In that moment, Isamu's thoughts raced alongside the immense pressure surrounding him. As someone who had fought in World War II up to the present day, he didn't think that Mikumo Koshinada lacked the spirit of those whose lives were in her hands, nor did he believe she would show him mercy just because he was a child if he didn't provide an acceptable answer.
Thus, despite the pain in his body and the deep wound in his pride, that moment was crucial for him. In front of him stood a powerful teacher and her student, eagerly awaiting his response. Thoughts collided in his mind as he searched for excuses or convincing justifications, but all those thoughts quickly faded away.
In a moment of mental clarity, a single sentence crystallized in his mind, as if it were the culmination of everything he had experienced up to that point. His expression turned serious, and his eyes displayed a determination he had never felt before. Ignoring the pain in his body, he pulled himself up from the bed, staggering and in pain. His stance was shaky, as if his legs were about to give out, and indeed he collapsed to the ground, yet he did not attempt to rise.
Instead, he knelt before Mikumo Koshinada, that strong teacher standing before him. He knew his position wasn't strong, but he decided to confront her differently. With a heavy voice full of resolve, he spoke slowly but clearly: "In this world, I have a past, a present, and a future... one identity." He paused for a few seconds, then added, "I am someone who wants to live."
Mikumo looked at him calmly. No distinctive expressions appeared on her face; she seemed almost indifferent, yet she was scrutinizing every word he said. After a brief silence, she asked coldly, "Why do you think you deserve to live? Do you think your life is valuable?"
Isamu took a deep breath and responded with the same seriousness he had in the beginning: "For others, my life is no more valuable than anyone else's. But for me, it is all I have. It is my life."
Mikumo showed no immediate reaction, but she continued with a heavier tone: "How much are you willing to pay for your life?"
The question weighed heavily on Isamu. He knew the answer wouldn't be simple, as it contained many underlying questions. What price could he pay to maintain his life? When would he pay it? How would he pay it?
At that moment, Isamu felt that his entire life hinged on his answer. Mikumo, with her indifferent personality and overwhelming strength, sat atop the world he had entered.
Some might wonder why Isamu seemed anxious. He was now in a state of free fall, and even if Mikumo decided to dispose of him, his consciousness would return to his real body, which meant his life wasn't threatened here. But this was the primary reason for the pressure; the feeling that his life was truly at stake drove him to think deeply.
Moreover, if he died here, returning to his world would mean the end of developmental opportunities he could have had here.
The energy consumption for crossing and activating the portal wasn't easy, and the stability of the portal wasn't fixed each time he opened a channel to the same world, meaning the time limit and the energy consumed to remain after passing the limit would vary each time he wanted to cross to the same world.
In the current circumstances, this world seemed to him like the best opportunity. There were no superhumans or entities as in the Naruto world, where the prevailing combat power didn't exceed low Chunin levels.
On the other hand, the existing "Chi" energy system possessed great potential, which could complement the "chakra" system in Naruto.
Additionally, he preferred to live in an organized world compared to traveling to a barbaric and chaotic world lacking laws and regulations.
Despite the existence of super fighters and secret organizations like "Yami," Isamu believed that the ruling institutions in this period were more advanced, even if he couldn't precisely determine the year.
His expectations were based on the current appearance of "Chikaji Koshinada" and his observation of the places where the story unfolded. He could guess that the time was now in the late nineties or early twenty-first century.
The major powers and governments, equipped with technology and lethal weapons, wouldn't allow a group of fighters to break the system they had established using individual force.
They would need to hide and maneuver according to the rules set by the great powers.
Most importantly, the time ratio felt like an early developmental gift. This world offered him a chance for development and growth without the immense pressures he might face in other worlds.
For him, it seemed like the best "beginner village" in a gaming world, allowing him to explore his potential without facing excessive challenges.
Regarding Isamu's acceptance of the idea of his bad luck during his first crossing, where he met a grandmother who disliked children, then returned to Naruto waiting for coordinates to another new world with similar or better growth opportunities, it seemed that after his luck had been nonexistent in his first life—where he had never won the lottery—it was best for him to consider writing a book like Jiraiya.
After recalling thoughts that often wandered and got lost in complex details, Isamu decided to respond, but this time by lifting his head and speaking calmly: "I have nothing currently of the value you speak of, nor do I think I can obtain something you cannot get now, my lady. However, this does not mean I cannot achieve something of equal value in your eyes in the future."
In that moment, everything was at stake: his pride, his future, and even his freedom.
Although his words seemed small in her face, they carried significant weight in his heart.
With these words, Isamu was expressing his conviction that his abilities would develop over time and that he could achieve things of great value despite his current situation.
Mikumo looked at the small child who was gazing at her with his eyes, as if she were evaluating the depth of his feelings. The heavy silence continued, affecting her small student, who looked at her teacher and then at Isamu, who was nearly kneeling and resisting the pain in his body to maintain his current position. Those moments carried tension and fear, as if time had stopped for seconds.
Mikumo removed her glasses and turned her back, as if she would leave the room with her student. But she paused to say a few words: "You better pay attention to your injuries. The wounds haven't healed yet, and you are in a state where the injury may worsen. Treatment isn't cheap." Her voice carried a tone of warning, making Isamu realize the importance of her words.
She added, "Chikaji will visit you. If you want something, tell her to deliver it to me." There was calmness in her tone.
"Thank you, ma'am," Isamu spoke to Mikumo, who turned her back on him. His words stemmed from genuine gratitude.
"Don't use words of thanks. You should remember what I provided you today. And what you will receive later, you must pay for." Mikumo turned half her head with a serious expression.