The power of Yamigan is now within me—a strange, unexplainable force that travels through my veins like a river. The Hanzo family—the one I now reside with—are no ordinary family. They are shinobi, a clan of ninjas living in the shadows, hidden from the rest of the world. Just like my old life, secrets into every word, every action.
A smirk curled across my lips, and I couldn't help myself—I burst out laughing. It echoed through the room. How more ironic could this be. I was reincarnated as a ninja.
Before I could let the thought sit, a sharp, deep voice cut through the air, commanding and filled with authority.
"Takeda! What are you doing in here? You know this room is forbidden!"
The voice belonged to a tall, imposing man standing at the doorway. He wore the traditional shinobi attire of the Hanzo clan—a dark, loose-fitting robe that allowed for quick movement, his hair tied back tightly. His eyes, sharp and piercing, locked onto me with a mixture of anger and suspicion. His presence exuded power, the kind that made the air feel heavier around him. My heart raced for a moment, but I quickly composed myself. I had a part to play. I had to act like the kid I was.
"Uh, sorry… I got lost in my thoughts and didn't realize where I was going." I said, forcing a confused and fearful look, my shoulders hunching slightly as if shrinking under his gaze. It wasn't hard to fake—my training had made it second nature to wear any mask. Besides, it was better to lay low until I could understand my place in this world, in this family.
The man's eyes flickered towards the ancient scroll. His expression shifted. It was once anger, that switched to confusion, his brow furrowing deeply.
"T-Takeda… my son… did you read that scroll?" His voice trembled slightly, a rare crack in the façade of authority.
I glanced back to the scroll. To my surprise, the symbols and ancient text that had been there moments ago were now gone. The paper appeared blank, like it was never written on to begin with. How was this possible? I'm sure I seen something. Was I really the only one who could read it?
"Yes." I admitted calmly, but internally my mind racing. This was no ordinary scroll. It held power, and somehow, it chose me. I couldn't let anyone know the full extent of what just happened—not yet.
The man, my father, stared at me for a long, intense moment. His expression was unreadable, but I could feel a shift in the air between us, like the very room had drawn in its breath.
"Takeda… don't tell anyone about this." he said quietly, though there was a deep seriousness in his tone. "You're the only one in 300 years to be able to read that scroll. There has been over seventy clan elders to try, and yet you're the only one who succeeded."
My eyes widened slightly, but I quickly masked my surprise. Seventy clan elders? The gravity of the situation felt heavier now. This power, Yamigan, was something far beyond what I had imagined. Still, I couldn't let my emotions slip. I had to stay in control.
"I won't, Father." I said, bowing my head in respect. "But… I want to master the shinobi art. Please, teach me." I dropped to my knees, bowing deeply with my forehead touching the ground—a gesture I never thought I'd make, not in this lifetime or the last. But I had to play my part. I needed to gain his trust.
The silence between us lingered for a moment before he spoke again, his voice now softer, filled with pride. "Get up. You're my son, Takeda Hanzo. I'll gladly guide you on the path to greatness. Otherwise, I would have failed as a father—not only that, but as the master of the next 'Shadow Emperor.'"
Shadow Emperor? The title alone sent a chill through me. I knew this wouldn't be an ordinary life. This body, this family—they were part of something far more amazing, and I been pushed right into the center of it.
"I'm prepared for any challenges, Father. Put me through whatever training is necessary." I said with a newfound determination. I would master the system and level up to the greatest warrior. My assassin skills and discipline were my greatest assets. I just needed to learn how this world's rules worked.
"Are you really my son? I never thought I'd hear those words from you." he said, laughing heartily, his previous stern demeanor breaking.
As we began walking out of the room, I couldn't shake the feeling of excitement coursing through me. I had power now. Real power. And it would only grow stronger.
A familiar ding echoed in my mind.
It really is like a game. My excitement surged as I quickly thought the command. "Yes."
<'Absolute Restoration' has been added to inventory.>
Inventory? Amazing. I really am inside a game world. What is this system? How far can I push its limits?
I thought, "Open Inventory." and obeying my mental command, a holographic window materialized in front of me. The elixir appeared inside, floating in the inventory space—an ethereal bottle filled with a glowing liquid.
I examined it closer. "Inspect."
<'Absolute Restoration'—an elixir capable of healing any injury, no matter how severe. From shattered bones to life-threatening wounds, this elixir can completely restore the human body.>
A smirk appeared on my lips. This elixir was amazing. I could use it in a critical moment, I have to save it for when I was on the brink of death. This system was something I've never experienced before. I'll push its limits and see how far I can go.
We made our way through the halls of the estate, the building were a blend of traditional Japanese design with wide wooden corridors, shoji doors, and elaborate paintings depicting the history of the Hanzo clan. Outside, the landscape was amazing. Multiples mountains stretched into the distance, bordered by dense forests that seemed to shine with life. The estate was nestled at the base of a mountain range, its peak shrouded in mist, giving the entire region an air of mystery and isolation.
"My son, meet me in the training room at 8 a.m. sharp. Training starts tomorrow." my father said with pride in his voice.
I nodded. I needed to master the shinobi arts and explore the system more. What was this world truly capable of?
Later that night, I lay in my room, staring at the ceiling. The moonlight shining in through the shoji doors, casting long shadows across the floor. The bed I laid on was soft, comfortable, way different from the harsh conditions I had in my previous life. Yet even with the comfort, my mind was restless.
I couldn't help but wonder—did I steal this boy's life? Was this body truly mine, or was I just a foreigner living in it? The thought ate at me, but I pushed it aside. There was no point in stressing on what I couldn't change. For now, I had to live this life to the fullest. I had been given a second chance, and I wouldn't waste it.
As I drifted into sleep, a familiar ding jolted me awake.
Shit. I had been so absorbed in the day's events that I completely forgot about the daily objectives.
Before I could react, the pain hit me like a lightning bolt. My muscles screamed in agony like they were being torn apart and rebuilt at the same time. I gritted my teeth, trying to endure it, but it wasn't something I ever felt before. I could feel it down to my last atom.
I couldn't tell if I was screaming or not. The pain was too overwhelming to think about anything else. The system was cruel, far crueler than any system I had known. Why was this the penalty for missing a daily objective?