shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 4: A Small Gain Isn't Really a Gain

Uchiha Tsukiko stared at the system screen displaying his Heaven's Mandate Points: 0. Although he didn't have enough points yet, he knew there was no rush to redeem anything immediately.

For now, he decided it was more important to fully understand this world before thinking about anything else.

Suddenly, he remembered the lottery chance included in his beginner's package. Without hesitation, he decided to try his luck.

"System, draw the lottery!" Tsukiko called out excitedly.

The moment he spoke, a lottery interface appeared in front of him, with a spinning wheel rapidly rotating.

"Drawing…"

Tsukiko watched the spinning pointer nervously, filled with anticipation.

"Congratulations! You have obtained the ability [Ninja World Dance King]!"

Tsukiko's eyes widened in shock.

"Ninja World Dance King? What kind of ability is that?!"

This wasn't what he expected at all. He had hoped for some powerful battle technique or a rare jutsu—yet, what he got seemed utterly ridiculous.

Still, since he had won it, he might as well check it out.

Tsukiko opened the system panel to view the ability's description.

[Ninja World Dance King]: Grants the host the combat intuition of Uchiha Madara. As a warrior honed through countless battles in the Warring States period, Madara's fighting style was elegant and precise, resembling an intricate dance. He was regarded as the most graceful warrior in the ninja world. There is also a small chance that, before a fight, you may involuntarily utter the phrase: "Do you also wish to dance?" before proceeding to annihilate your opponent.

Side Effects: While using this ability, there is a chance you may exhibit behavioral quirks similar to Uchiha Madara—this may include, but is not limited to, sudden maniacal laughter or a tendency to act dramatically.

Tsukiko blinked.

"Well… I guess it's strong. If I have Madara's combat awareness, I should be able to counter even the Flying Thunder God Slash, right? At least I wouldn't die to some explosive tags."

Then he frowned.

"But what's with the Uchiha maniacal laughter and 'randomly going crazy' thing? Are all Uchihas just a little insane?"

Feeling both amused and cautious, Tsukiko headed to the training ground to test his new ability.

Standing in the center of the field, he took a deep breath, filled with excitement and curiosity.

He started with something simple—shuriken throwing.

The moment he focused, time seemed to slow down. He could clearly see each rotation of the shuriken, the minute shifts in its trajectory, the subtle movements of the air around it.

His mind instantly calculated the perfect way to throw, adjusting with near-perfect accuracy.

"So that's how it works… If I concentrate, everything slows down."

He could predict the trajectory of objects and control his throws with unmatched precision.

Moving on, Tsukiko decided to test his battlefield awareness.

To his astonishment, his senses had been sharpened to an incredible degree.

He could hear the rustling of leaves, the flap of a bird's wings, even the faintest of movements behind him.

"This is insane… I can even feel the wind behind me. Dodging an attack from the back should be easy now."

Eager to push further, he entered combat mode.

Immediately, the world around him seemed to slow down. His reaction speed skyrocketed.

Every movement felt instinctive—he dodged, countered, and moved with almost supernatural fluidity.

Tsukiko dashed across the training field, each step precise, each movement effortless.

This was more than just speed—it was perfect battle control.

His body felt refined, every cell energized for combat.

"This must be how Minato Namikaze fights at his peak."

Even though he knew he had only scratched the surface of Madara's instincts, the sheer combat mastery this ability provided was overwhelming.

Eager for more, Tsukiko simulated a multi-enemy battle scenario.

Even against multiple imaginary opponents, he evaded effortlessly, weaving between attacks as if he were dancing on the battlefield.

His attacks were precise, calculated, and devastating.

Every dodge, every strike—flawless.

He had become a battlefield prodigy.

"So this is the power of Madara Uchiha's battle instincts… This is insane!"

He knew this ability would become one of his greatest strengths in this dangerous world.

After extensive testing, Tsukiko had a much clearer understanding of his newfound powers.

Beyond just reaction time and perception, his entire combat style had evolved.

Standing in the training field, Tsukiko clenched his fists.

With this ability, his path to greatness had truly begun.

But now, he had to think ahead.

What was next?

One possibility intrigued him—space-time ninjutsu.

If he could master teleportation techniques and combine them with his enhanced reflexes, his combat prowess would reach unimaginable levels.

"System, do I have a talent for space-time ninjutsu?"

The system paused for a moment before responding.

"Host has latent affinity for space-time ninjutsu. Further training and specific missions may enhance this ability."

Tsukiko's heart raced.

"If I can develop this talent, I can become even stronger than Minato Namikaze."

A plan started forming in his mind.

"System, if I master space-time ninjutsu while utilizing Ninja World Dance King, what would happen?"

The system answered calmly.

"If host combines enhanced reaction time with space-time ninjutsu, combat mobility and evasion will reach unparalleled levels. Host would be able to teleport instantly to precise locations, dodging and counterattacking in ways far beyond standard shinobi techniques. Compared to Minato Namikaze, host's overall combat ability would be significantly more advanced."

Tsukiko's eyes burned with excitement.

Minato was only two years younger than him.

If he could develop these abilities faster, he would surpass the Yellow Flash himself.

"Alright. This is my next goal!"

Despite feeling satisfied with his progress, Tsukiko knew he needed to act fast.

This world was filled with endless danger.

Strength was his only safeguard.

And to grow stronger, he needed more Heaven's Mandate Points.

If he wanted to truly dominate, he had to start earning points now.