Forgotten Power

Renji wasn't zoning out or anything; he was staring at the panel in front of him.

As someone who had transmigrated from modern-day Earth, Renji immediately tried to check whether he had been given a "system" or some golden finger as soon as he became aware of his new reality.

And indeed, he had what he called a "panel" type golden finger. This panel came with two pre-existing "skills," but despite trying countless strategies, he couldn't figure out how to unlock any new ones.

What he didn't know was that a mysterious being had created this panel for him, simply as a way to access his powers more easily. The two unlocked skills were, in fact, his true golden fingers.

[Black Panel]

Age: (6/121) [21 gained from skill]

Chakra: Normal (1500/3100) [2100 gained from skill]

Skills:

Kagebōshi Ryūsei [Shadow Baryon Mode] (Inactive): Grants the user an immense boost in speed, reflexes, strength, and overall combat abilities.

Abilities: Life Drain and Shadow Assault [Locked]

Requires: At least two types of chakra (1/?)

Drawbacks: Life Drain, permanent chakra consumption.

Eien Seishin [Eternal Spirit] (Active): Allows the user to gain life energy and chakra passively as they age.

Life Energy: 21 gathered. [Live a year and exponentially increase your life]

Chakra: 2100 units gathered.

As Renji gazed at his panel, which he believed was his true golden finger, he couldn't help but wince at the sight of his first skill.

It resembled the infamous Baryon Mode that Naruto had used, yet it appeared to possess additional abilities that made it even more formidable.

He also had a second skill designed to counterbalance the life energy and chakra he would lose.

The only concern with this skill was the continuous fusion until one source of energy was completely depleted. He is not sure that it has this disadvantage but he is hopeful since it isn't in the disadvantage section.

Putting those thoughts aside for now, the main issue remained: he had no idea how to obtain another energy source to initiate the fusion.

"I'm neither a Jinchuriki nor a Sage. Even worse, I don't have enough strength to mingle with the kind elder 'Danzo' or snake Uncle 'Orochi'. No, no... These thoughts are dangerous, they might pluck my 'red candies'."

Renji sighed in despair, truly troubled about how to find the second energy. He didn't have a clear understanding of the vague description provided by the panel.

He had no clue if he could instantly become as strong as Naruto using Baryon Mode, nor did he comprehend what the panel meant by "minimum two."

Additionally, there was no concept of experience for him, so he had no idea if there were any upgrade options available.

"Well, there are still three years until the 'unfortunate event.' I need to come up with a plan to avoid it and also find a way to unlock this power."

Renji quickly calmed down, realizing that instead of constantly worrying, he should focus on strategizing how to deal with the challenges ahead.

"Renji, don't stay up late. We have to go to the academy tomorrow."

Izumi's voice floated in from outside his room, taking on the role of a mother since their own was away.

"I'm about to hit the bed. Good night, sister," Renji replied with a warm smile before closing his eyes, feeling a sense of comfort.

In his previous life, he was always in a rush, and the same urgency carried over to this world. However, in the past, he had been the elder brother, bearing a heavy weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

In this world, even though he knew his entire family was at dire risk of elimination, Renji could sleep peacefully, comforted by the fact that someone else bore greater responsibility in the family.

Despite being aware that their shoulders weren't strong enough to shield them from the impending misery, he found solace in the warmth and strength they provided, which was far greater than his own at this moment.

The next day, Izumi and Renji headed to the academy early in the morning after a rushed breakfast.

"Renji... come here!"

Hana Natsume, a little girl with adorable round cheeks, called out to him as soon as he entered the classroom.

Renji's entrance didn't attract much attention from the other kids, except for two or three little girls who glanced at him for a moment before shifting their focus to others.

If it had been any other Uchiha, they might have made quite an impression. After all, even an average Uchiha usually outshines many of the kids here.

However, Renji wasn't the type to show off, especially since there were other Uchiha in the class who were more talented than he was.

As for Hana, she was just a civilian child with no clan background. Initially, when he sat beside her, she appeared quite nervous, constantly avoiding his gaze.

However, over time, after some awkward conversations and a bit of observation, they became good friends.

Renji, being relatively 'kind-hearted,' soon found that the little girl began to entertain some silly thoughts about him, which he noticed early on.

After having a thorough "Let's talk about life" conversation with her, she managed to dismiss all those silly notions.

In the end, she even gave him the nickname "Grandpa," saying he talked just like her grandfather.

"Hana, let's go to the library after class. I need to check something out, and then we can head to the public training grounds. I could use your help with a technique I'm learning."

Renji sat beside her, feeling the scornful gazes of some of his clanmates.

He wanted to visit the library to find any helpful information regarding his "second chakra" dilemma. Additionally, he hoped to try out something later and needed a "specimen." 

Cough... I mean, she's the only friend I have in this entire village. Aside from Izumi and Mother, I can't turn to anyone else.

Renji thought to himself, trying to recall any other faces that might qualify as friends.

Hana didn't respond immediately, as she had her plans after the academy. She glanced longingly at the white-eyed boy before turning back to Renji.

Aren't you just a six-year-old brat?

Renji couldn't help but roll his eyes, screaming internally. He would have delivered another life lesson, but he held back, knowing he needed her help.

He glanced at the boy for a moment before shaking his head and focusing on Hana.

That boy was none other than Neji Hyuga, the prodigy of the Hyuga clan. He was aware that Lee and Tenten were also in this class, but he never interacted with them, as they were cannons.

"Alright, I'll help you. But once I do, you have to help me with my training in return."

Hana replied, recalling how Renji had assisted her before. Compared to training alone, his guidance made her progress multiple times faster. As a kunoichi from an ordinary family, Hana was eager to become a ninja, not just to prove her worth, but also to support her family.