Haruto Fujiwara was dead.
He passed peacefully.
If there's one thing common among otaku, it's their manner of death.
Clutching a mobile phone, engrossed in a game, leaning against the sofa—a deep, sudden demise.
...
"Where am I?"
"Why am I here? What is this place?"
Haruto opened his eyes to find himself in an unfamiliar cave.
He moved his arms; his limbs felt weak, surrounded by endless rubble.
"Was I kidnapped? I remember playing a game before..."
He looked puzzled.
At that moment, voices arguing echoed from the depths of the cave.
"Lord Orochimaru! Human experimentation is explicitly forbidden. If you continue, the Third Hokage will deem you a traitor!"
"Tsk tsk, Anko, you're too naive. Otherwise, I wouldn't have the heart to implant a curse mark on you."
"..."
"Anko? Orochimaru? What's going on?"
"Could it be that I've transmigrated"
Haruto was bewildered, but the fluent Japanese from the other side was unmistakable!
Haruto didn't speak Japanese!
Yet he understood it perfectly!
"How is this possible? Could this be a perk of transmigration? Haha, I guess I really transmigrated!"
Haruto laughed aloud!
As a devoted otaku, transmigration was his dream, especially into the world of the mobile game that led to his previous life's sudden death—
It was Naruto Online!
"Ding dong!"
A sudden buzz resonated in his head.
[Host detected awake. Issuing novice gift package immediately.]
[Basic Taijutsu: Max Level!]
[Basic Chakra Control: Max Level!]
[Basic Ninja Tool Usage: Max Level!
"Is this the so-called novice pack?"
Haruto was elated but soon frowned...
"Why are they all basic skills?"
As a die-hard Naruto fan, he knew that basic skills equated to the abilities of a Konoha Genin.
While Naruto had instances where lower-ranked ninja surpassed higher ones, Haruto lacked the protagonist's innate talent...
As he silently cursed, his mind buzzed again.
[Ding dong!]
[Detected that the host's current environment is hazardous. Issuing SSS-level legendary mission: Save Anko Mitarashi. The system will provide different rewards based on mission completion.]
Evaluation 1: Extract Anko from Orochimaru's laboratory, dead or alive.]
[Rewards: Intermediate Taijutsu Max Level, Intermediate Chakra Control Max Level, Intermediate Ninja Tool Usage Max Level.]
[Evaluation 2: Extract Anko from Orochimaru's laboratory unharmed and gain her favor.]
[Rewards: Advanced Taijutsu Max Level, Advanced Chakra Control Max Level, Advanced Ninja Tool Usage Max Level.]
[Evaluation 3: In Orochimaru's presence, extract Anko unharmed…]
[Rewards: In addition to Reward 2, an extra god-level ninjutsu—Shinra Tensei!]
"..."
Haruto was speechless.
Even the simplest task of taking Anko out of the lab wasn't easy, let alone doing so in front of Orochimaru!
He was currently at the level of a Konoha Genin!
But still...
Some things had to be done.
"That's Shinra Tensei!" Haruto was exhilarated!
His favorite ninjutsu in his previous life was Shinra Tensei!
Not because of its strength, but because of its sheer coolness. Back during the assault on Konoha, Pain used this technique alone to confront all the elite ninja of the village!
Such a flashy move—how could he not learn it!
Haruto made a swift decision and began strategizing.
In reality, the system's mission wasn't fatal. As long as he could get Anko out of the cave unharmed, he would receive advanced Taijutsu and other skills.
Combined with the god-level ninjutsu, Shinra Tensei!
Haruto was confident that with this technique, he could escape from Orochimaru, especially since at this time, Orochimaru hadn't reached the monstrous level he would during the later ninja wars!
Haruto immediately reached out to feel the cave walls.
"Lord Orochimaru! Stop making mistakes. You're the direct disciple of the Third Hokage. If you turn back now, the Third will surely forgive you!"
"Enough talk! Anko, don't be so naive. Let me implant the curse mark, and serve as a vessel for my body!"
"Sensei! Please reconsider!"
Orochimaru continued arguing with his disciple inside.
Haruto had been listening for a while, feeling anxious. But if he didn't act now, it would be too late, as Orochimaru was about to make his move!
"Stop! Release that girl!" He stood up and sternly confronted Orochimaru.
"..."
Silence filled the cave.
Orochimaru was momentarily stunned!
Too sudden!
It was like a young boy about to taste forbidden fruit, only to be caught red-handed by his parents—it was truly unexpected!
"Who is this brat!"
Orochimaru's gaze immediately shifted.
It was unbelievable that, as one of the Legendary Sannin, he had been approached unnoticed by a strange boy!
He felt a bit uneasy.
Haruto swallowed hard.
To be honest, he was more nervous than Orochimaru now. While the other was wary, Haruto was panicking internally!
Orochimaru was among the elite of the elite ninja!
A mere fireball from him could probably end Haruto.
"Lord Orochimaru, greetings. I was sent by our leader to negotiate with you."
"Leader? What leader? I don't know such a person!" Orochimaru continued to eye Haruto cautiously, but Haruto had already planned his next words.
"Our leader is none other than the renowned Pain. I believe you've heard of him."
"You're from the Akatsuki organization! How dare you come to this place! Aren't you afraid of being discovered by the Third Hokage!"
"You dare to set up a laboratory here; aren't you afraid of being found out!"
Though Haruto was flustered inside, he didn't show it, instead looking at Orochimaru with determination!
Nonsense! Showing any fear could mean death...
Haruto knew what Orochimaru desired, and his plan was to use this as leverage to deceive him.
"Our leader has long known of your desire for a powerful body, so we've been waiting for you outside."
"Leader? Pain has come to Konoha!"
"Yes! We've also brought you the body of Itachi Uchiha, as long as you're willing to join the Akatsuki organization."
"What!"
Orochimaru was shocked.
At this time, Itachi Uchiha was only 8 years old but was already a prodigy in the village. If not for the fear of being discovered by the Third Hokage, Orochimaru would have acted long ago!
Hearing that the Akatsuki organization had brought Itachi, Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with fanaticism.
"Then please, come with me, sir." Haruto saw Orochimaru's interest and immediately gestured invitingly, then turned his attention to Anko Mitarashi, who was tied to a stone pillar.
Now came the most critical step!
Absolutely no mistakes allowed!
"Um... Lord Orochimaru, may I take this hostage along? She's overheard our conversation and needs to be presented to the leader for disposition."
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