An awkward silence filled the room while I anxiously waited for a status screen to appear.
Whenever I had heard about transmigration or watched any isekai anime in my previous life, one thing was consistent: transmigrations usually came with some sort of advantage—typically a game-like system to aid in adapting to the new world.
I waited for a few more minutes, biting my lip hard when I realized no status window was appearing. Maybe I was doing something wrong?
"Status window! Status! Menu!" I tried different combinations, hoping one would work.
When no status screen appeared, I began to feel nervous. Could I really be so unlucky to be reborn in an anime world without a system?
"System! Options! Inventory! Come on! At least give me an inventory!" I exclaimed out loud, whining as the realization hit that none of the commands were working.
It seemed I was the unfortunate soul who was transmigrated without any system. All those stories about special abilities were just bullshit.
I leaned my head against the pillow and stared at the ceiling in silence, trying not to despair.
"Alright, it's not the end of the world. At least I have knowledge," I tried to console myself.
Knowledge was indeed a powerful asset. Sure, my presence here might change some future events, but that didn't mean that my knowledge was useless.
The attack of Kurama had taken place about a year ago, which gave me maybe six years before the Uchiha clan massacre and eleven years until the main events of the anime. Thankfully, I had time to prepare—time to grow strong enough to survive the many threats the Hidden Leaf Village would face.
At the very least, I had chakra. If nothing else worked, I could always try to become Naruto's best friend and rely on him for protection. It could go very well—or very poorly. After all, the ramen shop owner survived, right? That had to be thanks to his bond with Naruto.
In my previous life, I had been just a literature teacher, with no particularly useful skills to transfer to this world. However, I did have knowledge.
As a teenager, I had been addicted to anime and dabbled in martial arts. I wasn't a black belt in anything, usually trying for a year or two before giving up, but I had a basic understanding of fighting techniques.
Of course, putting those thoughts into practice would take some time. For now, even moving my arm caused pain.
I knew I couldn't afford to procrastinate in this life. I would need a level of focus and determination rivaling Saitama's, training relentlessly to survive. And honestly? I was ready for that challenge.
This chakra-filled world, where humans accomplished things that once seemed impossible, was far too fascinating. I was willing to give 200% to reach my goals.
Unfortunately, my body needed rest, and I soon fell asleep.
The next few days at Konoha's hospital followed a routine. In the mornings, Miss Kaori would visit, and in the afternoons, Dr. Koichi would check on my recovery. During this time, I could do little more than plan my next steps.
Thankfully, after a week, I was discharged and allowed to return to the orphanage in Konohagakure no Sato. Now that I could move without pain, I was eager to truly begin this new life.
Walking through the village streets, I noticed that unlike the Konoha I had known at the start of Naruto, this one resembled the post-Pain attack version. Parts of the village were under repair, and the residents' spirits seemed low.
'It looks like, despite the Fourth Hokage's efforts, the fox's attack still struck hard at the lives of the villagers' I thought, distractedly looking around.
"We've arrived, Kenshin-kun," Miss Kaori's gentle voice pulled me from my thoughts