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What was it like finding a job in the Shinobi world?
Challenging... very challenging.
Since Kaito was still in the Academy, he couldn't officially take on missions until he graduated. This meant he couldn't earn money through missions assigned by the Leaf Village. He was more than willing to take on D-rank missions—anything to help cover his bills.
He walked through the streets of Konoha, his eyes scanning for "Help Wanted" posters. The lack of options left him feeling frustrated, knowing he could've spent this time training instead.
As he continued, his gaze landed on a flower shop with a bright "Help Wanted" sign displayed in the window. A hopeful smile crept onto his face, but it vanished the moment he read the name above the door: "Yamanaka Flowers." His expression soured, and without a second thought, he walked past the store.
As much as he wanted the job, he couldn't risk having his mind picked apart by the Yamanaka. The thought of them uncovering his secret and ending up strapped to a chair, being interrogated or worse, was enough to make him steer clear. That place was a definite no-go.
He wasn't even sure they could read his mind to that extent. After all, his memories and the boy's memories were entirely separate. But since they shared the same body, they might share the same memories too. Either way, it wasn't a chance he was willing to take.
For now, he needed to stay under the radar. Drawing attention to himself would only complicate things—and he wasn't ready for that just... yet.
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"So why should we hire you...?"
Sitting across from Kaito was a stocky man wearing a long-sleeve white button-up shirt, the fabric straining slightly against his round frame. Thick gold chains rested on what could barely be called a neck—it was more a continuation of his double chin. His face was round, framed by medium-length hair that sat in a messy, unkempt bundle, with a hairline that was pushed way back.
Crumbs clung to the corners of his mouth, remnants of a snack he hadn't bothered to clean off. Kaito noticed but decided against saying anything. He needed to stay on this man's good side. Men like him thrived on their perceived sense of power and importance, always assuming they were above everyone else. He planned to use that inflated ego to his advantage, to get himself into getting a job.
Pointing out an egotistical man's blatant flaws would do Kaito no good. He sat across from the man at a desk cluttered with scattered papers. The room was fairly spacious, its walls lined with small shelves holding rows of books that the man most likely never read.
Those books were probably there to showcase his "false intelligence." The shelves also displayed medals and awards credited to his company—trophies he claimed as his own while his employees did all the actual work. Bosses like him were always the same, no matter where Kaito went.
He had spotted the job help poster while walking earlier. Apparently, this company was a delivery service. This world's version of a postal office.
"Well, sir, I am hardworking and care more about fulfill—" He paused briefly, catching himself. The word felt too complicated for the moment. "—completing the job at hand rather than my own safety. I'll work extra hours and do my best to ensure everything runs smoothly, sir," he said confidently.
The stocky man nodded, a smile forming on his face that revealed a glinting gold tooth. "Good, I need hardworking employees who'll get the job done." He leaned back in his chair, his expression turning thoughtful. "But I'm just not sure you're right for the job, kid. You seem pretty young—like the type who might mess things up."
Kaito met the man's gaze without hesitation. "Don't let my age fool you, sir. I'd have to be an idiot to mess up while working for such a fine company," he said. Then, with a subtle shift in approach, he added, "By the way, did you build this company by yourself?" He didn't care about the answer, he already assumed the man hadn't and likely relied on family money or had it handed to him.
An egotistical person like him would always claim the credit for everything. Kaito knew exactly what he was doing...feeding the man's ego. After all, people like him could listen for hours when the topic was themselves.
"Yes, actually, I built this company with my own two hands, and I'm glad you noticed that, kid," the man gloated, puffing out his chest. "If you look at the trophies on the wall... those were given to me by the Hokage himself. For my excellent services."
He was basking in his own praises, flexing his achievements for anyone who'd listen. All Kaito had to do was keep fanning the flames and secure himself the job.
"As expected of a great man like yourself... I could tell from the very moment I walked in here," Kaito said, flashing a cheery, toothy grin that caught the sunlight streaming through the blinds behind the man.
The man rubbed his chin thoughtfully, a slow smirk forming. "You know what, kid... I like you. I'm willing to give you a chance. But if you mess up even once... you're out." He raised a hand slightly, adding with a casual wave, "Oh, and I'll need to see your resume."
Kaito gave a cheery nod as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a neatly folded piece of paper, handing it over to the man. The resume was hastily put together, filled with a whole bunch of Bullshit he made up.
The man continued stroking his chin thoughtfully before looking up at Kaito. "Hmmm, alright... you start Monday. Head to the desk outside and grab a folder—it'll give you an idea of what's expected of you on your first day," he said, handing the paper back to him.
It was Saturday, which gave Kaito two full days to train. Perfect. He had no complaints about that.
Kaito took the paper and folded it neatly into his pocket. "Thank you, sir. I promise you won't regret this," he said with an odd, wide-eyed stare and a chipper smile.
"Yeah, yeah... now get out of my office," the man replied, gesturing for Kaito to leave. Kaito obliged eagerly, exiting the room with a spring in his step.
As soon as the door closed behind him, his cheerful smile vanished, replaced by a tired frown. His eyelids drooped, and he stretched his arms above his head, letting out a long yawn. "What a drag," he muttered, walking toward the desk.
Behind the desk sat a scrawny, middle-aged man with heavy bags under his eyes. His sparse hair formed a ring around a prominent bald spot on his head. He wore a plain blue button-down shirt paired with black pants.
He looked up slowly at Kaito, who stared back at him.
"Folder?" he asked, as if he was dangling on the edge of sleep but managing to with hold himself... Kaito understood the feeling all too well.
Kaito gave a subtle nod. The man handed over the folder with deliberate slowness, then returned his focus to the paper in front of him. He scribbled a series of words before adding the sheet to a growing stack on the desk beside him.
'Feel bad for the ol' guy...' he mused, shaking his head slightly as he left the place. Kaito wandered around the village, hoping to find more jobs, since one wouldn't cut it, but luck wasn't on his side. With no hope, he decided to call it a day and headed home.
He pushed open the door to his small apartment, walking in and immediately tossed the folder onto the floor, watching it slide across the room. Shrugging off his long-sleeve black shirt, he hung it neatly in his closet, followed by his black pants, which he carefully placed alongside it.
Kaito wouldn't call himself materialistic, but owning only three sets of clothes was undeniably frustrating. He was broke, couldn't afford new ones, and hated having to wash the same outfits every three days.
His shoes were the same. They were standard-issue Shinobi footwear, given to new academy students for free, with open toes that left his feet partially exposed. While most kids replaced theirs after a year or two, Kaito's were battered and completely worn out. He didn't have the money to buy a new pair, so he had no choice but to make do with these.
It felt like wearing beat-up Skechers while everyone else had Jordans.
He pulled off his shoe, revealing several leaves stuck to the bottom of his foot. This wasn't just some odd habit, he had been using this technique to train his chakra control all along. Since he couldn't practice in the usual ways, this method became his go-to solution.
The practice allowed him to perform the technique instinctively, ensuring that even if his concentration was interrupted, he could still maintain it. By continuously manipulating the chakra in his foot to keep the leaves in place using the leaf training technique, he not only refined his ability but also significantly improved his overall chakra control.Since the sole of the foot is the farthest point from the chakra network and the hardest to control, every minute practicing this technique helped him improve, even if the progress was small.
He was preparing for the water-walking technique and was determined to master it in one go.
With a quick shift, he jumped from the floor, channeling chakra into his palms to stick himself to the ceiling. Using one hand for stability, he pressed both palms firmly against the surface, pulling his body upward. Then, focusing his chakra into his feet, he sticked them to the ceiling as well, hanging upside down like a human spider.
He stopped the chakra flow in his arms, letting himself dangle from the ceiling, his hair swaying downward. From Kaito's perspective, the world seemed to flip, turning the ceiling into the floor.
Kaito couldn't help but smile. This was awesome—maybe here, just here, in the Naruto world, he could finally achieve his dream. Power felt so close, just within reach. All he needed now was the courage to take that final step.
He walked around the ceiling for a while before dropping back down, the blood rushing to his head making him feel dizzy for a moment. After regaining his composure, he ate the last of his remaining food, savoring each bite. He thenn took a hot shower, letting the water wash away the fatigue for the day, before going to bed.
Tomorrow was going to be a pain in the ass, and he needed every bit of rest he could get.
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Staring out at the wide, flowing river was a black-haired boy with pale skin, Kaito. He took a deep breath, steadying his nerves, and walked toward the edge of the water. Concentrating hard, he began imbuing chakra into his feet. With a determined leap, he jumped onto the surface of the water.
"BOOYAAAHH, baby!" he shouted, his voice ringing out with excitement. Carefully, he focused, channeling chakra to the soles of his feet. For a moment, the energy pulsed through him like a current, stabilizing his footing as he stood on the rippling surface of the water.
But his triumph was short-lived. Instantly, he plunged through, his legs sinking to the riverbed, and water rose up to his thighs. He groaned, rubbing his head in frustration. "Great, there goes my favorite pair of shorts," he muttered under his breath. Yet, he knew that complaining wouldn't dry them any faster.
Mistakes were inevitable, he reminded himself. Life was built on them. What truly mattered was how you learned and grew from each misstep.
Unlike tree walking, which requires sticking chakra to a solid surface, water walking demands constant adjustment. The instability of water makes it a dynamic challenge. Kaito would need to push chakra into his feet in just the right amount—not too little, or he'd sink; not too much, or the water would repel him backward, causing him to lose control.
It meant he would constantly need to adjust the chakra flow to match the shifting water and maintain balance with every step. Each movement shifted his weight one way, requiring him to channel more chakra into his leading foot while easing it on the trailing one if he wanted to walk steadily.
Trying to run made things even harder. Every step demanded a precise burst of chakra, timed perfectly to keep him from sinking. The faster he moved, the more effort it took to maintain his balance.
And yet again...a new limiter was set.
And he was going to break through it...
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