Luckily, when I snagged this body, I'd also inherited Sasuke's memories. Without them, navigating this world would've been a total nightmare. Even with those flashes in my head, I knew I couldn't fight like him. Not yet.
My reflexes as a bedridden geek were nowhere near those of a legendary ninja. The mission Kakashi had handed me—those S-rank rogue ninjas—felt urgent, but honestly? They could wait. I'd landed in Naruto, for fuck's sake! I wasn't about to rush into a fight without enjoying this universe a little.
So, I found myself wandering to the hot springs, a place known as the Las Vegas of the ninja world. Night was falling, but the city buzzed like an overheating neon sign. The streets teemed with life: red and gold lanterns hung from inn facades, casinos flashed with garish signs, and bars spilled out laughter and the scent of sake.
On every corner, overly made-up girls, lips painted cherry red, tight dresses leaving little to the imagination, called out to passersby.
"Hey, handsome, come have some fun!" shouted a brunette with a plunging neckline, waving a lace fan. Another, a blonde in sky-high heels, winked and blew me a kiss.
"Sorry, ladies, just passing through," I replied with a smirk, savoring the attention. Was it Sasuke's body doing the work, or had I just turned narcissistic?
I decided to stop at a bar before finding an inn for the night. I'd always wanted to try sake, and now that I was in a manga, it was the perfect chance. I pushed open the door of a dive called Scented Sake.
"What a shitty name."
Inside, the smoky air was lit by flickering oil lamps. Drunk ninjas sang in a corner, a lightly dressed waitress—a cropped top and slit skirt—weaved between tables. I sat at the counter, plopping onto a rickety stool.
"What'll it be, handsome?" asked the waitress, her eyes scanning me up and down. She had a sly smile, and her top revealed a tattoo.
"Give me the strongest you've got," I said, rummaging in the pouch on my belt.
I dropped a few ryō on the counter, frowning at how light it felt. Shit, I need to make some cash.
Sasuke, that idiot, had always refused payment for his missions, too proud or whatever. Me? I wasn't living like a monk.
"Right away, darling," she replied with a wink, handing me a glass filled with a clear liquid that reeked of alcohol. I brought the sake to my lips, grimacing at the burn, but damn, it was good. The taste was raw, like a distilled volcano. And honestly, a little disappointing. It was disgusting.
That's when a slightly slurred voice interrupted me. "So, mysterious handsome, buying me a drink?" she laughed, a giggle that betrayed a few too many glasses. I turned, and my heart skipped a beat.
She wore a blood-red, form-fitting dress that stopped mid-thigh, revealing toned, sun-kissed legs from the hot springs. The neckline, just low enough, hinted at generous curves, and her cheeks, flushed from alcohol, gave her a vulnerable yet devilishly sexy air. Her black hair, usually pulled back, cascaded freely over her shoulders. She was… a MILF straight out of a one-night-stand fantasy.
"Shizune-san?" I blurted, unable to hide my surprise.
"Sa-Sasuke!? Is that you!?" she stammered, her eyes widening. She brought a hand to her mouth, visibly embarrassed. "Oh, shit, I mean… I didn't expect to see you here." She wobbled slightly, leaning on the counter to steady herself.
I chuckled, playing it cool. "Guess even legendary ninjas need a drink now and then."
My brain, though, was on fire.
[Kunoichi Taming System: Activated!]
A blue screen appeared before my eyes. Literally. In golden letters:
[System linked with host! Objective: Create the Ultimate Kunoichi Harem!]
First Target: Shizune – Tired of following Tsunade everywhere. She's never lived her own life, a sexy MILF and a frustrated sex beast.
[Tame 5 Kunoichi and unlock the First Tier!]
A slight smile spread across my face. Shizune, here, drunk and smoking hot? It was a golden opportunity. Strike while the iron's hot.