Masahiko did not know that his existence had already begun to influence the "Author" of another world. At this moment, he was at home, carefully flipping through the notes given to him by the Third Hokage.
The notebook was very old, with yellowed pages and frayed edges, but the handwriting inside was neat and powerful. It recorded various understandings of Ninjutsu, Chakra control techniques, and even some forbidden secrets.
"As expected of the man hailed as the 'Professor' of the ninja world..."
Masahiko marveled as he read. Many things that had previously confused him during his training suddenly became clear after reading these notes. Hiruzen Sarutobi's talent might not have been as terrifying as the First or Second Hokage's, but his breadth of knowledge and mastery of all five nature transformations were definitely at the pinnacle of the ninja world.
As he turned to the last page, Masahiko suddenly froze. There, a line of text was written in a different ink, looking like it had been added much later:
"The Will of Fire is not just a slogan; it is a burden and a sacrifice."
Masahiko fell silent for a long time. Sacrifice? For a commoner ninja like him, sacrifice was often forced rather than voluntary.
He closed the notebook and summoned the status panel once more.
[Popularity Rating: B+]
[Comprehensive Evaluation: A Golden Supporting Character with high potential.]
[Reward received: The Second Hokage's "Forbidden Jutsu Insight" (Partial).]
"Forbidden Jutsu Insight?"
Masahiko's heart pounded. Before he could react, a massive flood of information exploded in his mind. It wasn't a specific Ninjutsu, but rather a profound understanding of the logic behind forbidden techniques—how to bypass the limits of the human body and how to manipulate the laws of life and death.
Vaguely, Masahiko saw a cold, silver-haired man standing in a dark laboratory, surrounded by countless scrolls and experimental equipment.
Tobirama Senju.
The man who created the Shadow Clone, the Flying Raijin, and the Reanimation Jutsu.
In that vision, Tobirama seemed to sense something. He turned his head, his crimson eyes piercing through the void of time and space, staring directly at Masahiko.
"You... who are you?"
A cold, majestic voice echoed in Masahiko's soul.
Masahiko was horrified. This was just a reward from the system, a piece of residual "insight," yet the Second Hokage's consciousness was so strong that it could actually manifest?
"I am just a passing teacher," Masahiko replied instinctively in his mind.
Tobirama Senju snorted coldly. "A teacher? Someone who uses my Shadow Clone technique to 'persecute' the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki? Someone who maintains a shady relationship with Danzo?"
Tobirama's figure became more distinct, and his expression grew increasingly stern. He had been watching Masahiko's "performance" through the insights provided by the system.
"The Will of Fire has withered in your hands! You are using the techniques I created to play games and seek 'screen time'!"
Tobirama stepped forward, the immense pressure of a Hokage making Masahiko feel as though his soul were about to collapse.
"And Hiruzen... that old fool! He actually gave my research notes to someone like you? He calls himself the 'Strongest Hokage,' yet he can't even see through the schemes of a brat!"
At the mention of the "Strongest Hokage," Tobirama's face contorted with rage. It was clear that the "official" title Hiruzen held in the future world—and the way he allowed the Uchiha conflict to fester—had deeply incensed the Second Hokage.
"Cough... Cough!"
In the vision, Tobirama Senju actually doubled over, coughing violently. Crimson blood spilled from his lips, staining the floor.
"Incompetent! All of them are incompetent!"
Tobirama roared, his figure gradually fading as the energy of the insight was exhausted.
Masahiko snapped back to reality, his forehead drenched in cold sweat. He gasped for air, his heart still racing with terror.
"Tobirama Senju... actually coughed up blood from anger because of me?"
Masahiko didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Being able to infuriate a legendary figure like the Second Hokage to such an extent was probably a feat no one else in the ninja world could achieve.
However, the gains were also immense.
Although Tobirama was angry, the "Insight" had been fully integrated into Masahiko's mind. His understanding of the Shadow Clone and the Body Flicker had reached a level that surpassed the "Proficient" rank, touching the threshold of "Perfect."
"Now... I truly have the capital to survive."
Masahiko stood up and walked to the window. Outside, the lights of Konoha were dimming as the village settled into the night.
He knew that the quiet days were coming to an end. With Danzo watching and the Uchiha massacre looming on the horizon, he had to become even more "proactive."
"Since everyone thinks I'm a villain... then I'll be the best villain there is."
Masahiko's eyes flashed with a cold light.