Kazuki POV

A month had gone by and its my first day of ninja studies. I'm not the only, more than half the class passed the general exams. Kayda failed again and must repeat the year. Nobody felt bad for her.

Throughout the break, I began working on a custom made puppet carved from wood bought in the marketplace and material scavenged from the dungeon. I went back and stored the corpses of the Jagras I killed before.

Weird thing is the bodies didn't decay. In fact they almost looked as fresh as the day I killed them. Maybe time doesn't pass unless I'm inside? Probably, I'm not gonna complain if it helps me.

I couldn't bring the bodies to anyone because that would bring a bunch of questions I don't want to answer. So with my limited knowledge on butchering, I scavenged whatever I could. This gave me several pounds of meat, bones, hide, claws and scales.

Disassembling the practice puppet I bought the other day, I put to use its bolts, joints, iron cables and mechanisms in my own creation. The Jagras front and hind leg bones are used as the arms and legs, claws made from sharpened rib bones and small sharp shaven teeth used as cosmetics to make the face scarier.

The puppet's head was carved out from a large block of wood. Spent about 500 ryo trying to get the design and jaws right. About 3 weeks in, I finally completed the skull frame and put on the finishing touches.

A/N : This is gonna be the skull. The other designs will come later as the puppet advances.

I wanted to use a human skull as the frame, but if they tested it I'd probably get in a lot of trouble. Maybe when I get the skull of a boss enemy, I'll carve it again. The rest of the body was made of wood and resembled that of a skeleton.

It's a prototype so I won't use it in battle, yet. The scariest thing about it? Its body movements. Made it move around on all fours looking like that girl from the exorcist, except scarier and less ridiculous.

The body stood at 6ft/182cm and was covered in a large black cloak, hiding its thin and flexible frame. I showed it to Beketsu who said it was amateur work, but the teachers at the academy would help me improve it.

Beketsu : "What do you call this thing anyway?"

Kazuki : "What do you mean?"

Beketsu : "Most puppet users have names for their puppets, such as the Crow, Black Ant and Salamander. Those who choose to create their own have a special bond with their work so a name is expected"

Kazuki : "Hmm, I'll call this one Hollow"

Before I left the apartment, I stored Hollow in a storage seal. When I leveled [Calligraphy] up to 12, I was allowed to learn [Fūinjutsu] and practiced all I could.

Fūinjutsu, Level 3 (19.73%)
- The art of creating seals with ink and paper that can serve a variety of purposes from restricting movements, nullify elements, storage, suppressing chakra etc.
Max Difficulty : D-rank seals
+9% Bonus Efficiency

Since Hollow didn't weight much, I was able to store it in a basic storage scroll. I kept it attached to my beige shorts to avoid suspicion. Don't want a bunch of ninjas asking me questions about me pulling out the scroll from my inventory.

My new class was located on the third floor of the Academy and had a good view of the training grounds. The other rooms weren't all that different, I just changed my seat from 9 to 21. Aboa wasn't with me this year unfortunately, she was in the class next door.

The only one classmate who came with me is Madoka. She had short beige colored hair, blue eyes and wore a white blouse with brown shorts and shoes. Since we were the youngest in class, we chose to sit next to each other for safety reasons.

Kazuki : "Everyone is older than us"

Madoka : "*nods* It would seem that way"

Kazuki : "I thought more than half of us passed, where is everyone else?"

Madoka : "I don't know"

I feel a poke on my right shoulder and turn to see a bald 10 year old boy looking at me.

Nariki Najenda
Level - 10
Rep - 0 [Classmate]

Nariki : "Hey, you two came from room 204 right?"

We both nod.

Nariki : "So that means you both had the top scores in your class! I was in room 203 last month and scored the top in my class!"

Madoka : "What did you score?"

He puffs his chest out and overconfidently says...

Nariki : "89%"

Pfft.

Kazuki : "I got 100%"

Madoka : "98%"

.....

Nariki : "Huh?"

Kazuki : "Even the girl in third place got 95%"

The look on his face made it clear he really thought he was the best in class, are the other scores really that low? His right eye twitches and instead of leaving he decides to ask another question.

Nariki : "How old are you guys, 7? 8?"

Kazuki : "5"

Madoka : "6"

Our answers finally killed him. Guess that means we're probably the youngest and smartest attending this class. The kid only stood up when the teacher showed up. He was a male with short blonde hair tied in a ponytail with emerald green eyes and wore Suna's ninja outfit. I took a look at his name and rep.

Nagisa, Chūnin
Level - 54
Rep - 29 [Teacher]

Oh, he already likes me. Wonder how that happened?

Nagisa : "Good morning class"

Class : "Good morning Sensei"

He scans the classroom and when his eyes land on me, he looks down at his clipboard then back at me.

Nagisa : "Kazuki? Kazuki Inei?"

Huh? Does he know me from somewhere?

Kazuki : "Yes? Is something wrong?"

Nagisa : "Oh uh no, I'm just a little surprised to see you here"

One male student named Shiru, rose their hand and Nagisa allowed them to speak.

Shiru : "How do you know Kazuki sensei?"

Nagisa : "Ah well, during the Third War, Kazuki's father saved my life. I kind of expected him to show up a couple of years later, just like your father did"

Somebody else raised their hand, this one is a girl named Okina.

Okina : "So are you gonna give him special treatment sensei? That's not fair"

Nagisa : "No no no, I would never do that. I'm gonna treat every single one of you fairly, so if you fail it's your fault"

I like this guy.

Nagisa : "Now then, some of you might already know what our schedule looks like, but for those less informed, here is what we'll be doing..."

1. General Education
2. Strategy, Tactics and Planning
3. Wilderness Survival, Tracking and Orientation 
4. Chakra/Control/Jutsu/Hand Seals
5. Free Period
6. Taijutsu/Ninja Tools
7. Physical Education/Kunoichi Class (Females Only)

Huh? Didn't Becky say they'd train me in the [Puppet Master Jutsu]? I should ask about it.

Nagisa : "Now if we don't any further questions-"

Kazuki : "Uh sensei, if I want to learn how to use puppets where would I go or who do I ask?"

Nagisa : "Ah yes, those would be the after school programs. If you wish to learn puppets you'll have to go to class 207 on Mondays and Wednesdays. Those of you interested in battle fans would have to go to class 205 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you wish to sign up for the medic or sealing class, you'll need written permission from me and pass an exam to see if you qualify"

Madoka : "Why do we need permission to attend those classes?"

Nagisa : "Medical Ninjutsu requires precise control over chakra on and off the battlefield, without it, it could lead to the death of your comrades and end in a mission failure. So when I believe you have excellent chakra control, you're mentally and physically ready, I'll give you my permission to attend"

Nagisa : "Sealing can also be very dangerous if you aren't careful, a single incorrect stroke and you may blow yourself up or lose a limb. Show me you can inscribe seals with great speed and correct lining then I'll give you permission"

Ping!

[Mission Alert!]
C-rank : Medic & Sealer

Objectives
Reach Level 10 Calligraphy [Complete]
Reach Level 10 Human Anatomy
Reach Level 10 Medicine

Rewards
Attend Medical and Sealing class
+2000 EXP
+Skill Scroll : Mystical Palm Technique

Ho damn! From what I remember, people with excellent chakra control are the best medical ninjas. Tsunade and Sakura are amazing battle medics but with my unique abilities, I can be even stronger! Buwahahaha!

Plus I'm aiming to master everything Suna has to offer so I'll be a jack of all trades. Battle Fans for long range, puppets for mid and chakra enhanced punches at close range. I'll learn them all!

After introductions we started class with general studies. I couldn't believe how Nagisa was able to push so many subjects in a little over an hour. Then came strategy and tactics, which was a short history lesson and then asking us questions about how we would handle certain situations.

Most of them were difficult to answer because they all depend on your skill level. If I had to abandon a teammate to follow my target, I'd put them in my inventory then chase after said target. I couldn't say that so I said to leave my teammate and go after the target.

Not gonna actually do it though, just letting them believe the brainwashing is working on me. Survival was all about researching the ecosystem in the Land of Wind, pretty much what we should and shouldn't do in the desert.

Then the subject I was waiting for finally came, chakra control. Nagisa went on about how chakra is a combination of physical and spiritual energy found inside the body that helps produce the abilities we see ninja do.

Nagisa : "To begin, who knows how to use ninjutsu?"

More than half the class raise their hands, including myself.

Nagisa : "So you know that hand seals are essential for manipulating your chakra. It allows us to perform a variety of abilities like so..."

He throws a Ram, Snake and Tiger hand seal and summons a clone of himself. I look at the clone's feet and don't see a shadow. 

Nagisa : "Now, I'd like one of you to show me a jutsu. Any volunteers?"

The older kids shot their arms up immediately. Probably trying to look cool in front of everyone. Sensei scans the room of eager kids and points to one sitting in the middle row.

Nagisa : "Augus, please come forward and perform a jutsu"

A spiky ginger haired boy approaches the front of the class and stands beside sensei. He forms a Dog, Boar and Ram seal to perform a [Transformation Jutsu] and takes the form of our blonde haired teacher.

Some students clap at the display and Augus drops his transformation.

Nagisa : "Impressive transformation Augus, now then, does anyone know any offensive jutsu? One that ninjas use during battle"

Nobody raised their hands this time, except me. Nagisa looked surprised and asked me to step up and show the class. I did and faced the wall just beside the training grounds. Okay... Monkey -> Rabbit -> Snake!

I felt the chakra mold in my mouth, forming a small pebble which I spat out with great speed. The tiny stone expanded almost instantly and punched a hole in the Academy walls. The destruction created some dust, but hey he did ask me to show him.

Nagisa : "What was that Kazuki?"

Kazuki : "That's my [Stone Pistol Jutsu]"

Nagisa : "When and where did you learn a jutsu like that?"

Kazuki : "Jojao taught me how to mold chakra when I was younger, I worked out the rest after a couple of weeks"

[Lie Successful!]

Nagisa : "Incredible, Subaru did say you are quite studious, you may take your seat"

As I went back to my seat, I noticed every single pair of eyes staring at me. Guess they don't like it when someone younger than them is already ahead. Next was free period, giving us young ones a chance to breath after a 5 hour study session.

I found a shady place to eat and soon enough, Aboa came up to me with her lunch in hand.

Aboa : "Hi Kazuki, enjoying ninja class?"

Kazuki : "Its way harder than general studies, but at least I'm learning more about using chakra"

Aboa : "Yeah I know, but our teacher is really strict, you're lucky to have Nagisa-sensei"

Kazuki : "I don't think so, he's still pretty strict on teaching us all he can. He taught us math, science and writing all in 1 hour"

Aboa : "Oh wow, I didn't know you had it that bad"

Kazuki : "Yeah... So anyway, did half of the class come with you?"

The girl nods and explains how surprised she was when I wasn't there. Then the teacher informed her about the more advanced students entering Nagisa's class. From what I hear, Nagisa has only been a teacher for a year and already has a reputation for being firm when it comes to teaching.

Heard he flunked 9 students because they lied to his face about doing an assignment. They got sent back to general studies to better their behavior. Important note, never lie to Nagisa-sensei...again.

Aboa : "Anyway, are you going to stay and do one of the afterschool classes?"

Kazuki : "Yeah, gonna study puppets and battle fans. I already know how to do the [Puppet Master Jutsu] and I have an affinity for Wind"

Aboa : "But they said its hard to keep up with both at the same time! Shouldn't you focus on one weapon type?"

Kazuki : "If I want to fulfill my dream I need to master everything I can, the earlier the better"

After we finished, Aboa returned to her class while I went to the training grounds for taijutsu training. Nagisa stood in front of us and pointed towards me and one of the older kids.

Nagisa : "Our first spar will be Kazuki and Abaru"

I see a boy with dark skin and black hair step up and enter the battle ring. On no, he's got bandages wrapped around his hands!

Abaru
Level - 8
Rep - -15 [Classmate]

Huh? He already hates me, guess he's one of the older kids who's jealous of me for knowing an offensive jutsu. Kid looks about 8 years old, I wonder if I'll be able to beat him with my current strength. I enter the ring and stand before the taller individual.

Nagisa : "Now then, start!"

Abaru immediately rushes forward and starts with a right jab, I barely have time to react and duck. With his stomach area exposed, I go for a palm strike but he blocks by raising his knee. I then feel a sharp blow to my left cheek and fall down.

-47 HP

Holy shit that hurt! Then came another strike to the stomach, this time with his foot. I wheezed from the impact, when Abaru came up with another strike I leg sweep him off his feet. Can't let him think, need to keep him on the defense.

I jump him and swing at his head repeatedly. He blocks my punches with his forearms, but that's exactly what I want. While he's protecting his head, he leaves his chest open for an attack so I deliver a heavy blow.

I force the air out of his lungs and strike him again. Abaru then grabs my shirt and headbutts me on the nose, making my vision blurry and dizzy. He went for another right straight that only made the blood rush out of my nose quicker. 

Nagisa : "Enough! Abaru is the winner"

I get off the boy and hold my bleeding nose with a rag from my inventory. Made it look like I pulled it from my pocket.

Nagisa : "Both of you need work. Kazuki, you need to read your opponents movements, taking those kind of hits could lead to a fatal outcome. Abaru, you need to be more flexible, I noticed your legs strain when you blocked Kazuki's palm strike. If I can see it so can your enemies and they'll use it against you"

Abaru/Kazuki : "Yes Sensei!"

The boy returns to the line of students while I'm sent to the nurses office. She plugs up my nose with cotton balls and sends me back to class. I came back to see Madoka on her back with another girl on top of her.

Nagisa : "Alright everyone, time for shuriken and kunai practice, grab a set of kunai and throw them at the target"

Damn, guess being injured doesn't excuse you from ninja activities. I grab 5 kunai and face the target range. One by one the blades fly and hit the target, each sticking outside the center of the bullseye.

My accuracy is only at 25%, I was lucky to have stayed on target for all five hits. Physical training was next and Nagisa made us run around the track for an hour then made us do push-ups and sit-ups for the rest of the school day.

Nagisa : "Alright we're done for today, remember if you're interested in learning about puppets head down to class 207. See you all tomorrow"

I gather my things and head straight for class 207. Some of my previous classmates had also come with me and we all waited for the teacher to arrive. About 5 minutes later, the door opens and who do I find walking in? Bagura.

Just as she's about to greet the entire class, she stops once she notices me among them. Does she recognize me? Its been about 4 years since I last saw her. What is her rep with me right now?

Bagura
Level - 73
Rep - 25

Oh! She still likes me despite turning into a Jinchūriki. If her rep is still in the positives, I wonder why she didn't visit me after all this time? After a few more seconds, the old lady regains her composure and continues on.

Bagura : "Now then, I don't know if any of you would recognize me from your history texts but I was previously the Puppet Brigade Captain during and after the Second Great War, my name is Bagura"

This is probably why I hadn't failed the mission. I swear this system is scaring the hell out of me with all its future predictions.

Bagura : "For the next 3 months, I will be teaching you the basics on how to use puppets. Should I find your performance adequate you'll be allowed to attend the more advanced session. However... "

Her facial expression goes from straight to down right murderous in a second.

Bagura : "You'll stay with me until you get it right. Now before I begin, does anyone have any questions?"

I raise my hand as do several others, but she chose me out of all of them.

Kazuki : "Exactly what will we be learning in this class?"

Bagura : "First, I'll be teaching you all how to channel chakra into your fingertips using [Paper Sticking]. Without concentration, you'll never be able to master this jutsu."

I already know the [Puppet Master Jutsu] though.

Kazuki : "What if we already know how to do that?"

She looks surprised at my question and wasn't the only one. The students around me began to murmur amongst themselves, calling me an overconfident jerk and such. Jealously does bring out the worst in people.

Bagura : "Well then, why don't you show me"

Pulling out a scroll from her long sleeve, she opens it up and reveals a storage seal.

Bagura : "Release!"

A poof cloud pops up from the scroll and a practice puppet appears.

Bagura : "Attach your chakra strings to the puppet and make it move"

I nod and summon the strings from my fingertips. The class watches closely as the puppet's head jerks to life and turns towards them. I make it cackle and fly at them with great speed. Some got scared from the sudden approach but I stop it midair and bring it back to the ground.

Bagura : "My, you already know how to move the puppet with such skill"

Kazuki : "Well, I've always had an interest growing up"

[+5 Rep with Bagura!]

She smiles at me and stores the puppet back into its seal.

Bagura : "Since you already know how to use the [Puppet Master Jutsu], why don't you go and help the other students"

Kazuki : "Actually I have another question. What about designing my own puppet? When do I learn to do that?"

Her face turns into a blank stare.

Bagura : "Kazuki, don't tell me you already created a puppet"

Kazuki : "Okay, I won't tell you.......but I did"

She sighs and tells me to bring it in tomorrow. She threw her hands up when I told her I had it on me. I summon Hollow to the classroom and Bagura inspects it closely.

Bagura : "Judging by the joint placements, you used a practice puppet's inner workings didn't you?"

Kazuki : "Yes, since this is still a prototype I didn't want to waste too much money on the material, I merely use it for movement practice"

Bagura : "Are these bones?"

Kazuki : "Yeah, I didn't have anything sharp to use so I bought some from the marketplace and sharpened them with a knife"

[Lie Successful!]

Bagura : "Well be sure to replace them once you get the chance, these will break immediately if you bring it out on the battlefield"

Ping!

[Mission Complete!]
D-rank : Puppets with Bagura

Rewards
+300 EXP
Puppet Training
+15 Rep with Bagura

Oh yeah! The old lady then goes silent before facing the students.

Bagura : "I'll be right back, while I'm gone grab a square of paper on my desk and attempt to keep it stuck to your forehead for at least 3 minutes"

She then leads me outside the class and down the hall. We're both quiet for a bit before I spoke up.

Kazuki : "Thank you, for raising me Bagura"

The old lady stops, turns around and hugs me. Didn't really except this kind of reaction but eh, I'll hug her back.

Bagura : "I missed you so much. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when Mirai passed-"

Kazuki : "It's okay, I understand"

Shukaku : 'Ugh'

Kazuki : 'Shush!'

We separate and continue our walk until reaching class 209. We enter and are met with another teacher talking to his class. Bagura tells me to wait while she speaks with the teacher. While she does that, I look at the older students and notice their own puppets out.

Oh shit, this is the advanced class.

Bagura : "Come here Kazuki"

I step up and she introduces my new puppet teacher. A male with tan skin and short dark brown hair.

Susu, Jōnin
Level - 64
Rep - 10 [Teacher]

Kazuki : "What is going on?"

Susu : "Well Bagura here tells me you're already too advanced for her class, so she's transferring you to me"

Yay!

Bagura : "Well then, I'll leave him to you"

She leaves and Susu asks me to call out my puppet. I summon Hollow and he also decides to investigate my handiwork.

Susu : "Well I certainly wouldn't take this out for battle, but its CERTAINLY BETTER THAN ANYTHING THESE NOVICES CAN PRODUCE!"

:O

The students look down in shame. I look at their work and see what the guy means. Several chips in the wood frame, broken eyes and jaws that just won't close. No wonder Suna isn't taken seriously. The sand shinobi of the future suck.

Susu : "Take any open seat Kazuki, we're about to begin"

I take a seat in the middle row and have Hollow sitting down next to me. I overhear some of the other kids badmouthing me, but uh oh, I'm starting to feel smug.

Susu : "Now then, seeing as we all know how to imitate human movements with our puppets, I'll be showing you how to transform using the [Sand Sticking] technique. The wood used for puppets is conductive with chakra, so by sticking sand to your puppet using chakra you can have it transform"

Grabbing a Crow puppet from behind his desk, he proceeds to dump sand all over it. Some of it sticks and he throws the seals for the [Transformation Jutsu], changing the puppets wooden figure to Susu himself.

Moving his fingers, the puppet comes to life and starts changing its facial expression.

Susu : "As you can see, with a simple twitch of the finger I can change the face my puppet is making. Understanding what does what to a human puppet will be difficult, but we have three months before the advancement test so don't rush, rushing leads to mistakes and mistakes lead to failure"

So we each walk up to the front of the class and grab a bowl of sand.

I send a pulse of chakra throughout the puppet's system and then toss the bowl of sand at it. A layer of sand coats Hollow's body and......I don't know how to do the [Transformation Jutsu].

[Through repeated actions you have obtained a new skill!]

Sand Sticking, Level 1 (0.19%)
Cp Cost : 80 CP/min
- Allows user to stick grains of sand to their body or a surface made of chakra.

Okay, I've got that skill down but-

Susu : "Excellent work Kazuki, I can see why Bagura calls you a prodigy"

Ho-shit! Jesus, this guy scared the crap out of me.

Kazuki : "Thank you sir, I would transform it but I don't know the [Transformation Jutsu]"

Susu : "Really? Well let me teach you..."

I listen carefully as he explains the hand seals and imagery of what I want to transform into. I give it a try and transform into an obviously fake Susu. He chuckles at my poor attempt.

Susu : "Well it certainly isn't the best transformation, but seeing as we've only known each other for about 20 minutes, I'd say its a good first try"

Susu : "Now since your chakra is being poured into the puppet and the sand sticking to it, just focus on the puppet alone rather than yourself, the sand will transform with it" 

I do the hand seals and focus entirely on the chakra inside Hollow. A cloud of white smoke covers it and transforms into Akame. I don't know why I have a ton of information about her, but the image was perfect in my mind. Wonder what kind of weirdo I was in my previous life.

[Through repeated actions you have obtained a new skill!]

Transformation Jutsu
Cp Cost : 100
- Take the physical form of whatever comes to mind. Depending on how specific the mental image is, grants better visual and physical features.

Ping!

[Mission Complete!]
E-rank : Shinobi Life

Rewards
+250 EXP
D-rank Equipment : Silver Snake Gloves

Gonna have to check that item later. It'll be my first equipment.

Susu : "Oh? So you changed your puppet into Akame?"

Kazuki : "Yeah, you read Akame Ga Kill sensei?"

Susu : "I have, its my favorite book actually. Kinda sucks there won't be a sequel but the book did end on a somewhat good note"

About an hour later, Susu called it a night and told us to practice [Sand Sticking] at home. I stored Hollow in his seal and returned to Becky's place. Once I'm in the clear I open up my inventory and look at the pair of gloves.

Just like the name says, the fingerless gloves are lined with silver silk and possesses a black snake design on the backside of each hand.

Silver Snake Gloves, D-rank Equipment
+4 Defense | +5 LCK | +25% Hand Movement Speed

Oh! That's incredibly useful. I wonder if this increases my writing speed. I open my [Equipment] list and drag the gloves to my right and left hands. The items disappears from my inventory and instantly materialize on both my hands.

Now that I think about it, if I use the [Transformation Jutsu] in the dungeon...

3rd POV

Inside Dungeon

After destroying the wooden cabinet from its jaws, the Great Jagras learned its prey had gotten away. It opted to eat one of the smaller ones to fill its stomach. Just as it falls asleep, a pair of eyes up in the tree leaves appears.

Kazuki leaps out of his hiding spot and charges the now awake boss. It looks up only to be met with a giant fist made of sand. The boss falls off the log and hits the ground, remaining dazed from the force of the attack.

Kazuki : "[Sand Wave]!"

The boy unloads several pounds of sand from his inventory and rushes the Great Jagras. In seconds, the boss is buried and constricted by the sand. Then Kazuki holds up an open hand and turns it into a fist.

Kazuki : "[Sand Burial]!"

The sand instantly delivers pressure from all sides and crushes the boss.

[Critical Hit!]
-900 Damage

Kazuki : "One more time!"

Another wave of pressure comes and a blue screen pops up in front of the Gamer.

[You have defeated Boss : Great Jagras]

Rewards
+750 EXP
+1000 Ryo
+? Dungeon Key

Ping!

Name : Kazuki Inei
Level : 7
EXP : 68/1400
Age : 5 Years
Title(s) : Suna's Jinchūriki
HP - 1,755 (+438.75/min)
CP - 6,090 (+913.5/min)
Control - 100% Wind - 100% Earth - 100% Magnet - 100%
STR - 45
DEX - 38
VIT - 39
AGI - 36
INT - 75
WIS - 58
CC - 94
LCK - 9 (+5)

Points - 5
Ryo - 7951