Little Nanite...

~Hayatou's Pov~

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I left where I was a few minutes ago; now somewhere a bit more secluded. But, I don't know how much more secluded I can get in this reality. Ninjas were absolutely terrifying, and you didn't know when you'd effectively be watched or straight up taken due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time...

But, I need to know where this thing, N.E.O even came from. I don't remember him being in my past life, or even in this one, which means he probably just came into question around the time I woke up, but it's good to make sure.

'So, N.E.O... Ah, could you tell me where you even came from?' 

[Yes, and no... I can tell you that I had awakened in your body the moment you gained consciousness, but I have no prior recollection as to who I was, or where I was before said time frame. I only know of my purpose and my capabilities...]

Seems about what I expected. 

'Alright, what can you even do? I saw what you did with aiding me in molding my chakra. But, how?' I needed some answers. This thing was extremely powerful just on what it did earlier, and being in the wrong hands means I could get screwed over... First off, I need to know what I'm even dealing with in the first place.

[My primary function is optimization. I refine biological processes, enhance cellular regeneration, and increase efficiency in energy expenditure—specifically, chakra. Your chakra pathways were underdeveloped and inefficient, leaking nearly 40% of potential output. I have corrected this to an extent, allowing smoother chakra flow and minimal wastage.]

I blinked. Forty percent!? That meant even if I had started training like a madman, I would've been progressing at a fraction of what I should have been. No wonder civilians had such a hard time catching up to clan kids.

'So… you're saying I was basically nerfed by my own biology?'

[Essentially. Based on my assertions, it seems like most individuals, especially those without inherited chakra advantages, suffer from inefficient chakra circulation. Without rigorous training, their growth remains stunted.]

Damn. That explained a lot. It wasn't just about having a big chakra pool—it was about using what you had effectively.

'Alright. So what else can you do?'

[Current functionalities are limited due to my dormant state. However, as synchronization progresses, additional capabilities will unlock. Expected future enhancements include accelerated muscle adaptation, heightened sensory perception, metabolic efficiency, further chakra refinement, hyper-efficient training regiments, combat simulations and physiological reconstruction.]

I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. This was insane. If what N.E.O. was saying was true, then I had just gained access to something that could fundamentally change my future.

But I wasn't stupid.

'And what's the downside?'

There was always a downside.

[Effectively none if the user remains patient. Aggressive enhancements may result in cellular strain, exhaustion, and potential biological rejection. Gradual adaptation is necessary to prevent system overload.]

I frowned. So, no instant power. That was expected, but I wasn't complaining. If anything, this just meant I had a head start.

'Alright. Then what should be my next step?'

[Further chakra refinement is advised. With guidance, you may also begin integrating muscle adaptation protocols to enhance physical strength growth.]

I smirked. Now we're talking.

If I was going to survive in this world, I needed to make every second count.

'Alright, I think I get the general gist of what's going to go down, at least I think so... So what should I aim for now? I need to start practicing as soon as today, what would be your first step in helping me? And, how much longer will it take for you to synchronize with me?'

[Good question host; the first step at the moment is to do a basic physique reconstruction. Doing so will help to maximize your body's growth, at least to a certain extent until I can do a true reconstruction. At the moment, your genes are in need of some serious re-work... Also, my full synchronization will be completed in a months time.]

I slumped at that, was it that bad?

'Alright, let's do the basic reconstruction for now, I'll head home so you can start the process.'

[Yes host.]

With a sigh, I turned back toward home, my mind still spinning from everything I had just learned.

A physique reconstruction? A true reconstruction later? Just how screwed up was my body? I had always figured I was on the weaker side, but hearing it directly from a sentient nanite made it feel way worse.

Still, this was good news. If N.E.O. could optimize my body now, even in a limited way, it meant I wouldn't be stuck as some frail weakling forever.

A month to full synchronization…

That meant I had one month to prepare for whatever enhancements I'd gain from N.E.O.'s full capabilities.

Alright. No slacking.

By the time I reached home, the sun had already started setting in the sky, casting warm golden hues over the village. I quietly slid open the door, slipping inside before my mother could question where I'd come home. She was busy humming a tune in the kitchen, and the smell of her pork soup was already spreading in the home...

Perfect. I could start the process before dinner.

I lay down on my futon, taking a deep breath. "Alright, N.E.O., let's do this."

[Beginning Basic Reconstruction. You may experience slight discomfort.]

That was my only warning before a deep, spreading warmth flooded through my body. My muscles tensed, my bones ached, and a strange buzzing sensation ran through my nerves.

I gritted my teeth. It wasn't exactly painful, but it was definitely uncomfortable, like my entire body was shifting, but ever so slightly.

[Recalibrating muscle fiber density… Restructuring cellular efficiency… Re-aligning bone structure…]

Each notification echoed in my mind, and I swore I could feel my body becoming lighter, stronger, tighter.

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A few minutes had passed, though it felt much longer...

Then, finally—

[Basic Reconstruction complete. Physical efficiency increased by 26.6%... Chakra accumulation efficiency increased by 34.2%. Further enhancements will occur with training.]

I exhaled, my body feeling… different. My limbs felt noticeably less sluggish than before too, my breathing was much smoother, and my entire form was just, well; better.

I sat up, rolling my shoulders. No pain. No exhaustion. Just… improvement.

And this was just the beginning?

I won't get too excited, I still had to work hard, that boost was nice, but it's practically nothing in the grand scheme of things...

Also, I smell like absolute crap.

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END