In the 28th year of Konohagakure, one year before the outbreak of the Second Great Ninja War—
Perhaps sensing the fierce battles soon to come, the village had convened several jōnin meetings to decide wartime logistics: the allocation of resources and the deployment of manpower.
Today was yet another of those meetings.
Among those attending was Arata Itsuki, one of Konoha's tokubetsu jōnin.
He had transmigrated into the world of Naruto eighteen years ago. He had even been in the same class as the Legendary Sannin. But while the Sannin had already reached elite jōnin level, Arata Itsuki, as a mere special jōnin, seemed rather pitiful in comparison.
Born into a civilian family in Konoha, Arata had relied on the foreknowledge that came with transmigration. While other kids were still running around in open-crotch pants, he had already begun training diligently.
Unfortunately, this was a world where bloodline meant everything.
No matter how hard he trained—or how much he perfected his swordsmanship to the point of threatening even upper-level jōnin—he was only ever "promoted" to tokubetsu jōnin as an exception.
If nothing unexpected happened, Arata Itsuki knew he'd likely remain stuck at that rank for the rest of his life.
As the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, presided over the meeting from the stage, Arata fought back a yawn. All he could think about was getting home and taking a long nap afterward.
After all, a tokubetsu jōnin like him had no right to speak at meetings of this level.
He was basically here just to make up the numbers.
The real decisions, as always, would be made by the Third and his advisors.
At that moment, a clear, confident female voice broke the dullness.
"I believe we should immediately establish a medical corps,"
"and every tactical unit should include at least one medical-nin!"
Arata turned toward the voice.
It was Tsunade.
At 18, Tsunade was in the full bloom of her youth—beautiful, proud, and carrying a natural aura of authority. Even her "charms" were already becoming… quite impressive.
Arata Itsuki had once tried to pursue her, but the enormous gap in their strength had forced him to give up.
No matter how smooth his tongue might be, if he couldn't protect Tsunade in the future, there'd be no point in them being together. He had no intention of being some useless pretty boy living off his woman.
From the stage, Danzō's cold, sneering voice followed almost immediately:
"Sounds nice in theory—but where do you expect to find the resources to train all those medical-nin? Ninjas should win battles with strength, not by playing doctor!"
Tsunade's expression hardened.
"If we lack resources, we can start small and train gradually! But we must have medical-nin! Otherwise, the number of casualties on the battlefield will be unimaginable!"
After speaking, she turned toward her teacher, Sarutobi Hiruzen, hoping for his support.
But even her most respected mentor didn't take her side.
"Tsunade, your idea is admirable, but it's… far too radical. Not only will the upper council reject it, I doubt anyone here would agree with you either."
Tsunade scanned the room—and just as Hiruzen had said, not a single person dared to meet her gaze. Heads lowered in silence.
Arata Itsuki could only shake his head.
The shinobi world's mindset was still far too backward. They always thought of war as assassinations and ambushes, never realizing that large-scale wars were fought head-on—where medical-nin were indispensable.
Still, Arata knew what would happen next. Kato Dan would soon stand up to support Tsunade. Even though her proposal would be rejected, that act of support would win him her heart.
And just then, a voice rang in his mind:
[Ding! System initialization complete! Based on the host's current situation, three opening options have been generated!]
[Option 1: Play dead, stay uninvolved, and keep out of the plot.
Reward: Modified Eight Gates Formation!]
[Option 2: Strongly oppose Tsunade.
Reward: Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan!]
[Option 3: Speak up before Kato Dan to support Tsunade.
Reward: Supreme Newbie Gift Pack!]
The sudden voice snapped Arata Itsuki wide awake.
After 18 years of mediocrity, his golden finger had finally arrived!
A system might come late—but it never fails to appear.
He, Arata Itsuki, was destined to be the protagonist of fate!
As for the choices… he had to decide quickly.
He knew Kato Dan would speak up any moment now.
Option 1? Not a chance. Without the system, sure—he might've stayed a salted fish. But with it? No way he'd waste the opportunity!
Option 2? That would mean offending Tsunade. Absolutely not.
Which left only Option 3.
Besides, the first two rewards were things that already existed in the Naruto world. The "Supreme Newbie Gift Pack," though… just the name alone screamed overpowered!
With that thought, Arata made his decision.
He stood up abruptly and declared:
"I agree with Tsunade's proposal!"
[Ding! Congratulations, host. You've completed the opening choice.
Supreme Newbie Gift Pack has been issued!]
No sooner had the words left his mouth than the system's chime echoed in his mind.
Across the room, Kato Dan, who had just been about to rise to his feet, froze in disbelief.
Someone had beaten him to it?
And this guy wasn't afraid of offending the higher-ups?
Kato Dan glanced toward Tsunade—only to see her looking at Arata Itsuki, eyes full of gratitude… and even a hint of tenderness.
That was something she'd never shown anyone before.
Kato Dan had originally planned to use this opportunity to get closer to her, but now… that chance was gone.
Sure enough, Tsunade looked at Arata and said earnestly:
"Thank you, Arata."
She had expected no one to support her. But at this moment, someone had stood by her side—and in such times, genuine support struck deepest.
From the stage, Danzō's face darkened.
"A tokubetsu jōnin like you has no right to speak here. Your approval is invalid!"
Danzō knew Arata Itsuki, of course—but in his eyes, Arata was just a fringe figure, someone with no influence or importance.
Arata's anger flared.
Old bastard, just wait. Once I open that Supreme Gift Pack, you're done for.
Anyone who had read the original Naruto story already despised Danzō—and Arata Itsuki was no exception.
Now, with Danzō mocking him to his face, Arata made up his mind: when the chance came, he'd definitely take him out.
But Tsunade, proud as ever, wouldn't let Danzō get away with it.
"Danzō, don't go too far! Arata is a tokubetsu jōnin of this village—he's contributed plenty to Konoha!"
Sensing the rising tension, the Third Hokage hurriedly stepped in to mediate.
"Alright, that's enough for today. Let's adjourn the meeting here."
Tsunade looked at her teacher, disappointment flickering across her eyes.
Ending the meeting at a time like this—
He might as well have sided with Danzō outright.