In a modest neighborhood that's within Tokyo, Kūga Seiryu was just another face in the crowd. A junior high school student with black hair and sharp eyes. He had always been one of those middle-of-the-road students. He wasn't the star athlete nor the class valedictorian.
Kūga was just a kid trying to survive especially with the trials of adolescence, especially, when his life had taken a dark turn in recent months.
His father had been hit by a bus two months ago, a sudden and brutal loss that severed the happiness of their small family. The news crashed down like a tsunami, sweeping away any semblance of normalcy.
Only a month later, his mother followed followed his father's footsteps, also a victim of a bus accident.
Now, as he stood in line at the local convenience store, the familiar roar of engines sent chills down his spine, a stark reminder of the fragility of life.
Buses, those metal behemoths struck a deep-rooted fear in his heart.
Kūga grabbed a few snacks and a couple of soft drinks, just to have something consume later at night.
The convenience store was situated on a road that had a strict truck ban, a fact that brought him a fleeting sense of security as he stepped outside, bags in hand.
The sun was setting, and for a moment, it felt as if the world might still be a safe place.
*HONK HONKKK*
A thunderous honk that pierced through the calmness of the area could be heard.
Startled, Kūga turned his head just in time to see a massive truck speeding down the road, its front plate embedded with the absurd words, "Reincarnation."
With too much adrenalin and panic fighting inside him, Kūga stood frozen, the world around him fading into a blur of colors and sounds. His heart raced, dropping what the plastic bag he carried.
"Fu—" he barely had time to utter before the truck collided with him, sending him to the other side of life.
.
"—CK!" he shouted, awakening with a start, his breath ragged, as though he had just escaped a nightmare.
Kūga looked around disorientedly, finding himself in a realm that sparkled with ethereal light.
Soft clouds floated lazily above him, and the ground beneath was made of a glowy material that shimmered like the surface of a cloud.
The air was fragrant, filled with the scent of blooming flowers that danced around him in hues of blue and violet.
As he took in his surroundings, he noticed that the bed was surrounded by a warm glow, a comforting embrace that made him feel both safe and perplexed.
But before he could fully comprehend what was happening, a figure emerged from the light, slightly blinding the new soul.
It was Kami, an old man with a scruffy long beard, wearing a robe that looked like it had seen better days.
His twinkling eyes sparkled with mischief, and a warm smile creased his weathered face.
"Ah, welcome, Kūga! I'm Kami," he said, waving a hand dismissively. "Sorry about that whole truck incident! Honestly, I thought it would be a bus this time. You know how it is; they just seem to love hitting unsuspecting teenagers."
Kūga blinked, trying to process the absurdity of the situation. "You… you sent me here?" he stammered, still grappling with the remnants of his fear.
"Technically, yes! But don't worry, I'm not here to drag you to hell," Kami chuckled, a hearty laugh that resonated through the ethereal space.
"Although, I could use some help down there, you know. The paperwork is a nightmare! But I digress. Let's talk about your next life."
Kūga sat up, rubbing his temples as he tried to make sense of everything. "So… this is heaven?" he asked, glancing around at the vibrant colors and gentle lights. "And I'm dead? Just like that?"
"Well, you can call it that," Kami replied with a casual wave of his hand, "but really, it's more like a waiting room for souls. You're getting a second chance, son! Now, you get to pick a world to go to."
Kūga's mind raced. He had always dreamed of adventure, but the thought of leaving everything behind felt... weirdly daunting.
"Can I just… go back to Earth? Maybe try to fix things?" he suggested hesitantly.
"Ah, I'm afraid that ship has sailed..." Kami said, shaking his head. "But don't fret! You can choose any world you like, from the fantastical to the absurd! I've got a lot of options." He leaned in, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"How about the world of magic and dragons? Or perhaps a cozy little slice of life in a farming village?"
Kūga considered this, his heart heavy with memories of his family. "I… I want to go to the Naruto world," he said finally, the words spilling out of him.
"It's a world of ninjas, battles, and adventure. But… I don't want to just die in like... you know... day one."
Kami's eyes lit up. "Ah! A fine choice! But if you want to survive, you'll need something special. You get one wish—anything your heart desires!"
Kūga furrowed his brow, contemplating the possibilities. "What can I even wish for? Can I wish for infinite power? Or to be the strongest ninja?"
"Whoa there!" Kami interjected, raising his hands. "Let's keep it reasonable! Infinite power leads to chaos and unwanted attention, trust me. You need a unique ability that won't make you a target."
Kami leaned back, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "How about something that ties into the world you're going to? Something that fits the ninja theme!"
Kūga frowned, still feeling the weight of his loss pressing down on him. "Okay, what about the ability to manipulate time? That sounds pretty unique!"
Kami chuckled, shaking his head. "Time manipulation? Oh no, my friend! That's a one-way ticket to a paradoxical headache! Just think of the paperwork! Besides, you really don't want to be responsible for messing with the timeline. It never ends well."
Frustration bubbled within Kūga as he racked his brain for other options. "What about shapeshifting? I could become anyone! That way, I could just avoid unwanted attention altogether."
Again, Kami shook his head, his expression almost teasing. "Shapeshifting? Oh, darling, that's so cliché! I'm sure you'd get tired of being someone else eventually. Besides, there's always that Transformation Technique."
Kūga's frustration peaked. "What's wrong with being a little creative? Do you want me to just pick a generic power like 'super strength' or something?"
Kami laughed heartily, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Kūga, I'm just kidding! Relax! You can wish for something truly special. I assure you, I'm not trying to make your life miserable."
Kūga crossed his arms, still frowning. "Okay, then what can I actually wish for? Give me some options!"
"Anything you want!" Kami replied warmly, leaning in slightly, as if to share a secret. "Take your time and think about the kind of power you really desire. If it's a bloodline ability, consider what makes it unique. Is it just a bloodline, or does it involve chakra as well?"
Kūga fell silent, the weight of the decision settling on him. 'What do I truly want? ' He closed his eyes, pondering deeply. 'A power that will set me apart… something that allows me to make a mark in that world.'
After a moment of contemplation, he opened his eyes, looking straight at Kami. "What about Aether? I've heard about it in different myths—something that exists beyond the physical elements. What could I do with that?"
Kami's expression shifted, a look of intrigue crossing his face. "Ah, Aether! That's a fascinating choice. It's often referred to as the fifth element, the essence that connects the universe. With Aether, you could manipulate the fundamental forces of nature—time, space, matter… even the very flow of chakra itself, if you learn to harness it correctly. It's a power that's limitless in potential but requires deep understanding and control."
Kūga's eyes widened as he imagined the possibilities. "That sounds incredible! But why hasn't anyone else tapped into it? Surely someone in the Naruto world would have discovered it by now!"
"Good question!" Kami chuckled, scratching his beard. "Aether is so abstract that most people focus on more tangible powers. Besides, its complexity makes it difficult to master. But if you truly understand it, you can carve your own path and avoid the fate of becoming just another ninja in a world full of conflicts."
Kūga nodded, determination growing within him. "Then that's what I want! I wish for Kūseiton (Aether Release)! A kekkei genkai that allows me to control Aether!"
"Very well! Your wish is granted!" Kami proclaimed, his voice echoing with power. As the light around him began to swirl, filling him with warmth and energy, Kūga felt a sense of purpose igniting within him. But before the transformation could take place, one more thought crossed his mind.
"Wait!" Kūga exclaimed, narrowing his eyes. "Can Aether actually control time and space? I mean, if I can manipulate Aether, does that mean I could mess around with time itself?"
Kami's cheerful demeanor faltered for a moment, and he smiled sheepishly, a slight glimmer of sweat forming on his brow. "Ah, well… you see—"
Kūga caught the awkward smile, raising an eyebrow. "Are you really telling me that time manipulation is on the table? You just told me it leads to chaos!"
Kami chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "I was just kidding! You know, a little cosmic humor."
"Really? Because you seemed a bit too nervous for that," Kūga pressed, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Are you sure I won't end up creating a paradox or something? You look like you're sweating bullets."
"Caught me!" Kami laughed, his chuckles echoing in the heavenly realm. "If I were to get caught lying about such things, I wouldn't be called an honest God, would I?" He wiped his brow dramatically, feigning exhaustion.
"But let's just say controlling time could lead to some… interesting consequences. So maybe avoid that little detail."
Kūga rolled his eyes, a grin spreading across his face. "You really know how to put a guy on edge, huh? Fine, I'll take your advice. No time travel."
"Good choice!" Kami said, his smile returning in full force. "With Aether, you'll have plenty of other fascinating abilities to explore. Just remember, it's all about understanding and control."
Kūga nodded, determination solidifying within him. He was ready to go to this bloody and terrifying world.
Well, not really. He wasn't ready. But Kami wouldn't just let him die there... right?