A New Reality

Itachi's system will be different from Jinwoo's. As he was already powerful.

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The television in Itachi's hospital room flickered to life, catching his attention. A solemn-faced reporter appeared on the screen, her expression grave as she delivered the latest news. The woman's crisp suit and perfectly coiffed hair contrasted sharply with the urgency in her voice.

"Breaking news: An unprecedented double dungeon incident occurred three days ago, sending shockwaves through the Hunter community. According to sources within the Hunter's Association, a team of C-rank hunters entered what appeared to be a standard B-rank dungeon in the outskirts of Seoul. However, upon reaching the dungeon's core, they found themselves trapped in a second, far more dangerous dungeon within."

The screen split to show grainy footage of a cave entrance surrounded by emergency vehicles and personnel in high-visibility jackets. Itachi leaned forward, his dark eyes scanning every detail.

"The inner dungeon collapsed shortly after its discovery, with several hunters still inside. Rescue efforts have been ongoing for the past 72 hours, but hopes of finding the trapped hunters alive are dwindling. This marks the first recorded instance of a 'dungeon within a dungeon' phenomenon, raising serious concerns about the unpredictability of these mystical structures."

The report continued, detailing the potential implications for future dungeon raids and the Hunter Association's response. Itachi listened intently, his mind cataloging every piece of information. Double dungeon, C-rank hunters, B-rank dungeon - these terms were slowly building a picture of this new world's power structure and the dangers it faced.

As the news segment ended, a knock on the door interrupted Itachi's thoughts. A stern-looking man in a crisp charcoal suit entered, his polished shoes clicking against the linoleum floor. Two others, clearly subordinates based on their body language, positioned themselves near the door, their eyes constantly scanning the room.

"I'm Woo Jin-Chul from the Hunter's Association," the man introduced himself, showing an official badge that gleamed under the fluorescent lights. His voice was deep and authoritative, matching his imposing presence. "We have some questions about your involvement in the recent dungeon incident."

Itachi met Jin-Chul's gaze steadily, his face a mask of calm. "I'm afraid I can't be of much help. My memory of recent events is... unclear."

Jin-Chul's eyes narrowed slightly, the wrinkles at their corners deepening. He pulled up a chair and sat down, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. "You appeared out of nowhere in an A-rank dungeon, displayed extraordinary abilities that saved the lives of several hunters, and then collapsed. Surely you remember something?"

"I apologize," Itachi replied, his voice steady and polite. He adjusted his position in the bed, wincing slightly as if from lingering pain. "My earliest clear memory is waking up in this hospital. Everything before that is a blur of disjointed images and sensations."

The interrogation continued for nearly an hour, with Jin-Chul pressing for details and Itachi maintaining his facade of amnesia. The Hunter Association official's questions were precise and probing, touching on everything from Itachi's background to the nature of his abilities. Each time, Itachi deflected with carefully crafted responses that revealed nothing while seeming cooperative.

Finally, Jin-Chul sighed and stood, straightening his suit jacket. "We'll be in touch," he said, placing a business card on Itachi's bedside table. "If you remember anything, no matter how insignificant it might seem, please contact us immediately."

As the door closed behind Jin-Chul and his associates, Itachi allowed himself a small frown. He had gleaned valuable information from the interrogation, but it was clear that his sudden appearance had not gone unnoticed. He would need to tread carefully in this new world.

Outside Itachi's room, Jin-Chul pulled out his phone and dialed a number, his fingers moving with practiced efficiency. The phone rang twice before a voice answered on the other end.

"This is Woo Jin-Chul from the Korean Hunter's Association," he said, his voice low and urgent. "I need information on a possible Japanese hunter named Itachi Uchiha. Age estimated around 17, black hair, exceptional combat abilities."

The conversation was brief, and with each passing moment, Jin-Chul's frown deepened. He turned to his colleagues, his expression a mix of frustration and intrigue. "The Japanese Hunter's Federation has no record of an Itachi Uchiha. They've never heard the name before, and it doesn't match any known hunter family."

"So either he's lying about his name," one of his subordinates suggested, "or..."

"Or he's not from any known hunter organization," Jin-Chul finished, his mind racing with the implications. "Which raises the question: who is he, and where did he come from?"

The next day, Jin-Chul returned to Itachi's room. His expression was slightly softer than before, but his eyes remained sharp and observant. He stood at the foot of Itachi's bed, hands clasped behind his back.

"Given your apparent age and... unique circumstances," Jin-Chul began, his tone measured, "the Association has decided to take responsibility for your well-being until you graduate university."

Itachi raised an eyebrow, a gesture of polite interest masking his inner calculations.

Jin-Chul continued, "We'll provide housing, education, and a stipend for living expenses. In return, we expect your full cooperation with any future inquiries and your participation in our youth hunter training program."

Itachi nodded, inwardly pleased at this development. It would give him time to acclimate to this new world and potentially provide access to valuable resources and information. "I'm grateful for the Association's generosity," he said softly. "I'll do my best to repay your kindness."

That night, as Itachi meditated in his hospital bed, focusing on the quiet hum of the medical equipment and the distant sounds of the city beyond his window, a startling change occurred. A blue screen suddenly materialized before his eyes, its soft glow illuminating his face in the dimly lit room.

[Welcome, Hunter. You have been chosen by the System.]

Itachi's eyes widened slightly, his mind racing. Was this some form of genjutsu? He attempted to dispel it, channeling his chakra in the familiar pattern, but the screen remained stubbornly in place.

[Would you like to begin the tutorial?]

[YES] [NO]

After a moment's hesitation, weighing the potential risks against the need for information, Itachi mentally selected [YES].

The screen expanded, filling his vision with a complex array of menus and statistics. Itachi spent the next several hours exploring the System, marveling at its depth and complexity. It seemed to offer a structured path to increase his strength, agility, and various skills, all quantified in a way he had never seen before.

However, as the days passed, Itachi found himself more focused on gathering information about his new environment than on completing the System's suggested "Daily Training" routines. He spent hours reading through the hospital's available literature, questioning the medical staff under the guise of memory recovery, and watching the news for any information about the world of Hunters and dungeons.

On the third day of neglecting his training, a red notification appeared, its angry glow demanding attention:

[Warning: Daily Training not completed. Penalty will be applied.]

Before Itachi could react, the hospital room around him shimmered and dissolved like mist in the morning sun. He found himself standing in the middle of a vast, scorching desert. The sun beat down mercilessly from a cloudless sky, and the air was thick with heat that shimmered above the sand.

Itachi's senses, honed by years of shinobi training, went into overdrive. He scanned his surroundings, taking in the endless dunes and the oppressive silence. But the peace was short-lived.

A guttural roar shattered the stillness. Turning, Itachi saw a group of massive, red-skinned orcs charging towards him. Their muscles bulged grotesquely, veins pulsing beneath crimson skin. Crude weapons of bone and stone were raised high, primitive but undoubtedly deadly.

Itachi's hands instinctively moved to form hand signs, muscle memory taking over. But as he attempted to mold his chakra, he felt an unfamiliar resistance. His usually abundant chakra reserves felt depleted, barely a trickle compared to his normal power.

He managed to create a small fireball, the heat of it barely noticeable in the already scorching environment. The orcs barreled through it without slowing, the flames seeming to energize rather than harm them.

Gritting his teeth, Itachi engaged the first orc to reach him in hand-to-hand combat. Despite his years of training and experience, he found himself struggling against the creature's brute strength and size. His body felt weak, his movements sluggish compared to his usual lightning-fast reflexes.

As he narrowly dodged a swing from an orc's club, the wind from the massive weapon ruffling his hair, Itachi realized with a shock that he was far from his full strength in this new world. The System had rendered him vulnerable, reminding him in the most visceral way possible of the consequences of ignoring its demands.

Sweat poured down Itachi's face as he weaved between the orcs' attacks. His analytical mind raced, searching for a solution. He couldn't keep this up indefinitely – eventually, fatigue or a lucky blow would end this deadly dance.

Seeing no other option, Itachi quickly accessed the objectives menu in his mind, selecting a basic strength training routine even as he continued to dodge and weave. His muscles burning with the effort, the desert landscape began to fade like a mirage.

[Penalty Completed.]

With a gasp, Itachi found himself back in his hospital room, his heart pounding and his body covered in a cold sweat. The sheets were tangled around him, testament to his physical struggle despite the illusory nature of the experience.

The encounter had been all too real, driving home a crucial point: this "System" was more than just an information interface – it had real power over his body and his very reality. From that moment on, Itachi started to take the System's requirements seriously. He couldn't afford such weakness, not when he still had so much to learn about this dangerous new world.

As he settled back into his bed, his mind raced with the implications of what he'd just experienced. The System was clearly a powerful tool, but it was also a stern taskmaster. Mastering it would be essential for his survival and success in this unfamiliar reality.

A week after his mysterious appearance, Itachi was finally discharged from the hospital. His body had fully recovered, though the doctors remained puzzled by his unusual brain activity and rapid healing. They chalked it up to his status as a potential high-rank hunter, but Itachi could see the lingering curiosity in their eyes.

As he signed the last of the discharge papers, a sleek black car from the Hunter's Association pulled up outside the hospital. The driver, a young woman with a friendly smile and alert eyes, greeted Itachi as he approached.

"Welcome, Itachi-ssi," she said, bowing slightly. "I'm Min-seo, and I'll be taking you to your new apartment today."

Itachi nodded politely, taking in every detail of the car and his surroundings. The vehicle was unlike anything he'd seen in his own world – sleek, silent, and clearly built with both luxury and security in mind.

As they drove through the bustling streets of Seoul, Min-seo chatted amiably, pointing out landmarks and providing bits of information about the city. "We've set you up in a nice apartment," she explained, navigating through the heavy traffic with ease. "It's in a safe neighborhood with other hunter trainees nearby. You'll have everything you need to get started in your new life here."

Itachi nodded, taking in the sights of Seoul through the car window. The towering skyscrapers, neon signs, and masses of people were a far cry from the villages he knew. The sheer scale of the city was almost overwhelming, a testament to the advancement of this world's technology and infrastructure.

Over the next few weeks, Itachi immersed himself in learning about his new world. He spent hours each day reading news articles, history books, and scientific journals. The concept of "dungeons" appearing around the world, monsters threatening humanity, and "hunters" rising to combat them fascinated him.

He learned about the awakening of hunters decades ago, coinciding with the first appearance of dungeons. The world had changed dramatically since then, with hunters becoming celebrities and dungeons reshaping geopolitics. Countries now vied for control over dungeon-rich territories, and the economy had shifted to accommodate the influx of magical resources from these otherworldly spaces.

Itachi also discovered that while his chakra still worked, it was interpreted by this world as a unique form of "mana." The energy that had been so familiar to him in his previous life was seen as an extraordinary and rare ability here. He kept this knowledge to himself, aware that it could make him a target for those seeking to exploit his powers.

Despite his busy schedule of training and learning, Itachi couldn't shake the fundamental question that plagued him in quiet moments: Why was he here? He clearly remembered dying, saying goodbye to Sasuke. The warmth of his brother's forehead against his fingers, the relief of finally being able to tell the truth – these memories were vivid and undeniable.

Was this some form of reincarnation? A parallel universe? Or perhaps a complex illusion, though one far beyond any genjutsu he had ever encountered or even heard of. Itachi pushed these thoughts aside for now, focusing on adapting to his new reality. There would be time for existential questions later, once he had a firmer grasp on this world and his place in it.

As Itachi grew more comfortable with modern conveniences and technology, he allowed himself to consider the possibility of a more peaceful life than his previous one. Here, there was no clan to massacre, no village to protect from the shadows. Perhaps in this world, he could live openly, without the burden of his past actions and the weight of secret loyalties.

The thought was both liberating and unsettling. For so long, Itachi's life had been defined by duty and sacrifice. The idea of living for himself, of pursuing his own goals and happiness, was almost foreign. Yet, as he watched the people of Seoul go about their daily lives – laughing, loving, simply existing without the constant threat of war – he felt a longing he hadn't experienced since childhood.

Realizing the importance of formal education in this world, especially given his apparent age, Itachi decided to enroll in high school. It would provide a cover for his presence and allow him to interact with others his apparent age, gathering valuable information about the social structures and norms of this world.

With this goal in mind, Itachi threw himself into studying for the high school entrance exams. His prodigious intellect, honed by years of complex strategizing and information analysis, served him well as he rapidly absorbed information on mathematics, sciences, literature, and history.

The System's intelligence boost also proved helpful, allowing him to process and retain information at an accelerated rate. Itachi found himself marveling at the depth and breadth of knowledge available in this world. The scientific advancements, the rich tapestry of global history, the complex interplay of cultures and ideas – all of it was fascinating to a mind that had been focused primarily on the ninja arts and warfare.

With his exceptional test scores and the Hunter's Association's influence, Itachi was admitted to one of Seoul's top high schools. As he stood before the school gates in his new uniform – a far cry from his Akatsuki cloak or ANBU armor – Itachi felt a mix of anticipation and wariness.

This would be a new kind of challenge – not one of combat or espionage, but of normal teenage life. He would need to navigate social interactions, academic pressures, and the complexities of adolescence in a world still largely foreign to him. All while maintaining his cover, training his abilities, and unraveling the mysteries of his presence in this reality.

As he took his first step onto the school grounds, joining the flow of students chattering excitedly about the new semester, Itachi couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of a much larger adventure. The double dungeon incident, the mysterious System, his own inexplicable presence in this world – all of these threads were converging, weaving a tapestry of destiny that he was only beginning to understand.

With a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth, Itachi entered the school. Whatever this new world had in store for him, he would face it head-on, adapting and overcoming as he always had. He was Itachi Uchiha, prodigy of the Uchiha clan, master of genjutsu, and now – improbably – a high school student in a world of hunters and dungeons.

As the school doors closed behind him, Itachi felt a sense of anticipation he hadn't experienced in years. This was a second chance, an opportunity to live a life unburdened by the sins of his past. And while he knew that danger and mystery still lurked on the horizon, for now, he would embrace this new beginning.

The first bell rang, signaling the start of classes. Itachi took a deep breath and moved forward, ready to write the next chapter of his extraordinary life.