Konohagakure — Hokage Tower. Late Afternoon.
"Well, that's it," said the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
With his white hair flowing gently and a pipe resting between his fingers, he placed the last of the documents on his desk and looked at the young man standing before him.
"What's your opinion, Naraku?"
Shihouin Naraku, a tall Jōnin with short, messy black hair and sharp, calm eyes, scratched his head lazily. A relaxed smile tugged at his lips.
"If Lord Hokage has made his decision, then I have no objections. Besides, I could use a break. Working in the medical department has been exhausting lately."
Hiruzen chuckled, exhaling a puff of smoke. "A break? That won't do. The Medical Department's corpse disposal team and the animal rehabilitation division still need your guidance. I'm confident you're the right man to manage them."
Damn it.
Naraku kept his smile intact, but internally he was seething.
They're taking the elite emergency medical team from me—by far the most powerful and well-funded division—and handing me the morgue and veterinary unit? That's disgusting.
He calmly asked, "Then who's taking over the emergency team? That unit is critical to Konoha's survival. There's no room for error."
It wasn't arrogance. In truth, no one in the village was more qualified than him. As Tsunade's direct disciple and a prodigy in medical ninjutsu, Naraku had built the team into what it was today.
Even before awakening in this world, his family in his past life had run a hospital—he had grown up around medicine. His arrival in the Naruto world hadn't been just time travel. It was closer to rebirth.
Naraku had grown up like any other child in Konoha, attending the Ninja Academy and honing his skills. But when he first extracted chakra, memories of his past life came flooding back—along with everything he once knew about this world.
And although he had no system at first—unlike many time travelers—he didn't complain. Compared to dying pointlessly in a hospital bed in his last life, this second chance was a gift.
Besides, he had a secret advantage: his spiritual energy was immense, likely a result of carrying the soul of a man who had lived two lives. Combined with his excellent chakra control and medical knowledge, Naraku was a genius from the start—on par with prodigies like Hatake Kakashi.
It was those traits that had earned him a place as Tsunade's personal disciple, and eventually, leadership of the elite emergency medical team.
And now, it was being taken from him.
"The emergency team will be overseen by Elder Homura and Elder Koharu," Hiruzen said. "They already manage the village's funding from the Land of Fire, and this move will help streamline operations."
Naraku narrowed his eyes slightly.
Homura and Koharu were powerful politically, but they lacked the medical expertise needed to run such a unit—especially now, when medical ninjutsu had evolved far beyond what they'd practiced decades ago.
Times had changed, and they were no longer qualified.
Almost as if he sensed Naraku's doubts, Hiruzen added, "Oh, and Jōnin Yajo will assist them."
"Yashiro Ao?" Naraku asked, puzzled.
Hiruzen nodded.
So, that was the plan. A power grab disguised as delegation. Naraku had expected as much.
"The medical emergency team is crucial," Hiruzen went on. "To prevent any disruption, I'm officially appointing you as Vice-Director of the Konoha Medical Department."
Naraku barely reacted.
A meaningless title. No real power. Just a way to keep him close enough to keep watch—but far enough to prevent interference.
"And," Hiruzen added, "you're also being named Deputy Captain of the Anbu, in charge of Anbu Squad 37."
Naraku's eyes widened.
Is this old man crazy?
The Anbu only had about seventy active members. Leading thirty-seven of them meant more than half the force would be under his command.
He started to protest, "Actually, I—"
But then it happened.
A sudden, crisp sound echoed in his mind.
[Ding!][Promotion System Activated.][Rule #1: Every Promotion Grants a Random Reward.][Rule #2: Power Can Be Reproduced Infinitely...][Rule #9703: Rank Determines Privilege.][Rule #9704: Demotions Result in Penalties.][Congratulations: You've been promoted to Vice Director of the Medical Department.][Congratulations: You've been promoted to Deputy Captain of Anbu Squad 37.][You've received 7 lottery draws.][Newbie Gift Pack activated: +5 bonus draws.][Total: 12 draws available.][System Tip: You have a higher chance of finding rare items with 10x draws!]
Naraku froze.
His mind reeled. After all these years, a system had finally arrived. The long-awaited cheat code of every transmigrator.
And not just any system—a Promotion System, tied directly to status and power within the village.
Sarutobi Hiruzen blinked. "Naraku? Are you alright?"
Naraku snapped back to attention. Instantly, he stood upright, his expression filled with fervent loyalty.
"Understood!" he said confidently. "I am honored to accept these responsibilities, Lord Hokage. From today onward, I will dedicate myself fully to the village!"
"…What?"
Hiruzen blinked in surprise. The lazy, sarcastic Jōnin he'd known for years had suddenly become a pillar of determination.
Had he misjudged him? Was this the real Naraku all along?
Still, he nodded in satisfaction. "Very good. Just make sure both departments are handled properly. Mistakes in the Anbu can be... dangerous."
Naraku didn't even register the warning. His mind was racing with excitement.
So, every promotion gives me power? All I have to do... is climb.
Outside the Hokage Tower, the village was as peaceful as ever. Naraku walked through the streets, and every shinobi he passed greeted him with unexpected respect.
"Hello, Lord Naraku!""Thank you for your service, Lord Naraku!"
He smiled.
They'd never called him "Lord" before. But as head of emergency medical response, he'd saved many lives. Now, with two new titles under his belt and a system that made him stronger every time he rose in rank…
Naraku finally understood.
He wouldn't just protect Konoha. He would rule it.