Strong Fist Taijutsu was a physical combat style that could be learned and used by all Konoha ninjas.
In the original timeline, it was primarily used by the master-disciple duo—Might Guy and Rock Lee.
Its core principles involved using the body's momentum to either rebound or spin at high speed, followed by a precise, powerful strike using leg strength. Though it appeared simple on the surface, it was actually a highly effective and practical taijutsu style.
Upon receiving the system's mission, Reiji Arata immediately made his way to Rock Lee.
After a friendly introduction, the two quickly grew familiar. Reiji followed Lee's lead, doing handstand laps around the forest perimeter.
Fifty laps later, they collapsed beside a stream and drank water together with bright smiles.
"Reiji, you're incredible. Keep training like this, and you'll definitely become a great ninja someday," Rock Lee said passionately. "That's what my sensei, Might Guy, told me when we first met. Now I'm passing that belief on to you!"
He flashed his signature grin, showing off his pearly white teeth and giving Reiji a hearty thumbs-up.
"Thanks. I'll definitely give it my all," Reiji replied sincerely, nodding back.
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the guidance mission. Reward acquired: Strong Fist Taijutsu Lv1.]
"I have to leave now—my team has a mission. Let's train together again soon!" Lee waved and ran off into the distance.
The moment he was gone, Reiji spent skill points without hesitation.
[Ding! Konoha Fluid Technique upgraded to LvMAX. Additional bonus unlocked: +50% Taijutsu Affinity.]
[Taijutsu Affinity +50%: The user consumes less stamina while performing taijutsu and can unleash more powerful strikes.]
Reiji instantly felt the new knowledge and muscle memory flow into him. Every move of the Strong Fist Taijutsu was now second nature.
After his training, he returned home, eager for a hot shower and fresh clothes.
But before stepping inside, he noticed a note slipped under the door.
"Went to school early with Sakura—don't wait for me.—Naruto"
"Tch. Simp," Reiji muttered with a smirk.
Still, the thought of Naruto spending more time with Sakura wasn't necessarily a bad thing. If that pair grew closer… wouldn't that leave Hinata—the lovely Byakugan girl—open for someone else?
After a quick shower and change of clothes, Reiji grabbed a few skewers of meatballs from the stand near his apartment and headed toward the ninja academy, snacking on the way.
As soon as he entered the classroom, he was greeted by familiar faces from the original series.
Sasuke sat stoically in the front row, brooding as usual.Shikamaru snoozed at his desk.Choji munched chips loudly nearby.Kiba had Akamaru curled up on his head.And in the corner, blushing furiously while twiddling her fingers, sat Hinata.
At twelve years old, Reiji stood nearly a full head taller than his classmates, and his strikingly handsome appearance caused an immediate stir.
"Whoa, it's Reiji!""Hey, Reiji-kun, why not sit with me? I've got the softest lap in class!""You can sit on my thigh, Reiji—I've been working out!"
Even Ino, eyes turned to hearts, whispered breathlessly to Sakura, "Come on, forehead, you can't tell me Reiji isn't hot."
"Hmph, who cares if he's handsome," Sakura muttered, "he's still the perv who fell into the bathhouse yesterday. I'll stick with Sasuke—he's cool, strong, and aloof."
Reiji ignored the chaos and calmly made his way to his usual spot next to Naruto.
"You don't even need to look up to know Reiji's here," Shikamaru yawned, slowly raising his head. "All those squealing voices... troublesome."
Choji popped another chip into his mouth. "Well, it's only natural. He's the best-looking guy in class and super chill. If he were a bit stronger, I bet he'd have more fans than Sasuke."
Reiji smiled subtly but said nothing.
Of course he looked good—he'd spent hours carefully adjusting his appearance through the system's character editor before entering the world.
Across the table, Naruto hung his head slightly.
No matter where they went, Reiji was always liked by others. Meanwhile, Naruto was often shunned and ostracized.
Reiji, sensing his friend's gloom, patted him gently on the shoulder. "Don't get down, Naruto. Just train steadily and seriously. One day, the whole village will acknowledge you—and you'll become Hokage for real."
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Thanks, Reiji! I'll work hard, dattebayo!"
"Hey, Reiji! I heard you invented some insane transformation technique yesterday! Show us, man!" Kiba barked from across the room.
Reiji smirked but before he could reply, Naruto jumped in, "Hey! That's our little secret! Don't you dare tell this mutt anything!"
"Who are you calling a mutt, idiot?! Want me to let Akamaru chew your sandals?!"
"Whoa, easy there, dog boy," Naruto grinned cheekily. "He's getting mad! He's totally mad!"
Ding dong! Ding dong!
The bell rang, ending their chaotic banter. Iruka entered with a stack of scrolls.
"Class, listen up! The graduation exam is five days away. We need to review theory this morning and do practicals this afternoon. Let's get started!"
The morning review was filled with survival techniques and tedious memorization. Not exactly what Reiji was interested in—he still hadn't learned the basics of the Three Body Technique.
When the class ended at noon, Iruka gave instructions for the afternoon's practical and dismissed them.
"Hey guys, did any of you take notes on the Three Body Technique?" Reiji asked the nearby crew.
Shikamaru shook his head. "Huh? That's like, the first thing they taught here. I already learned it. Didn't really take notes though—too troublesome."
"Same here," Kiba and the others nodded.
Reiji sighed. He had entered this world a little late, and it looked like he'd missed the basics. Asking someone else seemed to be the only option.
Just as he turned to head for Iruka-sensei, a soft, shy voice called out from behind him.
"Um… R-Reiji-kun…"
He turned.
There stood Hinata, cheeks flushed bright red, fidgeting nervously as she held out a small box wrapped in cloth.
It was a handmade bento, fragrant and neatly packed.