The Greatest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Tensura

The target was a powerful figure—a corrupt official who had made one too many enemies. Our assignment was simple: infiltrate his private estate, eliminate him, and leave no trace. I was partnered with a woman, a fellow assassin whose skills were nearly on par with mine. Together, we had executed countless missions flawlessly.

Under the cover of darkness, we navigated the estate's security with ease. Silent footsteps, concealed weapons, and years of experience allowed us to move like ghosts. The target never saw it coming. A single, precise strike—and it was over. Another mission completed, another loose end tied up.

"Clean and efficient, as always," she whispered with a smirk as we vanished into the night.

Our escape was routine. A private jet awaited us, ready to take us back to Japan. As we settled into our seats, I allowed myself a rare moment of relaxation.

Assassins exist only in fiction.

That is what the common people believe.

But think about it logically.

What is the most efficient way to eliminate an enemy? Assassination. Those who possess power and wealth naturally acquire enemies. Where there is demand, there is supply. Thus, people like us exist—those who eliminate problems from the shadows.

"…Another mission completed, as usual," I mutter to myself.

Today, I retire from this life. Once known as the finest assassin of my era, I have orchestrated deaths so flawlessly that even the passing of a certain world leader was deemed a natural illness. However, even the best assassin cannot defeat old age.

My next endeavor is set.

I will train the next generation of assassins, cultivating talent in those rare few who possess the aptitude for precision, discretion, and unbreakable resolve. My knowledge and experience will live on through them.

That was the plan.

Unfortunately, fate had something else in store for me.

A sudden explosion rocks the aircraft. The altitude plummets.

"Disposing of a tool no longer in use to silence them… How predictable," I sigh, already assessing my chances of survival. "They truly believe this is the only way to kill me. That's almost flattering."

I was too focused on the future, too comfortable with the idea of retirement. I failed to predict such an obvious betrayal. Rising from my seat, I move past the panicked flight crew, neutralizing those who try to stop me. My partner fights alongside me, but even she knows this is a lost cause.

"There's no escape from this one," she says, her voice steady despite the chaos.

I hack my way into the cockpit, only to find the pilot and co-pilot dead. Worse still, the control panel is completely destroyed.

I close my eyes, inhaling deeply. In any situation, no matter how dire, I always seek a path to survival—even if the odds are less than 0.01%. That is my policy.

Options race through my mind, but there is only one solution. I can't land this aircraft safely, but I can ensure my own survival.

The altitude continues to drop.

Outside the window, a fighter jet approaches, armed with air-to-air missiles. The city below is densely populated. A direct crash would cause unimaginable casualties. By my calculations, I had ten minutes before intervention—but it seems my betrayers were more thorough than I expected.

A missile locks on.

There was a chance. If the plane merely crashed, I could have survived. But this—

AIM-92 air-to-air missile.

The explosion engulfs everything. No debris remains. No body.

No pain.

My final thoughts are filled with regret. I spent my entire life as a tool for others, following orders without question. And in the end, I was discarded.

If there is a next life, I will live for myself. Not as a tool. Not as a pawn. But as a being of my own will.

If I could use my skills, knowledge, and experience for my own sake—

Light fades.

And then, I awaken.

But something is wrong.

I can't see. I can't feel my body. I can't even hear my own breath.

A strange sensation courses through me, unlike anything I've ever known.

*What… is this?*

A voice echoes in my mind.

"Analyzing… Complete."

"Welcome to your new existence."

I open my eyes.

That was a shrine.

If you say, it resembles the Parthenon temple. A stone old white shrine.

Let's analyze the current situation. I cannot help but do that in this situation.

Was it just a dream just a while ago?

"No, it is not. It was reality. When you were a retired assassin, you were assassinated." (???)

A man with golden hair and piercing amber eyes stands before me. His presence is overwhelming, his aura divine yet distant. Draped in flowing robes of black and gold, he exudes power beyond comprehension.

"Who are you?"

"I am a god, and I have summoned your soul here."

Something about his words makes my instincts scream caution. His tone is too casual for someone divine. Yet, every aspect of him is too perfect, his movements precise, as if calculated to a degree beyond human comprehension.

"Why would a god take interest in someone like me? There are countless dead souls. Why me?"

"Because you are useful," he states plainly. "I have a mission for you. One that only someone of your talents can accomplish."

I get a bad feeling.

"Go on."

"I will reincarnate you into a new world—a world governed by monsters, magic, and war. You will be reborn in the land known as the Cardinal World. Your task is simple: ensure the balance between monsters and humans does not collapse."

"Balance? What do you mean?"

"The Cardinal World is heading toward an era of chaos. Some entities grow stronger, the nations of men plot their destruction, and a war unlike any before is brewing. I need someone to act from the shadows, to prevent unnecessary destruction and eliminate threats before they spiral out of control."

"So you want me to be an assassin again?"

"Not just an assassin," he corrects me. "A guardian. A force that can tip the scales as needed. You will be given the freedom to act as you see fit, but your ultimate goal remains—prevent the world's descent into ruin."

I process his words carefully. It is different from my past life, yet eerily similar. A mission. A goal. A justification for killing.

"And what do I gain from this?"

"A second chance. Power beyond what you once had. A life where you are not bound by orders but by your own decisions." (God)

A world of monsters, magic, and war. A chance to carve my own destiny while playing the role of a silent guardian. It is ironic, but not unappealing.

"Fine," I say. "I'll take your deal. But I have two requests. If I'm to succeed, I want to choose what species I'll be reincarnated as and what skills I will possess."

The god smirks. "Interesting. Every species has its strengths and weaknesses. Some offer raw power, others intelligence, some have unique magical affinities. Choose wisely. As for skills, I will allow you to select a few that will define your potential in this new world."

A floating screen appears before me, listing various species with descriptions. Human, Elf, Dragonkin, Demon, Beastman, and more. Another screen displays a selection of skills—stealth, magic, combat mastery, unique abilities beyond human limits.

A chance to redefine myself entirely.

I take a deep breath. This time, I will decide my own path.

The shrine begins to glow.

The god vanishes, leaving only his words behind.

A new life, a new mission.

This time, I will be the one deciding on everything.