Konoha: Starting with a Simulator

Chapter 1: My Happy Life Simulator

"Everyone, pick up the pace! We must reach the Kannabi Bridge by 6 PM tomorrow."

The speaker was Uchiha Fugaku, a powerful ninja with immense prestige among the Uchiha clan. This time, Konoha had tasked him with leading the majority of the Uchiha's elite forces to provide support at the Kannabi Bridge.

Hearing the order, Byakuya increased his speed slightly, though he intentionally kept himself positioned toward the middle-rear of the group. This spot would allow him to respond quickly in case of an ambush.

Compared to his peers, who were excited and eager, his mood was tense, his expression solemn.

He had long understood the harsh reality of war.

Even his parents—both elite jonin and pillars of the Uchiha clan and Konoha—had silently perished on the battlefield.

The village had offered minimal consolation to the orphans of war, but what good were empty words?

Without the support of his clan, the then 4-year-old Byakuya might not have survived to grow up.

Now, he had just graduated from the Ninja Academy. Although his diligent training had already brought him to the genin level, his combat experience was effectively zero. Could he truly survive on the battlefield?

This question made Byakuya deeply uneasy. He did not want to die a silent, meaningless death.

Just then, a sudden mechanical voice echoed in his ears.

"Beep~ The Happy Life Simulator has been activated. Begin your journey to a happy life."

"Beep~ The host is detected to be underage. To promote healthy living and safeguard the host's growth, the anti-addiction system has been activated. The simulator may be used twice daily."

"Running the simulator consumes mental energy. Please plan your gaming time wisely. Once the host achieves full civil competence or financial independence, the anti-addiction system will automatically deactivate."

"Beep~ Would you like to begin your first happiness simulation?"

Byakuya froze mid-step, scanning his surroundings for signs of genjutsu. Activating his Sharingan revealed no abnormalities.

"Beep~ Would you like to begin your first happiness simulation?"

"A simulator?" Byakuya's tension eased slightly. "After all these years, my cheat has finally arrived."

He had long felt that the people in this world had warped priorities. At 12, he was already considered old for entering the battlefield—only because he had deliberately delayed his graduation.

Many children younger than him eagerly rushed to war, driven by something called the "Will of Fire."

Byakuya hesitated briefly. The simulator required mental energy, so it was better to wait until they were resting to avoid potential problems if an enemy attacked.

After marching for over half an hour, the group paused for a break at a concealed spot. Byakuya sat under an isolated tree, closed his eyes, and pretended to rest while mentally agreeing to begin the simulation.

"Beep~ The Happy Life Simulator is now active. The first happiness simulation begins."

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Simulation Start:

"Day 1: Recently graduated from the Ninja Academy, you follow your clan into battle. The journey is uneventful, though you can't shake a sense of foreboding. After hours of marching, you stop to rest."

"Unfortunately, luck is fleeting. You encounter enemy forces on a secret mission. Your caution allows you to survive their initial attack, but you are ultimately captured and tortured to death."

Simulation End:

Survival Time: 14 hours

Happiness Rating: F

Rewards:

As it was the host's first simulation, the reward pool has been refreshed. You may select any three of the following:

1. Blinding Blow Dart (Blue): Fires a poison dart that causes blindness upon contact.

2. Danger Sense (Green): Alerts you to imminent danger but induces intense negative emotions.

3. Blink (Purple): Allows instant teleportation within a 150-meter radius at the cost of energy.

4. Heaven Rewards the Diligent (Gold): Guarantees proportional rewards for effort.

5. Barehanded Blade Catch (Orange): Enables you to catch any weapon barehanded without injury.

6. Madness Potion (Purple): Greatly enhances regeneration and physical strength but damages mental stability, inducing insanity.

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Byakuya frowned. The outcome was grim. "I didn't even survive the first day. Some 'happy' simulator this is."

Feeling a slight mental fatigue after the simulation, he decided this feature might be best used before sleeping—it would help him rest better.

He carefully analyzed the rewards, knowing they could determine his survival in this cruel war.

Blinding Blow Dart seemed practical but situational, making Danger Sense more appealing for its broader utility in avoiding ambushes.

Blink was undeniably a lifesaver, especially when paired with Danger Sense for escape.

Madness Potion was tempting but too risky; losing sanity in this world was tantamount to a death sentence.

He deliberated between Barehanded Blade Catch and Heaven Rewards the Diligent. While the former was powerful in close combat, the latter's rarity and long-term potential won out.

Ultimately, he chose:

1. Danger Sense

2. Blink

3. Heaven Rewards the Diligent

Satisfied with his decision, Byakuya resolved to make the most of his newfound cheat in this war-torn world.

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