The integration office looked like someone had thrown a government building and a ninja compound into a blender.
Traditional wooden beams supported a ceiling covered in modern fluorescent lights. Desks made of dark lacquered wood held computers and stacks of paperwork. People in everything from full ninja gear to business suits to hero costumes moved through the space with practiced efficiency.
A receptionist at the front desk—wearing what looked like a Leaf ninja uniform mixed with office attire—looked up as we entered. Her eyes went to Hinata first, and she gave a respectful nod.
"Hinata-sama," she greeted, then her gaze shifted to me. Blood-stained, limping, supported by said Hinata. "Another dimensional displacement?"
"Possible," the tactical guard answered. "Found him in the forest. No documentation. Knows classified information. Multiple injuries."
The receptionist's expression shifted to something more serious. She tapped at her computer. "Room 3 is open. I'll page Shizune-san for medical."
Shizune. That name sounds familiar.
"This way," the Leaf ninja said, gesturing down a hallway.
They led us through corridors that smelled faintly of antiseptic and old wood. Other people passed us—a woman in what looked like a Jujutsu sorcerer's uniform arguing with someone about "cursed spirit jurisdiction," a guy in a cape talking animatedly about "quirk certification renewals."
This world is completely insane.
We stopped at a door marked "Integration Room 3." Inside was a space that was half interrogation room, half medical bay. Simple table, a few chairs, and a medical station against one wall stocked with equipment I half-recognized and half didn't.
"Sit," the tactical guard ordered, pointing to a chair.
I sat carefully, my ribs protesting. Hinata hovered nearby, looking like she wanted to help but wasn't sure how.
The guards took positions by the door—not quite standing guard over a prisoner, but definitely making it clear I wasn't leaving.
"Will he be okay?" Hinata asked, her hands fidgeting with her jacket sleeves.
"That's what medical will determine," the Leaf ninja said, his tone notably softer when addressing her. "You should go, Hinata-sama. We'll handle things from here."
She looked at me, then at the guards, then back at me. I could see the internal debate playing out on her face.
"I'd like to stay," she said quietly, but there was steel underneath. "If that's alright. He saved someone on my patrol route. He got hurt before I could respond. I feel responsible."
Taking responsibility for something that's not her fault. Very on-brand.
The guards exchanged looks but didn't argue. Apparently Hinata's authority—or maybe just respect for her—was enough that they couldn't dismiss her.
She sat in a chair across from me, posture perfect but somehow still looking uncomfortable with the attention.
Awkward silence settled over the room.
The kind of silence where everyone's aware they're waiting for something but no one knows quite what to say.
"So," I said, because my mouth apparently doesn't know when to quit. "Do I get a phone call? A lawyer? Or is interdimensional legal procedure different?"
Hinata looked almost apologetic. "This isn't prison. They just need to verify you're not a threat. It's standard procedure for anyone who appears without documentation."
"Happens often?"
"More than you'd think. Collapse rifts sometimes open randomly. Dimensional accidents. Illegal Domain crossings..." She trailed off. "But usually people remember something. And they don't know classified information about prominent clans."
"Lucky me. I get to be the interesting case."
She actually smiled slightly at that. "Are you always this calm about potentially serious situations?"
"Panicking hasn't helped me yet. Figured I'd try sarcasm instead."
"How's that working for you?"
"Ask me after the interrogation."
[HINATA HYUGA - EMOTIONAL RESONANCE: 23% → 25%]
The door opened, cutting off whatever she was about to say.
A woman walked in—short dark hair, sharp intelligent eyes that looked like they'd seen everything twice and weren't impressed by any of it. She wore a modified medical uniform, traditional elements mixed with modern practicality, and a Leaf Village headband tied around her neck like a fashion statement.
She carried herself with the kind of professional confidence that came from years of dealing with idiots, emergencies, and probably idiots during emergencies.
"Shizune-san," Hinata stood respectfully.
The woman—Shizune—gave her a small nod, then those sharp eyes locked onto me like a targeting system.
She looked me up and down. Took in the blood, the awkward way I was sitting to favor my ribs, the dirt still on my clothes.
"So," she said, setting down a well-used medical kit with the kind of controlled thump that said I'm professional but I'm tired. "You're the mystery boy who knows classified information, appeared out of nowhere, and fights corrupted beasts with rocks."
"That's me," I confirmed. "Mystery boy. Professional rock-thrower. At your service."
Her eyebrow raised slightly. "Sense of humor. That's either a good sign or a sign you're in shock." She pulled out what looked like a medical scanner. "Let's find out which."
[SYSTEM TRIGGER DETECTED]
[NEW TARGET IDENTIFIED: SHIZUNE]
[FIRST ENCOUNTER INITIALIZED]
[SELECT YOUR RESPONSE:]
[A) LEAN FORWARD CONSPIRATORIALLY: "Before you scan me, I should warn you—I'm like 90% sass and poor life choices. The medical readings might be concerning."]
[B) COMPLETELY SERIOUS FACE: "Just so you know, I have a strict policy about beautiful medical professionals examining me. I'm required to make at least three terrible jokes. It's in my contract."]
[C) WINCE DRAMATICALLY: "Please be gentle. I'm fragile. Like a flower. A flower that got thrown into a tree by a monster, but still."]
I stared at the options floating in my vision.
Okay. New doctor. Professional type. Sharp eyes that say she's seen through better bullshit than mine.
Option A is self-deprecating. B is bold flirting with the joke commitment bit. C is dramatic victim energy.
She looks like someone who appreciates directness. And if I'm stuck with this insane system, I might as well commit.
I selected B.
I put on my most serious expression and said, "Just so you know, I have a strict policy about beautiful medical professionals examining me. I'm required to make at least three terrible jokes. It's in my contract."
Shizune froze mid-reach for her equipment.
The guards looked like they wanted to sink through the floor.
Hinata made a small noise that might have been a suppressed giggle.
Shizune's expression didn't change for a long moment. Those sharp eyes just... stared at me. Assessing.
Then, without breaking eye contact, she said in the driest voice possible: "Your contract is void. I'm revoking your joke privileges for medical incompetence."
She turned to her equipment. "Now sit still before I 'accidentally' reset your shoulder wrong."
But I caught it—the tiniest twitch at the corner of her mouth. She was trying not to smile.
[CHOICE ACCEPTED]
[SHIZUNE - EMOTIONAL RESONANCE: 0% → 6%]
She moved with practiced efficiency, checking my vitals first. Pulse—fast but steady. Blood pressure—elevated but not dangerously. Pupil dilation—normal, considering the circumstances.
"You're surprisingly stable for someone who was just used as a monster's stress ball," she noted.
"I'm very resilient. Also possibly too stupid to go into proper shock."
"That tracks." She pulled out the scanner. It looked like someone had mashed together a medical device with something from a sci-fi movie. "This will feel warm."
She pressed it against my injured shoulder.
It hummed softly. A holographic display sprang up—three-dimensional imaging of my shoulder joint showing the dislocation in painful, vivid detail. Colors flickered across the display. Red for inflammation. Blue for what I assumed was normal tissue.
"Clean dislocation," Shizune muttered, adjusting the display. "No bone chips. You got lucky." She moved the scanner down to my ribs. Three of them lit up red. "Three fractured ribs. No punctured lung. Also lucky."
"I'm feeling very lucky," I said dryly.
She ignored my sarcasm, moving the scanner to my chest. The display shifted, showing something else. Something that made her professional expression shift to confused.
"That's... odd."
"What is?" Hinata leaned forward slightly, her Byakugan activating. I saw the veins near her eyes become more prominent.
"His chakra network." Shizune frowned at the display. "It's there, but it's... dormant isn't the right word. It's like it's waiting for something. Like it's never been activated but is somehow fully formed."
The guards moved closer, suddenly very interested.
Shizune adjusted something on the scanner. "And there's something else. Multiple energy signatures. Not just chakra potential."
"Multiple signatures?" the tactical guard asked, voice sharp.
"There's definitely chakra potential—untrained but present. The pathways are there, just... unused." Shizune adjusted the scanner again. Her frown deepened. "But there's also quirk factor traces. Not fully expressed, but the genetic markers are there. And—" Another adjustment. Her hand paused. "This is impossible. There are traces of cursed energy resonance too."
The room went very quiet.
"Multiple power system compatibility?" the Leaf ninja said slowly. "That's—"
"Extremely rare," Shizune finished, her voice taking on a clinical edge. "Most people have one dominant system. Maybe traces of a second if they're from a border region between Domains. But three distinct systems with equal potential..." She looked at me like I was a medical mystery she desperately wanted to solve. "What are you?"
"Apparently a science project," I offered. "Do I get extra credit?"
"You get me reporting this up the chain," she said, but there was something almost... protective in her tone. Like she'd already decided I wasn't a threat, just an anomaly. "This is going to cause a bureaucratic nightmare."
"Sorry?"
"Don't be." She started packing away the scanner. "Not your fault your body decided to break several fundamental rules of power system biology." She glanced at the guards. "We need to contact Hokage-sama. Probably the Hero Commission too. Maybe the Jujutsu Council. This is above our clearance."
"Great," I muttered. "Thirty minutes in this world and I'm already a security incident involving multiple government agencies. New personal record."
Hinata looked worried, her hands twisting together in her lap. "They won't hurt him, will they? He hasn't done anything wrong."
"Not if he cooperates," Shizune said, but her tone softened when addressing Hinata. "But first, I need to stabilize his injuries." She looked at me. "This is going to hurt."
"More than getting thrown into a tree?"
"Different kind of hurt." She moved to my shoulder, positioning herself with practiced precision. "I need to reset the dislocation before I can heal it. Do you want something to bite down on?"
"I've seen movies. I know how this goes." I looked around. "Anyone have a belt or—"
Hinata was suddenly there, kneeling beside my chair. "You can hold my hand," she said quietly, then immediately blushed. "I mean—for the pain—it helps to have something to—"
She was stammering, looking anywhere but at me.
She offered without thinking, then got embarrassed. That's actually really sweet.
Shizune raised an eyebrow at the interaction but didn't comment.
"Thanks," I said, taking Hinata's hand. It was smaller than mine, warm, and I could feel calluses from training.
[HINATA HYUGA - EMOTIONAL RESONANCE: 25% → 27%]
Shizune positioned herself. One hand on my shoulder blade, the other on my upper arm. "On three. One—"
She didn't wait for three.
POP.
The world went white. Pain exploded through my arm in a wave that made my previous injuries feel like papercuts. My hand clenched around Hinata's—probably too hard—and I bit down on a yell that wanted to escape.
When my vision cleared, I was gripping her hand like a lifeline and she hadn't made a single sound of complaint.
"Sorry," I gasped, loosening my grip slightly.
"It's okay," she said quietly, and she wasn't pulling away. "Are you alright?"
"Define 'alright.'"
"Still conscious and not screaming. That's above average," Shizune said, already pulling out something that glowed. Actually glowed with soft green light. She placed her hand over my shoulder, and warmth spread through the joint like heated honey.
The pain... lessened. Not gone, but from a sharp agony to a dull ache.
"Medical ninjutsu," she explained, seeing my expression. "It accelerates your body's natural healing. The shoulder should be functional in a few minutes. The ribs will take longer—I'll bind them and give you medication."
"That's amazing," I breathed, watching the green light pulse.
"Standard technique," she said dismissively, but I caught the slight smile. "Try not to dislocate anything else. I don't have time to put you back together repeatedly."
"I'll do my best."
"See that you do." She moved to my ribs, wrapping them with practiced efficiency. "You're lucky Hinata-sama found you when she did. That corrupted beast would have killed you eventually."
"I'm aware. Hinata's my hero."
Hinata's face went red, but I was still holding her hand so I felt her pulse spike.
Shizune glanced between us, her expression unreadable. "Interesting."
And I became very aware that I was still holding Hinata's hand.
She seemed to realize it at the same moment, her face going pink.
"Sorry," I said, starting to let go.
"It's okay," she said quickly, and—surprisingly—didn't pull away. "If it helps..."
Her hand stayed in mine. I could feel her pulse in her wrist. Faster than it should be.
[HINATA HYUGA - EMOTIONAL RESONANCE: 27% → 29%]
Shizune finished wrapping my ribs, her hands efficient and professional. "There. That should hold. You'll need to rest for a few days, avoid strenuous activity, and—" She paused, looking at me pointedly. "—stop fighting monsters with improvised weapons."
"What if the monster starts it?"
"Run."
"Solid advice."
[SHIZUNE - EMOTIONAL RESONANCE: 6% → 8%]
The door burst open.
Everyone jumped.
A girl rushed in—pink hair in a very distinctive style, bright green eyes, medical armband, and an expression of barely controlled panic.
"Shizune-sensei! Emergency at the academy—quirk accident—student's body is crystallizing and we can't reverse it—the crystallization is spreading toward vital organs and—" She stopped, finally noticing the room full of people staring at her. "Oh. Sorry. Didn't realize you were busy."
Pink hair. Green eyes. Medical training. That's Sakura Haruno.
"Sakura," Shizune said, voice calm but firm. "Breathe. What's the student's name?"
The girl—definitely Sakura—took a breath, visibly centering herself. "Yaoyorozu Momo. Third-year hero student. Her quirk malfunctioned during training and now crystalline structures are forming throughout her tissues—"
"Momo?" Hinata said suddenly, worry crossing her face. "Is she going to be okay?"
"We don't know yet. The crystallization is progressing and—"
"I'm coming with you," Shizune said, already packing her equipment with speed born of experience. She looked at the guards. "Keep him here. I'll send another medical-nin to finish treatment."
She pointed at me. "You. Don't move more than necessary. Those ribs are still fractured." Her expression softened just slightly. "And try not to give the next doctor a heart attack with your jokes."
"No promises."
She almost smiled. "Figured as much."
[SHIZUNE - EMOTIONAL RESONANCE: 8% → 10%]
Then she was moving toward the door, Sakura already rushing ahead.
But Sakura paused at the doorway.
Her eyes met mine—green and sharp and assessing. I saw her take in the scene. Me, injured. Hinata, sitting close and still holding my hand. The guards standing watch.
Something flickered across her face. Curiosity? Suspicion? Assessment?
[SYSTEM TRIGGER DETECTED]
[NEW TARGET IDENTIFIED: HARUNO SAKURA]
[BRIEF ENCOUNTER - RESPONSE OPPORTUNITY]
[SELECT YOUR RESPONSE:]
[A) WAVE WITH YOUR INJURED ARM: "Hi! I'm the guy who fought a monster with rocks! You're the emergency responder with great hair! Nice to meet you mid-crisis!"]
[B) GRIN LIKE AN IDIOT: "Emergency crystallization, huh? Tell her if she turns into a diamond, I'll make sure she gets insurance money. I'm helpful like that."]
[C) CALL OUT AS SHE'S LEAVING: "Hey! If you save her, can I get your autograph? I'm collecting signatures from people who are way more competent than me!"]
She's rushing to save someone. Making a joke about the patient seems wildly inappropriate.
Perfect.
I selected B.
I grinned despite the pain and said, "Emergency crystallization, huh? Tell her if she turns into a diamond, I'll make sure she gets insurance money. I'm helpful like that."
Dead silence.
Sakura stared at me like I'd grown a second head.
The guards looked horrified.
Hinata's hand tightened around mine in what might have been a warning squeeze.
Shizune pinched the bridge of her nose.
Then Sakura's expression shifted. Her lips twitched. And despite the emergency, despite the stress, she let out a surprised laugh—short and sharp, but genuine.
"You're insane," she said, but she was almost smiling. "I like it. Don't die while I'm gone."
Then she was out the door.
[CHOICE ACCEPTED]
[HARUNO SAKURA - EMOTIONAL RESONANCE: 0% → 5%]
Shizune followed, but not before shooting me a look that clearly said what is wrong with you?
The door closed.
The tactical guard broke the silence. "Did you... did you just make a joke about a student potentially dying?"
"I prefer to think of it as providing emotional support through humor."
"That's not emotional support."
"Sakura laughed."
"That doesn't make it okay."
Hinata was making a noise that sounded suspiciously like she was trying very hard not to laugh.
[HINATA HYUGA - EMOTIONAL RESONANCE: 29% → 30%]
The tactical guard's radio crackled. Static, then a voice: "Situation at Academy stabilized. Crystallization reversed. Stand by for orders on the unknown."
A pause. More static.
"Confirmed. Send him to Hokage Tower for evaluation. Tsunade-sama wants to see him personally. High priority."
The guard looked at me. "Congratulations. You're meeting the Hokage."
"Is that good or bad?"
"Depends on whether she likes you," Hinata said softly. "Tsunade-sama can be... intense."
Tsunade. Legendary sannin. Super strength. Gambling problem. One of the most powerful people in Naruto.
I'm so screwed.
"Define intense," I said.
"She once punched through a building because someone interrupted her sake break," the Leaf ninja offered helpfully.
"That's comforting."
"She's also incredibly skilled, fair, and genuinely cares about the village," Hinata added quickly. "If you're honest with her, she'll listen."
[SYSTEM TRIGGER DETECTED]
[HINATA OFFERING ADVICE - RESPONSE OPPORTUNITY]
[SELECT YOUR RESPONSE:]
[A) DRAMATIC SIGH: "So what you're saying is I should lead with 'please don't punch me through a wall' and work from there?"]
[B) GRAB HER HAND (THE ONE NOT ALREADY HOLDING): "Quick, teach me a secret Hyuga technique to survive angry Hokages. I'll pay you back with more terrible jokes."]
[C) LEAN FORWARD CONSPIRATORIALLY: "Okay but real talk—if she does punch me through a wall, will you visit me in the hospital? I'll need someone to tell me what I did wrong."]
She's genuinely trying to help me not get murdered by the Hokage. That's sweet.
Option A is self-deprecating humor. B is physical escalation that seems too forward. C acknowledges her help while keeping it light.
I selected C.
I leaned forward conspiratorially and said, "Okay but real talk—if she does punch me through a wall, will you visit me in the hospital? I'll need someone to tell me what I did wrong."
Hinata's eyes widened. "She won't—I mean—you just have to—" She paused, realizing I was messing with her. A small smile crossed her face. "You're terrible."
"I've been told that. But you didn't answer the question."
She looked down at our still-joined hands, then back up at me. "Of course I'd visit. Someone has to make sure you don't cause more chaos while recovering."
[CHOICE ACCEPTED]
[HINATA HYUGA - EMOTIONAL RESONANCE: 30% → 32%]
The guards moved toward us. "Can you walk now? Or do you need support?"
I tested my shoulder carefully. The pain was still there but manageable. "I think I'm good. Shizune's healing is impressive."
"Medical-nin are efficient," the tactical guard said. "The ribs will still hurt for a few days, but you won't collapse."
I stood slowly. The world didn't spin. Progress.
Hinata stood as well, finally letting go of my hand—though she seemed almost reluctant to do so.
"Let's go meet the Hokage, then," I said. "How bad can it be?"
The guards exchanged looks that said very bad if you say the wrong thing.
Hinata moved to my side. "I'll come with you. If that's okay. Tsunade-sama might have questions about the corrupted beast."
Or she wants to make sure I don't get punched through a wall. Either way, I'm not complaining.
"Please do," I said. "I could use a character witness."
"I'm not sure my testimony will help if you keep making jokes."
"Then I'll try to limit myself to only moderately inappropriate comments."
"That's not reassuring."
"It's the best I can offer."
She smiled despite herself.
We headed back out into the hallway. Through the building. Out into the streets of this impossible city.
The Hokage Tower loomed in the distance—a massive structure that mixed traditional Japanese architecture with modern defensive systems. I could see it even from here, rising above the other buildings like a statement of power.
As we walked, I tried to process everything that had happened.
Multiple power systems. Check.
Dating system with chaotic choices. Check.
Met three heroines so far, all memorable first impressions. Check.
About to meet one of the most powerful people in this world. Check.
This is either the best or worst thing that's ever happened to me, and I genuinely can't tell which.
Hinata walked beside me, maintaining that careful distance but still... present. Like she was making sure I didn't collapse or get arrested or vanish.
"Are you nervous?" she asked quietly.
"Terrified," I admitted. "But also weirdly curious. This whole situation is so far beyond normal that I'm kind of just rolling with it."
"That's..." she paused, searching for words. "Actually a good attitude. Most people panic."
"Oh, I'm panicking internally. I'm just really good at looking calm."
She smiled slightly. "I understand that feeling."
We turned a corner, and the Hokage Tower grew even larger ahead of us.