The Catalyst of Change

Ren stared at the screen, heart pounding.

[Views: 160,392]

In just three days, "Eclipse" had skyrocketed. The numbers felt surreal, and the buzz online was insane. Music enthusiasts, critics, and even casual listeners were all talking about the mysterious new artist. His inbox was flooded with messages, but his focus was locked onto the new system notification that had appeared.

[Ding!]

[Congratulations! You have reached 160,000 views.]

[Reward: Exclusive unpublished manga draft – Naruto Vol. 1-6.]

Ren blinked. Manga? He was expecting more money or skills, but this was… different. Then, another notification popped up.

[Ding!]

[Reminder: Lifespan rewards are not guaranteed. Your first reward was an exception. Increasing your lifespan will become progressively harder. You must strive harder, Ren.]

Ren froze.

So that was it. The 28,490 hours from his first milestone had been a fluke. If he had assumed he could coast by and gain lifespan easily, he would've been making a fatal mistake.

He leaned back, exhaling slowly. "So I really have to fight for every second, huh?"

The pressure was real now. It wasn't just about making music. He had to ensure his success didn't plateau—he had to keep growing, keep pushing forward, or he'd die.

Still, Naruto, huh?

He had read Naruto in his past life. It was legendary. But here? The manga industry was severely underdeveloped. The entertainment world prioritized philosophical literature and classic storytelling. The people here were intelligent, craving deep narratives. The demand for something like Naruto, a shonen manga with thrilling action and emotional weight, would be explosive.

I can publish this. And if it takes off…

This was his next move.

A Morning of Chaos and Bonds

Ren had barely stepped out of his bedroom when a blur tackled him at full force.

"Onii-chan!" Airi latched onto him, her tiny arms gripping his waist like a koala.

Ren staggered, steadying himself. "Oi, Airi, what's with the sneak attack?"

She grinned up at him, eyes sparkling. "I heard your song at school! The big kids were playing it! They said the singer is super cool!"

Ren ruffled her hair. "Oh? And what do you think?"

Airi put on a serious expression, puffing up her cheeks. "I think… I want a million yen as my cut for supporting you!"

Ren snorted. "Dream on, kid."

Their mother chuckled from the kitchen. "You've been smiling more lately, Ren."

Ren paused. Had he?

"I guess," he admitted, sitting down at the table. "Just feels like things are finally moving."

His mom gave him a knowing look. "Whatever it is, I'm just glad to see you happier."

He didn't respond, but the warmth in his chest spoke volumes.

The Return of the Gremlin

School had barely started when a loud thud echoed from behind him.

"Oi, Ren!"

He barely had time to react before a familiar arm locked around his neck in a half-strangle, half-hug. Mei, his childhood friend and resident menace, was grinning down at him.

"Mei," he wheezed, prying her arm off. "You're suffocating me."

"Oh, please, I'm barely using half my strength."

Mei had always been tomboyish—short, messy brown hair, bright amber eyes, and an eternal supply of chaotic energy.

She flopped into the seat next to him, propping her chin on her hand. "So, mysterious idol-kun, when were you planning to tell me?"

Ren blinked. "Tell you what?"

She rolled her eyes. "Don't play dumb. I know that voice in 'Eclipse' is yours."

His stomach dropped. Crap.

Kenta leaned in from his desk. "Wait, what? Ren, you're the guy behind Eclipse?"

Mei smirked. "Oh, you didn't know? Man, some best friends you are."

Kenta and Yuto gaped at Ren.

"…Bro." Yuto looked betrayed. "How could you keep this from us?"

Ren rubbed his temples. "Because I didn't want anyone to know."

Mei snickered. "Well, too bad. Now spill. How did you of all people become an overnight sensation?"

Ren sighed. He had underestimated her. Mei had always been sharp. Keeping secrets from her was nearly impossible.

"Fine," he admitted. "Yeah, it's me. I uploaded the song on a whim."

"A whim?!" Kenta nearly choked. "Dude, you have 160,000 views! That's not a whim, that's a career."

Ren shrugged. "It just happened."

Mei studied him, then suddenly grinned. "Well, I'm your number one fan now."

"…What."

"I'll expect VIP treatment when you get famous."

Ren groaned. "You're impossible."

She just winked. "You love me for it."

He didn't dignify that with a response.

The Next Step

That night, Ren sat at his desk, staring at the unpublished Naruto drafts. If he published this under his name… it would shake the industry. The risk was huge, but so was the reward.

He cracked his knuckles. Alright, let's make history.

He pulled up his laptop and started making preparations.

Because this time, he wasn't just fighting to extend his life—he was fighting to leave his mark on this world.