[ You've now entered the world of Naruto, Host. ]
In a dense forest where only trees stretched endlessly in every direction, Tanjiro scanned his surroundings, taking in the unending sea of green.
"I see," he muttered, turning to Celes. "Check the timeline I'm in. I hope I'm not at the very beginning, when Kaguya Otsutsuki was just arriving in this world."
[ You are three months before Naruto is born, Host. ] Celes replied.
"That should be enough time to familiarize myself with this world. It would have been nice to arrive when Konoha was just established, but this will do," Tanjiro mused. "With my limited knowledge about Naruto, following the plot is pointless. I might as well do what I want."
Turning to Celes, he said, "Buy me some ninja clothes." His hair was loose, resembling Yorichi Tsukiguni but with a more handsome and powerful presence.
Soon, a set of standard Konoha ninja attire appeared in his hand, neatly arranged.
Tanjiro changed into his new attire: a black flak jacket, black trousers, light sandals, and a hooded cowl. He began searching for a water source, such as a lake or stream.
After a few minutes, his keen senses led him to a massive river that stretched out endlessly.
"Now that I've found a water source, there should be a nearby village. If I follow this river, I should find what I'm looking for," he thought, pulling up his cowl and sprinting along the riverbank.
As he leapt from tree to tree, he marveled at the forest's beauty: birds soaring above, boars darting through the underbrush, and a massive 40-meter beast rampaging through the woods.
Intrigued by the unfamiliar creature, Tanjiro decided to pursue it while checking the shop for a sword.
[ Shop - Items:
1. Durandal - 100k
2. Excalibur - 250k
3. Heaven's Sword - 400k
.
.
. ]
Tanjiro chose a simple, unassuming temporary sword: a chokuto, a straight, single-edged Japanese sword. Unlike Sasuke's, Tanjiro's chokuto had a golden scabbard and a silvery-white blade.
"Celestial Breathing, 4th Form: Phantom Serpent: Eclipsing Sun (Sun + Serpent) " Tanjiro intoned. The technique combined the slithering movement of a serpent with the intense, burning effect of the sun, creating a bright and silent thrust aimed at the beast.
[ Celestial Breathing 4th Form: Phantom Serpent: Eclipsing Sun (Serpent + Sun)
- Executes precise, snake-like movements infused with the powerful, demon-slaying energy of Sun Breathing. ]
The creature's mind went blank as it saw only a fleeting black dot speeding toward it, moving so fast that its eyes could barely follow. In an instant, the dot was in front of it, thrusting into the center of its forehead.
The beast didn't even realize it had been killed due to Tanjiro's overwhelming speed.
[ Congratulations! You've reached level 100. The remaining experience points will be reserved until you choose your path. ]
[ Please choose between the choices.
1. Advocate of Justice
2. Keeper of Peace
3. Defender of the Innocent
4. Champion of Fairness
5. Crusader for Equality
.
.
.
999. The One Who Guides ]
Tanjiro frowned. "What do you mean by 'selecting my path,' Celes? I prefer to create my own path rather than follow predefined ones."
[ It's as you suspected, Host. ] Celes explained.
[ You can choose from the listed paths or create your own. However, creating your own path is extremely challenging, even for higher beings.
If you choose a listed path, you'll receive guidance along that route. ]
" Then, I will take my own path. A path where I am in control of every action, whether it's my mistakes or the kindness I show. I don't want to follow anyone else's route. I'll forge a path where I can do anything I desire, free from any constraints. "
Tanjiro was steadfast in his choice: a path he would forge on his own, free from others' influence. He wanted the freedom to do whatever he desired and not be limited by any constraints.
[ "Affirmative, the leveling system will be discarded. You have chosen your own path. Good luck with your future endeavors, Host.
As compensation, you will receive 10 free shopping coupons for the shop and a Quintillion SP." ]
Tanjiro's frustration grew. "What! How am I supposed to get stronger now, Celes? What on earth is happening? Why am I losing every function I wished for? First, you took away my AP and replaced it with SP, and now the leveling system is gone!"
He was baffled by the constant changes. It seemed that every time he gained something, he had to lose something else. Tanjiro was beginning to realize that something was off with his system.
[ Please don't be angry, Host. I meant no harm. The leveling system is gone because you chose to forge your own path. The system was a guide for those who follow a predefined route.
Since you've made your own decision, the leveling system is no longer applicable. I respect your choice, Host. ]
"I see. I'm sorry for my outburst, Celes. Since I've decided to forge my own path, do I need to name it myself?" Tanjiro asked, apologizing for his earlier frustration.
[ That would be the case, Host. ]
"Okay, I understand, Celes. Thank you for clarifying my confusion.
Since I've chosen to be free and not restricted by my actions, acknowledging both the kindness I've done and the wrongdoings I've created, I name my path 'Sovereign Architect of Destiny.' It will be a path where I create my own unique, self-determined journey.
This will be a path where I am the owner of my actions, holding myself accountable and punishing myself if I stray from the right course."
With a determined look, Tanjiro embraced his purpose. It was a path where he could do what he had always wanted, help others, and acknowledge his mistakes. This would be his path, defined solely by his choices and actions.
[ Your path has been successfully realized through the weave of destiny and fate and has been recorded in the omniverse's Akashic Records.
Sovereign Architect of Destiny - embodies ultimate control and responsibility over one's actions and choices, highlighting the creation of a unique, self-determined path. ]
Tanjiro stood before the beast he had slain, clasping his hands together in prayer and bowing his head.
"You have helped me take new steps toward greater heights. I have found my own path because of you, reaching level 100. Though you may have died unjustly because of me, I will bear this sin in honor of those who have helped me—the demons, Muzan, and you, the first chakra beast I have killed in this world.
I am thankful for everything you have given me, and I will carry this experience forward."
As Tanjiro spoke, he was unaware of the subtle changes in his personality. Over time, he had shifted from his once purely virtuous self, who sought to help everyone, to someone who was beginning to question and break free from his idealistic views.
After a hundred years of living, Tanjiro had witnessed both the dark and light sides of humanity. He saw how people often help only when it serves their own interests, and he recognized that he was no different, driven by a sense of fulfillment in his actions.
Although Tanjiro had never received material rewards for his help in his previous life, the joy he found in seeing people smile and express their gratitude was the greatest reward he could imagine.
Now, given a second chance by the God who reincarnated him, Tanjiro found himself finally rewarded for his kindness. Realizing this, he began to use it to his advantage.
While this might not seem wrong to others, Tanjiro recognized that he was no different from those who exploit the gratitude of those they have helped. Even though he had never thought of extorting those he had assisted and had no intention of doing so, he understood that by relying on the Virtuous Paragon, he was, in essence, taking advantage of their gratitude.
Tanjiro knew what he had done, but he continued down that path. Over the past hundred years, he had dedicated himself to helping others with all his power, seeking the warmth of the people he aided.
Now, Tanjiro decided to abandon his pretense and pursue his true desires, free from the influence of others.
He gazed at the beast he had slain, sighed, and then entered meditation to calm his mind. Despite having mastered Total Concentration - Constant, he was not immune to the emotional turmoil that could shatter his calm.
As he slipped into meditation with relative ease, Tanjiro noticed something unusual: a unique passageway had opened within him.
"This must be chakra," Tanjiro thought. It made sense, given that he was now in the Naruto World. The presence of this foreign energy, chakra, was a new discovery for his body.
As he sensed inside his body, he observed the 361 nodes and the chakra pathway system.
Without hesitation, Tanjiro deduced the optimal way to absorb chakra. With his mastery of HCM and Celestial Breathing, guiding and controlling the chakra inside him was relatively straightforward.
A chain-like cracking sound echoed within him as he felt his body rejuvenate. He sensed a newfound lightness and strength, a testament to the difference between the Demon Slayer World and the Naruto World. While the Demon Slayer World lacked chakra, the Naruto World was imbued with it, thanks to the chakra fruit that had spread this energy throughout all beings.