Kazuku checked the check-in system's cooldown.
After over a week of physical training, his third check-in chance had arrived!
He was thrilled.
The first check-in gave him [Hashirama's Chakra].
The second, [Eight Gates Technique].
What would the third bring?
"I might not even need a month to pass this exam and become a real ninja!"
Though he could only open the Eight Gates up to the Gate of Limit, his monstrous strength was growing more refined.
Especially Cherry Blossom Impact and Painful Sky Leg—moves his sister Tsunade would later develop from monstrous strength—he was mastering them.
"But it's getting late. I'll do it tomorrow."
Kazuku glanced at the setting sun.
The Naruto world didn't have watches.
He could only estimate time.
His father, Kima, was likely preparing dinner.
By Kazuku's calculations, he'd be able to check-in after eating.
"Teacher Batsu, can we hold the exam tomorrow?"
Before parting with Batsu, Kazuku stressed this.
"Tomorrow?" Batsu's expression faltered.
Tobirama had given him a month, and all his training was planned around that.
Yet not even a third of the time had passed, and Kazuku felt ready.
Was this a genius's confidence?
"Of course!" Batsu flashed a thumbs-up, his teeth gleaming.
With Batsu's confirmation, Kazuku felt elated.
He'd first encountered Naruto in fourth grade at a daycare.
The caretaker played Naruto DVDs to keep the kids quiet.
Unknowingly, the series accompanied him for eleven years.
The thought of becoming a real ninja filled him with joy.
Not just as a step toward becoming Hokage.
But as fulfilling a childish, unrealistic dream.
After Kazuku jogged away from the training field…
Tobirama emerged from the bushes.
He formed hand seals, using Earth Release to repair the shattered field.
"Lord Tobirama." Batsu greeted respectfully.
"What'd that kid say to you? He ran off so fast."
"Young Master Kazuku wants to take the exam tomorrow," Batsu answered honestly.
Tobirama paused.
He glanced toward where Kazuku had run, seeing only empty ground.
"That kid's trained with you for just over a week and thinks he's ready?" Tobirama muttered. "I want to see what surprise you'll bring tomorrow."
Turning, he clapped Batsu's shoulder. "For tomorrow's exam, give it 200%, Batsu!"
To Tobirama, Kazuku's near-arrogant confidence wasn't good for his growth.
If Batsu could humble him…
It'd make him more grounded.
An hour later…
Kazuku wolfed down dinner and returned to his room.
He didn't want anyone disturbing this check-in.
Kima and Ayako exchanged glances, sensing a change in Kazuku.
"He used to be so listless, no matter what he did. Lately, he's been so driven," Kima remarked.
Ayako smiled softly. "Maybe he's found a goal."
"A goal?"
"A beautiful goal gives you a direction to strive for, making you shine in special moments. That's the meaning of a goal."
Ayako's voice was gentle, her hands cradling her belly.
As if she'd found a new goal too.
Back in his room, the check-in system's cooldown ended.
"Start the third check-in."
Without hesitation, Kazuku initiated it mentally.
A familiar voice rang in his ears, like divine music.
[Congratulations, host, check-in successful!]
[Received check-in reward gift pack!]
[Open the gift pack?]
With prior experience, Kazuku was a pro at the process.
He took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement, eyes locked on the gift pack.
"What'll I get this time?"
He murmured, imagining possibilities.
Sage Mode.
Nine-Tails Chakra.
Rinnegan.
Flying Thunder God.
Any of these would skyrocket his strength!
Before opening, Kazuku clasped his hands, like a devout believer.
"I offer Madara Uchiha's ten years of life for a lucky draw!"
As always, after chanting his "咒语," he opened the pack!
A dazzling light flashed as it unlocked.
[Congratulations, host, you drew Skill Point +1!]
Kazuku: "???"
What the heck?
Not ninjutsu, genjutsu, taijutsu, or a bloodline limit.
But…
Skill Point +1!
"What's this?"
Kazuku eyed the glowing orb, probing it with his mind.
[This item will auto-delete at 6 AM tomorrow!]
[Use now?]
"Use it," Kazuku said without thinking, unsure of its purpose.
Upon using it, two skills appeared.
One was [Hashirama's Chakra Lv1].
The other, [Eight Gates Technique Lv5].
But…
[Hashirama's Chakra Lv1] was grayed out.
Seeing the mental display, Kazuku understood.
He tried using the point on [Hashirama's Chakra Lv1], but it failed.
"As expected, I've maxed out Hashirama's Chakra."
Recalling DNF's mastery system, he upgraded the Eight Gates Technique.
In a way, this reward was solid.
It let him enhance an existing skill.
Sadly, only the Eight Gates could be upgraded.
And the 6 AM deletion meant he couldn't wait for the next check-in.
Still, Kazuku wasn't discouraged—his excitement held.
His panel now read:
[Host: Kazuku]
[Strength: 15]
[Speed: 12]
[Stamina: 18]
[Abilities: Hashirama's Chakra Lv1, Eight Gates Technique Lv6]
(End of Chapter)