Naruto: The Mist Within
When a Medical student awakens in an infant's body in the deadly Hidden Mist Village, he knows surviving will require more than just his memories of a past life. In a world where children are forced to kill each other and bloodline abilities mark their wielders for death, Ren must carefully balance hiding his true potential while gathering enough strength to change the village's dark future. As Kirigakure descends into an era of unprecedented brutality, this reincarnated soul will discover that the deadliest technique isn't found in forbidden scrolls - it's knowing exactly when to reveal your true power. Fair Warning: This is a slow-burn story - no overpowered MC from the start Power progression is realistic and earned through years of dedicated training Contains graphic violence and death Story builds gradually with careful character and plot development What to Expect: Detailed training arcs and power progression Clever manipulation of future events using foreknowledge Original story arcs and character development [This novel is for readers who enjoy: Smart protagonists who rely on wit over raw power Realistic skill progression and strategic combat Deep world-building and political intrigue A fresh perspective on the Naruto universe]
Chapter 13: Changes
"Toshiro!"
Ren ran downstairs, finding his father supported by a teammate. A bloody bandage wrapped around his abdomen, but he was alive. He was back.
"I'm sorry to have worried you", Toshiro said with a tired smile as they helped him sit up.
"You were lucky," said his teammate. "Others didn't make it."
As his mother tended to his wounds, Ren stood beside them, a strange feeling in his chest. It was no longer the detachment of the early days, when he saw them as mere characters in a story. In some moments, without his realizing it, these "strangers" were becoming his family.
'How ironic,' he thought, observing his mother gently scolding his father as she changed his bandages. 'I have been reincarnated in the most ruthless village in the big five countries, and instead of getting tougher, I find myself ... feeling affection.'
"Hey, little champion," his father's voice brought him back to the present. "They've given me two weeks of enforced rest. Looks like I'll be able to accompany you on your first day at the academy after all."
That night, as everyone slept, Ren got up to drink water. Muted voices came from the kitchen.
"...The War is becoming serious," his father was saying.
"What about the council?" His mother's voice was strained.
"Divided. Some want to keep fighting, but..." A pause. "There is talk of possible peace talks. With the Yellow Lightning out there, nobody would expected another genius like this in Konoha "
Ren clutched his glass of water. Events were moving quickly. The incident of Rin, the rise of Yagura, the impending end of the war... everything was converging toward that turning point that would turn Kirigakure into the Bloody Mist.
'But this time,' he thought as he returned to his room, 'I am not just an observer. This time I have a family to protect.'
He paused in front of the window, watching the fog enveloping the village. It was strange how fate had a sense of humor all its own: sending him right here, right now, to this family. And instead of hardening him, it was making him more human.
'Maybe,' he reflected as he went back to bed, 'that's the whole point.
The days that separated him from the start of the academy now seemed more meaningful than ever. He wasn't just preparing to become a ninja - he was preparing to protect something precious.