c1: Burning Fruit
Evening fell as the sun dipped below the horizon.
A small child sat quietly on the stone steps of a spacious courtyard, staring blankly at the ground. His expression was unusually mature far beyond his four years.
This boy was Hatake Chiba, son of Hatake Sakumo, famously known as "Konoha's White Fang," and the younger brother of Hatake Kakashi.
"Life is full of hope... and then disappointment." Chiba raised his head, exhaled deeply, and muttered with a sigh, his tone laced with resignation far beyond his age.
In truth, Chiba was once a hardworking man from 21st-century Earth. After years of obsessing over One Piece and Naruto, an unforeseen accident hurled him into the world of ninjas Naruto's world.
At first, he was thrilled. Born as the son of Hatake Sakumo, he thought his new life was destined for greatness. No longer bound by poverty or mediocrity, he imagined himself destined to become a shinobi of legend.
But unlike other reincarnators who awakened into powerful clans like the Uchiha or Senju or gained cheat-like systems granting broken abilities Chiba found himself ordinary. No Kekkei Genkai. No bloodline limit. No system. Just decent talent neither particularly good nor bad.
Perhaps he was the most unfortunate transmigrator of them all. No blessings, no bonuses.
"If I can't change my starting point, then all that's left is to train harder. Otherwise, I'll just end up as another nameless casualty in this war-torn world... cannon fodder," Chiba muttered. Despite the bitterness in his voice, he clenched his fists and stood up, ready to train. There was no time for self-pity.
Although the Hatake clan didn't possess a Kekkei Genkai, it boasted powerful shinobi like Hatake Sakumo—respected even by the likes of the Sannin. His blade, imbued with white chakra, had earned him the name "White Fang," and his strength was feared throughout even other villages likely at the Kage level.
Still, Chiba couldn't rely on his father's name forever. He knew he had to forge his own path especially in a world where even children fought on the frontlines.
As night deepened, Chiba barely four began his training once again under the pale moonlight.
Kakashi, his older brother, had already graduated from the Ninja Academy at six hailed as a genius of his generation. How could Chiba, a reincarnator, allow himself to fall behind?
His father, Sakumo, had forbidden ninjutsu training until the age of five, urging him to focus entirely on physical conditioning. "A strong body is the foundation of true power," he had said.
Though Chiba sometimes grumbled, he obeyed, trusting in Sakumo's experience. Until he turned five, his training would focus on taijutsu and physical strength.
After hours of grueling effort, Chiba collapsed on the grass, soaked in sweat, his breath ragged. His small body trembled from exhaustion.
"If only I had a system... One of those cheat plug-ins that let me dominate with ease. Why did I get nothing?" he groaned bitterly.
Ding!
"The host's physical stats have met the binding threshold. Initiating connection with the One Piece System."
A sudden mechanical voice echoed in Chiba's mind.
"What?!" he gasped, jerking upright.
System Binding: 20%...
System Binding: 50%...
System Binding: 80%...
System Binding Complete! Congratulations! The host has successfully activated the One Piece System.
A gentle female voice replaced the robotic tone, announcing the completion.
"No way… I thought I was just a regular isekai nobody! So the system really was hidden all along?!" Chiba exclaimed, eyes wide with excitement.
Host Information:
Name: Hatake Chiba
Gender: Male
Age: 4
Height: 120 cm
Body Strength: 250 (Average: 100)
Ninjutsu: None
Chakra Affinities: Lightning, Fire
Points: 0 (used for skill and item exchange)
"System-chan, since you're a One Piece system, does that mean I can get abilities from that world?" Chiba asked, his heart pounding.
"Correct. All items, abilities, and upgrades will be related to One Piece."
"Then... can I get a Devil Fruit? Like the Flame-Flame Fruit?" Chiba asked eagerly.
"The host has zero points. The Burn-Burn Fruit cannot be redeemed at this time."
"Seriously? I'm broke?" Chiba groaned.
"As a new user, the host is entitled to one free lottery draw. Would you like to proceed?"
"Yes! Spin that wheel! Give me something OP!" Chiba shouted with childlike anticipation.
The system's interface flashed in his mind as the lottery began.
Ding!
"Congratulations! The host has obtained the Mera Mera no Mi (Flame-Flame Fruit)."
"I… I actually got it?!" Chiba's eyes sparkled. "With luck like this, maybe I can get the Gura Gura Fruit next!"
Ding!
"Note: The Flame-Flame Fruit has been modified for compatibility with chakra. The host will retain its abilities even in water or near chakra-dampening substances like sea stone."
Chiba was stunned. No drawbacks? He wouldn't even be affected by water?
Just moments ago, he had been worried about how to learn ninjutsu. Now, he didn't even need it. The power of fire was literally in his hands.
"Let's test this out!"
He lifted his right hand, and instantly, a swirling flame burst to life in his palm. It danced in the air, responding to his will.
The fire spread around him in a spiraling blaze, engulfing his small body but not burning him. His silhouette glowed against the flame, looking like a fiery spirit.
He might only be four years old, but his chakra control and stamina were already remarkable.
"Hahaha! This is awesome! So this is what being OP feels like!" Chiba shouted with glee. His voice was still soft and youthful, but his joy was uncontainable.
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