NOVEL WEB Chapter 2: 2 Battle Simulation System
Takama Yuichi woke up as the first rays of dawn slipped through his small window. The apartment was quiet, save for the morning birds chirping outside. He didn't feel the usual comfort of sleep, as his mind was preoccupied with the virtual screen that had finally completed loading after seven years of waiting. He got out of bed quickly, and without washing his face or eating breakfast, he sat cross-legged on the floor and muttered softly, "It's time."
He raised his hand in the air, as if trying to touch something invisible, and said one word: "System." Instantly, a transparent blue screen appeared before him, floating in the air, filled with text and numbers. The interface was simple yet packed with details, with menus and options he had never seen before. Yuichi began reading with focus, his heart pounding with both excitement and nervousness.
He discovered that the system was called "Battle Simulation System". Its primary function revolved around simulating virtual battles against random characters from the Naruto world, chosen every month. These characters were roughly at his current power level, according to the system's classification, which divided strength into ten tiers. The tenth tier represented the strongest beings, such as Hagoromo Otsutsuki, the founder of ninjutsu, who was classified as tier seven. Yuichi, meanwhile, was currently classified as tier one, the lowest level, based on his chakra reserves, physical build, techniques, and combat skills.
What intrigued him most was the simulation's mechanics. If a character stronger than him was selected, the system would reduce their power to match the peak of his current level (tier one). After defeating the opponent in the simulation, Yuichi would get to choose one talent from three randomly extracted abilities of the opponent. These talents could be ninjutsu techniques, physical skills, or even unique abilities like Kekkei Genkai.
"This… is incredible," Yuichi whispered as he browsed the menus. But he noticed a critical warning in the system: Excessive use of the simulation could lead to severe exhaustion or even death. The warning was written in bold red letters, sending a chill down his spine. He realized this system wasn't a game but a dangerous tool that required careful use.
He also read that the reason the system took seven years to load was because it was studying the Naruto world. It had spent all that time analyzing the natural laws, chakra, techniques, and characters to become perfectly compatible with Yuichi's needs. "Seven years to build something like this…" Yuichi thought. "I have to use it wisely."
Despite his excitement, Yuichi decided to postpone his first simulation until he returned from the academy. He had to attend classes and prepare for the upcoming graduation exam. He stood up, put on his ninja clothes, and grabbed a quick piece of bread before leaving the apartment.
As he walked toward the academy, Konoha's streets were bustling with activity. Merchants were opening their shops, children were running through the alleys, and ninjas were heading to their missions. Yuichi noticed a group of girls whispering and glancing at Sasuke Uchiha, who was walking calmly in the opposite direction. Yuichi sighed. "Some things never change," he thought, recalling how Sasuke was always the center of attention in the anime.
When he arrived at the academy, he entered the classroom and saw his classmates gathered in small groups, talking about the upcoming exam. He spotted Naruto Uzumaki sitting in the back, trying to get Sakura's attention with his loud voice, while Sakura was only focused on Sasuke.
"Yuichi!" a familiar voice called out. It was Kenta, his friend from the previous day, waving at him. Yuichi approached and sat next to him.
"How're you doing? You seem… different today," Kenta said with a curious tone.
"Different?" Yuichi replied cautiously. "Maybe because I actually slept well for once."
"Haha, maybe!" Kenta laughed. "But seriously, are you ready for today's training? I heard Iruka-sensei is giving us a surprise test."
"A surprise test?" Yuichi frowned. "I wasn't planning on that."
"Don't worry, you always manage," Kenta said encouragingly.
The class began, and Iruka-sensei explained the Henge no Jutsu (Transformation Technique). He asked the students to transform into a copy of him. When Yuichi's turn came, he performed the technique successfully, but his transformation wasn't perfect. There was a slight error in the details of Iruka's face, causing some of his classmates to chuckle.
"Not bad, Yuichi," Iruka said with a smile. "But focus more on the details next time."
"Yes, sensei," Yuichi replied, feeling a bit embarrassed.
After the class ended, Yuichi and Kenta went to the outdoor training field. They were practicing shuriken throwing when Shikamaru Nara approached, looking as tired as usual.
"What a drag," Shikamaru said, yawning. "Why are you guys putting in so much effort? The exam isn't that hard."
"Maybe for you," Kenta retorted sarcastically. "But some of us need to train!"
"Whatever," Shikamaru said, glancing at Yuichi. "You're quiet as usual, Yuichi. Got a plan for the exam?"
"Just trying to do my best," Yuichi replied calmly. But inside, he was thinking about the system. If he succeeded in his first simulation, he might gain a talent that would make passing the exam much easier.
When Yuichi returned to his apartment that evening, he was exhausted from the long day at the academy. He sat on the floor again and opened the system. He reread the warning about exhaustion and decided to take things slowly. "I'll try the first simulation tomorrow," he said to himself. "I need to be physically and mentally prepared."
He lay down on his bed, thinking about the possibilities. What if he gained a powerful talent like a fire technique or an advanced combat skill? How would it change his life in this world? With these thoughts, he drifted into a deep sleep, dreaming of virtual battles and future victories.