The morning began calmly. Suspiciously calm.
Naruto, still not believing what had happened the day before, walked up to the mirror and struck a fighting pose.
— I'm a shinobi with a system! I'm... a hero, damn it!
BEEP.
New notification:
Mission available: "Real Ninja!"
Objective: Complete a secret mission from Iruka-sensei.
Conditions: Don't get caught, don't screw up.
Reward: +50 EXP, random skill, +Reputation in the Academy
Penalty: -25 Reputation, mockery from classmates, "Idiot of the Week"
— Woah! — Naruto broke into a wide grin. — Now things are getting real.
He dashed out of the room, grabbing his kunai and his most pretentious scarf, which was always getting caught on everything.
It was noisy at the academy. Students were gathering for training, and Iruka-sensei, as always, held a stack of scrolls in his hand. His gaze landed on Naruto as he ran up.
— You're... on time? — he narrowed his eyes. — Suspicious.
— Heh-heh! I just feel that today is a great day, sensei! — the blond grinned.
Iruka waved his hand, beckoning him closer.
— I have a mission for... hmm, those who have suddenly become serious. — If you want it — take it. — Meet me at the old water tower in 20 minutes. — Don't be late.
Naruto nodded in agreement, and the system immediately issued a new message.
Sub-quest activated:
"Iruka's Quest: Tower of Trials"
Timer: 20:00
— Excellent... — Naruto muttered, running towards the tower.
Meanwhile, in the shadow of the building, another student was watching everything. Black hair, cold gaze.
Sasuke.
The system in his head activated silently, without sounds or flashes.
Mission from the "Anti-Hero" System:
Observe Uzumaki. Do not interfere. But if he fails — you will take his place.
Reward: Unlocking the path "Absolute Power"
Penalty: Loss of trust from the "third party"
— We'll see, Uzumaki... — Sasuke said quietly, and his silhouette disappeared into the shadows.
The tower was old and covered in moss. The wooden door creaked, letting Naruto inside. Light filtered through the cracks.
On the floor — a scroll with the inscription: "Only one way — forward."
BEEP.
Event activated: Newbie Trial!
Conditions: Pass three stages.
Difficulty: [D+]
— Pfft, this'll be a piece of cake! — Naruto stepped forward. The floor beneath his feet treacherously buckled.
CLICK.
— ...what?
The floor gave way. Naruto, with a yell, fell into a dark corridor.
Stage 1: Fight with an illusion.
From the shadows emerged a figure... of himself. An exact copy — but evil. Eyes gleamed yellow, expression distorted.
— Oh, are you really me? — the double sneered. — Too weak. — Nobody needs you. — Just a container.
Naruto clenched his fists.
— I'm not like that! — And even if I was — I won't be anymore!
He threw a kunai, but the copy dodged aside and counterattacked — straight to the stomach. Naruto flew back, coughed, but got up.
BEEP.
New skill unlocked in combat: "Stubborn Resolve"
Passive: At low health — +15% Damage Resistance.
— Thanks, system! — Naruto rasped, and this time he dodged, hitting the copy in the shoulder, then in the legs.
The figure was thrown against the wall, where it disintegrated into shadow.
Stage 1 passed.
Stage 2: Traps.
A corridor with dozens of traps, tripwires, pits, arrows.
— Just great, — Naruto muttered. — Where's my "Prankster's Instinct" here?
BEEP.
Skill activated: Prankster's Instinct.
Chance to avoid trap: +5%... updated to +15% (adrenaline bonus)
With a dozen rolls, one bump on his head, and a cry of "OW!", he finally reached the end.
Stage 2 passed.
Stage 3: Choice.
Before him — two chests. One with a gold symbol, the other with a red one.
BEEP.
Attention: The System is silent. The choice depends on you. No hints.
Naruto froze. He reached for the gold one, but then suddenly stopped.
— Too flashy. — Must be a trap.
He chose the red one.
The chest clicked. Inside — a simple headband with the Konoha symbol and a small scroll.
Congratulations! Mission "Tower of Trials" complete.
Reward:
+50 XP
+1 Level
+Skill: "Quick Decision" — faster decision-making in stressful situations
+Increased Reputation with Iruka
+Bonus: Confidence (+10% to Speech)
— HAAAAAA! I did it! — Naruto yelled, running out of the tower with shining eyes.
Somewhere in the shadows, Sasuke smiled.
— We'll see how long you'll shine.