Ding!
You triggered a mission!
Mission: Become First Place in Your School!
Details: Scoring average is not the only path to being the best. Being first in all aspects is the true mark of excellence.
Reward: Title: First Placer
Effect of Title: +20 Charisma
Progress: (0/6 years of being First Placer)
Kaizen stared at the glowing message only he could see, hovering faintly in his vision. It flickered with a soft golden hue, mocking him with its absurdity.
"Six years?" he muttered under his breath. "What kind of twisted long-term mission is this?"
He shook his head, lips curling upward in amusement. Still, something in his chest stirred—a flicker of competitiveness. Not out of pride, but something deeper. A drive to remain in control of his life. If being number one gave him power or standing, then so be it.
He pressed Accept without hesitation.
The class ended with little fanfare. Their homeroom teacher, Ueno Tatsuma, had spent the entire time explaining theory—chakra networks, shinobi ranks, and Konoha's education system. Kaizen listened quietly, absorbing as much as he could, committing it all to memory. But by the end, he was already itching to learn something real.
As he walked toward the Academy gate, his thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Hey, Kaizen! Wait up!"
Kaizen turned to see Jiraiya sprinting toward him, waving enthusiastically. Behind him stood two person—one with blond hair and a confident stare, and the other with long black hair, his posture stiff and serious.
"You wanna come eat with us? My friends are heading out to the dumpling shop nearby," Jiraiya asked, gesturing to the other two. "I'll introduce you! haha!"
Kaizen blinked. He studied the trio for a moment—two boys and a girl.
"So, this is the beginning of the Legendary Sannin?" Kaizen thought wander as how they shake the world in the future.
He scratched the back of his head, feigning embarrassment. "Ah… sorry. I've got something to do. Maybe next time."
Jiraiya looked a bit disappointed but didn't press further. "Alright. Catch you later then, Kaizen!"
Kaizen nodded and watched them leave. "So… the trio is already forming this time," he muttered. Then he turned his gaze to the school building. "Kaizen you are here to become stronger to survive." he said to himself with a strong will.
Instead of heading out, he made his way toward the Academy Library.
The large wooden doors creaked open as he entered the vast, hushed space. Rows upon rows of scrolls and books lined the walls, illuminated by soft lantern light. There were only a few students inside—most were probably too excited to hang out with friends or rest. Kaizen, however, felt more alive than he had all day.
"Freshman?" a stern voice called from the reception desk.
Kaizen turned to see a middle-aged librarian with thick spectacles glaring at him.
"You're only allowed on the first floor," she warned. "The second floor is strictly for advanced students. If you're caught up there, you'll be expelled."
Kaizen nodded wordlessly and bowed slightly. "Understood."
He stepped quietly through the rows until his eyes landed on a modest blue-covered book titled:
[Introduction to Chakra Theory]
Without hesitation, he reached out and grabbed it. As he held it in his hands, a soft glow emerged once again.
[Learn: Introduction to Chakra Theory?]
Y/N
He tapped Yes in his mind.
The knowledge surged into his thoughts—images, diagrams, and explanations embedding themselves deeply into his memory. He saw how chakra flowed from the core, how it moved through the Tenketsu points, and how it could be shaped into ninjutsu. His body warmed as he felt the energy awaken within him.
Ding!
Chakra +100
Intelligence +1
Talent Unlocked: Basic Chakra Control
Your ability to mold chakra is now at a basic level. You can now suppress chakra unintentionally leaking from your body and begin early control techniques.
Kaizen exhaled slowly, his hand lightly gripping the table to steady himself. His mind buzzed with clarity.
"I could feel it," he whispered. "As if I've walked a step closer to true power…"
He stood still for a few moments, basking in the silence, letting the flow of chakra within him stabilize.
Then he moved.
The next book he picked up was thicker and heavier.
[Introduction to Weapon Handling Manuals]
Once more, the option appeared.
[Learn: Introduction to Weapon Handling Manuals?]
Y/N
Yes.
This time, the sensation was different. Instead of internal energy, he felt tension in his limbs—muscle memory he didn't know he had suddenly activated. Techniques, grip forms, stances, weight distributions. He saw in his mind images of shinobi wielding kunai, tanto, spears, and staves.
He mimicked the movement with a slight hand motion, shifting his feet instinctively.
Ding!
Dexterity +2
Skill Leveled: Weapon Master > Weapon Master (2)
You can wield basic weapons with a sense of balance and control. Your handling is precise, though not yet refined to expert levels.
Kaizen nodded slowly, flexing his fingers.
"It's not much yet," he murmured, "but it's better."
The hunger for more knowledge pulled at him again. His eyes scanned the next shelf until he spotted a worn-out book with a claw mark on its corner.
[Introduction to Tracking]
He sat down with it and opened the first page.
[Learn: Introduction to Tracking?]
Y/N
He didn't hesitate.
Yes.
This time, the knowledge felt sharper—like wind brushing across his ears and footsteps echoing in his mind. He saw patterns in crushed grass, understood the weight left behind by different footfalls. He began to perceive the world not just as it appeared, but as it had been—the trail left by others.
Ding!
Dexterity +1
Talent Unlocked: Basic Sense
You gain the ability to detect movement or hidden enemies with fair accuracy. However, highly skilled infiltrators may bypass your sense.
Kaizen closed the book and leaned back in his chair, breathing deeply.
He could feel it now. Slowly, methodically, he was evolving.