The sun crept above the misty trees like a lazy beast, casting light across the meandering river. Birds stirred from their nests, their morning calls echoing gently through the foliage. But deeper by the riverbank, in a crooked structure built from logs, vines, and far too much ambition, Rayn awoke.
He sat up slowly, the wooden beams creaking as he stretched. His face, as always, was void of any expression—a blank slate that masked the flurry of nerves inside.
Rayn's POV
_"Still alive. That's good. The structure didn't collapse on me while I slept. That's even better." _ He rose, methodically brushing leaves and twigs from his shoulders, and stepped barefoot into the dew-kissed grass. His heartbeat thudded in his ears like a war drum, steady and unnaturally loud. He could hear it clearly, despite the world around him.
King's Engine. A terrifying ability with no known use beyond unsettling others. It was the kind of power that made small animals bolt and made even fearless warriors hesitate.
Today, Rayn had a plan.
He fashioned simple traps using sharpened sticks and vine snares—rudimentary, but enough to potentially catch something small. He planted them near the shallows of the river, using smooth stones and bait made from crushed berries and a lizard he had scared to death just by staring at it.
After setting the traps, Rayn ventured into the forest. His composure remained unbroken as he trotted through fallen leaves, sharp stones biting into the soles of his feet.
_"Need wood for the fire. Herbs, if possible. Something edible. Also, a better roof beam. Maybe bamboo." _ The forest was rich. He gathered dry logs, discovered a patch of bitterroot, and found some violet-colored berries that looked like they wouldn't kill him.
Flashback
In his past life, Rayn had been a shut-in. An indoor type with only anime, books, and survival games for company.
_"Thank you, Minecraft." _ He returned to the riverside with an armload of supplies, placed them carefully in a basket made of twisted reeds, and took a moment to sip clean river water boiled in a hollowed-out stone bowl he'd made yesterday.
_"This is the part where I should be proud of myself. But all I feel is mild terror. I think that's progress." _ After storing everything safely inside the crooked hut, he began his daily training.
First, push-ups—a hundred. Then squats. Then handstand push-ups against a tree, which caused his arms to shake violently. Next, sprint drills from one tree to another. And finally, lifting a thick log on his shoulders and walking in a circle until his legs gave out.
Sweat drenched him. His chest heaved. But his heartbeat roared on, echoing across the woods like an ancient drum of war.
Nearby animals scattered. Hidden shinobi scouts whispered in awe and confusion.
"What is that sound? It's not chakra..." "Is he... laughing? He hasn't blinked in over ten minutes."
Rayn took no notice.
When his body could move no more, he decided it was time to wash up. He returned to the riverside, stripped down to his trousers, and stepped slowly into the cool water.
The river was icy. It bit into his skin like thousands of needles, shocking his already fatigued nerves. But Rayn didn't flinch. He waded deeper until the water reached his chest, then dunked his entire body under.
_"It hurts. It's cold. I'm dying. But I must remain calm. I am a stone." _ He scrubbed himself with pebbles, shaking off the grime of sweat and soil. Then, like the strange ritual it was, he began to practice holding his breath underwater.
One minute. Two minutes. Surface. Dive again.
All the while, he focused on controlling his breathing, calming the wild roar of the King's Engine. He closed his eyes under the water, ears muffled, heartbeat echoing through his bones.
Until—
THUNK!
A stone smacked against his shoulder.
He blinked underwater, confused, and emerged from the shallows.
On the bank, two boys stared at him.
Black spiky hair. Deep frown. Crimson eyes.
Brown eyes, messy hair, open curiosity and fear.
Madara and Hashirama.
Again.
Madara's POV
_"He was meditating underwater! For how long?! What kind of monster is he? And why is his heartbeat louder now?" _ Hashirama's POV
_"I thought he was drowning. So I told Madara to throw a stone. Now he's staring at us like he can see our souls. Oh no. He blinked. Is that... a threat?" _ Rayn's POV
_"That was a stone. That hurt. Why are those kids screaming and running again? Did I do something? Is my face that terrifying?" _ The two boys bolted into the woods, crashing through bushes.
Rayn stood on the bank, soaked, tired, heartbeat echoing behind him.
_"Was that a greeting ritual? Or an ambush?"
His face, as always, did not move a single muscle.
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End of Chapter 2.