Chapter 3: "Understanding Intent"
The blood-red panel hovered before his eyes, translucent and cold, as though carved from light itself.
Current Understanding of the Path of Killing:
Beginner — 0.002% (0–10%)
Only 0.002%.
Kenzo stood motionless in the shallow water, the dead fish still in his grasp. The number was so small it was almost laughable. Yet instead of disappointment, a thin smile formed at the corner of his lips.
It had worked. That alone was enough for now.
He tossed the lifeless fish back into the pond without ceremony and stepped out of the water. Droplets slid down his lean frame as he calmly put his upper garments back on and slipped into his sandals. His movements were unhurried and precise.
So insects do not count. Or perhaps they do not meet the minimum threshold.
Kenzo's eyes narrowed slightly in thought.
The system likely measures significance—life force, chakra density, perhaps even intent. Crushing ants absentmindedly would not qualify.
So the more developed the target, the greater the gain.
He began walking along the edge of the pond, already considering the repercussions and how to make the best use of this. To him, the system was just another tool to grow stronger.
If chakra and life force are the deciding factors, then shinobi would provide far more progress than animals.
Kenzo pushed that thought out of his mind for now and focused on the pond before him.
He crouched near the water's edge, observing his reflection. The pitch-black almond eyes staring back at him were calm, almost indifferent.
Or maybe killing without purpose is also a factor.
If this path truly revolves around "understanding," then mere slaughter is not enough. There must be comprehension behind the act—awareness of life and death itself.
He extended a hand into the water again. This time, he did not immediately strike. Instead, he waited. A fish approached cautiously, drawn by the subtle ripples.
In one fluid motion, his hand shot out. The surface broke, and another fish was caught.
He looked at it carefully. Its body twisted weakly in his grip, scales glistening under the sunlight. Life struggling against inevitability.
A moment later, the kunai flashed. The struggle completely ceased.
The system panel changed again.
Current Understanding of the Path of Killing:
Beginner — 0.005% (0–10%)
Kenzo's gaze sharpened.
The increase was slightly higher this time.
Why? Because he acted with intent? Or something else?
Without hesitation, he repeated the process several more times—not recklessly, but methodically. Each action was deliberate. By the time he stopped, the percentage had climbed to 0.021%.
Now he understood what was happening.
This Path of Killing rewards intent, not blind violence.
With that understanding, he rose to his feet, wiping the water from his hands onto his clothes without concern. The pond had already gone quiet again. He had already removed all traces of himself here.
This was only a minor test. He still hadn't made a full assessment of this so-called system.
Without ceremony, Uchiha Kenzo moved back toward the Uchiha clan residences. His plan was simple—to go out and accept a suitable mission.
He needed to understand this system more. Without understanding something thoroughly, how could one use it effectively?
This was similar to understanding oneself. Without knowing what you truly want, how could your steps be as firm as a mountain?
When you listen to the voice in the depths of your heart, then and only then will you realize what you want to do.
What kind of a person you want to become?
Where do you wanna go?
You will obtain the answer in the depths of your heart.
With that understanding, Kenzo took firm steps toward his home.
He needed to gather more supplies before going to the mission hall.
Gradually, Kenzo's figure disappeared from the forest and made its way toward the clan residences.
By now, most civilians had already come out of their houses and were busy with their daily work and household chores.
Without attracting much attention, Uchiha Kenzo made his way toward his home.
As he walked in, he carefully observed everything in his surroundings.
His room was modest and orderly, like most rooms within the Uchiha clan compound. The floor was covered with tatami mats, and a neatly folded futon rested against the wall. A small wooden table stood near the window, holding a few scrolls, an ink brush, and a dim oil lamp.
Against one wall was a simple weapon rack where his katana and a pouch of shuriken were kept. Everything was arranged carefully, without clutter. The sliding shoji doors let in faint moonlight at night, casting quiet shadows across the room.
There were no decorations, no personal ornaments—only the faint Uchiha clan crest carved into the wooden wall above his table.
The room was silent and calm.
Shinobi were fundamentally different from ordinary people; most of their valuables were hidden in a series of hidden compartments.
Uchiha Kenzo moved methodically, following the memories of the original owner to the tee, taking all the supplies and equipment necessary for this mission.
He knelt near the corner of the room and pressed lightly against a seemingly ordinary wooden panel. With a soft click, a hidden compartment revealed itself. Inside were neatly arranged items—explosive tags, soldier pills, extra kunai, chakra wires, and emergency funds.
He inspected each item carefully, ensuring nothing was missing or damaged. Preparation determines survival and negligence invited death. Kenzo understood this principle clearly.
After taking out the supplies from the hidden compartment, he placed them into a sealing scroll and quietly exited his home.
The shoji door slid shut without making a sound.
Kenzo did not look back.
The path ahead was uncertain, but his steps were steady like a firm mountain.
As long as his goal towards eternal life remains firm and unyielding.
Then even in death,he will not have any regrets.