chapter 12: Mikumo Kushinada

Isamu knew that the maximum combat strength of the fighters in this world was much lower compared to the ninja world, but no one knew when their skills might betray them. In moments of intense combat, when chakra ran out or a technique failed, he would have to rely solely on his body and hand-to-hand combat skills. The combat system in this world, although different from the ninja system, did not mean it lacked any potential.

Therefore, Isamu was convinced that learning martial arts in this world was essential, especially since he wasn't an exceptional genius in the ninja system to begin with. Thus, seeking external help was better to avoid falling behind the true geniuses. "Coming to this world was exactly what I needed to secure a path for survival; here I can develop myself in new ways. I cannot remain without strong combat abilities," Isamu told himself. He was convinced that learning martial arts here could bridge the gap between him and the geniuses, possibly granting him advantages that were not available in the ninja world.

But suddenly, an important question struck him that he hadn't considered yet. "Wait... How long can I stay in this world?" He quickly shifted his train of thought. From what he remembered about activating the teleportation gate, there was a time limit of one day in the original world (Naruto), but he didn't know what that meant for the world he was traveling to. He needed to know the time limits of his existence here.

"Activate the gate," he said internally, his eyes scanning around him, anticipating the appearance of something new. Indeed, a series of writings began to appear on an invisible screen before his eyes, crystal clear:

[ Activating platform station: ]

[ Connecting world: ]

[ Connecting host: ]

[ Connecting world: The Strongest Disciple Kenichi ]

[ Dimensional channel stability: High ]

[ Time ratio: 1:3650. ]

"What? 3650? That means I can stay in this world for 10 years while only one day passes in my original world!" Isamu murmured in astonishment as he looked at the numbers that appeared before him.

This significant time ratio was astounding, giving him a unique advantage. He could use the time here for long-term training while only one day passed in the ninja world.

Isamu laughed somewhat sarcastically: "Damn, maybe I was wrong to doubt myself. Maybe I really am 'the child of destiny,' as they say. Once I return to the ninja world, I will crush what are called geniuses!"

But he quickly corrected himself and said in a calmer tone, "Wait, I need to stay calm. This isn't the approach I've decided to take. Stability is key. Fame and genius are superficial. What really matters is life and safety."

He thought deeply as he analyzed his situation: "Ten years seems long, but relying on it to excel in the Naruto world would be foolish. After all, there are many ninjas with average talent or slightly above, but they've spent decades or half a century without exceeding background roles, barely lasting three chapters."

Then there are the true geniuses and talents like Kakashi, who became a Jonin at age 12, and Itachi, who led the Anbu at age 13. Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru became legends in their teenage years, as well as Naruto and Sasuke, who shook mountains and continents at age 16 or 17."

"Even if you gave me 100 years here, I doubt I could stand against them without trembling in a life-or-death fight when they are at the peak of their ninja careers." Isamu said these words with a realism stemming from his understanding that some things cannot be reached by effort and time alone. "But surely, this will help me take a big step forward..." Isamu murmured, looking at the invisible screen.

The door opened again, but this time it wasn't just the mysterious girl. A tall woman entered, with a cold demeanor, pale skin, and an appearance suggesting she was in her late twenties or early thirties. She wore a traditional shrine maiden outfit: red hakama and a white kimono, adorned with eye-like designs at the ends of the sleeves, tied with red threads to the rest of the kimono.

Isamu examined the woman carefully, noting the details with precision. The kimono was open, adding a touch of boldness to her stern appearance, and she wore red arm guards, with a red "X" mark on the back of her hands. Around her neck, there were large wooden beads, and a Buddhist bead necklace hung down.

But what caught his attention more was the darkness in her eyes, which added a mysterious aura that almost marred her beauty. "If it weren't for the dark light in her eyes, she would be the perfect image of beauty..." Isamu thought to himself as he assessed her.

"Micomo Kushinada..." With his instant recognition of the woman's identity, Isamu quickly recalled the details of her information etched in his memory. He had previously doubted the identity of the young girl, but this figure standing before him now, who seemed to be her teacher or guardian, was not easily mistaken.

"Micomo Kushinada..." The name echoed in Isamu's mind, as memories and information flowed in as soon as he recognized the woman before him. She was a jujutsu expert, the only woman among the nine strongest in "Yami," the secret organization opposed to the hero Kenichi, and considered one of the main adversaries. Despite her youthful appearance, she was over ninety years old, yet still one of the strongest fighters, capable of facing giants like Sakaki and Shigori simultaneously without either being able to touch her.

Isamu's awareness of her age raised questions as he thought: "Even combining my first and second ages, I can only call her grandmother without shame."

Micomo approached Isamu, and her imposing presence filled the room with majesty. "Chikage told me you woke up," she said in a calm yet strong voice. "I won't ask the obvious questions; you can speak, but you must know that you have one chance to explain comfortably. Don't use medical excuses to avoid answering; I have the ability to discern lies."

Isamu felt her words were a warning, and he could only feel confused. However, a thought ran through Isamu's mind: "This isn't how things are supposed to go. Don't you see that I'm a wounded child, old lady? Shouldn't you kindly ask me after checking my condition, then let me use excuses like memory loss? In the end, you're just asking me to rest." Isamu couldn't keep up with the scenario she had set.