Arriving In Konoha.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully reaching Konoha Village within three days. The **Strongest Salted Fish System** is now officially activated!]

[Ding! The host's first character panel is being drawn…]

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully obtaining the character template of Admiral Kizaru, the highest combat power within the World Government of the Pirate World. Would you like to bind this template?]

Hearing the system prompt in his mind, Kirito's expression flickered with surprise.

---

Three days ago, Kirito had transmigrated into this strange world. At first, he had no idea where he was. However, upon discovering a broken ninja forehead protector in the woods, the realization hit him like lightning.

He was in one of his favorite hot-blooded anime worlds from his previous life: *Naruto*. This wasn't just any ordinary world; it was the perilous ninja world where even a Genin could be dangerous.

The system's voice had followed soon after, instructing him to reach the nearest ninja village within three days to activate the system. With no time to waste, Kirito set off immediately, guided only by the clues the broken forehead protector provided.

Finally, on the third day, he saw it: the towering Hokage Rock in the distance, its four massive faces etched into the mountainside. Below it lay the bustling Konoha Village.

---

His thoughts returned to the present as he processed the system's announcement.

"System, the highest combat power of the World Government—Admiral Kizaru's template? Are you serious?" Kirito asked in disbelief.

[Ding! Please confirm if the host wishes to bind the Kizaru template.]

Kirito took a deep breath, his mind racing. He couldn't deny how absurdly powerful this template was. Kizaru, the epitome of destructive force, wielded the Light-Light Fruit and unmatched speed.

If this power were fully transferred into the Naruto world, Kirito knew he might not match the likes of Six Paths-level beings, but below them? He would reign supreme.

Suppressing his excitement, he gave his answer without hesitation. "Bind it."

---

[Ding! Binding the Kizaru (Borsalino) template…]

[Drawing initial compatibility rate…]

[Ding! Congratulations to the host. The Kizaru template has been successfully bound with an initial compatibility of 30%.]

---

As the system's voice faded, Kirito suddenly felt an overwhelming surge of energy coursing through his body. His exhaustion from three days of trekking vanished in an instant. He clenched his fist, and a faint golden light shimmered in his palm.

It was real. He could feel it—Kizaru's power, his memories, and his combat experience. Although his compatibility was only at 30%, his control over the Light-Light Fruit was already impressive.

---

**[Name]: Kirito

[Age]: 20 years old

[Character Template]: Kizaru (Borsalino) – 30% compatibility

[Ability]: Light-Light Fruit**

---

Closing the system panel, Kirito's thoughts were interrupted by another prompt.

[Ding! Novice mission: Embrace your salted fish nature. Find a force to join within three days and begin your life as a true salted fish.]

Kirito smirked as he considered his options. In this world, there were only a handful of major factions: the Five Great Ninja Villages and the enigmatic Akatsuki organization.

The Akatsuki's noble goals of saving the world didn't align with his laid-back, "salted fish" ambitions. That left the ninja villages. Konoha, while plagued by a dark underbelly led by figures like Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo, was still his best bet.

"A salted fish is a salted fish no matter where you go," he thought, grinning. "Besides, I wouldn't mind seeing the day Sarutobi tells Danzo, *'I am the Hokage.'*"

---

Walking through the bustling streets of Konoha, Kirito, clad in a sleek black windbreaker, attracted plenty of attention. His tall, lean frame radiated an aura of quiet strength, drawing the eyes of many passing women. Some even threw flirtatious glances his way, but Kirito ignored them, his focus elsewhere.

Soon, he arrived at the Hokage's office building. This was the power hub of Konoha, where Sarutobi and Danzo had clashed behind the scenes for decades.

Kirito adjusted his sunglasses—a recent purchase from a street vendor—and strode confidently into the mission hall. The silver-haired Kakashi stood leaning against a pillar, engrossed in his book, giving Kirito only a passing glance.

As Kirito approached the front desk, he spotted someone familiar: Iruka Umino, the Chunin instructor from the original series, seated behind the counter.

"Hello," Iruka greeted, looking up with a hint of curiosity. "What task would you like to issue?"

Kirito's calm demeanor and confident presence unsettled Iruka slightly, making him unconsciously more formal.

"I'm not here to issue a task," Kirito replied with a faint smile. "I'm here to join Konoha as a ninja."

His words stunned Iruka. Before the instructor could respond, another familiar face cut in.

Mizuki, seated beside Iruka, scoffed, eyeing Kirito disdainfully. "Join Konoha? Do you think this is some small, backwater ninja village? Konoha's ninjas are trained from childhood through rigorous exams. And you…you think you can waltz in and become one of us?"

He sneered, waving Kirito off dismissively. "Get lost, kid. Stop wasting our time."

Kirito ignored Mizuki entirely, his calm gaze fixed on Iruka.

Feeling the weight of that stare, Iruka hesitated. "I'm sorry," he said reluctantly. "But Konoha doesn't accept outside recruits. It's just not how we operate…"

Kirito's lips curled into a faint smirk. "You misunderstand," he said, his voice steady.

"I'm not applying to be a Genin or Chunin."

The room fell silent.

"I'm here to apply as a Jonin."