Starting with a Water Bear, Gnawing on the Old in the Forest of Collapsed Bones - Reviews

The portrayal of Tobirama stealing the spotlight for me. He’s not just a paranoid jerk; he’s a grieving brother who is also a pragmatic leader. His decision not to kill Kozō despite suspicion show that he’s willing to give chances under the right circumstances. That gray morality is well done.

I like how the author handles the “system” – it’s not spamming notifications. It’s almost background noise, waiting to be activated. That restraint makes the eventual devouring moment more impactful. I just hope it happens soon, because right now Kozō is just a clever bug.

The reading experience is a bit mixed. The first few paragraphs are dull, but once Kozō gets summoned, it becomes addictive. The tension with Tobirama and the funeral scene are page-turners. I’d recommend skimming the boring start or hoping the author trims it later. But the rest is solid.

Overall, this story feels like a slow-burn isekai with a unique twist. It respects the source material while adding original elements. The main weakness is the lack of action so far, but the political setup and character interactions compensate. I’d definitely continue reading.

The ending of the excerpt — with Tobirama pouring reagent into a waste pit and commenting that it’s not for experiments — is cryptic. What is he actually doing? Could it be related to Hashirama’s cells? That cliffhanger makes me want to read the next chapter immediately.

I appreciate that the author doesn’t rush Kozō getting power. He’s genuinely weak, and his only advantage is knowledge from the original story. The gamble with Katō Dan shows he’s using that knowledge. That’s smart writing — using canonical abilities to solve problems.

The “gnawing gnawing gnawing” repetition at the start is a bit annoying but also memorable. It sets the tone of a monotonous existence. Once the story moves to Konoha, that repetition is replaced by tension, which is a good contrast. The start could be tighter though.

The structure of having multiple POV shifts — from Kozō to Tobirama to Danzo — works well. We get insights into different characters’ thoughts without head-hopping. Tobirama’s internal calculation about dividing the Uchiha and researching souls adds depth to his character.

The concept of “outliving everyone” is an interesting motivation for Kozō. He’s happy that Hashirama died because it means one less threat. That’s a selfish but understandable survival instinct. I want to see how he handles Tobirama, who is still alive and suspicious.

The relationship between Kozō and Tsunade is sweet but also feels a bit one-sided. Tsunade treats him like a pet, and Kozō uses her as cover. I wonder if that dynamic will develop into genuine friendship or just remain convenience. Either way, it’s cute.

The humor is subtle but present. Kozō thinking “My life is over!!!” when the water needle comes, or his internal rage at Tobirama’s “self-righteous” comment, makes me chuckle. It balances the darker political intrigue and keeps the tone from getting too heavy.

The setting of the Senju clan grounds and the Hokage building feels vivid. The author puts effort into describing the atmosphere — the moonlight on the coffin, the coldness of the laboratory, the bustling village. Those small visual details help me picture the world better.