CHAPTER 2

Aiko didn't know how much time had passed since she first woke up in this strange new world. Her instincts, sharpened by her past life, told her to tread carefully. She couldn't let on that she knew too much—about the future, the people around her, or her extraordinary abilities. But her glitched system was relentless, flashing messages in her mind like a persistent backseat driver.

Today was her first day at the Ninja Academy, and her nerves were on edge. The academy grounds buzzed with energy as children gathered, chatting excitedly about their goals, their families, and the dreams of becoming shinobi. Aiko stayed near the edge of the group, observing rather than participating.

Her black hair cascaded down her back like threads of midnight, and her grey eyes held a quiet intensity that set her apart. She didn't belong here, not truly. But if she was going to survive and thrive, she needed to blend in—and master the basics quickly.

"Aiko Nakamura, right?" The sudden voice startled her, and she turned to see a boy with spiky blond hair and a confident smile. It was Minato Namikaze.

She nodded, keeping her response simple. "Yes. Who are you?"

"Minato," he said cheerfully, extending a hand. "We're classmates now. I hope we can help each other out!"

Aiko hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand. She couldn't help but smile slightly at his enthusiasm. In her previous life, she had always admired Minato's character—a natural leader with humility and kindness.

Before she could say anything more, the academy instructor called for silence and began explaining the day's trial: a physical agility test designed to assess the students' baseline abilities. Aiko's stomach twisted. Her chakra reserves were abysmal, and her physical condition—while improving with the system—was still leagues behind these children born into ninja families.

"Don't worry," Minato whispered as they lined up. "The tests are tough, but it's all about doing your best!"

She managed a small nod, her mind racing. The system offered her several options to allocate skill points, but using it openly might attract too much attention. She needed to rely on wit, determination, and strategy to make it through without raising suspicions.

As the instructor blew the whistle, Aiko sprang into action. The obstacle course loomed ahead, demanding agility, speed, and endurance. She focused on precision, calculating her movements to conserve energy while maximizing effectiveness.

While others leapt effortlessly over hurdles and darted through narrow passageways, Aiko struggled to keep pace, her heart pounding in her chest. Each step felt heavier, but she refused to give up.

"Come on, Aiko! You can do it!" Minato cheered from the sidelines, his encouragement pushing her forward.

She reached the final stretch, a climbing wall that required both strength and balance. Her arms trembled as she gripped the wall, sweat dripping down her forehead. The system flashed an alert, offering to temporarily boost her physical attributes.

"No," she thought fiercely. "I can't rely on it—not yet."

With a deep breath, Aiko summoned every ounce of willpower she had and scaled the wall, her fingers clutching the ledge as she pulled herself up. She landed with a thud, exhausted but victorious.

The instructor clapped, clearly impressed by her determination. "Good effort, Nakamura. That's the kind of spirit we look for in our academy students!"

Aiko allowed herself a brief moment of relief as Minato rushed over, his grin as bright as the sun. "You did great, Aiko! See? I told you you'd make it!"

She smiled back, feeling a flicker of hope. She had survived her first trial—not perfectly, but enough to stay under the radar. For now, blending in was all that mattered.

As she left the academy grounds, her thoughts lingered on the glitched system and its potential. If she played her cards right, she could rise far beyond the limitations of her fragile body. But for now, she had to focus on the present—and the bonds she was beginning to form.