I sat on the ground, next to the lifeless body of the old man who ment so much to me.
He was old, i knew that. I never asked how old, because he told me that you should never ask someone's age.
The old man took my small hand in his big one. "You should never ask about someone's age." I frown. "Why not, gramps?"
"Because Age is a mere number, Angelo."
I used to think that he was crazy, the old man Bronard. But after all this time being in his presence, i started to see him as a dad i never had. In the last few minutes of his life, he told me to go to Konohana. He told me that his old friend is the Hokage there and that he would offer me shelter.
I guess the old man cared for me until his last breath.
"Rest in peace , Old Man." I stood up, shaking slightly and raised my hand to close his eyes. He deserved so much better then to be left alone in the forest like this. But at the moment i didn't had the equipment to bury him. Eight years... Eight years have i been traveling with him.
I gave him one more glance and then i walked away.
_
I had been walking through the forest for a while now and i started to get thirsty and tired.
The old man learned me how to survive on my own , in case i would ever get lost.
I guess you could say that i owe the man more then my life.
Suddenly I hear the sound of a river flowing. Good, that was exactly what I needed. It must be close by.
I follow the sound to find a river on the outskirts of the forest. I sighed, relieved that i could less my thirst. The old man told me too never travel when you are thirsty. You can go on without eating for a few weeks. But without drinking, you would die in a few days.
I sat by the river and drank some of the cold water occasionally splashing some of it in my face.
When i felt refreshed, i filled a small bottle with some water and scanned my surroundings.
I smile when notice a path beside the river. "Lucky."
I sit up and start walking down the path.
It reminded me of the many stories the old man used to tell me when we walked similar paths like this one. He would stroke his long beard while he talked , it was a little habbit of him. I would laugh at the happy stories and i would cry at his sad ones.
I shake my head "Pull yourself together,man."
Yes, he ment more to me then my own parents, perhaps.
I look up to the huge gates, i reconize them from one of the stories Bronard told me. "So this is Konohana,huh?" I put my hands in my pockets and march towards the gates to find two sleeping guards behind a desk.
One guy had drewl all over his face and the other snored very loud. I chuckled at the sight before me.
One of them opens his eyes, and looks around to see me. His eyes widen and he shakes his partner awake.
He wakes up but falls of his chair when he sees me.
I scratch my forehead, kinda amused by the two.
They both sit upright, their faces serious.
"State your purpose." One of them says.
"My name is Angel Leblanc.I would like to speak with the Hokage, if i may."
They look at each other and then at me. I tilt my head and raise an eyebrow, waiting patiently for an answer.
One of them , the one with the bandage around his nose, stands up. "I'll take you to the Hokage."
I bow at the other and mumble a thank you , before following him inside the village.
The village looks very cozy. Children playing outside. People who walk the streets, smiling. It was a nice sight. I can imagine that people like to live here.
And i feel kind of sad that Bronard could'nt come with me.
'I would be on my own from now on, i have to be strong.' I told myself. But i could'nt help but find the idea od being on my own scary.
"Where here." He knocks on the door. The response is a faint 'come in.'
After i step through the door, i can't help but stare at the old man sitting behind the big wooden desk. He looks just like Bronard. He has friendly eyes and a big hat covering most of his head.
"What can i do for you?" He asks, looking from me to the other guy.
"He requested to speak with you , Lord Hokage."
The Hokage nods , smiling at me. "Fine Kotetsu, your dismissed."
The guy now known as Kotetsu disappears , leaving a cloud of smoke behind, before disappearing completely. I turn towards the Hokage to see him observing me. I can't blame him, i'm still a stranger to him after all.
"So what can i do for you ..."
"Angelo , Sir, Angelo Leblanc." I say politely.
His eyes widen. "Leblanc you say? I thought they were all killed." He states.
I look at the ground, not wanting to remember such a awe full thing.
" I see, so what can i do for you Angelo Leblanc?" He sucks on his pipe and taps his hat a bit up.
"My guardian , Bronard, died not too long ago. And he told me that you were his old friend and that i should ask for shelter here."
The Hokage's eyes lighten up after hearing the old man's name.
"I'm sorry to hear that Bronard has passed away. He was indeed an old friend of mine." He sits back in his chair, blowing out some smoke.
"He used to live here in Konohana, but he desided he wanted to see the world and left."
"I didn't know the old man had lived here. He never told me that."
The Hokage burst into a wheezy laugh. "That's his personalty , boy. He is full of secrets. Thats what intrigued me so much. But enough of this, you seek shelter you say."
I nod hoping it would'nt be to much trouble. I was tired and really needed some good nightrest.
The Hokage opens his drawer and takes out a key.
"This is the key of Bronard's appartment. I kept the key with me, so that if he would come back he could get his appartment back. But i'll give you it instead."
He drops the key in my hand and smiles.
"The appartment is still the same as he left it. Here is the adress."
He gives me a small paper with the adress on it . I thank him and turn around to leave.
"And Angelo, you'll have to go to the accademy if you want to stay in the village."
I tilt my head in confusion. "Accademy? Like a school? For what?"
The Hokage grins. "To become a ninja ofcourse. Don't tell me the bastard didn't tell you what a ninja is?"
"Yes he did, but i did not know about any accademy. Anyway thanks old man!"
Then i walk out his office.
_
It took me two hours. Two hours to find the appartment.
I stumble to the door and push the key in to open the door.
"Could't he send someone with me to show me my appartment?" I groan, feeling my legs ache from all the walking.
I drop myself on a couch in the living room. Everything smells like him. Its a smell most old people have.
I look up at the ceiling.
"Old man, i did it, i am in Konohana now. I hope your in heaven."
I close my eyes and slowly drift to sleep.
"Goodnight , Old man." I mumble.
So what do you think?
I like it so far. probably my best story yet.
Vote and comment ofcourse and add to your reading list.
XX