[Ding! A-Rank Optional Mission Released]
Objective: Locate and destroy the human-enhancement prototype currently under rapid development.
Reward: Classified. Risk level: Insane.
…Great. Another mission. Because apparently the universe runs on my suffering.
Ryuuto, who had just gotten comfortable under the blanket, groaned into his pillow before sitting up like a man possessed. His half-asleep brain instantly switched from "nap mode" to "chaotic strategist."
He could already guess what this was about.
In this world, danger popped up faster than memes online — and if the timeline lined up, the next big threat wasn't just a street-level villain.
"Shion," he muttered, rubbing his temple, "you mind telling me what kind of fever dream this system's on? The missions are spawning faster than mosquitoes in summer."
[Hehe, that's because your system's close to a breakthrough, Host. More missions, more rewards. You should be grateful!]
"Grateful? Sure. Maybe when I stop almost dying every week."
[If you're tired, you can skip this one, you know.]
Ryuuto sat up, crossing his arms with mock pride. "Skip? Me? Please. I'm a man of culture and terrible life choices."
[Knew it. You're the number one host for a reason. The system's lucky to have such a masoch— I mean, motivated partner.]
"Careful, Shion. Keep talking like that and I'll uninstall you mid-battle."
[Bold talk for someone who can't live without me.]
"Tch. Anyway… I just remembered. Didn't I have a character data pack I never opened?"
[Executing now, Master. Brace yourself for awesomeness.]
[Ding! Congratulations, Host — New Character Unlocked: Sarutobi Hiruzen! Access to new Ninjutsu granted.]
Ryuuto froze. "Wait, did I just hear Third Hokage? As in, 'Professor of Ninjutsu,' the guy with a summon that can punch out a mountain?"
[Correct. And please stop drooling; it's embarrassing.]
Ryuuto grinned wide enough to scare ghosts. "Ha! Finally, a real jackpot! The Third Hokage himself — I'm unstoppable now!"
[Or you'll blow yourself up on your first Fire Style. Fifty-fifty chance, really.]
Ignoring her jab, Ryuuto leapt to his feet, chest puffed. "Let every arrogant mutant and overpowered alien come for me now. Ryuuto of the Red Mirage will burn them all down!"
[Maybe start with some practice before declaring world domination, genius.]
"Yeah, yeah."
The data surged through him like lightning. His mind flooded with knowledge, techniques, the muscle memory of a Kage.
Fire Style: Fire Dragon Bullet!
A high-level flame jutsu that turns air into molten hell.
Earth Style: Earth Wall!
A perfect defensive counter against frontal attacks.
Earth Flow River!
Flood the battlefield in mud and crush enemies beneath the current.
Summoning: Enma, the Monkey King!
Battle companion with absurd physical power.
Transformation: Adamantine Staff!
Because nothing says "Third Hokage" like smashing gods with a stick.
Telescope Technique.
Shuriken Shadow Clone.
Triple Formation Seal.
Ryuuto's grin turned feral. "Perfect. From now on, anyone looking for a fight? I'll give them one they'll remember in the afterlife."
[Try not to nuke your own room this time.]
"Details, details."
He trained until dawn, chakra flaring against the walls, smoke curling through cracked concrete. When sunlight finally hit his face, Ryuuto collapsed onto the floor, breathing hard — grinning harder.
"Guess luck really does love good-looking idiots," he said to himself, wiping sweat from his brow.
And just when he thought he'd earned a moment of peace —
Ring, ring.
He squinted at the caller ID. "Oh, great. Gwen."
"Hey," her cheerful voice rang through the phone, "you up already? Don't tell me you forgot! Today's the day we hand in the project reports."
"Right, that thing. Yeah, totally didn't forget," he lied smoothly.
"Good! I've been up all night polishing mine," she said proudly, the sound of papers rustling on her end.
Ryuuto stared at the ceiling, deadpan. "Right. And I've… been meditating. Spiritually."
"Uh-huh." Gwen giggled. "I'll pick you up in ten."
"Make it five," Ryuuto replied, already standing. "And don't crash the jet this time."
"Promise~!"
He hung up, exhaled, and glanced at the faint scorch marks across his walls. "Sarutobi Hiruzen's power, mutant girls calling me before breakfast… yeah. Totally normal day for a reincarnated ninja."
And with that, he vanished in a flicker of chakra and static, the Red Mirage off to class like a storm in a hoodie.