Chapter 1: The Swarm

In the forest of the Aburame clan in Konoha.

"How are things at school?" 

Aburame Torune asked softly as he approached Zhixiang, who was observing insects.

"It's alright, but the knowledge they're teaching is too basic. It's a bit annoying," Zhixiang replied, glancing briefly at Torune before turning back to the caterpillar on the leaf in front of him.

He hadn't expected to see such a familiar insect in the ninja world, one that evoked deep childhood fears... He wasn't a character from the original series but a transmigrant from Earth who had been reborn in Konoha. His identity was that of Zhixiang, the cousin of Aburame Shino. His parents were deceased, so Shino's father had adopted him, making him Shino's elder brother.

In his previous life, he had only vaguely read the manga. He wasn't very familiar with Aburame Torune but knew he was a tragic figure.

"That's not good. To become a ninja, you have to endure," Torune advised, leaning against a tree with his arms crossed.

"Why didn't you go to school?" Zhixiang asked.

"Because I'm special," Torune replied, demonstrating his Phosphorus Destruction Insect by striking down a flying bird with a shuriken.

[Phosphorus Destruction Insect: An epic nano-toxic insect that can only reside within a living organism. It reproduces by devouring the host's cells. Upon the host's death, it also perishes and cannot survive more than three seconds when exposed to air.]

Suddenly, while Zhixiang was closely watching Torune's demonstration, a cold voice echoed in his ear. Zhixiang was startled, looking around in confusion.

Where did that voice come from?

"Is this why you can't go to school?" Zhixiang asked.

"Yes," Torune confirmed.

...

After Torune left, Zhixiang put on gloves and carefully placed the bird carcass, infested with Phosphorus Destruction Insects, into his special insect box. Then he turned to the caterpillar on the tree and placed it in a separate box.

[Caterpillar: Common species, prefers shade, mildly toxic. Stings cause redness and severe itching.]

Hmm?

The cold voice echoed in Zhixiang's ear again. This time, he was certain it was someone speaking directly into his mind.

No.

It was in his mind.

Suddenly, Zhixiang considered a possibility.

"System," he whispered.

As soon as he spoke, an ethereal panel appeared before his eyes.

It really is a system, Zhixiang mused, his face calm behind his sunglasses.

[Host has been bound to the Swarm Heart System]

[Drawing insect-related skills for the host]

[Drawing complete]

[Congratulations to the host for acquiring the skill: Swarm Evolution]

[Swarm Evolution: The host can upgrade and enhance their insects]

[Activating three slots in the Insect Breeding Space]

[Received random starter gift: Bio-Simulation Incubator]

[Bio-Simulation Incubator: Simulates a biological environment for cultivating parasitic insects]

[Successfully evolve epic and higher-ranked insect species six times to unlock more breeding space and receive random rewards]

Swarm! Evolution. Bio-Simulation Incubator.

For some reason, the face of Kerrigan, the Queen of Blades from StarCraft, flashed through Zhixiang's mind. His usually calm heart was now somewhat excited.

Then, Zhixiang turned his gaze to the caterpillar in his hand.

[Caterpillar, common insect species, currently available for evolution]

[Evolve now?]

[After evolution, it will be directly stored in the Insect Breeding Space and bound to the host. Proceed with caution]

[Yes/No]

The system categorized insects into six levels: Common, Rare, Unique, Epic, Legendary, and Catastrophic. The caterpillar was the most common type.

Zhixiang didn't hesitate and chose to evolve it.

[Please select the evolution direction]

[Evolution 1: Increased Toxicity]

[Evolution 2: Enhanced Camouflage]

It allows selection of enhancement directions? This system is quite advanced, Zhixiang thought.

"Increased Toxicity," he chose.

[Selection successful, caterpillar evolution completed. Toxicity increased]

[It can be placed in the Insect Breeding Space to continue nurturing. Once matured, it can evolve further]

[Placed in the Insect Breeding Space. The caterpillar will automatically bind to the host and obey commands, occupying one slot]

Further evolution, huh?

In the plastic box, the thumb-sized caterpillar had transformed into a cocoon, awaiting its emergence. Zhixiang placed it into the system's Insect Breeding Space and began examining his personal panel.

The caterpillar held significant sentimental value for Zhixiang as a transmigrant, and he didn't mind it occupying a slot in the breeding space.

[Aburame Zhixiang]

[Skill: Swarm Evolution]

[Insect Breeding Space: 1/3]

[Owned Insects: Caterpillar (evolved once)]

This system's information is quite simple, he thought. It seems this panel only shows system-related data.

Zhixiang then turned his attention to the Phosphorus Destruction Insects left by Torune. He was well aware of their power. Even the late-game boss with the broken ability Kamui, Uchiha Madara, had to sacrifice an arm to deal with Torune.

[Phosphorus Destruction Insect, Epic species, currently available for evolution]

[Yes/No]

"Yes," Zhixiang confirmed.

[Please select the evolution direction]

[Evolution 1: Increased Toxicity]

[Evolution 2: Enhanced Camouflage]

[Evolution 3: Increased Speed]

[...]

An epic species indeed, with seven evolution directions available.

Zhixiang's expression froze, and his heart filled with joy.

[Ding! Evolution 8: Special Evolution, Feedback]

[Feedback: The Phosphorus Destruction Insect can transfer the energy it absorbs back to the host, including chakra, physical energy, mental energy, and bloodline power...]

...