Earth, 8 PM. On the "Ai Ku" streaming platform, the new anime recommendation, "Naruto: Prequel," was particularly eye-catching.
Almost immediately after the broadcast began, the bullet chat exploded. "First!" "'Naruto: Prequel'? Kishimoto has only drawn up to the Chunin Exams; is this some filler anime original?" "Obviously bait." "Even though I know it might be trash, I can't help but take a bite."
Despite the skepticism, the number of comments continued to skyrocket. The Naruto manga was at its peak popularity in this world, and fans couldn't resist clicking. As the opening credits rolled, Naruto's young figure appeared on the screen, carrying a bucket of ink.
Masahiko, watching from home, keenly noticed a crucial detail: In this world, the manga had only reached the Chunin Exams arc. The timeline was slightly different from his previous life.
Soon, his own character appeared. "A new character? He's kind of handsome!" "Holy crap, his movements are so pretentious, but he really is handsome. I love this art style!" "Huh? Is this Naruto's new teacher? But he didn't appear in the manga!"
The audience began to piece together the timeline. Naruto and Sasuke were only seven years old. There was even a brief scene of Itachi sending Sasuke to school; the Uchiha clan had not yet been exterminated.
"So pretentious, so handsome, I love it!" "His attitude is so double-standard..." "A villain, right? Let me guess—one of Orochimaru's people? Since he didn't appear in the main story, he must be a prequel original villain."
Masahiko breathed a sigh of relief. His debut was a success. Even though he only appeared in the first half, he occupied a quarter of the runtime. As the episode ended, the light screen closed and his rewards materialized.
[Popularity Rating: S]
[Congratulations! You have been promoted to: S-rank Special Guest Actor]
[Received Remuneration: Actor's Basic Training - Taijutsu Chapter]
[Permission granted, "Ability Training" module loaded successfully!]
Masahiko focused his mind, and a brand new panel appeared.
[Ability Training]
[Unlocked: Basic Training - Taijutsu Chapter]
In an instant, his vision blurred and space distorted. When he came to, he was standing in a stark, white void. A stiff, youthful figure stood before him. It was Might Guy—not the Jonin he knew, but an eleven-year-old version who had just become a Chunin.
"My name is Might Guy. Starting today, I am responsible for your basic Taijutsu training. Please guide me!" The projection bowed deeply.
"Please guide me!" Masahiko returned the gesture.
"Basic Taijutsu is constant training and hard work, turning punches, kicks, elbows, and dodges into instinct..." The projection spoke with a mechanical clarity. Masahiko realized this was a system-generated instructor, devoid of the real Guy's eccentric talk of "youth" and "passion."
"Actual combat training, then." Masahiko nodded.
Shoo!
Both used the Shunshin no Jutsu simultaneously, closing the distance in a blur.
As Masahiko raised his hand, Guy's foot had already lashed out. Bang! The collision echoed in the void. Masahiko countered quickly, but Guy blocked his killing moves with frightening efficiency. As the speed increased, Masahiko found himself getting hit more and more often.
Whoosh! Masahiko pushed his Shunshin to another level, leaving an afterimage behind. Bang! He finally connected, kicking Guy flying. He followed up immediately, his leg tracing a lethal arc in the air before smashing down. Boom! The projection blurred and disappeared, only for a fresh "Young Might Guy" to take its place instantly. Masahiko realized that if they were the same age, he would be no match for Guy's raw talent.
"Optimize your movements; your moves are not refined enough," The projection advised. "Increase intensity to turn the movements into muscle memory."
Late at night, the insects chirped outside his window. Masahiko sat up, his body making a series of rhythmic crackling sounds as he stretched. A burst of indescribable refreshment surged through him.
He opened the window and jumped out with a quiet whoosh. He landed lightly, his feet hitting the ground with a soft, near-silent thud.
Masahiko froze, a bright smile spreading across his face. While landing with Chakra was a basic skill, this time the movement felt completely instinctive—an etched muscle memory.
Under the moonlight, his eyes shone with joy. Just then, voices drifted from the nearby training grounds.
"Lee! Are you giving up just like that?" "No! Guy-sensei, I haven't given up! I can still keep going!" "Oh—!!! This is youth!!!"
Masahiko looked toward the source of the shouting. A plan began to take shape in his mind.