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I opened my eyes to the soft glow of morning sunlight, golden rays spilling through paper-thin blinds and casting warm lines across the wooden floor. The faint scent of old tatami and laundry soap lingered in the air.
'So… it wasn't a dream after all.'
Pushing the blanket aside, I sat up slowly and stretched my small limbs. The room was sparse—just a low bed, a dresser, and a small window that framed a gentle view of the village rooftops. Chirping birds welcomed the day.
Turning the doorknob, I stepped out into a hallway painted in calming shades of white. Crayon drawings and paper cutouts clung to the walls like fragments of forgotten joy. Childish scrawls labeled a few of them—sunsets, ninja, kunai. Several doors lined the corridor, all closed.
An orphanage, huh?I looked around, taking it all in.
'Honestly, that's fine. Easier than trying to explain why someone's kid suddenly has a completely different personality overnight.'
I padded down the hall barefoot, careful not to make too much noise. The wood creaked gently beneath me.
The hallway opened into a cozy living room. Worn couches, mismatched furniture, and a soft blue rug gave the space a lived-in warmth. A couple of adults were already moving about, sipping tea and organizing papers.
"Hello," I greeted softly, giving a small wave.
They returned casual nods and sleepy smiles. I offered a polite one in return and made my way to the front door, fingers curling around the handle.
Before I could pull it open, a firm voice cut through the calm:
"Where do you think you're going, young man?"
I turned. A woman with kind eyes and a deadly sharp expression stood with one hand on her hip, the other still holding a steaming mug.
"For… uh, a walk?" I offered weakly.
She raised an eyebrow. "Not before breakfast, you're not."
I sighed internally. So this is how it's gonna be, huh?
"Got it," I said, offering a nod and turning toward the dining room.
The smell of food wafted through the air—rice porridge, grilled fish, maybe a few eggs. A woman in the kitchen bustled back and forth, preparing more dishes.
Soon, a plate was placed in front of me.
I dug in quietly, ears half-tuned to the conversation behind me.
"Did you hear? Kumo tried to kidnap our Jinchūriki again."
"Seriously? Did they succeed?"
"Nope. Some prodigy from the Academy drove them off."
I froze mid-bite.
If that just happened, then… the Second Shinobi War's still going. That means it's about three years from ending.
A quiet, determined resolve settled over me like a mantle.
If that's the case, then I need to enter the Academy fast. Once peace returns, they won't allow early graduations anymore.
I pushed the plate forward and stood up.
"I'm done. I'm going out now," I called out.
Before I could open the door, I was stopped again.
"Be back before lunch, or you'll miss your meal. And don't stay out after nightfall."
"Understood."
I stepped outside—and stopped.
The village came alive before me.
The crisp morning air kissed my skin. Dew glistened on grass and rooftops. Villagers bustled about with sleepy faces and early chores. A pair of shinobi leapt across rooftops in the distance, shadows against the rising sun.
It's… been so long since I've felt free like this.
I closed my eyes, inhaled deeply, and smiled.
So many people, even this early…
I wandered through side streets and stone paths until I reached a quiet park tucked behind a grove of trees. A few swings swayed gently in the breeze. The grass was high here, and the trees thick enough to muffle the world beyond.
'Perfect spot to plan.'
I settled on a flat rock and gathered my thoughts.
Step one: Get new skills using [Devour]. Step two: Figure out when the Academy's accepting students. Step three… eh, I'll wing it.
I pushed deeper into the park, past the last swings and into the brush. Eventually, a small river revealed itself, winding gently between moss-covered rocks.
I pointed my hand at the water.
"[Devour]."
Black mist spiraled from my palm, rippling the water as it was consumed, vanishing into nothing.
The water's now in the [Stomach] — a sub-skill of [Devour]. Basically a game inventory.
Why water?
Because in Tensura, Rimuru absorbed a lake and gained water-based abilities. So logically…
That's when I saw it—a rabbit drinking near the river's edge.
Without hesitation, I whispered:
"[Water Blade]."
A thin, precise stream of high-pressure water erupted from my fingertip. It sliced through the air and struck the rabbit clean through the skull.
It dropped instantly.
Not a real Water Blade. Just pressurized water. But still—effective.
I walked over and knelt beside the body.
"[Devour]."
Black mist enveloped the rabbit, storing it away.
Cool thing about [Devour]? Time doesn't pass inside the Stomach. And with [Isolation]...
I extended my hand again. Black mist shimmered—and with a soft flicker, a pristine rabbit pelt appeared in my palm.
Blood, meat, fur — all separated. This rabbit's going to be lunch.
Now, for the next goal: venom.
Preferably… a centipede. Their venom isn't lethal, but it's good for disabling or creating distractions.
I scoured the underbrush, flipping stones, rustling leaves. I found beetles, worms, ants… no centipedes.
"Ugh, why is one bug so hard to find?"
I grumbled, then dumped my findings on the ground.
"[Devour]."
The bugs vanished into the mist.
That never gets old.
New skills bloomed in my mind:
[Exoskeleton] – creates a hardened, bone-like armor
[Pheromone] – lets me emit and track scent signals
I blinked.
Wait… centipedes release pheromones during mating season. If I use [Pheromone], I might be able to find one!
I activated it. A faint, invisible trail tugged at my senses. Hours passed.
Finally, deep within the trees, I found one.
A fat, red-and-black centipede curled along a tree's bark.
"[Devour]."
Venomous mist swallowed it.
[Skill Acquired: Poison]
Success.
I retraced my steps to a small clearing, stacked sticks, and lit a fire using friction and chakra-less technique. As the rabbit roasted over the flames, I reviewed my new arsenal:
[Water Blade] – pressurized water projectile
[Water Current Movement] – enhanced agility in water
[Hydraulic Propulsion] – self-launch via water jets
[Exoskeleton] – bone-like defensive armor
[Pheromone] – scent-based tracking and communication
[Poison] – creates venom
[Prey Instinct] – danger sense for killing intent
Not bad for day one. And this is without chakra yet.
The rabbit finished cooking. I took a bite.
…Tastes like bland. Not bad, but it needs seasoning.
As the sun dipped lower, I doused the fire with a splash from the [Stomach] and began the walk back.
Next objective — the Academy. I'll ask the matron.
The village was alive with evening chatter, lanterns flickering to life, children running past me. I pushed through the crowded street, feeling every bit my tiny size, until I made it to the front door of the orphanage.
I knocked.
A few seconds passed before someone opened the door.
"Do you know where the matron is?" I asked politely.
"I believe she's in her office," the assistant replied.
"...Where's that?"
"End of the hall, last door."
"Thanks."
I walked the length of the hallway, knocked twice.
"Enter," came a soft, mature voice.
I stepped in and closed the door behind me.
An elderly woman with sharp eyes looked up from a stack of paperwork.
"Ah, young Suraimu. What can I do for you?"
I hesitated briefly before speaking clearly.
"I want to become a ninja. Do you know when the Academy starts accepting students?"
She raised an eyebrow and set her papers aside.
"Are you sure this is what you want? Many people die in the wars. I'm sure you understand… especially after what happened to your parents."
Wow. Low blow, lady. If I actually remembered them, that might sting.
"I'm well aware of the risks. It's because of my parents I want to become a ninja. I want to understand why they chose to give their lives for this village. And… I want to become strong enough that no one else has to."
I kept my tone steady, my gaze firm.
The matron studied me for a moment longer. Then her expression softened.
"I see. In that case, you came at the right time. The Academy began accepting applications today. First day is in a week."
She reached for a clipboard and continued.
"As an orphan, you'll be assigned free housing and receive a small stipend. That continues until graduation—whether you become a genin or not."
I gave a respectful nod.
"I'll fill out the paperwork and submit it. They'll most likely accept you. Wartime means they need more shinobi."
I bowed. "Thank you."
Just as I turned to leave, she added:
"Pack your things. Tomorrow, I'll take you to your new apartment."
I froze for a moment.
That was faster than I expected… but good. Finally. Space to train freely—and unlock chakra.
I left her office with a quiet smile tugging at the edge of my lips.
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1560 words