Inside Hokage's office.
Observing Minato returning from his mission, as the new Anbu Captain known as "Hikari," Sarutobi Hiruzen displayed a satisfied smile.
As expected, the reports were accurate. At the mere age of 18, he already possesses Kage-level strength.
His mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique is exceptional, and he even exhibits a faint potential to surpass his teacher, Senju Tobirama, particularly in terms of speed, for now.
"The mission was demanding, Minato."
Hiruzen initiated their conversation with official pleasantries.
"Whereas, Lord Hokage, was it merely an A-level mission?"
Minato, his face concealed by the Anbu mask, offered a reluctant smile. Truth be told, Hokage's unwavering interest in him seemed almost intimidating.
After all, nothing comes without a cost.
The Hokage's constant interest in him cast a looming shadow that only Minato perceived, akin to a colossal mountain pressing down on him.
"However, I believe the time has come for you to remove your mask and step into the limelight as an official ninja, Minato."
Hiruzen's unexpected proclamation caught Namikaze Minato off guard.
He had only served as the Anbu captain for a few months—was he now expected to switch divisions again?
"I hope you'll consider becoming a Jōnin instructor. The new batch of students this year is rather intriguing."
Hiruzen held a stack of documents, comprised of early graduation applications from the Ninja School.
The stack's thickness indicated a significant number of applicants.
Hatake Sakumo's son, Kakashi,.
Though his grades are modest, Uchiha Obito possesses the Uchiha clan's bloodline.
The diehard follower of the Hokage Shiranui clan's member, Shiranui Genma.
Kato Shizune from the Kato family, though she did not inherit Kato Dan's talent in the Spirit Transformation Technique.
Civilian-born Nohara Rin is learning medical ninjutsu from Tsunade.
Sarutobi Asuma, the Hokage's flesh and blood.
...
...
Exhaling audibly after a day of rigorous training, Tatsuya's robust physique bore a resemblance to Zoro's.
Tatsuya assumed a cross-legged position on the grass, preparing to meditate.
Taking a deep breath, he entered a state of focused concentration known as "Zen," closing his eyes.
[Host: Tatsuya]
[Swordsmanshi (Naruto World) Hawkeye Black Swordsmanship (One Piece World), evolution level: 89%]
[Fire Style Ninjutsu (Naruto World) Blood Succession Limit · Inferno Style (Naruto World) Evolution: 91.4%]
[Body Flicker Technique (Naruto World) Shunpo (Shinigami World) Evolution: 30%]
After more than three years, he accessed the system panel once more.
The figures on the panel flickered before him, and Tatsuya felt as if his thoughts and even his soul momentarily detached from his body, transporting him to a dimly lit realm.
Every step he took seemed to create ripples beneath his feet.
Yet, a silent but insistent call beckoned him forward.
Though devoid of sound, it urged him on. Tatsuya couldn't discern how much time had elapsed as he answered the call.
Finally, within the dark expanse, a fleeting spark ignited.
With renewed determination, Tatsuya raised his gaze, fixating on what lay ahead.
The light and shadows persisted as the flames subsided. An unsightly blade was discreetly embedded amid the ripples.
Tatsuya uttered no words but advanced composedly toward the seemingly unremarkable sword before him. He extended his hand and grasped it.
In that fleeting instant, as palm met hilt, the obscure ripples beneath his feet transformed into intricate, web-like patterns.
Countless fractures sprawled across the previously invisible darkness.
Yet, the chance for Tatsuya to savor this moment of illumination was short-lived.
From the myriad crevices, an all-consuming blaze, potent enough to devour the world, erupted forth.
It swiftly engulfed the entirety of existence.
...
...
In the real world, Tatsuya's eyes snapped open abruptly.
The Black Sword, originally resting on his lap, now resembled the weapon he had wielded in the Spiritual World moments ago.
Its handle featured a deep purple cord, while its design was straightforward.
No longer boasting the exceptional sharpness of Hawkeye's blade or the elegance of Yoru's intricacies, nor did it possess Zoro's cutting edge or Shusui's flirtatious allure.
Its dissimilarity from Tatsuya's former blade was the main takeaway, albeit slightly enhanced in appearance.
"Congratulations, host, on unlocking a new option for the evolution!"
[Asauchi sealed state Zanpakuto (Shinigami World), evolution level: 1%]
[New skill comprehended: Sword pressure.]
[Skill Description: Attainable only by a swordsman who has attained the pinnacle of mastery, Sword pressure transmutes sword intent into an incessant deterrent. It instills fear within enemies, quelling any hint of hostility and even inflicting physical harm.]
"It's almost like a Conqueror's for swordsmen," Tatsuya murmured to himself. He then clenched his right hand once more, sensing the lingering effects of the spiritual realm. He remarked, "That burning sensation from the flames wasn't a joke."
"Tatsuya."
At that very moment, a familiar voice resonated from his left.
Tatsuya instinctively turned his head, yet due to his recent return from the spiritual realm, he had yet to fully dispel his sword pressure. Unintentionally, he exuded sword pressure.
As the figure leaped from a tree, it coincided with Tatsuya's gaze.
Whoosh!
Konoha's White Fang, whose might had neared the pinnacle of Kage-level, stumbled upon landing, ending up in an undignified heap on the ground.
"Are you rehearsing a comedy routine?"
Casually draping his shirt over his shoulders, Tatsuya jestingly rebuked his lingering sword intent, saying with a hint of amusement, "You alright there?"
Sakumo massaged his sore behind, his eye corners twitching involuntarily. Meanwhile, a lingering shiver of trepidation coursed through his heart.
Was the sword pressure that his younger brother emanated just now a tad excessive?
"What? Split your pants in half? Need a hand?"
Tatsuya took a step forward, offering his assistance to Sakumo.
"They were already in two halves, to begin with."
Sakumo couldn't help but retort, yet he extended his hand, allowing Tatsuya to help him up. He stated, "Today is the early graduation ceremony for Kakashi and his batch. I estimated around a dozen kids had already entered the examination hall. Let's go have a look."
Having recently concluded his training for the day and visiting the spiritual world, Tatsuya was hesitant to engage in any further practice. He dressed neatly and, alongside Sakumo, proceeded into the Village towards the Ninja Academy.
READ 40 CHAPTERS AHEAD ON P*TREON.C*M/MARIONI