The system's voice echoed in Takeru's mind. "Alright then, among these nine white cards, there are three Gold-level, three Silver-level, and three Bronze-level cards. You can choose any three."
Takeru nodded, understanding the stakes. His eyes scanned the rows, then settled on three cards. With a subtle gleam, two of the cards shifted to a brilliant golden hue, while the third turned a rich bronze. A faint background music played as the cards slowly flipped over, revealing his rewards.
On the first golden card, there was a moving image of Sasuke Uchiha from the Boruto series, holding his sword while performing a one-handed seal with lightning-fast precision. A description appeared beneath the image:
One-Handed Sealing Ability While Holding Sword
(Sasuke Uchiha from Boruto)
Gain the ability to perform one-handed seals at the peak speed and precision of Sasuke Uchiha.
Takeru's heart pounded with excitement. This was exactly the type of skill he needed. One-handed seals would allow him to perform jutsu without needing a second hand—a game-changer for a one-handed swordsman like himself.
With growing anticipation, he looked at the second golden card. The card displayed a striking image of Shanks, the Red-Haired Emperor from One Piece, standing powerfully with his sword, Gryphon, at his side.
Gryphon Sword
(Shanks from One Piece)
Acquire Gryphon, the legendary sword wielded by Shanks, known as the one of the Supreme swords in One Piece world.
Takeru's eyes widened. As a swordsman, he understood the significance of a powerful blade; it wasn't just a weapon but an extension of himself. To wield a sword of such quality and legacy was beyond his expectations.
Finally, his gaze fell upon the last, bronze-coloured card. This one showed a simple animation of Shanks practicing a basic series of sword moves, his form calm yet precise.
Primary-Level Swordsmanship
(Shanks from One Piece)
Gain the primary swordsmanship skills of Shanks, including foundational techniques and discipline.
Though not as powerful as the other rewards. Takeru recognized its value as this was the swordsmanship of Shanks.
The system's voice broke in eagerly. "So, would you like to receive your rewards?"
Takeru rolled his eyes, barely containing his anticipation. "Is that even a question?"
The moment he agreed, the legendary sword Gryphon appeared in his hands, its weight and balance feeling as natural as if it were forged just for him. At the same time, the foundational techniques of Shanks's swordsmanship unfurled in his mind, along with the intricate memory of Sasuke's one-handed sealing method.
He set Gryphon carefully on the table, eyeing it with reverence, but his excitement was drawn elsewhere. It had been eleven long years since he'd last used ninjutsu—a part of himself he thought lost forever. Now, with Sasuke's memories guiding him, Takeru could hardly wait.
Concentrating, he formed the seals for the most basic ninjutsu in any academy graduate's arsenal: the Clone Technique. With a surge of chakra, a hazy, half-formed clone appeared beside him, its features skewed and indistinct. Takeru scratched his head, chuckling sheepishly. "Looks like I was a bit too excited," he muttered, embarrassment coloring his voice.
The system chimed in with a mocking tone. "Not quite the prodigious reincarnator I was hoping for."
Ignoring the jab, Takeru tried again, forcing his nerves to steady. He formed the seals with more focus this time, and in a flash of chakra, a perfect replica of himself appeared at his side. His eyes widened with satisfaction.
The thrill of finally executing ninjutsu again surged through him. "I can use jutsu," he whispered, the weight of those words thrilling and grounding at once. "It's possible now."
He observed his hand seals, noting that while he wasn't nearly as fast as Sasuke at his peak, the muscle memory from his newly acquired skills held promise. "If I keep training, adapting my body to Sasuke's one-handed speed, I'll get there."
Gryphon gleamed on the table beside him, a reminder of his newfound power. And for the first time in years, Takeru felt like he had the strength—and the tools—to face the threats closing in around him.
Takeru picked up Gryphon, sliding it from its sheath to reveal the gleaming blade within. The metal caught the light perfectly, every inch crafted with precision and care.
"What a fine sword," he murmured, his fingers tracing the flawless edge, marvelling at its craftsmanship.
Just then, the shrill beeping of his alarm clock broke through his admiration. Takeru glanced at the clock, noting the time, and muttered to himself, "It's time for Yuka to leave the Ninja Academy. She's probably on her way home." His eyes softened as he remembered the routine he had almost forgotten in his excitement. "I was supposed to make lunch for her," he said with a smile. "Well, today will be special. We'll have lunch together at the restaurant."
With one last look at the blade, Takeru sheathed Gryphon and carefully set it aside. He made his way to the tatami mat, settling himself on a low cushion at the table, his gaze occasionally drifting to the door. It wasn't long now; soon Yuka would be here, bringing her laughter and stories of the day. And today, he would greet her with more than just a meal. He'd greet her with a new strength he hadn't felt in years.
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