Trio’s Journey: Second Chance

{Prologue}

"Truck-kun Strikes Again!"

The warm summer air filled the car as three childhood friends drove through the quiet streets of their hometown

 Kyosuke Ishikawa, the driver, glanced at his companions with a grin

"Kenji, you've got the worst music taste. Who even listens to this stuff anymore?" Kyosuke teased, tapping the steering wheel in rhythm to the upbeat yet outdated pop song blasting from the radio

Kenji Nakamura, lounging in the passenger seat, feigned offense

"Excuse you, this is a classic! You're just jealous you don't have my exquisite taste in music." Kenji said

Shin Nishida, sitting in the backseat with his head leaning against the window, chuckled

"If by 'exquisite taste,' you mean music that sounds like it belongs in an elevator, then yeah, Kenji, you nailed it." Shin said in between chuckles

The three burst into laughter, their banter easing any tension from the long day they'd spent together

These moments were precious to them, a testament to the bond they had forged through years of hardship and resilience

"Don't act like you're cultured, Shin, I saw your playlist. It's all anime openings." Kyosuke said, smirking as he shifted gears. 

"And they're all bangers, unlike whatever trash Kenji listens to." Shin shot back, raising his hands defensively

"You're just mad because I've got taste and you've got—" Kenji reached back, swatting at Shin playfully

The light ahead turned green, and Kyosuke drove forward, still laughing. But before Kenji could finish his sentence, the blinding glare of headlights tore through their playful banter

The infamous truck-kun barreled through a red light at breakneck speed, its horn blaring too late to serve as any warning

"Kyosuke—!" Before Kenji's shout could fully escape, the truck slammed into the side of their vehicle with devastating force

The world around them erupted into chaos — shattered glass, twisted metal, and the deafening screech of tires. Then, silence…

Kyosuke opened his eyes to an endless expanse of white

He floated weightlessly, as though suspended in water, though there was no sensation of cold or warmth

"W-Where am I?" he muttered, looking around in confusion

"Kyosuke?!" A familiar voice called out

He turned to see Kenji drifting nearby, his face etched with a mix of panic and bewilderment

"Kenji… Shin!" Kyosuke's voice grew louder as he spotted their third companion not far away, rubbing his head as if trying to make sense of their surroundings

"Okay, what the hell is going on? One second we were in the car, and now… this?" Shin asked, his voice tinged with unease

"I don't know…" Kyosuke began, but his words faltered as a radiant light appeared before them

The three shielded their eyes as the light coalesced into the form of a breathtakingly beautiful woman

 She had flowing silver hair, luminous blue eyes that seemed to peer into their souls, and a gentle smile that exuded both warmth and divinity. She wore an elegant gown that shimmered like the night sky, adorned with golden accents

"Greetings,I am Aris, the Goddess of Reincarnation. I have brought you here to explain what has happened." She spoke softly yet commanding

The trio stared in awe, their confusion momentarily replaced by shock

"Are we… dead?" Kenji blinked several times before muttering

Aris's expression softened

"Yes, I'm afraid so. You were struck by a truck that ran a red light. The impact was fatal." Aris said softly

She raised her hand, and a shimmering image appeared before them, depicting the scene of the crash

Their mangled car lay in the middle of the intersection, its frame crushed by the massive truck

Emergency vehicles surrounded the wreckage, and people crowded nearby, some visibly shaken

"This…This can't be real…" Kyosuke's voice broke

"I am truly sorry for the tragic manner of your passing, it was an accident — one that was not your fault. Your lives were cut short unfairly, and for that, I grieve with you." Aris said sincerely

The trio fell silent, their minds racing to process the reality of their situation

"But, your story does not end here. You three have accumulated immense positive karma throughout your lives. Despite the hardships you endured as orphans, you remained kind-hearted, resilient, and selfless. You brought joy to others even when you had little for yourselves. Because of this, you have earned the right to reincarnate." Aris spoke, her tone filled with emotion

Kenji tilted his head

"Reincarnate? Like, into another life?" Kenji said

"Precisely, you may choose the world you wish to be reborn into, and I will grant you a boon — a special blessing to aid you in your new life." Aris said

The trio exchanged glances, the weight of her words sinking in

Shin scratched the back of his head

 "So… we get to pick the world? Like, literally any world?" Shin asked

Aris nodded

"Indeed. But choose wisely, for this decision cannot be undone." Aris said

Kyosuke, ever the leader of their group, crossed his arms thoughtfully

 "If we're doing this, we're doing it together. Agreed?" Kyosuke said

Kenji and Shin nodded in unison

After a moment of deliberation, Kyosuke spoke

"We want to be reborn into the Naruto Universe." Kyosuke said

Aris raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

 "A fascinating choice. And what of your boon?" Aris asked curiously

Kyosuke glanced at his friends, who gave their approval. 

"We want a boost to our genetics — to have stronger potential, physically and mentally." Kyosuke said

Aris placed a finger to her lips, pondering

"A reasonable request. Very well, I will enhance your genetics to give you a unique edge in the Naruto world. You will still need to train and grow, but your potential will be far greater than most." Aris said

Kenji grinned

"Alright, this is starting to sound pretty cool." Kenji said

"Indeed, now, are you all ready for your second chance?" Aris said with a smile.

Kyosuke, Kenji, and Shin shared one last look, determination gleaming in their eyes

"Yeah, We're ready." Kyosuke said firmly

With a wave of her hand, Aris enveloped them in a radiant light

"Then go forth, and may your new journey bring you the happiness and fulfillment you deserve." Aris said, giving them a warm gentle smile

And with that, the trio vanished, their second chance at life beginning anew in the world of shinobi