In the ninja world, the Substitution Jutsu was one of the most basic techniques taught at the Ninja Academy. But despite its simple reputation, the technique actually existed in two very different forms.
The first type was the standard E-rank Substitution Jutsu.
Its essence was deception.
When used, the ninja would quickly replace themselves with a nearby object—usually a log—while secretly moving away. In practice, it was a combination of quick movement and misdirection, somewhat similar to mixing the Body Flicker Technique with a brief illusion.
The advantages were clear.
It was easy to learn, required little chakra, and was extremely useful for beginners.
But its weaknesses were just as obvious.
The distance of movement was short, and the technique required a brief moment of preparation before activation. Against experienced ninjas, that small delay could become a fatal weakness.
In simple terms, it worked well when dealing with inexperienced opponents.
But in real combat between skilled ninjas, the technique had very limited usefulness.
The second type of Substitution Jutsu was much more advanced.
Certain powerful ninjas developed personalized substitution techniques, modifying the original jutsu according to their own abilities and combat style.
Two famous examples immediately came to mind.
One was Orochimaru's Molting Substitution, where he shed his skin like a snake to escape fatal attacks.
The other was Itachi Uchiha's Crow Substitution, where his body would disperse into countless crows before reappearing somewhere else.
When combined with high combat experience, these techniques could create nearly flawless evasive abilities.
And now—
Thanks to the traits granted by the mysterious gala system, Ren had obtained something similar.
Or perhaps something even more ridiculous.
Because the ability he possessed allowed him to perform a stable, instant-cast substitution.
No hand signs.
No delay.
No preparation.
Just instant movement.
The only limitation was the short distance.
But aside from that minor flaw, the ability was almost perfect.
In Ren's eyes, it was basically a range-limited version of the space-time technique Amenotejikara.
And the most shocking part?
This was only the reward from reaching the "Friendly" stage at 25 favorability.
If the reward at 25 favorability was already this powerful…
Then what kind of ability would appear at 100 favorability?
Ren couldn't help but smile.
"This gala system… is actually pretty amazing."
Of course, it wasn't completely perfect.
There was one obvious drawback.
The Practice function could not be automated.
Unlike leveling systems in games where skills improved automatically, Ren had to actually train every technique himself.
If he wanted to increase favorability, he had to grind through practice again and again.
On top of that, his chakra reserves were still limited.
Compared to someone like Obito Uchiha, Ren's chakra was far smaller.
As a result, the Great Fireball Technique he could currently perform was embarrassingly small.
Not the massive blazing inferno typical of the Uchiha clan.
Instead…
It was roughly the size of a basketball.
In real combat, such a fireball barely had any practical value.
But Ren wasn't discouraged.
After all, when Sasuke Uchiha first learned the Great Fireball Technique, his fireball wasn't very large either.
Everyone started from somewhere.
More importantly, the gala system had a special advantage.
Even if the Great Fireball was weak right now, Ren could continue practicing it and increase its favorability level.
Once the next stage reward unlocked, the situation could completely change.
And if even the Three Basic Jutsu had such incredible traits…
Then the reward from the Great Fireball Technique certainly wouldn't be disappointing.
This was the greatest advantage of having a system.
It gave him something extremely important.
Confidence.
The kind of confidence only someone who had played countless grinding games could truly understand.
Ren took a deep breath.
He slowly straightened his body.
Just moments ago, he had been hanging upside down from a tree branch during training.
With a quick twist of his waist, he flipped down and landed lightly on the ground.
Then he began jumping in place.
One jump.
Two jumps.
Three jumps.
Each jump felt lighter than the last.
By the third jump, he almost hit a tree branch nearly seven meters above him.
"Whoa…"
Ren blinked in surprise.
His body felt completely different.
Next, he lowered himself into a horse stance and began throwing punches.
One punch.
Two punches.
Three punches.
Each strike sliced through the air with a sharp whistling sound.
The strength in his arms, waist, and shoulders had clearly increased.
His punches felt heavier, faster, and more solid.
Even without testing it in a real fight, Ren could clearly feel the difference.
The three Physique points granted by the gala system had strengthened his entire body.
Strength.
Speed.
Endurance.
Everything had improved.
Unfortunately, he didn't have anyone nearby to spar with.
So he couldn't accurately measure how much his taijutsu had improved.
But one thing was certain.
The current Ren could easily defeat the version of himself from a few weeks ago.
After finishing several sets of punches, he looked up at the sky.
The sun was already setting.
"Looks like it's about time."
He stretched his shoulders.
"Tomorrow is the diagnostic assessment day."
His expression became slightly serious.
Whether he could continue as a ninja…
Or end up becoming something completely different…
Would all depend on tomorrow.
Ren scratched his head and laughed softly.
"Well… whether I become a ninja or a noodle-stretching master depends on this one shot."
The next morning.
Sunlight filtered through the streets of Konoha.
After finishing breakfast with his mother, Ren stepped outside his house.
The moment he stepped out, he saw a familiar figure.
"Good morning, Ren-kun!"
Standing nearby was Rin Nohara, also carrying her schoolbag.
She waved happily.
But as she approached, her eyes kept drifting toward the top of Ren's head.
Her expression gradually became puzzled.
Ren noticed immediately.
"What's wrong, Rin? Is there something on my head?"
He touched his white hair.
Rin quickly shook her head.
"No… it's just…"
She hesitated before speaking again.
"Ren-kun, did you grow taller recently?"
"Hmm?"
"I remember not long ago you were only a little taller than me."
She raised her hand to compare their heights.
"But now… there's almost half a head difference."
Ren glanced sideways at her.
His gaze briefly moved from the top of her head down to her slender neck before he smiled casually.
"Maybe I've been eating better lately."
"Better nutrition helps people grow."
"Speaking of which… I should thank you for the bucket of fish you gave me."
Rin laughed awkwardly.
"That's a bit exaggerated."
"If eating fish could make people grow taller, everyone in Konoha would be fishing in the Naka River."
In reality, Ren knew the real reason.
The three Physique points from the gala system had improved his body in every aspect.
Strength.
Muscle.
Bone density.
Even his height had increased slightly.
Still, children their age naturally experienced growth spurts, so the change didn't seem suspicious.
After walking a little further, Rin suddenly spoke again.
"Oh right, Ren-kun."
"I got a reply about the medical ninjutsu training."
Ren looked curious.
"Oh?"
"Teacher Oki said there's a training class for new medical staff at Konoha Hospital."
"He recommended me."
"I can start auditing next week."
She looked at him with expectation.
"Ren-kun, do you want to come too?"
"If we both go, we can discuss any problems we encounter."
"When is it?"
"Weekend mornings. Sometimes weekday evenings."
"The instructors are mostly Chunin medical ninjas."
"But occasionally Jonin appear as guest lecturers."
She lowered her voice slightly.
"They even said Lady Tsunade once came to teach there."
"Tsunade, huh…"
Ren subconsciously imagined a certain very famous feature of the legendary Sannin.
There was no helping it.
That particular characteristic of Tsunade was simply too unforgettable.
Still, something felt strange.
During this time period, Tsunade should have already left Konoha.
And because of her fear of blood, teaching at a hospital seemed unlikely.
But Ren didn't think too deeply about it.
"Sure."
"Just let me know when it starts."
By the time their conversation ended, they had already reached the Ninja Academy.
Students filled the courtyard.
Many greeted Rin warmly.
She had a gentle personality and often helped others, making her extremely popular.
Among the crowd was a boy with pale eyes.
A member of the Hyuga Clan.
His name was Hyuga Homon.
With a slightly arrogant expression, he walked over and casually joined the conversation.
Like many boys in the class, Homon secretly liked Rin.
But unlike Obito—who openly admired her—Homon preferred to act cool.
His noble clan upbringing gave him a strong sense of pride.
Instead of chasing Rin like a fanboy, he tried to impress her by acting superior, often boasting about his clan's prestige and his own talent.
Unfortunately, that approach usually just made Rin feel awkward.
As for Ren…
In the eyes of most boys in the class—
He was a potential love rival.
After all, what could they do?
Ren had the advantage of being extremely handsome.
Previously, the academy also had Kakashi Hatake, who surpassed everyone in both talent and looks.
But now Kakashi had already graduated early.
Which meant Ren had unintentionally become the most handsome boy in the class.
Even though his talent wasn't extraordinary, quite a few girls admired him.
Ren himself didn't care much about it.
After all…
They were just a bunch of noisy little kids.
Compared to them—
He definitely preferred older women.
Of course…
If a beautiful rich girl suddenly appeared and told him—
"Ren, you don't need to work hard anymore."
Then he might seriously consider accepting that offer.
After all…
Life would become much easier that way.