The shadowy alleyway. A strong man, his back burdened with a basket overflowing with herbs, trudged home with a determined expression. "Little Dai is home alone. I hope nothing happens..."
But just then, a loud "Bang!"...
A strange sound came from the trash can in the corner. The man froze for a moment, taking a couple of steps back. But soon...
He furrowed his brow and slowly walked back towards the sound.
Finally, someone came!
With his consciousness fading, Itsuki seemed to hear steady footsteps approaching him. A pair of warm hands gently lifted him…
"This child, he looks just like my son..."
The man's palms were warm, his voice like a winter fireplace, bringing a sense of peace.
"Escape the Trash Can mission complete. Please claim your mission reward."
The system's voice remained emotionless, as if indifferent to Itsuki's life or death.
But he was alive!
Itsuki smiled, his lips twitching, and closed his eyes peacefully…
As if seeing Itsuki's smile, the man holding him chuckled and nestled him in his arms. "Don't worry, I, Might Guy, swear on my youth that I'll make sure you survive!"
With that, the man with the watermelon-shaped head, named Might Guy, laughed and left, the Konoha headband on his forehead shining brightly…
Where leaves dance, the will of fire will never cease to burn.
A giant spider hung from the stained, mottled ceiling, weaving its web with an arrogant swagger…
"Was I rescued?"
Itsuki slowly opened his eyes, turning his head to examine his surroundings.
Beneath the dilapidated ceiling, in the empty Japanese-style room, there was nothing but a wooden bed. A truly impoverished home...
After observing the furnishings, Itsuki noticed another baby lying beside him, roughly the same age. He had a goofy watermelon-shaped head, a chubby face, and an adorable, clumsy look...
Besides this baby, there was a strong, middle-aged man in the room. The man was dressed like a farmer, but his comical watermelon-shaped head made him seem more lively. He was holding a basket of something that looked like herbs, carefully selecting them…
At first glance, this watermelon-headed man felt familiar to Itsuki. However, there was a strange, unfamiliar quality to this familiarity…
In short, Itsuki seemed to recognize him, yet he was certain he had never seen him before.
"What a strange feeling..."
Itsuki shook his head, remaining silent. He didn't want to exhibit any behavior beyond that of a baby before he understood the situation.
Itsuki closed his eyes again…
"Newbie Mission: Escape the Trash Can (Completed)!"
"Kunai Throwing (Beginner): Available for Claim."
"Claim!"
After confirming the claim, a new skill bar suddenly appeared in Itsuki's mind.
*Kunai Throwing (Beginner)*
At the same time, a sudden wave of warmth surged through Itsuki's hands. The warmth flowed from his fingertips, slowly spreading to his entire body. Itsuki could feel this warmth strengthening his physique, but as it flowed, it gradually thinned.
By the time the warmth reached his feet, it was almost imperceptible… Clearly, this warmth primarily strengthened his hands!
When the warmth completely disappeared, Itsuki slowly opened his eyes and instinctively reached out to grab the wooden bedpost beside him.
"Creak, creak, creak..."
Wood chips flew off as Itsuki gripped the post, making a sound that made his teeth ache.
Gently releasing his grip, Itsuki looked at the clear handprint on the solid wooden bedpost and couldn't help but grin. "Looks like even in this Naruto world, my strength is already far beyond that of a typical two-year-old..."
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