Blue Star, 8 p.m. On Aiku's new anime recommendations, Naruto: Prequel stood out prominently.
Not long after it began airing…
"First!"
"Naruto: Prequel? Kishimoto has only drawn up to the Chunin Exams—this must be some trash anime-original, right?"
"Obviously."
"Even knowing it might be garbage, I still can't resist taking a bite."
Mockery aside, the number of comments kept increasing.
In this world, the Naruto manga was incredibly popular, especially after entering the Chunin Exams arc, where its popularity had surged once again.
So even though it was labeled a "prequel," and likely a bait-and-switch, Naruto fans still couldn't help but click in.
After the opening, very soon—
Naruto's running figure appeared on the screen.
He carried a bucket of ink, moving at a fast pace.
The comments instantly filled with phrases like "same old recipe" and "classic prankster Naruto."
At home after work, Masahiko watched the video and the scrolling comments, quickly catching a crucial piece of information—In this world, Kishimoto's manga had only reached the Chunin Exams!
Things were different from his previous life.
Thoughtful, his gaze followed the flow of comments.
Soon—
"A new character? Kinda handsome!"
"Damn, that move was so flashy—cool and stylish. I love this art style!"
"Huh? Naruto's new teacher? But he didn't appear in the manga!"
As the episode progressed, everyone gradually understood the timeline of the "prequel."
Naruto and Sasuke were seven years old.
There was even a scene of Itachi escorting Sasuke to school—the Uchiha clan had not yet been massacred.
However, what sparked the most discussion was this teacher whose art style clearly stood apart from the others—Kanzaki Masahiko.
"So pretentious, so handsome, I love it!"
"His attitude is so double-standard…"
"Villain, right? I'm guessing—probably Orochimaru's man? Since he didn't appear in the manga, he's likely an original antagonist."
"But he's so handsome. Shouldn't Kishimoto add him to the manga?"
The discussion raged on. Staring at the screen, Masahiko quietly let out a breath of relief.
In the latter half of the episode, he no longer appeared. The focus shifted mainly to Iruka's teaching and Naruto's poor performance in ninjutsu.
Although he only appeared in the first half, in a roughly twenty-minute episode, he occupied nearly a quarter of the screen time.
His debut performance was undoubtedly a success.
After the full episode finished playing, the screen automatically shut off, and lines of text appeared on his panel.
[Popularity Rating: S]
[Comprehensive Evaluation…]
[Congratulations! You have been promoted to: S-Rank Special Contract Actor]
[Reward Received: Actor's Basic Training — Taijutsu]
[Permission Unlocked: "Ability Training" module successfully loaded]
"10% to 30% screen time qualifies as a special contract actor?"
Masahiko pondered, his gaze shifting downward before his thoughts triggered a response—
In the next moment, a brand-new panel appeared before him.
[Ability Training]
[Unlocked: Basic Training — Taijutsu]
[Duration: Permanent]
Kanzaki Masahiko sat down, staring at the "Basic Training — Taijutsu" option. In just a second…
His vision blurred, space twisted.
…
When he regained his senses, he was standing in a completely blank world. Before him stood a rigid figure.
Might Guy!
However, not the present-day Jonin Guy, but an eleven-year-old version who had just become a Chunin.
"My name is Might Guy. From today onward, I will be responsible for your basic taijutsu training. Please take care of me!"
The other party bowed deeply.
Masahiko returned the gesture. "Please guide me."
"Basic taijutsu requires constant training and relentless practice—turning punches, kicks, elbows, and dodges into instinct…"
The young Might Guy quickly explained his understanding.
Masahiko was briefly stunned, then chuckled.
Right.
This wasn't the real Might Guy. Otherwise, he would be enthusiastically shouting about "youth" and "passion" in incomprehensible ways.
This was merely a projection created by the system.
Masahiko steadied himself and listened attentively.
After a long explanation, the young Guy finally said, "You can train here, or engage in combat training with me."
"Alright."
Masahiko nodded.
The next moment—
Whoosh!
Both of them used the Body Flicker Technique simultaneously, closing the distance at incredible speed.
But—
Just as Masahiko raised his hand, Might Guy's kick had already arrived.
Bang!
Hand met foot. Naturally, the hand was at a disadvantage, but with chakra enhancement, he managed to block without injury.
He counterattacked immediately, but—
Bang bang bang!
Even combining the Body Flicker Technique with taijutsu, his attacks failed to overwhelm the young Guy, who effortlessly blocked every killing move.
As their speed increased, Masahiko realized he was getting hit more often.
Whoosh!
Masahiko stopped holding back. The amplification of his Body Flicker Technique surged again, leaving an afterimage in place—
Bang!
The young Might Guy was kicked flying. As he planted his hands to flip back up, Masahiko's follow-up attack had already arrived.
His leg sliced through the air like a blade, descending in a powerful arc.
Boom!
The young Might Guy was struck again, slammed to the ground, and his figure dispersed, vanishing completely.
Just one second later, another "young Might Guy" appeared.
Masahiko came to a conclusion—
This projection perfectly simulated eleven-year-old Might Guy. His physical abilities, attributes, and skills were identical.
If they were the same age, he wouldn't be Guy's opponent.
Even so, Masahiko's body was covered in bruises.
Fortunately, this was a special training space.
With a thought, his injuries instantly reset.
"Constant training turns movements into instinct, improving reaction speed in battle…"
After pondering for a moment, he asked, "What should I focus on training?"
"Optimize your movements. Your attacks lack precision and efficiency. Also increase training intensity—turn your actions into muscle memory…"
The young Might Guy replied.
Then train!
Masahiko threw himself back into combat.
Ordinary training could improve strength, but nothing compared to real combat.
"No Body Flicker Technique. Pure taijutsu sparring."
"Understood."
…
Late at night, insects chirped in the darkness.
Kanzaki Masahiko sat up and glanced at the time—
9:30 p.m.
"Over two hours of training?"
He stood, his body crackling with a series of pops, an indescribable sense of refreshment surging through him.
Masahiko opened the window and leaped out with a soft whoosh.
He landed lightly, without a sound.
He froze for a few seconds, then a bright smile spread across his face.
For a ninja, using chakra to climb and land was basic. But this time, the landing felt almost instinctive.
This was the effect of "Basic Training."
The abilities gained from training could manifest in reality!
Under the dim light, Masahiko's eyes gleamed with excitement as he considered his next step in acting.
At that moment, outside—
"Lee! Are you giving up just like this?"
"No! Teacher Guy, I'm not giving up—I can keep going!"
"Oh—!!! This is youth!!!"
Hm?
Masahiko looked outside, a plan already forming in his mind.