The reflection in the water was almost too much for Troy to handle. The face staring back at him was unmistakably Sukuna's—marked with those distinct, jagged tattoos that ran across his face and body. His fingers flexed involuntarily, and he could feel the raw, destructive power that pulsed within him. It was intoxicating. He was no longer just Troy; he had become Ryomen Sukuna, the king of curses, in a world that wasn't even his own.
The forest around him was eerily quiet. He had watched enough Naruto to know that silence like this meant danger. His heart raced as he tried to get a grip on his situation. First things first... what's my objective here?
Before he could think any further, the system's interface blinked into his vision again.
Simulation objective: Survive the Naruto universe for one week.
Bonus objective: Defeat a S-rank shinobi.
One week? Troy's stomach tightened. In the Naruto universe, a week was more than enough time to get killed if you didn't know what you were doing. And him? He was hardly prepared for ninja-level combat, much less taking on a fully trained shinobi. But... Sukuna wasn't just anyone. This was a guy who had lived through countless battles, who relished fighting and destruction.
I have his powers now, right? Troy flexed his fingers again, trying to summon any of Sukuna's cursed energy. To his surprise, a red aura crackled around his hand. He could feel the raw intensity of the curse energy, swirling like a storm within him. He grinned, the power surging through his veins like a drug.
"Okay, this could work."
But before he could get too comfortable, he heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching through the brush. Someone was nearby—and they were moving fast. His instincts kicked in, and he crouched low, slipping behind a large tree for cover. Please don't be a ninja. Not yet.
The figure burst into the clearing. Troy's heart nearly stopped.
It was a shinobi, dressed in a dark blue flak jacket, their headband glinting in the sunlight. Troy's eyes narrowed as he recognized the emblem. Konoha. The Hidden Leaf Village. This wasn't good. He was probably already being tracked as an unknown intruder. The ninja looked around the area cautiously, scanning for any signs of movement.
Troy's mind raced. He didn't have time to strategize, but one thing was clear: he had no choice but to fight. I have Sukuna's power. I just need to trust it.
He stepped out from behind the tree, his red curse aura flaring up around him. The Konoha shinobi froze, locking eyes with him. There was no hesitation. Troy raised his hand, summoning Sukuna's signature technique.
"Cleave."
The curse energy slashed through the air with deadly precision. The shinobi barely had time to react, their body jerking as the invisible force tore through them, sending them crashing into the ground. A pool of blood spread beneath them, staining the grass a deep crimson.
Troy's breath came out ragged, a mixture of adrenaline and disbelief flooding his system. Did I just... kill a shinobi? It had been so quick, so effortless. The power he now wielded was nothing short of terrifying.
The system blinked again, interrupting his thoughts.
First kill: Konoha shinobi.
Reward for first kill unlocked.
A new screen appeared, showing five glowing icons.
Choose two rewards:
Enhanced regenerationCursed weapon masterySage chakra absorptionGenjutsu immunityDimensional travel (limited)
Troy stared at the list, his mind spinning. Each of these abilities would be game-changing. But he needed to choose carefully. Dimensional travel would be crucial, especially if he wanted to return to the Marvel Universe. But he wasn't sure if he would get more chances to unlock something like Sage chakra absorption or Genjutsu immunity.
He exhaled sharply, his thoughts racing. Think, Troy. You need to survive.
After a moment of deliberation, he made his decision.
Rewards selected: Enhanced regeneration and Dimensional travel (limited).
His body instantly felt lighter, more capable. The enhanced regeneration kicked in, and he could feel his stamina recovering rapidly from the exertion of the fight. Okay, good choice. As for the dimensional travel... he would figure that out later. He had other things to worry about.
Suddenly, more rustling in the forest. This time, it was louder, more urgent. Reinforcements. Troy cursed under his breath. Of course they wouldn't send just one shinobi. More were coming, probably stronger and better prepared.
Troy glanced at the body of the fallen shinobi, guilt tugging at him. He hadn't wanted to kill anyone, not really. But this was survival. This was war, and he had to stay alive.
System update: You are being hunted. Survive.
Troy grinned despite the danger. Sukuna's bloodlust was starting to take hold, his cursed power fueling his desire for more battle.
"Let them come."
The game had only just begun.