SKG0xtek

Waking up in Konoha as a five-year-old civilian? Terrible.

Waking up without chakra, a clan, or plot armor? Nightmare.

But I have a power—one that doesn’t give me strength, skills, or fancy bloodlines. No, it simply sorts reality based on whatever criteria I choose.

“Who in Konoha is most likely to kill me?”

“What’s the easiest way to get stupidly strong without attracting attention?”

“Which Jonin is the most gullible and easiest to manipulate?”


Armed with cold hard facts, I don’t need talent. I don’t need destiny. I just need to ask the right questions.

Unfortunately, knowing the truth doesn’t always mean I can do anything about it.

With a retired genjutsu master to bribe, a shadowy warhawk watching my every move, and a village full of psychotic superhumans, I have only one goal:

Stay alive. Get strong. And never—ever—end up on Danzo’s recruitment list.

Naruto:Ranking to the Top

Chapter 2: The Art of Strategic Lying

Chiyo's wrinkled face twisted into an amused smirk as she sipped her tea. "So, brat, let's hear it. What's this 'plan' of yours to scam old men?"

I grinned like the little bastard I was. "Simple. Rich people are bored. Bored people like interesting things. I just have to convince them that investing in my training is the most interesting thing they can do with their money."

She snorted. "That's not a scam, that's just marketing."

I shrugged. "Scam, marketing—what's the difference?"

Her laughter was raspy but genuine. "Alright, kid. You get one chance to impress me. If you fail? You won't be the first brat I've left wandering in a genjutsu-induced nightmare for a week."

I nodded. That was… mildly concerning. But still, a deal was a deal.

[Ranking Criteria: "Which rich old man in Konoha is the easiest to scam into funding my training?"]

1. Lord Shigematsu (98.5%) – Former merchant, loves gambling, easily tricked by big words.

2. Elder Koharu (92.3%) – Would fund a promising young talent, but too much political baggage.

3. Some Daimyo's Useless Nephew (89.1%) – Has money, no brain.

4. Teahouse Owner Goro (85.6%) – Sucker for sob stories.

"Alright," I said, locking in on Lord Shigematsu. "I've got our mark."

Chiyo arched an eyebrow. "And how do you plan to convince this 'Shigematsu' to throw money at a random orphan?"

2. Believing they're smarter than everyone else.

I approached Shigematsu outside a gambling hall, timing my moment perfectly—right when he was walking out looking smug, meaning he'd just won a bet.

"Lord Shigematsu!" I called out, forcing excitement into my voice.

He paused, looking down at me. "Huh? Do I know you, brat?"

"No, sir, but I know you." I straightened my back and spoke with absolute confidence. "I've been studying the minds of Konoha's greatest strategists, and you're at the top of my list."

He visibly preened. Hook, line, and sinker.

Chiyo, watching from a distance, looked mildly impressed.

"I am in the middle of an experiment," I continued, lowering my voice as if sharing a secret. "A test of intellect and investment. I need a brilliant mind to sponsor me, someone who can recognize talent before it flourishes."

His ego filled the street. "Hah! And why should I pick you?"

I grinned. "Because if you don't, I'll ask your rival instead."

A few minutes later, I walked away with more ryo than I'd ever held in my life.

Chiyo, sipping her tea, shook her head. "You're an absolute little bastard."

Step 3: Begin the Training (Before She Kills Me Instead)

With money in hand, Chiyo finally agreed to properly train me.

"First lesson," she said, snapping her fingers.

Nothing changed. I couldn't move. Couldn't hear. Couldn't breathe.

"This," her voice echoed from nowhere, "is the difference between an amateur and a master."

I wasn't in the real world anymore.

I was in my own mind—a prisoner in a genjutsu so complete I couldn't even tell where reality ended.