Chapter 1

The World of the Fire Shadow.

Konoha.

The Arena.

If there is one place in the entire ninja world that is the most peaceful, it is undoubtedly here, with the richest soil and the best environment in the entire ninja world, a place of outstanding people and fertile land.

And today, it is September in the 64th year of Konoha.

The third round of the Chunin Exam!

"The first match is Sasuke versus Rokubungi!"

A jounin who looks like a consumptive ghost announced with effort.

Immediately, two young boys stepped onto the stage.

With the jounin's announcement, the two boys engaged in a fierce battle!

The audience below cheered loudly!

And among the audience, a masked ANBU ninja's eyes gleamed with excitement!

[Ding! Congratulations, host has picked up an energy card: 100 units of chakra!]

[Ding! Congratulations, host has picked up an energy card: 10 units of strength!]

[Ding! Congratulations, host has picked up an energy card: 1 unit of eye power!]

[Ding...]

In the eyes of Moto Makoto, golden cards fell all over the arena, all of which were absorbed into his body, while others seemed to be completely unaware of this!

The power surged into his body.

The chakra in his body became even more abundant, and his strength became even greater!

"This Chunin Exam might allow me to gain some decent abilities!"

The corners of Moto Makoto's mouth curled up under his mask, his eyes sparkling.

Indeed, Moto Makoto was a穿越者 (穿越者 means "穿越者" in Chinese, which can be translated as "穿越者" in English, but in this context, it means "a person who has traveled through time or to a different world"), who had traveled to the world of the Fire Shadow, becoming a nameless Chunin ANBU. His creed was to "苟到极致" (苟到极致 means "苟到极致" in Chinese, which can be translated as "苟到极致" in English, but in this context, it means "to survive at all costs" or "to play it safe to the extreme").

He would never act without absolute certainty!

After all, even if he did act, he wouldn't be able to win.

"I have the 'Pick Up Anything' system, which allows me to pick up items dropped by anyone in battle or upon death. In the previous second round, I couldn't enter the Forest of Death, but this third round of the Chunin Exam will likely make me even stronger."

Indeed.

His eyes were calm, showing no emotion.

He was just a normal ANBU ninja.

As long as he played it safe, he could continuously pick up energy cards dropped by others, and might even... pick up ninja technique cards and bloodline cards!

A month ago, he picked up the Fire Release: Fire Dragon Bullet Technique from Kakashi and Might Guy's match, which is a B+ ranked jutsu.

Even some jounin would treat this jutsu as a family treasure.

But through the system, he instantly learned this jutsu!

Moto Makoto slowly walked around the arena, continuously absorbing the golden light that only he could see, feeling incredibly exhilarated!

[Ding! Congratulations, host has picked up an energy card: 1 unit of chakra!]

[Ding! Congratulations, host has picked up an energy card: 1 unit of agility!]

[Ding! Congratulations, host has picked up an energy card: 1 unit of mental power!]

[...]

This feeling of comfort made Moto Makoto's steps faster and faster.

"Red Fire! You don't need to be so serious; no one dares to cause trouble in our Konoha's Chunin Exam."

The ANBU captain with a monkey mask sounded exasperated, "You always take things so seriously."

Red Fire.

That was Moto Makoto's title in the ANBU.

In the ANBU, no one knew each other's true identities, and unless they were close, they communicated using their titles!

"It's fine, Falcon Captain. Although that's true, as an ANBU, I still need to be cautious, and this is also part of my duty," Moto Makoto's eyes were sincere and full of sunshine.

His eyes were bright and sunny.

"Even though you're in the ANBU, Red Fire, you still remain so sunny and enthusiastic, which is quite rare. Your abilities are already quite good, and after the Chunin Exam, I will recommend you to the Third Hokage to become a squad deputy captain!"

Falcon's eyes were full of admiration.

Red Fire was a treasure for Konoha, always shining with positivity and enthusiasm, no matter where he was!

Even in the darkest places, he could make people feel warmth!

"Thank you, Falcon Captain, I will work hard!"

His voice was clear and full of determination.

His patrol speed increased even more!

But no one noticed the slight smirk on his face under the mask. Recommending him to the Third Hokage to become a squad deputy captain?

Don't joke around.

This is already the Chunin Exam, and the Third Hokage will be killed by his beloved student tomorrow!

However... his eyes flickered, and he whispered softly, "All I got today were energy cards. Will I get a jutsu card, or even a bloodline card, tomorrow?"

Energy cards would make him slowly stronger.

But if it were a jutsu card or a bloodline card, it would instantly boost his strength by a large margin!

What he gained was not only the jutsu or bloodline of the other person, but also their understanding and mastery of the jutsu or bloodline!

The day passed quickly.

Moto Makoto's eyes became brighter and brighter.

One system notification made his eyes light up!

[Ding! Congratulations, host has picked up a jutsu card: Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!]

Instantly.

All the control of the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu entered Moto Makoto's mind, and he immediately mastered this A-rank jutsu!

Moto Makoto looked at the arena, where Naruto Uzumaki was currently fighting.

"Did I get Naruto Uzumaki's Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu?"

His eyes were fiery.

He didn't expect to get this A-rank jutsu!

The Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, although an A-rank jutsu, is classified as a forbidden jutsu. It allows the user to gain the experience of training from the clones when they are dispelled, making the original body stronger.

This is why Naruto Uzumaki became strong so quickly!

This is a huge gain!

"Although I don't have Naruto Uzumaki's strong physique, I can at least create one or two clones for training, and even... try to see if I can use the clones to pick up anything!"

Moto Makoto's eyes were fiery.

The Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu is a god-like jutsu for Naruto Uzumaki.

For him, it is the same!

If the clones can also be used to pick up anything, he can quickly improve his strength and even reach the peak of the ninja world in a short time!

Of course, all of this is based on him establishing a foothold in Konoha; otherwise, before the clones even leave Konoha, they might be directly eliminated or intercepted.

"Today's matches are over. The candidates who have advanced so far are Uchiha Sasuke, Hyuga Neji, Naruto Uzumaki, Nara Shikamaru..."

Hayate Gekko coughed and announced the passing ninjas.

The ninjas who did not pass had faces of frustration, and some even clenched their fists until they bled. They represented their own villages, and failing to prove the strength of their village would make their village... look down upon!

They might even be targeted in secret!

But they had no way out.

"This is the ninja world."

Moto Makoto's eyes were extremely calm, but his gaze was fixed on Hayate Gekko, "If there are no surprises... Hayate Gekko will die tonight. What equipment will drop from his body?"

"Will it be the Dance of the Crescent Moon, or... the Transparent Escape?"