The sword's shape was delicate, yet its length was peculiar—too short to be a proper sword, yet too long to be a dagger.
"The Seven Swords System has automatically compiled all the games, anime, movies, comics, and novels the Host has encountered in his previous life."
"From these sources, the Host can draw any sword or tachi-type weapon."
"Upon drawing a weapon, the Host will acquire either all or part of the sword's abilities, along with the power of its original wielder."
"All or only part?" The boy furrowed his brows in confusion.
"If a weapon belonging to an excessively powerful character is drawn, the system will impose certain restrictions."
"I see." The boy nodded in understanding.
"Would the Host like to proceed with the first draw?"
"Right now."
Now that the system had been activated, he couldn't wait to see what he would receive. Across all the games, anime, movies, and novels he had consumed, there were countless sword masters. Some wielded power so overwhelming that they could change the course of history with a single swing.
As long as his luck wasn't abysmal, even in the dangerous world of Naruto, he should be able to secure a good life for himself.
"Begin the extraction."
At his command, the unusual short sword in his mind began to blur.
Immediately after, its form started shifting at an astonishing speed—
Greatswords, knightly blades, bronze sabers, slender rapiers...
"What will I get?"
His heart pounded with both excitement and anxiety. The first draw was crucial. He didn't want to end up with a weak or useless weapon.
Under his intense gaze, the rapid transformations gradually slowed.
Finally, the weapon settled—revealing a white, elegant Western-style sword.
"Looks familiar…"
The boy frowned slightly. He was sure he had seen this weapon before, but he couldn't immediately recall whose it was.
As he was trying to remember, a sudden warmth spread across the back of his left hand.
"Hmm?"
Looking down, he saw a strange mark appearing on his previously bare skin.
Seven long swords were arranged in a vertical formation, decreasing in size from the center outward. The leftmost sword was solid, while the remaining six were hollow outlines.
At the same time, new information flowed into his mind.
"It's her weapon."
A wide grin broke across his face.
His luck was pretty good after all.
"System—"
BOOM!
Just as he was about to ask the system something, a fiery explosion erupted in the distance, illuminating the rain-soaked night.
His expression darkened.
"Another battle…? Is it Rain Shinobi, Konoha, Suna, or Iwa forces this time?"
Given the information flooding his mind and the persistent downpour, he had already deduced his location—the Land of Rain.
And if a battle was taking place here, it could only involve these factions.
"I should check it out."
Without hesitation, he headed toward the flickering flames.
Before, he would have done everything possible to avoid shinobi conflict. But now, things were different.
With his newly gained strength, he was confident he could at least protect himself.
Moreover, a battlefield was the best place to gather intel, adapt to this world, and make a name for himself.
In a Village in the Land of Rain the arrival of ninjas had turned this once-peaceful village into a hell on earth.
"Kill them!"
"Eliminate everyone!"
Shing! Clang! BOOM!
The echoes of clashing kunai, detonating jutsu, and agonized screams filled the air.
Every passing moment claimed more lives.
The villagers—once simple, ordinary people—were now either dead, fleeing, or trembling in their homes, hoping the battle would pass them by.
In a Dark Alley a young girl, no older than ten, cautiously poked her head out from the shadows.
"Looks like no one's here…"
After scanning the area and seeing no immediate danger, she let out a shaky breath.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Wasting no time, she dashed out from the alley, running toward her home.
Unfortunately, fate was not on her side.
As she rounded a corner—
She ran straight into a ninja.
The man tensed in brief surprise at the sight of a child. But in the next second, his eyes filled with cold, merciless killing intent.
To these shinobi, any civilian caught in the battlefield was a liability—an obstacle to be erased.
The girl's face turned ashen.
Despair gripped her tiny heart.
"I… I'm going to die."