Haruto sat quietly in the familiar corner of the orphanage yard, the early morning sun casting long shadows around him. Today felt different, more charged. He could feel it in the air, the quiet hum of energy that he had come to recognize over the years. But today, it was stronger.
It was his sixth birthday, and he knew something significant was coming. The system had always rewarded him every six months, but this time… it felt more alive, more potent.
Suddenly, the familiar voice of the system echoed in his mind, cutting through his thoughts.
"Golden Reward. Choose your specialization."
Haruto's breath caught. He blinked, steadying himself as the choices laid themselves out in front of him, clear but without much explanation. The system wasn't one for giving detailed guidance, and Haruto had learned to rely on his own judgment. The options appeared with nothing more than two words each, but he understood their significance immediately.
The Options
• Ninjutsu Specialist
• Taijutsu Specialist
• Genjutsu Specialist
• Fūinjutsu Specialist
• Bukijutsu Specialist
Haruto's mind immediately went into overdrive, evaluating each choice. He'd always been a thinker, analyzing every possibility before committing. Today was no different. He had no idea what the system would offer next or if this decision would shape his abilities for the rest of his life.
Brief Analysis
Taijutsu Specialist came to mind first, but Haruto quickly set it aside. He had spent years mastering his body through his physical conditioning. With his martial arts experience from his past life, Taijutsu felt almost… obvious. It was something he could handle on his own, and he had no doubt he would excel at it without needing the system's help.
Genjutsu Specialist was intriguing. The idea of controlling and manipulating others through illusions had a certain appeal. It was subtle, mental warfare. But the downside was clear—it wasn't as versatile. It could be effective, but Haruto wasn't ready to limit himself to something so specific this early in his development. Genjutsu seemed too narrow for what he needed right now.
Fūinjutsu Specialist caught his attention next, and he paused. Sealing techniques had always fascinated him, and he was confident that with his intelligence and cognitive sharpness, he could learn fūinjutsu over time. The intricate nature of seals was something that felt within reach, even without the system focusing on it. He wanted to leave room to explore this on his own terms, through study and experimentation. Fūinjutsu would come to him naturally in time.
Bukijutsu Specialist was another option. Weapon mastery, particularly with kunai or swords, could make him deadly at both close and long range. But Haruto wasn't ready to commit to weaponry as his primary skill. It was useful, certainly, but it didn't hold the same allure as what he saw next.
Ninjutsu Specialist. Haruto's eyes metaphorically settled on this option. It was the most versatile of all the choices. Ninjutsu was the foundation of every shinobi's skills, encompassing everything from elemental manipulation to complex techniques. If he specialized in ninjutsu, Haruto would have access to a wide range of jutsu that could grow with him, shaping him into a well-rounded fighter. He didn't even know his chakra nature yet, but ninjutsu could be adapted to whatever that would turn out to be.
The flexibility and potential that came with ninjutsu made it the most appealing. It was the path that would give him room to grow, to experiment, and to find his own way while still making him combat-ready in the near future.
The Decision
The choice was clear. Ninjutsu was the path that offered the most versatility and room for growth. He could learn Taijutsu on his own. Genjutsu and Fūinjutsu would come in time, but Ninjutsu… that was the foundation he needed to build his future on.
"I choose Ninjutsu," Haruto thought firmly, locking in his decision.
As soon as he made the choice, he felt a rush of energy course through him, stronger than any of the system's previous rewards. His chakra felt more responsive, almost like it was waiting for this moment. Haruto breathed deeply, letting the sensation wash over him. He could feel his chakra channels opening more easily, the flow smoother, more natural.
It wasn't a drastic change, but it was significant. The system had given him a boost in control and understanding, and he knew that in time, this would make him a much stronger shinobi. He smiled to himself, feeling the weight of his choice settle in. He was on the right path.
Looking Ahead
Haruto stood up, brushing off the dirt from his legs, his mind clearer than ever. He was only six, but the decisions he made today would carry him far into the future. The academy was just a year away, and by the time he entered, he would be more than prepared. He'd chosen the path of Ninjutsu, and with that, the world of elemental techniques and chakra manipulation would soon be his to master.
This was only the beginning.