Beneath the Boughs

I had just turned one, an event that seemed to excite my mother as much as when I started crawling around four months ago. Her enthusiasm was infectious, lighting up the entire room.

"My son is a genius!" she proclaimed to my dad, shaking him as if to ensure he fully grasped the gravity of this milestone. Even my grandmother, whose expressions were as rare as rain in the desert, couldn't hide a ghost of a smile flickering across her usually stoic face.

Rolling my eyes, I thought about all the families in this world who overhype their children, often to their detriment. 'No more participation trophies this time,' I mused internally. 'This time, it's all about standing tall on my own merit.'

My internal monologue was abruptly cut off as Mum scooped me up and twirled me around, her excitement bordering on the brink of reckless. I struggled to maintain my composure, fighting the urge to regurgitate my dinner over her and everyone else in the room.

After a few heart-racing moments, she set us down and announced, "I am going to miss being able to spend all day with you, Kai."

Dad, peering up from the book he was engrossed in, looked puzzled. "Wait, why can't you?"

"Because," she replied with a hint of determination in her voice, "I will be reopening the bakery a little earlier and let Kai spend time with his grandmother."

"MA?" Dad gave a questioning glance towards Grandma, who maintained her usual formidable demeanor.

[Skill Unlocked: Bloodlust (D) LV1 EXP: 10.23%]

[Bloodlust detected - 5 meters away]

I made a mental note to explore that new skill later, my attention momentarily drawn to the almost palpable tension between Mum and Grandma.

"Something wrong with that?" both Mum and Grandma challenged in unison.

"Not at all, I think it's an amazing idea!" Dad quickly backpedaled, his voice tinged with a mix of admiration and fear. I eyed him curiously, wondering if he really just took the L that easily. But, the more I thought about it, the more I realized this arrangement would indeed grant me more autonomy, something I was eager to achieve.

Crawling over to his leg, I wrapped my tiny arms around it, patting him in a gesture of solidarity. He scooped me up, his eyes misty with emotion. "You're the only one on my side, Kaito!" he exclaimed, hugging me tightly. The sight of his tears on his rugged face was both touching and comical.

Mum and Grandma, unbeknownst to Dad, exchanged a triumphant high-five just out of our view. It was a silent agreement, a pact sealed with the determination of two powerful women in my life.

 .

.

.

And so, with a renewed sense of purpose, Mum went back to her bakery. Her stride was a little more buoyant than usual, perhaps energized by the occasion. Before leaving, she gently kissed me awake, her lips whispering a sweet "Happy Birthday" with a promise to reunite as soon as she could that evening. I realized then that her bakery, her realm of culinary magic, was conveniently located on the ground floor of our house. We weren't so far apart after all.

Our home was a unique structure spanning four floors. The first floor, our family's private sanctuary; the second, reserved for Grandma, echoing memories of Grandpa; the third, a dojo, a testament to our family's martial prowess, adorned with ninja equipment. And then there was the ground floor - a fascinating blend of history and passion. What once was a blacksmith shop had transformed into a bakery, the remnants of its former life still evident. An enormous anvil now served as an unconventional yet charming cupcake stand, and a massive buster sword, its origins shrouded in mystery, loomed over the counter. The faded inscription beneath it piqued my curiosity, but its story would remain untold for years to come.

I wondered what our family's economic status was. Were we considered well-off because of my parents' dual incomes, or was this the norm for families here? My thoughts were abruptly interrupted as the system chimed in.

[Happy Birthday, Kaito!]

[Reward Granted for surviving 1 year.]

'I wonder how terrible this world is, if the system is congratulating me for merely surviving a year.'

Curiosity piqued, I opened my gift pack, and a burst of holographic confetti exploded into the air, a virtual celebration. Four cards hovered before me, each promising an exciting reveal reminiscent of the loot boxes from my previous life.

[Items Received:

Skill Level Up Card x 3

Skill Rank Up Card x 1

Random E-Rank skill using (Ninja Skills locked till age 3)

One-Day Double EXP Boost x 1]

'Wow, these are actually pretty decent gifts' I mused, my gaze drifting to the siting cozily, in my inventory. The anticipation of what it might contain filled me with a bit of excitement.

Debating whether to use these newfound items or save them, I remembered my tendency to hoard in-game items, always reluctant to see my inventory deplete. Without a clear idea of the rarity of these cards, I decided it was best to conserve them until a situation demanded their use. After all, a strategic approach was always more effective than hasty decisions. 

I turned to open my [Skill] screen to delve deeper into the details of my abilities.

[Skills]

[

[Gamer's Mind (S) LV MAX]

Grants user the ability to remain calm and logical throughout any ordeal, ensuring a tranquil state of mind and preventing all forms of mental corruption. 

Full immunity to psychological effects except for Genjutsu. 

Can be toggled ON in settings.

'Tempting, I might leave that off for now. It wouldn't do for me to not know what Genjutsus feel like at all, might raise too many suspicions. I might consider turning this on later if I need to.'

[Gamer's Body (S) (Passive) LV MAX]

Grants user the ability to live the real world as a game.

'Not much information there, I guess I will have to experiment as I go.'

[Analysis (E) (Active) LV3 EXP: 53.56%]

Enables the user to unveils the target's information. As the skill levels up, it reveals additional details like weaknesses, attributes, and potential through the keyword 'Analyse'.

'This skill will be a game changer. I need to prioritise upgrading this ASAP.' I think to myself, buzzing with excitement about all the ninjas with untapped potentials I could find and level up.

I wipe the drool off as I move on from day dreaming about my personal Poke-Nin army.

[Skill Share (E) (Active) LV2 EXP: 32.54%]

Enables the user to acquire skills from anyone within a 10-level range through sustained observation and comprehension. Higher level skills can be temporarily acquired in a lesser version. Clan Jutsus and Kekkei Genkais are not included.

'I have a sneaking suspicion that the system meant to add a "…yet" at the end of that explanation but I guess I'll just have to wait and. So far, I have been able to copy some skills from people around me and it makes sense that it doesn't allow me to automatically unlock [Walking].'

[Chakra Conditioning (F) (Passive/Active) LV6 EXP:78.65%

A foundational yet toddler level skill that allows the user to enhance chakra potency and control as it levels up. This skill can only be levelled by sensing ambient chakra and physical conditioning using the [Crawling] skill.

[Crawling (F) (Active/Passive) LV8 EXP: 98.76%]

A mobility skill that allows the user to speed around on all fours. Caution is advised to avoid any speeding tickets and timeout.

'Hm.. I wonder if I can crawl all over the walls, will need to check that out after I unlock my [Chakra Control] skill'

[Speech (F) (Active/Passive) LV4 EXP: 65.5%]

A communications skill that holds the potential to evolve into the legendary Talk-No-Jutsu. Currently, it's more suited for drooling and babbling.

'…'

[Bloodlust (D) (Passive) LV1 EXP: 10.23%]

Grants the user to sense malicious intent nearby, the range increases as the level does.

'It would be a little concerning if levelled up quickly but knowing this world, I wouldn't be too surprised.']

As I revelled in the possibilities, I was pulled back to reality by a rustling sound. Turning my attention towards the source, I saw my grandmother tidying up the toys I had been pla- training with the night before.

My grandmother gazed at me, her expression unreadable as always. "Kaito-kun, do you wish to help grandmother with her chores?" she asked, her voice carrying a tone of subtle expectation.

I couldn't help but give a toothy smile at the offer and was about to nod enthusiastically when the system suddenly sprang to life, presenting a mission I hadn't encountered since the initial [Tutorial Mission].

[Daily Mission Alert!]

[Daily Mission: Help your grandmother with her chores!

Fold clothes. (0/30)

Mop the dojo clean. (0/300 SQM)

Prepare ingredients for lunch. (0/3)

Rewards:

100% Completion – 3 Skill Points, +50 REP with Sachi Hoshizora, 100 EXP

50% Completion – 2 Skill Points, +25 REP with Sachi Hoshizora, 50 EXP

25% Completion - 1 Skill Point, +15 REP with Sachi Hoshizora, 25 EXP

Failure:

Forced to accept Mission

5 EXP

+5 REP with Sachi Hoshizora]

[Accept – Decline]

I scrutinized the mission, wondering how I was meant to accomplish any of this, when I can't even walk. It seemed like Grandma had set the bar incredibly high.

First up was the task of folding clothes on the rooftop. I attempted to steal a glance at the iconic Hokage Rock, but my view was obstructed by the entrance to the rooftop. I couldn't help but feel exhilarated at the thought of being in the era of Naruto, far from the tumultuous times of the First and Second Ninja Wars- only rife with discord and bloodshed. I silently thanked God I wasn't born post Fourth Ninja War either, as I didn't keep up with the series. While the prospect of advanced jutsus and prosthetics looked amazing, I knew nothing of the story and its characters.

Focusing back on the task at hand, I did my best to assist with the laundry, managing to help with only a handful of items.

[Fold clothes (5/30)]

[Due to repeated attempts at folding clothes, your DEX has gone up by 1]

Grandma's expression remained unfathomable, her poker face giving nothing away.

Next, we moved to the massive dojo. In a stroke of ingenuity, Grandma attached damp cloths to my legs, turning my crawling into a cleaning effort. Despite my best attempts, I only managed to clean a small portion.

[Due to constantly breaking the speed limit, your STR has gone up by 2]

[Mop the dojo clean. (20/300 SQM)]

I watched in awe as Grandma glided across the floor, her movements graceful and efficient. Was it skill, chakra control, or just years of experience? I couldn't tell.

The final task was food preparation. Given my current dexterity level, there was absolutely no way I was going anywhere near a knife, and focused instead on peeling green peapods. Grandma, in the meantime, handled everything else with remarkable speed.

My heart sank as I realized the likelihood of failing the mission. It seemed inevitable.

[Due to your forward thinking, your WIS has gone up by 1]

I also couldn't believe the rate at which my stats were increasing.

'Did stats grow on trees now? or is this a cheat I can spam only at my current age?'

[Due to finding a hidden tactic, your INT has gone up by 1]

'This is an insane find!' Grandma observed my odd expressions, mistaking them for reactions to her. Her face softened slightly, a rare glimpse of emotion.

As she finished cooking and turned down the stove, she said, "Thank you for helping me, Kaito." I couldn't decipher if there was sarcasm in her voice, partly due to my lack of a Perception Stat and partly because my Charisma might still be too low.

[Daily Mission Failed!

Forced to accept Mission

50 EXP (10x EXP applied)

+5 REP with Sachi Hoshizora]

[Congratulations! Your level has been increased by 1.]

[EXP required until next level: 100]

[Remaining Stat Points: 15]

The system's message, almost cheeky in its delivery, was a stark reminder of my failure. However, the consolation prize wasn't too shabby – a level up and an increase in reputation with my grandmother.

The next mission, [Training for Toddlers], seemed like a daunting task for someone of my size and limited mobility.

[Mission: Training for Toddlers

Throw Shuriken toy (0/20)

Crawl with donut toy (0/30 m)

Turn cap inside out (0/10)

Rewards:

+1 to STR & DEX

Failure:

-5 REP with Daichi, Yuriko & Sachi Hoshizora]

I stared at the mission window, feeling a mix of bewilderment and curiosity.

'Where would I even find these toys and cap? And how am I supposed to accomplish this? I'm too little to stage a jailbreak.'

Grandma sighed, noticing my continued puzzled look. Her gaze drifted past me, focusing on something on the wall. Curious, I turned my head to follow her line of sight and found myself staring at a picture frame. It held an old photo of her and Grandfather, both holding a younger version of my dad. It was a glimpse into a past filled with stories and emotions, a lifetime away from my current reality.

Turning back to Grandma, I noticed she had returned her attention to the stove, shutting it off with a final click. Her next words broke the silence that had settled between us.

"Come, Kaito. Let's go outside for a breath of fresh air."

Her invitation was simple, yet it held the promise of a new environment to explore, an opportunity to find those elusive toys for my mission and perhaps, even a quick snack.

 .

.

.

Under the radiant Konoha sun, Grandma cradled me securely in her arms as we embarked on an exploration of the bustling streets. The bakery, a symphony of sweet scents and joyful laughter, was a stark contrast to the vibrant life outside its walls.

Stepping into the open air, I was mesmerized. The gentle breeze caressed my cheeks, carrying the earthy perfume of the nearby forest. My ears caught the rustling of leaves and the soft murmur of villagers, with each distant conversation and whisper transcribed as subtitles. A spontaneous giggle bubbled up from me, a reaction to the newfound sensations around me.

With a rare, faint smile softening her usually strict expression, Grandma guided me through the village, pointing at various structures. We passed a textile shop, a place significant for reasons I would later understand – it would be where I first met Miyu, destined to become a significant figure in my life. But that part of my story was still to unfold.

We encountered shopkeepers and locals who couldn't resist cooing over the adorable sight of me with my grandmother. I, in turn, absorbed every detail of our surroundings, my curious eyes wide with intrigue. Each neighbor we met and every introduction added a new thread to the rich tapestry of my life.

Then, we reached a clearing with an unobstructed view of Hokage Rock. My gaze quickly lifted and locked onto the faces carved into the stone. "One, Two... Three?" I counted, my voice tinged with a mix of confusion and discovery. Grandma nodded, "My, Kaito! What a smart boy you are!"

But something didn't add up. "Four?" I ventured, unsure. Grandma looked at me, her brows knitting together in mild confusion. "No, Kaito. There are only three heads on Hokage Rock," she corrected me gently.

A wave of emotion surged through me, tears welling up as a system prompt appeared:

[Hidden Objective Complete!]

[Figure out what era you are born into.]

[Reward Unlocked: Title - Young Flame of Konoha]

My abrupt tears shattered the tranquil moment. Grandma, startled, cradled me closer, trying to soothe me with gentle strokes and comforting words. Yet, my thoughts were in turmoil, overwhelmed by the stark realization of the time period I had been born into. The forthcoming conflicts, the heartaches I had only read about – they were not just tales anymore.

'The looming shadow of the Third Ninja War, the destinies of Rin, Obito, Kushina, and the notorious Orochimaru loomed large. My father, a dedicated Chunin of Konoha, would inevitably be swept into the midst of these terrifying events alongside me.'

We returned home, where my mother, alarmed by my crying, took me into her arms. "What happened? I heard him cry out, I knew I should have put off re-opening the bakery!" she fretted, her maternal instincts on high alert.

Grandma Sachi, with her usual calmness characteristic, offered her own interpretation of my distress. "I believe he was upset by the imposing visages of the Hokage Rock... although I can't fathom why."

I felt a twinge of embarrassment at my outburst. It was naive of me to assume I would be born in Naruto's era. Both timelines had their advantages and drawbacks, and now, more than ever, I needed to strategize and gather information through .

The atmosphere lightened considerably when my father returned. The room dimmed as a single candle flickered to life on a cake, the melody of 'Happy Birthday' filling the air. Dad's gift, a toy shuriken, elicited a playful scowl from Mum, who in turn presented me with an oversized donut plushie, much to Dad's bemusement. That was one mystery solved for the night, I could get started on my mission.

Grandma Sachi's gifts were thoughtful – a hand-knitted cap fitting my head perfectly, raising my curiosity about when she had managed to measure it, and a polaroid camera.

We concluded the day with a group photo, capturing the warmth and love of my family. It was a moment to cherish, the first of many such memories. As we settled down for the night, my parents' gentle caresses lulled me into a state of calm. Their presence, their love, reignited a fierce resolve within me. I couldn't let the future unfold as foretold; I had to be the catalyst for change.

Emboldened by this newfound determination, I accessed the system, immersing myself in the extensive information about this era. Pages upon pages unfurled on , each one a potential key to altering the course of history.

[Mission Alert: Road Paved by a Champ]

A small yet resolute smile crept onto my lips. I might be a mere child now, but this wouldn't always be the case. I was poised to grow, learn, and reshape the world around me. This was my pledge, sworn under the gaze of each Hokage, etched in stone and history.

[End of Chapter 4]