuke. So, when she gave the orders, we immediately obliged.

Even though it felt weird to do it, I followed the kids to the shower, passing by Suda and giving her what could only be described as a nervous smile. She merely glanced at me before heading towards the other rooms. I started walking on autopilot as I reminisced about the usual routine that the old Ando had to follow until I took over. Wake up at around 6:30, shower, then eat at 7:00.

The kids would then be taken into the gathering hall to learn. We were divided into groups by level and age and were taught how to read and write, along with basic etiquette and skills. Most of the lessons in the gathering hall were mandatory.

After completing our morning routine, we were expected to take care of various tasks assigned to us by the caretakers. If there was nothing to do, we were allowed to play or visit the small library located within the orphanage premises. However, the books mostly remained untouched since the majority of the kids lacked interest in reading. The previous Ando often wondered why they kept it there in the first place.

In the afternoon, we had structured lessons and activities. Sometimes, we were taken for a walk around the village or engaged in a variety of activities. Apart from that, we were mostly left to our own devices, which resulted in most of us spending time playing in the courtyard until evening.

Overall, it was not bad at all. The orphanage was well-funded, so we, the residents, did not lack much. At least, our basic needs were tended to.

Of course, in such a big orphanage, the caregivers did not have the time to tend to all children. They mainly focused on the most troublesome ones. And sometimes, as humans, they got tired or just got lazy. So, they did not supervise us that much, which meant we were free to do whatever we wanted as long as we did not cause trouble.

As for me, an adult spirit stuck in the body of a child, I found it meaningless to socialize or play with the other kids. Don't get me wrong. They can be fun, but being forced to act my age is tiring.

After spending the entire morning engaging in child's play, I was completely drained. Without a second thought, I made my way to the library. Even though it would seem out of character, I just didn't care. No one was paying attention, and I was tired of pretending. So, I spent the rest of the day holed up in the library.

It was that very afternoon when I discovered that aside from my two native gamer perks, I was also granted another skill, "Observe."

Observe is a skill that gives me a basic description of anything I try to observe. It surprisingly did not have a level and only showed me some basic information. It was weird, but it was still a gain.

After dinner, we were told to shower, then sleep. The curfew was at 7 p.m.

After what might be labeled as a stressful first day in this new world, I attempted to rest. However, sleep proved elusive as my mind was filled with too many thoughts—thoughts that I still was not willing to acknowledge. So, I once again tried to distract myself.

My thoughts shifted to the mysterious force within me known as chakra. I realized that now might be the optimal time to attempt unlocking it—during the tranquil hours of the night when I could fully concentrate.

Turning my head to the side, I glanced at the forms of the other kids to ensure they were all asleep before making my move. I closed my eyes and focused on my breathing. Then, I shifted my focus to my chest. I didn't really know where chakra was located in the body. I knew it was in the upper part, but I didn't know the exact location of the source. I don't know how long it took me, but I eventually started feeling something. But before I could grasp what it was or focus on it, it just disappeared, as if it was an illusion.

This cycle repeated itself several times throughout the night, each attempt making me feel like I was close to unlocking my chakra, only for it to slip away once again. Despite the setbacks, I persisted.

As the night wore on, I continued to meditate, growing more and more exhausted with each passing moment. Eventually, I fell into a deep slumber, my mind and body finally at rest.

Naruto: Power In Play Chapter 1

AN: Only the first 2 chapters are in 1st person.

Chapter 1

I have once heard that people often hallucinate before dying. During this short instant, their sense of time becomes distorted as their mind grapples with the situation. Some people engage in a mental review of their life, seeking solutions based on past experiences. Others may have auditory or visual hallucinations involving significant people from their lives. Interestingly, a few individuals report dreaming of entirely random occurrences, akin to suddenly seeing an unexpected prompt flash before their eyes.

[Would you like to be part of a bigger adventure?]

Unfortunately, it seems like I am part of the latter. It would have been a lot nicer to see the faces of some of my loved ones instead…

A dry cough left my throat as I try to chuckle, the sensation accompanied by a hint of metallic taste. I tried to move, but I felt too weak to do so. I am probably bleeding out. No, I am definitely bleeding out… I can feel it. My body is growing increasingly cold as dark spots start to appear on the edge of my vision. Strangely enough, the glowing panel in front of me is showing no sign of disappearing.

[Would you like to live?]

Hmm, do I want to live?

Definitely.

It's not even a question. I still have too many things I want to do, too many things left to experience.

[Can that be counted as a form of consent?]

I would have laughed if I could. Instead, I felt my consciousness slip away. The last of my thoughts, an unconscious part of me, replied 'yes' while my body just stopped responding.

And normally, I would have died there.

But the fog in my mind suddenly cleared up. I could 'see' the glowing panel explode into countless blue particles and rush into me. For a moment, I couldn't see anything. Then, when I recovered my vision, I found myself 'standing' in a pure white expense with a blue orb floating in front of me.

[Welcome, gamer!]

The glowing orb transformed into a panel again.

[Your next adventure is about to start!]

[Please choose a starting avatar for yourself!]

I blinked in confusion as a character customization screen appeared in front of me. A million thoughts flashed into my mind as I simply stood there, in a daze. But eventually, I decided to go along with the flow.

As if I was dreaming, I ignored the abnormal situation I found myself in, and started designing the appearance of a kid that could be no older than 5. I settled for a basic look, black hair, brown eyes, light complexion, no height or voice modification. Then I pressed OK. A confirmation prompt showed up, followed by a status screen.

[World: Naruto]

[Customize your starting stats!]

Level: 5

Age: 5

HP: 40/40 [2/30min]

CP: 90/90 [4/30min]

Vitality: 2

Stamina: 2

Agility: 2

Spirit: 12

Intellect: 2

[Available status points: 12]

[Perks: 3]

Reincarnated: 2 Spirit/Level.

Gamer's Mind: Immunity to psychological status effect.

Gamer's Body: Applies a certain set of rules to the user's body.

[Available Perk Points: 0]

The first thing that struck me as incredible was the world choice: Naruto. I could hardly believe my eyes. Am I going to go in an adventure inside the Naruto world? Or will I simply be playing a game?

I could feel myself getting excited, forgetting my confusion for a moment. I started observing the status screen, and frowned at the lack of hint. What were the mechanics for HP and CP calculations? Thinking for a moment, I ran some test before settling for the next stats:

Level: 5

Age: 5

HP: 90/90 [4/30mn]

CP: 137/137 [6.4/30mn]

Vitality: 4

Stamina: 5

Agility: 5

Spirit: 12

Intellect: 6

[Available status points: 0]

I've been able to deduce the HP and CP calculation from the changes I've been observing while allocating my stats. HP = Vitality (Stamina Agility)/2, the sum was then multiplied by 10. The health points (HP) are calculated by adding vitality to half the sum of stamina and agility, and then multiplying the result by 10. The regen was equal to my Vitality points per minute. CP are determined by taking the average of vitality, stamina, and agility, dividing it by 3, and adding it to the average of spirit and intellect divided by 2. The resulting sum is then multiplied by 10. Basically, the average of physical and mental stats multiplied by 10. Regen was the sum of all my stats divided by 5.

It felt pretty elaborate.

I gave it one last look over before clicking on 'Done'.

[Please, choose a name for your character.]

I gave it some thoughts. As my character will be living in a world with a lot of people with Japanese names, I should be giving myself a name that will not stand out too much. But again, do I really have to? I mean, it could be just a game… Thinking for a moment, I decided to click on the little dice icon next to the input field to generate a random name.

[Welcome, Ando Yoshio!]

[The settings for your adventure have been generated automatically.]

[Time: January 3rd, Year 517]

[Place: Konoha]

[Family: None]

[Commencing countdown: 4…]

3…

2…

1…

[Enjoy!]

Suddenly, the boundless white expanse before me began to shimmer, its surface quivering like a mirage in the desert. The next part came in abruptly: the solid whiteness fractured into a dazzling array of bright blue particles, each sparking with electric vibrancy. Instinctively, I closed my eyes, overwhelmed by the brilliance. But even with my eyelids tightly shut, I could feel the surge of energy coursing around me, a tangible force crackling in the air. I felt like something extraordinary was unfolding, a phenomenon far beyond my understanding.

In an instant, the ground seemed to vanish beneath me. I felt myself plunging into a freefall, my body weightless as I hurtled downward through an endless void. The rush of air whipped past, making me feel both exhilarated and terrified, as though gravity itself had released its grip on me.

The descent seemed infinite, but gradually, I felt the sensation of slowing down. Cautiously, I opened my eyes and saw that I was approaching a shimmering barrier—a translucent bubble-like shield. The radiant white light surrounding me pressed against this barrier, trying to pass through but meeting resistance. As I drew closer, the barrier began to crack, tiny fissures spreading outward as it struggled to contain the pressure.

I started to sink through the barrier, feeling a mixture of relief and uncertainty. Just as I thought I might safely pass through, a wave of darkness surged towards me from the depths beyond. It was an entity, formless and seething with malevolent energy, crashing against the barrier like a storm against a breakwater.

The white light enveloping me, my protective shield, held firm at first. But as the darkness pressed harder, I could see the cracks widening under the relentless assault. The darkness was filled with an animalistic rage, a primordial fury that sought to consume me.

Desperately, I searched for a way to counter this ominous force. Suddenly, from within my chest, a brilliant blue light flared to life. It radiated outward, momentarily pushing the darkness back. The blue light pulsed with pure, intense energy, like a beacon of hope.

For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though the blue light might overcome the darkness. But then, to my horror, the light began to falter. Instead of repelling the darkness, it shattered my protective white shield, the fragments dissolving into nothingness around me.

A wave of fear and helplessness surged through me as the darkness closed in. The sense of crisis was overwhelming, and as my consciousness slipped away, I was plunged into an abyss of oblivion.

Konoha, Civilian District, Bright Orphanage

With a gasp, I sat up in bed and looked around the unfamiliar room. My heart was racing, and my mind was struggling to make sense of the situation. The gears in my head turning nonstop while warning signs bombarded my senses. It took me a while to regain my bearings, to finally realize that I was not in immediate danger.

I took a deep breath, then some more. Finally, my heart calmed down.

Where the hell am I?

As I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, I felt an odd shift in balance. My feet dangled much higher off the ground than I was used to, and when they touched the floor, they felt oddly light and chubby. A wave of confusion washed over me as I took in my surroundings from this new, much lower perspective.

The room was sparsely furnished, with just a few small beds and a dresser against the wall. The windows were covered with heavy curtains, letting in just a sliver of light. The air felt cold and damp, and a musty smell hung in the air. Everything seemed larger, almost looming, as if I had been shrunk down to a fraction of my original height.

I stood up, wobbling slightly as I adjusted to my new center of gravity. My steps were tentative as I tested my balance, feeling the difference in my shorter legs and lighter frame. I looked down at myself and saw that I was wearing unfamiliar clothes - a plain white t-shirt and loose-fitting pants. But it was the sight of my bare feet that caught my attention. They were small and chubby, a stark contrast to the adult feet I had been used to.

I felt a wave of disbelief. Could this really be happening? I shook my head, trying to clear the fog from my mind. My senses seemed heightened, every sound and texture more pronounced, as if my new, younger body was more attuned to the world around me.

I began taking a few more tentative steps around the room, getting used to this foreign body. Without realizing it, I had unconsciously moved towards the other beds in the room. I saw that they were occupied by three other children - two boys and a girl. They were all fast asleep, their faces peaceful and innocent.

Feeling lost, I stood there for a moment, trying to process everything. It was as if I had been transported into another world, one where I was a child again. But how? And why?

[Would you like to start the memory integration process?]

[Y/N]

My eyes widened as I stared at the glowing panel in front of me. For a moment, I doubted my eyes, feeling as if I was hallucinating again. But as I reached out to touch the button, I knew that it was real. The memories flooded into me, overwhelming me with a sense of confusion and disbelief.

It was like suddenly recalling a cringe memory from your past, but instead of just a fleeting moment of discomfort, I was bombarded with the equivalent of years of memories all at once. It was strange, almost surreal, but somehow it didn't hurt.

As the memories settled into place, I felt a mix of emotions swirling within me - confusion, sadness, fear, excitement. It was a jumbled mess, and I couldn't quite put my finger on what I was feeling.

I just stood there, staring blankly at the glowing panel.

It was all so much to take in.

I took deep breaths, and tried to gather my bearings, I began to accept the reality of my situation. It was a lot to take in - the fact that the Naruto world actually existed was a shock that would take some time to fully digest. But somehow, I found myself coming to terms with it surprisingly quick.

I had to accept it. After all, I just had years of memory shoved into my head straight out of nowhere. I feel like this sort of experience is impossible to simulate.

I am lucid and logic enough to know that none of this could be faked. I reincarnated after getting shot. This kid, 'Ando Yoshio', was my new identity. An orphan with no known living family member. His, or rather, my only parent, my father, was killed on a mission. As was the case of most children who ended up in this orphanage.

As I stood there in the dimly lit room, I couldn't help but reflect on the strange turn my life had taken. The fact that I had been reincarnated into a new identity, as Ando Yoshio, was still a hard pill to swallow. But with the weight of my past life on my mind, I knew I needed to focus.

My heart ached as I thought about how young I was when I died. Just 23 years old, and my life was cut short by some random senseless act of violence. It was hard not to dwell on the regrets I had, the things I wish I had done differently. But I knew that wasn't going to do me any good in this new world. Not right now.

Instead, I took a deep breath and forced myself to focus on the opportunity I had been given. To start anew in a world that I had only ever dreamed of. A world where chakra and magic were real, and where I had a chance to be something more than just another victim of circumstances.

With the help of the gamer system and my new-found knowledge, I knew I had the potential to become stronger than anyone in this world. And I was determined to do just that. No longer would I be a victim. No longer would I let fear or regret hold me back.

AN: Tell me what you think about it ;)