Chapter 1: Reincarnation

In a cybercafé, Erwin held the latest generation graphic tablet in his hands, on the tablet, a 3D model of a German-made pistol took shape, more specifically the Luger P08.

From time to time, he glanced at the computer screen, where one of his favorite animes was playing for the umpteenth time, however, he didn't seem to be in a good mood.

As an indie game developer, he had no choice but to work while relaxing, so even though he left the house to get some fresh air, the work really doesn't wait for anyone.

"This is really horrible." Watching episode 12 of the 3rd season of Overlord, Erwin sighed at the deplorable animation of this episode.

Just as he was about to click on the next episode, the computer froze.

"Hm, I guess you can't expect much from a cybercafé." Erwin grumbled, looking at the broken computer in front of him.

After complaining, he pressed the power button and was about to speak to the staff when.

Boom!

Suddenly, the computer exploded, and Erwin was struck by the blast wave and shrapnel, causing him to collapse instantly.

Feeling the pain in his body, Erwin was stunned, trying to stay calm while breathing with difficulty.

"Am I going to die like this..? Well, I guess it's not so bad to die anyway, damn, at least let me reincarnate, getting some cool skills would be better, something like Predator or.." ...

[ Confirmed Unique Skill [ Predator ] Acquired ]

'Huh.. am I hallucinating? No, wait!' Realizing what might be happening, I forced myself to calm down and used all my strength to think clearly.

"Imitation!" I thought, testing the waters.

[ Unique Skill [ Imitation ] Acquired ]

'Damn, yes!' A wave of emotion swept over me as I heard that voice again.

"Alright, Erwin, calm down, think.. think.. what else would be useful if you were going to another world.. that's it, Arc of Embodiment!"

[ Unique Skill [ Arc of Embodiment ] Acquired ]

'Great, this skill is undoubtedly super broken, although I thought it would be an ultimate skill.. cough! cough! Damn, it doesn't matter.' I thought, coughing up blood, already feeling my life hanging by a thread.

Using my willpower, I wished for one last skill. "Since the coincidence is so big, then, Great Sage!"

[ Unique Skill [ Great Sage ] Acquired..] The emotionless voice sounded once again, and the thread holding me finally broke, letting me fall into the abyss of nothingness.

There was no grand transition, it was like falling asleep, you don't know when it happened, you just know it did.

...

"Hokage-sama, the ninjas from Iwa and Kumogakure have successively withdrawn from the border and have temporarily abandoned the battlefield." Reported the ninja wearing an cat mask, kneeling on one knee.

"Understood." The Third Hokage, surrounded by Konoha's elites in the meeting room, slowly nodded upon hearing the Anbu's report, holding his pipe and releasing a puff of smoke.

The gathered ninjas began murmuring; perhaps this was an enemy ploy, but if not, then the hope of the war's end might illuminate Konoha once more.

Among them, a young man with black hair, pale skin, and reptilian eyes narrowed his gaze slightly, feeling confused. He observed his surroundings, trying not to draw attention, as memories surged like a tide.

The Third Hokage rose from his seat and slowly advanced to the center of the room with a firm step.

He took a moment to observe all the shinobi gathered; he knew that although many of them were battle-hardened men, there were also young ones who needed a spark to ignite the flame in their hearts.

"Listen carefully," he began, his voice resonating through the room.

"Today, we find ourselves at a crucial point, one where the will of fire we've kept alive for generations has prevailed."

"Thanks to Konoha's brave ninjas, those who never wavered, those who never retreated, and those who gave their lives for the people, our village still stands."

"Thanks to those who faced the enemy's barbarity without hesitation, carrying with them the hope of all our people." He paused, observing the faces of those who watched him attentively.

"Since the days of our ancestors, we've believed that Konoha's true strength doesn't lie solely in our techniques or the might of our warriors."

"It lies in the fire that burns in our hearts, the desire to protect our loved ones, in the selfless sacrifice for the future of our descendants; that is Konoha's true strength." Hiruzen extended his arms and spoke with passion, then looked at his dear disciples.

"The Sannin, who earned their title fighting valiantly, civilians, and all the noble ninjas of Konoha." Hiruzen said, looking at a boy with yellow hair.

"They are all heroes who have embodied this spirit, heroes who possess the will of fire!" His voice fell upon everyone present, igniting their hearts.

'Damn..' After a moment of confusion, the pale-skinned young man regained his awareness.

...

'So I've reincarnated into Naruto, and as Orochimaru no less!' I thought, a bit nervous.

Reincarnation is fine, but did it have to be as a villain? It's okay, I can accept it, let's adapt to the situation first.

"Hokage-sama, should we pursue the ninjas from Kumo and Iwa?" Asked a Jounin with pineapple-shaped hair and scars on his face, Erwin or rather, Orochimaru now, identified him as Shikaku Nara.

The Hokage, who had returned to his seat, looked at him without responding, took a drag from his pipe, and closed his eyes, seconds later, he asked. "What do you think?"

"Honestly." he said with a reflective expression on his face.

"I believe that a hasty pursuit could be more dangerous than beneficial." Shikaku lifted his head and addressed everyone in the room.

"Although the enemies have retreated, we too have suffered too many casualties and cannot afford to risk more lives without a well-thought-out strategy." He paused briefly before continuing.

"Military exhaustion has also affected us considerably. I think Kumo and Iwagakure might be waiting for us to do exactly that, to react impulsively."

The Third Hokage slowly nodded, showing a glint of respect for the Nara's wisdom.

"You're right." Hiruzen nodded, exhaling another puff of smoke.

"Then tell us what you suggest." Hiruzen asked, everyone present was aware of the Nara clan's wisdom, especially Shikaku, so there was no problem in hearing his opinion.

Shikaku brought a hand to his chin, frowned, and said, "I suggest we withdraw our troops to the border and fortify them."

"Reinforcing our defenses will ensure that we are prepared for any unexpected attacks; moreover, if Kumo and Iwa are planning an ambush or counterattack, our forces will be in a position to resist without exposing themselves to disaster."

"If we maintain a solid defensive posture, we will force the enemy to expose themselves."

"And if they truly plan to retreat, we will have time to reorganize and heal our wounded without unnecessary risks." Shikaku finished his speech, observing the expressions of those present.

"Shikaku is right, the Uchiha clan has already sacrificed many lives, including some elite Jounin, I think we should retreat to regroup and redeploy." said a black-haired man with the Uchiha clan symbol on his back, identified as Fugaku Uchiha.

The others simply remained silent and said nothing.