NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 17: Chapter 17
It had been quite some time since my enrollment in the academy—specifically, 401 days, seventeen hours, and two minutes. That's right, only forty minutes remained until the Uchiha Clan Massacre. And right now, I was racing down the street, realizing that I wouldn't make it in time. I had no plan, nothing.
And I had seen Itachi before… Even if he was there alone, I was no match for him. No, he wouldn't kill me instantly—unless he hit me with something powerful—but I also wouldn't be able to do much to him. At best, I could annoy him, stretching out a couple of attacks instead of going down in one strike.
A lot had happened over the past year. For instance, out of the seventy kids in our class, only about fifty remained. Well, almost sixty. Still, I always wondered—why did so few teams graduate in the canon? I understand the eliminations and everything, but I refuse to believe that only twenty to thirty people made it to graduation!
I ranked third in the written tests, only losing to Shikamaru and Sakura. The first was a true genius—his intelligence stat was 116 at his age! As for the second, she had a skill called Crammer, already at level thirty-five.
But I hadn't wasted my time either! I made a breakthrough in mastering my personal fighting style and even leveled up my chakra control. According to the system:
"You have achieved harmony with the world, improved your ability to concentrate, and become calmer, which has increased your control level."
Shocking, but it makes sense. Someone disciplined and focused gets more done than a reckless fool with a propeller stuck somewhere.
At least now, I had a slim chance against Itachi, having unlocked—rather than learned—a technique I had seen five times in my dreams. It was my second inherited move: No Second Strike. A terrifying technique.
Over time, I somehow became friends with Shikamaru and got along well with Shino, Chōji, and, surprisingly, even Sasuke. The latter even apologized (!) to Kiba for that beating behind the bushes—the same incident where I first saw those two together.
Turns out, Sasuke had an incredibly bad day. His beloved older brother refused to train with him, so, in frustration, he lashed out at his mother… only to get a whipping from his father. Then, when he ran off to cool down, he ran into Kiba. He never even had a chance to apologize—he lashed out first.
And that's how it was.
Outside the academy, things were also going well. I visited the Yamanaka household a couple of times, and they even asked me to come by more often. I went to the Uchiha district twice, though my two guards weren't happy about it.
I managed to master calligraphy within a year, and even Yugao had to admit she had nothing more to teach me in that area. [Screenshot unlocked: A kiss on the forehead from Uzuki.]
Thanks to my improved relationship with her, she even helped me adapt a few of my fighting style's moves for ninjatō. The results weren't great, but at least I could put up some semblance of a fight.
Plus, I freed up time by dropping kunai throwing. Everyone agreed it was a lost cause. I just wasn't a sniper! Sure, I could throw from any position, but actually hitting my target? Nope. Meanwhile, shuriken fit into my hands much more naturally. I wasn't doing anything extraordinary with them, but they felt more comfortable.
Other than that, training continued smoothly, helped by my own relentless pursuit of new knowledge and stat increases.
As of no, my status looked like this…
Name: Naruto Uzumaki
HP: 2140
Chakra Pool: 691
Chakra Control: -209
Level: 15
EXP: 660/1500
Class: Radiant Acolyte
Attributes:
Strength: 111
Agility: 63
Endurance: 99
Intelligence: 39
Unused Points: 120
Traits:
Demon
Jinchūriki
Uzumaki
Orphan
Beginner Rescuer
Beginner Li Shu Wen
I Am a Log
Powerhouse I
Player+
Passive Skills:
Stealth – Lv.99
Butler – Lv.23
Masochist – Lv.74
Cold Stare – Lv.21
Iron Fists – Lv.72
Observant – Lv.18
Skills:
Singing – Lv.99
Naruto Therapy – Lv.16
Persuasion – Lv.23
Sphere Boundary
No Second Strike (Two Strikes Are Not Needed)
Secret Technique of the Martian Style: Infinite Slap Barrage
Pretty cool, sure, but nothing extraordinary. My endurance barely outpaces Chōji's, my strength is only half of Sasuke's, my agility is even worse, and my intelligence is nothing compared to Shikamaru's. Basically, I'm decent, but not the "frontrunner."
Speaking of speed, Kiba actually has a separate "Speed" stat!
I got Powerhouse I for reaching 100 Strength, though I feel like I don't deserve it. My endurance has been ahead of my strength for a while, yet I still can't push that last point. Those last ten levels before hitting 100 are painfully slow, and moving from 99 to 100 takes absurd effort. I saw it firsthand when checking out the stats of more experienced shinobi.
Meanwhile, I basically cheated my way to 100 Strength thanks to Iron Fists, which adds +1 Strength per level. Without that, I wouldn't have even gained ten points naturally! That's why I don't think I truly deserve the title.
I'm saving my free points for now, planning to distribute them after the Academy—or in an emergency, to catch an opponent off guard… which I might need to do tonight.
No Second Strike is my second Li Shu Wen technique, while Infinite Slap Barrage… is my failed attempt at creating one. Since part of the strikes in this technique are open-handed, the association was obvious.
By injecting a drop of my toxic jinchūriki chakra—one of the most volatile in existence—into every strike, I can break genjutsu and cause immense discomfort. It feels like getting hit with a sharp slap, even if I just redirect an attack. The effect still kicks in at the point of contact.
Moreover, it mainly affects the Chakra Circulatory System, making it especially painful for chakra users and even disrupting jutsu—unless their chakra control is exceptionally high.
Now imagine a whole barrage of these attacks, totaling up to a thousand slaps! A genin wouldn't just be incapacitated—they'd outright die, even if they blocked at first (which they wouldn't for long—eventually, their arms would give out).
I bet if the Hyūga learned about this technique, they'd sue me.
---
But let's return to tonight. Realizing I wouldn't make it in time, I had no choice but to use my deus ex machina, my ultimate plot device, my last resort—the infamous bushes.
I ran to the familiar park, heading for the legendary bushes.
"Naruto-kun?" Maya raised an eyebrow at my sudden appearance.
"Did something happen, Naruto?" her twin daughters asked.
A true plot bush—running into my main mission targets in the park at night, of all places.
How did I even manage to sneak out? Well, tonight of all nights, my guardians had urgent matters to attend to. I had convinced them I wouldn't go anywhere… +2 levels to Persuasion.
"Would you mind coming with me?"
They all gave me strange looks. Come on, just agree! At least I can get you away from the massacre!
Maya stepped forward and placed a hand on my forehead.
"You don't seem feverish. Naruto-kun, what's wrong? Where do you want us to go?" she asked calmly, though there was a hint of worry in her voice.
But the bushes proved once again that they only brought trouble.
Behind Maya, a figure rushed toward the Uchiha district—Itachi.
His dull eyes turned toward Maya. Damn zombie!
Crap, this was bad! I slipped into Sphere Boundary and closed the distance, unleashing No Second Strike.
But Itachi was faster. He easily blocked my attack and slammed me into a tree, stripping two hundred HP.
At least I bought Maya some time.
How did I even react faster than an experienced kunoichi? Simple—I was expecting an attack. She wasn't.
And now, she was on the defensive, forced to protect her daughters. A mother would never abandon her children… but splitting her attention like that meant she was doomed.
Grr, and I'm still of little use.
"P-fft, pup!" – a thunderous voice rang out, and I was literally swallowed by a sensation of power. Wait, what? I wasn't experiencing any overwhelming negativity, so why did the Fox wake up?
New Quest Received!
"Beat up the peacock in the name of the Fox!"
Kyūbi hates everyone, but Uchiha hold a special place on his blacklist. However, wielders of the Mangekyō Sharingan are the ones he hates the most (right after Uzumaki Mito, Senju Hashirama, and Uchiha Madara). His hatred is so intense that he's even willing to strike a deal with his host (the red-haired devil, as many call him), lending his strength so that the arrogant red-eyed peacock can be punished.
Reward: +500 reputation with Kyūbi no Yōko. Upon your first subconscious meeting, he will have the "good-natured" buff. Unlocks a series of events.
Penalty for refusal/failure: Kyūbi will hold a deep-seated hatred toward you. He will refuse any cooperation, and all events involving him will be permanently blocked.
Accept?
Yes/No.
No need to think twice. Heh, and his attitude towards Madara actually works in my favor! Speaking of which, what was that notification I got when I first clashed with Itachi? Something caught my eye. Let's see!
"You have damaged a malicious implant on Uchiha Itachi with your chakra injection."
Oh, really now? Well, that's enough reason to activate the Secret Technique of the Martian Style: The Endless Slaps Combo! Bu-ha-ha… oh, right, I'm supposed to be a good guy!
Maya is looking at me with a mix of horror and resignation. She thinks the Fox has taken over? Well, considering that I'm crouching on all fours, admiring my newly grown claws and the One-Tailed cloak… and my skin is stinging like crazy… Yeah, I guess I do look possessed.
Not to mention my throat feels raw and my regeneration is going nuts. Seems like even this level of Kyūbi's power is too much for me. Ugh, and my voice—why is it so damn raspy?
Maybe I should put on a little performance? If we survive, my reputation will get a nice boost. And if we don't—well, at least I'll have some fun before the restart!
Speaking of survival, Maya's Sharingan just developed a third tomoe in both eyes. Makes sense, given the fight and her desperation to protect her daughters. Why did she only have two before? Well, the Sharingan evolves in situations like this, so I wouldn't be surprised if half the Uchiha don't even have theirs activated.
"Don't you dare lay a hand on them!" – I growl, literally growl. Ah, that explains my throat—it's slightly altered due to the demonic chakra.
I lunge forward, but damn, Itachi is still faster. If I survive this, I'm wringing some speed lessons out of Kiba. I want that stat boost too!
I execute my Slap Combo and deflect a strike with my palm. Shit, he's fast. He still managed to graze me before I could fully redirect his attack.
"You received 167 damage."
"You have damaged a malicious implant on Uchiha Itachi with your chakra injection."
Another attack—I block, but not quickly enough. Another shallow cut.
"You received 73 damage."
"You have damaged a malicious implant on Uchiha Itachi with your chakra injection."
"Shimura Danzō's implants have been destroyed."
But Itachi doesn't stop. I have to dodge his other hand. At least my chakra bursts keep interrupting his jutsu. But dodging puts me in the path of another strike. I barely catch his wrist and slam a massive dose of chakra into him, only to be kicked into another tree.
"You received 292 damage."
"You have damaged a malicious implant on Uchiha Itachi with your chakra injection."
"You have damaged a malicious implant on Uchiha Itachi with your chakra injection."
Maya takes my place, snapping out of her shock. Heh, I managed a double hit on him. Not bad. I don't even check his damage numbers—tiny chips won't kill him, but they will break whatever is controlling him.
I circle around Maya, trying to coordinate with her. No luck—she's too consumed by battle rage, attacking him like a true Uchiha. Fine, I practically pounce on him.
We trade blows, and—
"You received 621 damage."
"You have damaged a malicious implant on Uchiha Itachi with your chakra injection."
"Sarutobi Hiruzen's implants have been destroyed."
"You have damaged a malicious implant on Uchiha Itachi with your chakra injection."
"You have damaged a malicious implant on Uchiha Itachi with your chakra injection."
"You have damaged a malicious implant on Uchiha Itachi with your chakra injection."
"Uchiha Shisui's implants have been destroyed."
Itachi, just how many people have been messing with your mind?! And I still don't think that's all of them, you mind-controlled puppet!
I peel myself off yet another tree. Damn, Maya's in bad shape—multiple cuts, a few burns… She must've taken a hit from a jutsu while I wasn't in the way. Her left arm hangs uselessly. Time to wrap this up.
I sprint forward and suddenly change direction, wrapping myself around his legs and pumping my chakra straight into his chakra network. Heh, didn't see that coming, did you? Sorry, but I'm not fighting you—I'm bringing you back to your senses.
"Loyalty implants to Konohagakure have been removed."
"Tobi (Obito)'s implants have been destroyed."
"Loyalty implants to the Uchiha clan have been removed."
"Koharu Utatane's implants have been destroyed."
Phew. That's it. Itachi freezes. We did it. Damn, how many people had their hooks in him?!
"Are you back in control?" – I ask weakly. Honestly, I'm only staying upright thanks to Kyūbi's chakra. This fight drained me.
"What… have I done?" – Itachi murmurs.
"Well, technically nothing—yet. Or am I wrong?" – I tilt my head.
"No, I didn't… wait—I need to hurry!" – He jumps up, wincing at the lingering hostile chakra in his legs. My bad.
"What happened?" – Maya and I ask in unison.
"Seven ANBU Ne were supposed to secure the area and… wipe out the police force. The Uchiha Police Headquarters is separate from the residential district, so covering both at once was impossible."
"Maya-san, stay here. You can't fight in this condition, and you have your daughters to think about." – I say, forcing my voice to be gentler.
"You're right, Naruto-kun. But later, you will answer all my questions." – Whoa. That look cuts to the bone. If Kyūbi wasn't messing with my head, I'd be scared.
I sprint after Itachi—but freeze. Oh no.
"Itachi, we have a problem!"
He glances back at me.
"I don't know who he is, but an intense presence full of malice is approaching the district—from outside the village. And he's strong. I can feel it."
Itachi immediately believes me and speeds up.
I push myself as hard as I can, but… I still don't make it in time. That guy plows through the Root ANBU like they're nothing and heads straight for the Uchiha district.
Itachi, I'm going to kill you! Three out of seven "roots" had survived and were now getting up. Battered, with their HP reduced by half or even two-thirds, but still alive. Damn it, just these three alone are more than enough for me.
The closest one lunged at me, and I realized I wouldn't be able to react in time! Well, goodbye, restart… huh? Today is full of surprises.
His partner—or rather, his female partner—beheaded him in one swift motion, then turned and drove her lightning-infused ninjatō through the third one's chest. Those Anbu locks... I would recognize them anywhere. But that only makes things more complicated. Now I was left one-on-one with Tsuru, the strangest girl I've ever met. Itachi, you traitor! Even when we're on the same side, you still manage to mess things up!
Alright, keeping silent is dangerous. She might decide to "deal with me" too—her logic is something else, even by the standards of female logic.
"Thank you, Hitomi," I bowed deeply.
In a flash, I was pinned against the hard fabric of an Anbu uniform… and for some reason, the Fox's power vanished just as quickly. It didn't feel like suppression—more like Kurama conveniently decided that his task was complete. Yeah, but from the outside, it probably looked like she hugged me and I just melted away. Damn it!
Reputation with Tsuru/Hitomi +46%.
Oh, crap! Even the second heart filled up, and a screenshot was taken, capturing the scene of us from the outside. Damn it, what kind of romance is this?!
Quest completed (partially)!
You (not entirely successfully) still managed to beat up an Uchiha. Kurama feels morally satisfied.
+500 reputation with Kurama.
Unlocked questline: "Friend of the Bijuu" or "The Fox's Idiot Friend."
Wait, System, what the hell was that second quest name supposed to mean?! I'll kill you!
Crap! Obito! I need to stop him… but sorry, that's not my job anymore. I did what I had to do—whatever happens now, happens.
"Ah, there you a—" Itachi started, but then froze, staring at me and the Anbu from Ne hugging. Huh, when did I hug Hitomi back?
"She's not our enemy. By the way, what about…?"
"Gone." He cut me off.
"Many… well…" Damn, asking "how many of you are left?" feels a little too hypocritical.
"Quite a few, but half the houses will be empty now. He was really strong. And my father… won't be a shinobi anytime soon. The attacker's strange technique took his arm." Itachi explained, answering my questioning look.
"I see. You understand, right…?" I began, but he interrupted me again.
"I understand. Your help and your manipulation of the Fox's power will remain a secret to everyone outside my clan. Officially, you weren't here and were never involved. And of course, neither I nor my father will spread the truth about the Hokage's actions. Not now, when our clan has suffered losses and our influence has weakened. But we won't forget your help either. For now, I need to escort someone to the compound." He nodded toward Maya and her twin daughters.
So, once the shit gets beaten out of them, Uchiha suddenly become decent people. Why do they always have to be beaten first before they start acting normal? Just like Sasuke in the canon, and now Itachi here.
"Alright then, I'll just… sleep." I finally passed out from a whole stack of debuffs, as the system chimed with a flood of notifications, including the completion of the event.
Same place.
"And what do I do with you?" Itachi asked tensely, looking at the Anbu from Ne, who still hadn't let go of the jinchūriki.
"I have to report the failed operation and the interference of a third party," she replied calmly, still not releasing the child.
"Oh? And why would someone like you kill your teammates and then lie to your superiors? Who are you to him?" Itachi nodded toward Naruto.
"His mother." She answered without a second's hesitation.
"Is that so…?" Itachi stared into the kunoichi's eyes, then suddenly smirked strangely.
"I'm surrounded by lunatics. He's going to have a hell of a time with you." He sighed. "Go to your superiors already, I'll take him where he needs to go."
But as soon as he took a step forward, the kunoichi—still holding the boy with one hand—lowered the other to the hilt of her ninjatō.
"Message received. Do whatever you want. But I wouldn't recommend being late to report to your commander—you might raise suspicions. So hurry up and get the boy home; he's been through enough today. I'd suggest taking him to medics, but given the nature of some of his injuries, that's not the best option right now." Itachi said. In response, she silently demonstrated the Shōsen Jutsu.
"Just go already." Itachi waved her off and headed toward the park—to his would-be victim.