Chương 7: Chapter 7: Memories of a Distant Life

The journey through the forest stretched onward, the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves filling the air. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting shifting patterns across the ground. Yet despite the tranquil surroundings, Zaky's thoughts churned with turmoil. His mission to infiltrate the Hidden Leaf, the thrill of sensing Naruto's chakra, and the strange abilities granted by the Villain System—all of it swirled within his mind. But as his feet carried him forward, something else began to stir deep inside him: memories.

It started as a faint sensation, a shadow at the edge of his consciousness. At first, Zaky tried to ignore it, focusing instead on the present—on the mission, on Chibi trotting happily beside him. But the memories insisted, tugging at him like ghosts from a past he couldn't entirely leave behind. His steps slowed, and soon, he found himself lost in a haze of recollection.

He saw flashes of his old life—Earth, his family, his small apartment filled with anime posters, and the well-worn couch where he had spent countless hours watching Naruto. A sharp ache bloomed in his chest, and the weight of regret settled over him once more.

It was the simplest moments that hit the hardest. Zaky remembered coming home from work late, exhausted but eager to unwind with a bowl of instant ramen and a marathon of his favorite episodes. He could still feel the cool breeze from the cracked window, the soft hum of the TV as the familiar soundtrack played.

He remembered his parents, too—how they would call once a week to check on him, always concerned but never overbearing. "Are you eating well? When will you visit?" His mother's voice echoed in his mind, and Zaky felt a lump rise in his throat. I didn't call them enough. I should have visited more.

And then there was his sister. She had always teased him about his obsession with anime, but she never judged him for it. "One day, you'll get hit by a truck and end up in one of those crazy worlds you love so much," she had joked, her laughter bright and carefree. The irony of her words cut deep now. She was right.

Zaky stopped walking and leaned against a tree, pressing the heels of his hands into his eyes. "I never thought I'd miss it all so much," he whispered to himself. His chest felt heavy, like a knot tightening with each passing memory. The simplicity of his old life—the familiarity, the people he had taken for granted—felt like a distant dream he would never return to.

Chibi sensed his distress and nuzzled against his leg, letting out a soft chirp. Zaky glanced down at the creature and managed a weak smile. "Thanks, buddy. I just need a minute."

The memories continued to flood in, unrelenting. He remembered the accident—the blinding headlights, the screech of tires, the shattering impact. The feeling of regret as he lay broken on the pavement, life slipping away. I didn't say goodbye. I wasn't ready.

And yet, fate had thrown him into a new world, one where fantasy was reality and where power was within his grasp. He had been given a second chance—but at what cost? Would he ever see his family again? Or had that chapter of his life truly ended?

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside him. This is my reality now, he told himself firmly. There's no going back. I have to move forward. But even as he tried to convince himself, the ache lingered.

Zaky wondered how he would be remembered back home. A tragic accident, he thought bitterly. Just another young man with dreams cut short. The thought of his family mourning him, of his sister crying at his funeral, was almost too much to bear. Would they even understand that I was here now? That I got a second chance, just like in the stories we used to laugh about?

He clenched his fists, frustration welling up inside him. "Why me?" he whispered. "Why did I get to live when so many others don't? What am I supposed to do with this life now?"

The answer came not from within, but from the glowing screen of the Villain System that flickered to life once more.

"Your path lies ahead, not behind," the system's mechanical voice intoned. "Power, influence, and dominance await those who embrace their destiny."

Zaky stared at the glowing text, his mind still heavy with thoughts of his past. It's not that simple, he wanted to argue. I can't just forget everything and move on like it doesn't matter.

But deep down, he knew the system was right in its cold, unfeeling way. The past was gone, and no amount of regret would change that. If he wanted to survive in this world—if he wanted to thrive—he had to focus on the present. He had to embrace the opportunity in front of him, no matter how bittersweet it felt.

He straightened up, brushing dirt off his clothes, and gave Chibi a reassuring pat. "Alright, let's keep moving," he said, his voice steadier now. "I'll carry those memories with me, but they won't hold me back."

Chibi chirped happily and scurried ahead, eager to continue the adventure. Zaky followed, his steps lighter than before.

As they made their way through the forest, Zaky allowed himself a small smile. His old life may have been gone, but this new one held endless possibilities. I still have regrets, he thought. But maybe, just maybe, I can make something out of this second chance.

The Villain System pinged softly, as if in approval of his resolve. "Mission: Infiltrate the Hidden Leaf. Progress: 0%. Time Remaining: 9 days."

Zaky nodded to himself. There was work to be done, and now, he felt ready to face it.

The memories of his past would remain with him—always—but they were no longer chains holding him down. Instead, they were threads, woven into the fabric of who he was becoming. And in this new world, he intended to weave a legacy unlike any other.

"Let's do this, Chibi," Zaky murmured, determination gleaming in his eyes.

Chibi chirped in agreement, and together, they ventured deeper into the forest, their path leading ever closer to the Hidden Leaf Village—and the unknown future that awaited them there.

For the first time since his arrival, Zaky felt a sense of peace. The road ahead was uncertain, but he knew one thing for sure: he would not squander this second chance. Not this time.

He wasn't just Zaky anymore. He was Urashiki Otsutsuki—and his story was only just beginning.