Two Minds, One Decision

Haruto sat in his room, holding his new Konoha headband. The metal plate gleamed softly, reflecting the dim light of the room. It was finally official—he had graduated. The tests were behind him, and he had proven himself. The academy was in the past, and his future stretched out before him.

He tied the headband around his forehead, feeling the weight of it settle. But this moment wasn't just about his graduation. It was time for something even bigger—the golden reward. He could feel the familiar hum of the system as the day's events calmed down. The moment he had been waiting for had arrived.

Haruto sat down, closing his eyes as the options unfolded in his mind, just as they had before. First, the usual proficiencies: Taijutsu, Genjutsu, Medical Ninjutsu, and Fūinjutsu. Ninjutsu was absent, which wasn't surprising. His previous golden reward had already enhanced his ability to understand and control it. There was no need to offer it again.

His eyes moved to the next options: new chakra affinities. He could gain additional elements or upgrade his Lightning affinity. Enhancing his lightning techniques was tempting—he'd be able to push his combat skills even further. But there were no advanced nature transformations, which was a disappointment. No Lava Release, no Ice Release—just the standard elements.

And then, something new: Two Minds.

Haruto frowned, intrigued. The description was vague, but the implications were immense. Could it mean splitting his consciousness? Could he handle two tasks at once, two strategies, two battles? The potential of having two minds at work simultaneously seemed limitless. It was an ability that could revolutionize his training, his combat, and his overall growth.

But there was also the option for an Enhanced Body, which promised physical improvements—strength, speed, and stamina. That too would be incredibly valuable, making him faster and stronger than his peers. And then there was Fūinjutsu proficiency, the path he had originally planned to take. His basics in fūinjutsu were solid, but he had bigger plans—plans to use sealing techniques to enhance his physique. But the complexity of those seals, even with his enhanced cognitive abilities, meant that progress would take time—too much time.

Still, the idea of Two Minds kept gnawing at him. What did it mean to have two minds? Could it allow him to train twice as fast? Fight and think strategically at the same time? It seemed almost too good to pass up. But there was a part of him that hesitated, unsure of what it would feel like to split his mind. Was it dangerous? Could he even handle it?

Haruto finally made his decision. Two Minds.

The moment the choice was locked in, he immediately regretted it.

A searing pain exploded through his skull. It was as if ten migraines struck him at once, each one crashing into his mind with unbearable force. Haruto gripped his head, gasping as the pain intensified, his vision blurring as he felt something tearing inside his consciousness. His mind was being pulled apart, stretched beyond what he thought possible.

He dropped to his knees, barely able to focus on anything except the agonizing pressure building in his head. It felt like his brain was splitting in two, a white-hot pain burning through every thought, every memory. His hands trembled, and for a moment, he thought he might lose control completely.

But then, slowly, the pain began to subside. Haruto's breath came in shallow gasps as he tried to steady himself. The overwhelming sensation dulled, leaving behind a strange, hollow calmness.

He blinked, his vision clearing. The pain had left, but something had changed. His mind felt… different. Split. It was as if two threads of thought now ran parallel inside his head, both processing different things at the same time. One part of his mind remained grounded in the room, aware of the sensations around him—the cool air, the feel of the headband on his forehead. The other part was already planning for tomorrow, thinking through his training, reviewing strategies and techniques.

He sat there for a moment, breathing deeply, as the reality of what had just happened settled in.

This wasn't just a mental upgrade. Two Minds was exactly what it sounded like—two distinct consciousnesses, working simultaneously.

A small, triumphant grin spread across his face. This was going to change everything.