Chapter 1 My Dream Is Fishing

Another graduation season.

The Ninja Academy at the base of Hokage Rock had entered its busiest time of the year.

Today was the graduation assessment for new ninjas.

Pass, and you officially become a ninja.

Fail, and you'll have to retake the exam next year.

For these energetic kids, becoming a ninja was their lifelong dream.

At the academy, the Third Hokage stood on stage, delivering a long speech.

"Where the leaves of the tree dance, so does the fire. The fire will continue to illuminate the village and give rise to new leaves."

"Today marks your graduation assessment. I hope each of you will grow into a towering tree that shelters Konoha, becoming a flame that lights the way forward for our village."

The teachers, students, and onlookers all listened intently to the Third Hokage's words.

After all, Hiruzen Sarutobi was the leader who had guided them through the Second Great Ninja War.

His words carried the very will of Konoha.

But not for Hanyu Simu.

He stood out in the crowd, dressed in a long white robe that seemed a little ill-fitting for a twelve-year-old with a slim physique.

On the back of the robe, bold and striking, was a single word: "Justice."

Hands tucked into his pockets, a pair of sunglasses perched on his nose, Simu slouched lazily in his chair. A blade of grass dangled from his mouth.

To most of the students, the Third Hokage was someone to revere.

But as a transmigrator, Simu couldn't bring himself to care.

He knew the future all too well—this seemingly kind old man was weak-willed at heart.

Politically, he was manipulated by the advisory council and Danzo, making countless foolish decisions.

He had let his emotions cloud his judgment, allowing Orochimaru to escape, which eventually led to Konoha suffering unimaginable consequences.

Of course, Simu's nonchalant attitude wasn't just an act.

He had a very good reason to be so carefree.

The eyes hidden behind his sunglasses flickered briefly.

"[Character Simulation System activated.]"

"[Current simulated character: Borsalino.]"

"[Imitation progress: 19%.]"

"[Abilities acquired: Marine Six Styles.]"

That's right—the person Simu was imitating was none other than Kizaru, the Marine Admiral from the One Piece world.

If not for the stubborn resistance of the orphanage director, Simu would have already changed his name to Borsalino.

"Hey, Simu, the Third Hokage is speaking. Can't you at least pretend to be serious?"

A golden-haired figure leaned toward him.

Simu turned his head and saw a handsome young boy with a gentle smile.

The future Fourth Hokage—currently known as the most talented student in the academy.

Namikaze Minato.

It had been a year since Simu arrived in this world.

In that time, he had become good friends with this future legend.

"Eh, this kind of thing doesn't really matter."

Simu waved dismissively, keeping his hands buried in his pockets, his face indifferent—like a jaded old salaryman who had long given up on life.

It was this deep, committed imitation of Kizaru's lazy demeanor that had allowed Simu to raise his imitation value to 19% in three years.

He was just one step away from 20%.

Every 10% increase allowed him to draw a new ability from Kizaru.

Last time, he had drawn Marine Six Styles.

"You really have no ambition."

Minato sighed, but he was used to his friend's attitude.

"Damn it, Simu! Get your act together! We're gonna become Hokage!"

A fiery voice rang out.

A girl with long, vibrant red hair stomped over.

She was full of energy, passionately declaring her dream.

Uzumaki Kushina.

Simu looked up at the sky, scratching his head.

"That's your dream, not mine. I have no interest in being Hokage."

Becoming a ninja just to work tirelessly for a paycheck?

No thanks.

Fishing around and taking it easy was the true path to strength.

Simu smirked to himself.

But before he could enjoy his thoughts, Kushina suddenly grabbed him by the collar.

"You lazy bastard! Don't think I don't know how strong you really are—just show it already!"

Her fiery eyes burned with frustration.

But Simu remained utterly unfazed.

"Eh, doesn't matter."

Kushina's anger flared.

Among her classmates, there were only two people she recognized as true rivals—Minato and Simu.

Yet this guy was acting like he had completely given up on life.

It was infuriating.

Minato, seeing this, quickly stepped in.

"Alright, alright, Kushina. Simu probably has his own way of thinking. Let's not interrupt Lord Hokage's speech."

Sure enough, Minato was as understanding as ever.

Simu let out a sigh of relief.

He had to stay in character, after all.

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