Naruto: Power in Play

Chapter 1

I have once heard that people often hallucinate before dying. During this short instant, their sense of time becomes distorted as their mind grapples with the situation. Some people engage in a mental review of their life, seeking solutions based on past experiences. Others may have auditory or visual hallucinations involving significant people from their lives. Interestingly, a few individuals report dreaming of entirely random occurrences, akin to suddenly seeing an unexpected prompt flash before their eyes.

[Would you like to be part of a bigger adventure?]

Unfortunately, it seems like I am part of the latter. It would have been a lot nicer to see the faces of some of my loved ones instead...

A dry cough left my throat as I try to chuckle, the sensation accompanied by a hint of metallic taste. I tried to move, but I felt too weak to do so. I am probably bleeding out. No, I am definitely bleeding out... I can feel it. My body is growing increasingly cold as dark spots start to appear on the edge of my vision. Strangely enough, the glowing panel in front of me is showing no sign of disappearing.

[Would you like to live?]

Hmm, do I want to live?

Definitely.

It's not even a question. I still have too many things I want to do, too many things left to experience.

[Can that be counted as a form of consent?]

I would have laughed if I could. Instead, I felt my consciousness slip away. The last of my thoughts, an unconscious part of me, replied 'yes' while my body just stopped responding.

And normally, I would have died there.

But the fog in my mind suddenly cleared up. I could 'see' the glowing panel explode into countless blue particles and rush into me. For a moment, I couldn't see anything. Then, when I recovered my vision, I found myself 'standing' in a pure white expense with a blue orb floating in front of me.

[Welcome, gamer!]

The glowing orb transformed into a panel again.

[Your next adventure is about to start!]

[Please choose a starting avatar for yourself!]

I blinked in confusion as a character customization screen appeared in front of me. A million thoughts flashed into my mind as I simply stood there, in a daze. But eventually, I decided to go along with the flow.

As if I was dreaming, I ignored the abnormal situation I found myself in, and started designing the appearance of a kid that could be no older than 5. I settled for a basic look, black hair, brown eyes, light complexion, no height or voice modification. Then I pressed OK. A confirmation prompt showed up, followed by a status screen.

[World: Naruto]

[Customize your starting stats!]

Level: 5

Age: 5

HP: 40/40 [2/30mn]

CP: 90/90 [4/30mn]

Vitality: 2

Stamina: 2

Agility: 2

Spirit: 12

Intellect: 2

[Available status points: 12]

[Perks: 3]

Reincarnated: +2 Spirit/Level.

Gamer's Mind: Immunity to psychological status effect.