Naruto: Suraimu The Devourer Of The Shinobi World

I decided to rewrite this chapter because the previous version didn't really suit my vision of how the MC would react with the people around him

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Opening my eyes, I looked around.

I guess it wasn't a dream after all...

The early sunlight poured through the window. I turned the doorknob and stepped out of the small room. The hallway was painted white, decorated with children's drawings that clung to the walls like memories. Several doors lined the hall.

I'm assuming this is an orphanage then. That's fine with me. Trying to explain why someone's child is suddenly acting so different would be annoying.

I crept down the hallway carefully, making sure not to wake anyone. The hallway opened into a living room where a few adults were already up and moving.

"Hello," I said quietly.

They offered me nods and casual waves. I gave a polite nod back and made my way to the front door, placing my hand on the handle.

Just as I was about to open it, one of the women said, "Where do you think you're going, young man?" She stood with a hand on her hip, her eyes sharp and maternal.

"For... uh, a walk?" I offered weakly.

She casually shook her head. "You know you have to eat breakfast first."

I gave her a nod and walked to the dining room. Someone in the kitchen had already started preparing food. Soon, a plate was placed in front of me, and the person went back to the kitchen, likely to prepare more for the other kids.

I ate quietly, half-focused on the adults talking behind me.

"I heard Kumo recently tried to kidnap our Jinchūriki.""Really? Did they succeed?""No, actually. Some prodigy from the Academy saved her."

I stopped listening.

If that just happened... then the Second Shinobi War is still about three years from ending.A resolute look crossed my face.If that's the case, then I'll have to enter the Academy and graduate quickly. There's no way they'll allow early graduations once peace returns.

"I'm done. I'm going out now," I said, standing up.

Again, I was stopped at the door."If you don't come back by lunch, you won't get any. And make sure you're back before nightfall."

I nodded, opened the door, and stepped outside.

The scenery amazed me.

Morning dew glistened on the grass. The air was crisp and refreshing. The sounds of villagers preparing for the day filled the streets.

Oh wow… It's been so long since I've walked outside freely like this.

I took a deep breath, smiling as I strolled into the village.

There are so many people out, even this early…

I wandered for a while until I reached a small, quiet park.

Alright. I need a plan.

First — get new skills with [Devour]. Second — figure out when the Academy is accepting students. Third... ehhhh. That's good enough for today.

I headed deeper into the forested area of the park.

Eventually, I found a small river. Time to test Part 1 of today's plan.

I pointed my hand toward the stream."[Devour]."

Black mist spilled from my palm, swallowing a portion of the flowing water. It vanished without a trace.

The water's now stored inside the [Stomach], one of [Devour]'s sub-abilities. Basically a storage tag or game inventory system.

Why was I doing this?

Because, in Tensura, Rimuru gained water-based abilities after absorbing part of a lake. So I—

My eyes locked onto a rabbit drinking from the river.

"[Water Blade]."

A sharp stream of pressurized water shot from my finger, piercing the rabbit's skull cleanly.

It's not a true Water Blade, just high-pressure water expelled from my body. Not super powerful, but effective.

I walked over to the rabbit's body and used [Devour] again, storing it in the [Stomach].

Neat thing about [Devour]? Time doesn't pass for things inside the Stomach. And with the [Isolation] sub-skill…

I held out my hand. Black mist shimmered and then revealed a clean, undamaged pelt — no blood, no guts, just fur.

...I can isolate components like blood, fur, meat — this rabbit will be lunch.

Next step: find a bug. Preferably… a centipede.

Some species have venom. Not lethal, but good for distractions.

I spent a while flipping rocks and poking through leaves, collecting a few bugs, but not the one I wanted.

"Ugggh, why is it so hard to find one stupid bug?"Grumble, grumble."Oh well. Let's see what I did find."

I dropped a handful of bugs onto the ground and used [Devour].Black mist enveloped them.That will never not be cool.

A few skills bloomed in my mind:

[Exoskeleton] — forms protective bone-like armor

[Pheromone] — from an ant; allows sensing and emitting scents for communication and tracking

A sudden realization hit me.

Wait… Centipedes release pheromones during mating. If I use [Pheromone], maybe I can find one!

I immediately activated [Pheromone] and began tracking.

A couple of hours passed.

Finally, I caught a scent trail and followed it to a tree where a large centipede was crawling up the bark.

Finally! That took forever.

My stomach grumbled in agreement.

I quickly used [Devour] on the centipede, gaining the [Poison] skill.

Changing course, I followed a trail I had left earlier to a clearing.

There, I built a small fire with sticks and rocks and began roasting the rabbit.

While it cooks, let's review the skills I got today.

[Water Blade] — pressurized stream attack

[Water Current Movement] — enhances speed while in water

[Hydraulic Propulsion] — launches self using water jets

[Exoskeleton] — bone-like armor

[Pheromone] — scent-based communication and tracking

[Poison] — creates venom from absorbed sources

[Prey Instinct] — minor danger sense for killing intent

And that's not even counting what I might get once I unlock chakra control…

Once the rabbit finished cooking, I took a bite.

Tastes… meh. Not horrible, but not good. Considering there's no seasoning.

Alright. That's enough progress for today. I don't think I'll find anything else useful unless I really dig deep… but I don't have time. The sun's already starting to drop.

I doused the fire using water from the [Stomach], stood up, and began the walk back to the village.

Next step — figure out how to get into the Academy.

The best and easiest way I can think of is to ask the orphanage matron.

Navigating the busy streets was a pain when you're small, but I eventually made it back just before sunset.

I paused to admire the glowing sky, then knocked on the front door. A few seconds later, an adult opened it and let me in.

"Do you know where the matron is?" I asked.

"I believe she's in her office," the assistant replied.

"…Where's her office?" I asked after an awkward pause.

"All the way down the hall it's the last door."

I nodded and headed down the hallway.

Knock knock.

"Enter," an elderly voice called.

I stepped inside, closing the door behind me.

"Ahh, young Suraimu. What can I do for you?"

I stood still for a second before asking:

"I want to become a ninja. Do you know when I'd be able to enter the Academy? I think I'm old enough now."

The matron set aside her papers and looked at me seriously.

"Are you sure this is what you want? Many people die in the wars. I'm sure you know this… considering your parents…"

Wow. Low blow, lady… is what I'd say if I actually remembered them.

"I'm well aware of the risks. It's because of my parents that I want to become a ninja. I want to understand why they were willing to lay down their lives for the village. And I want to become strong enough that no one else will have to."

I tried to look as serious and sincere as possible. I don't know if she'll buy it, but that was about as pure as I can get.

Her expression softened. She sighed.

"I understand. Good thing you came now — the Academy began accepting applications today. First day is in a week. As an orphan, you'll be given housing and a small stipend until graduation — whether you become a genin or not."

I nodded silently.

"I'll fill out the paperwork and hand it to registration," she continued. "They'll likely accept you. During wartime, they need more ninjas."

I bowed deeply. "Thank you."

Just before I left, she added "Pack your things. Tomorrow, I'll take you to your new apartment."

Wow, that's faster than expected… Good. I can finally start training freely and working on unlocking chakra.

"Alright, I'll get ready."

I shut the door behind me, a small, excited grin creeping onto my face.

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This chapter is quiet a bit larger then the previous and I think it turned out pretty well, it introduced the MC skills and partially how he'll develop hopefully

1471 words