We finally arrived at Konoha, safe and sound. There had been a few other attacks on the way, but nothing substantial. I too recognized the oddity of it, as the others did. Why have such talented Shinobi guard a child who's perpetrator's are so much weaker? It didn't seem like the logical thing to do, a waste of resources maybe... Though, I could see why if they were hired by a family member. That would make more sense then.
Hiroto smiled, slapping a hand on my back as we approached the gates. "I'll handle the talking, alright?" I nodded, knowing my limited experience would likely be my downfall if I messed up. "This is good... you're making progress." Progress? What do you mean? "Ah, don't worry, it's just good that you're entering this village in particular." Well, it must be pretty nice if Kel approves of it.
"Ah! Hiroto-San, how've you been?" One of the guards at the gate smiled and waved a hand. Hiroto replied with a smile and wave of his own. "Hey Kotetsu-kun, been good, just need to submit my mission report." The other guard was not as friendly, and he narrowed his eyes at me. "Who's the girl?" Hiroto only waved him off, "She's with me, alright?"
"Hiroto-San, that's not protocol. No matter what rank you are you can't-" They began to bicker, thought Hiroto didn't at all seem deterred. So, he must be a much higher ranking than him then? The two gate guards looked about my own age currently, so that makes sense... though as they seemed to get nowhere with their conversation, I felt the need to step in. Kel- is that okay? "I would prefer you don't, but if you feel the need to I will not stop you." That permission was all I needed.
I took a step forward, Kotetsu eyeing me nervously. Hiroto and the other guard paused in their fighting when I spoke up. "Um, I'm only a civilian who got stolen from. I understand that you don't trust me, but please... I'm begging you. I have nowhere else to go." With that said, I got on my knees and placed my forehead to the ground. Yes. I will beg on my knees because Kel said this is a good village. They wouldn't turn away a begging civilian would they?
I didn't see what happened, but I listened to the discussion happening above me. "Izumo, it should be alright? Hiroto-san said he would take responsibility for it." Izumo was quite for a few moments. "When did ninja become so weak? Fine- and get up will you?" I scrambled to my feet at the command, to find Izumo looking flustered at my display. Ah, perhaps what I did was an overreaction? "Thanks fellas." Hiroto led me into the village, Kari, Takeru, and Itsuki following behind. Once inside, I took a moment to marvel at the sights around me.
People bustling around and talking to each other. A society of people living and working together to keep this place going. Children played in the streets while mothers watched them from afar. People putting in so much work, and being able to build up families. Something swelled in my heart as I thought about it. Someone put a hand on my shoulder, and I turned around to see Kari staring straight at me, her brow covered in sweat.
"Uchiha-san..?" She blinked, taking her hand off my shoulder. "Sorry, I.. you are a civilian aren't you?" I nodded, still confused. "Ah, just forget it then. I thought I saw something." Well. That was weird. "You flared chakra. It was small, but talented sensors would have noticed it." Sensors? Chakra? "Chakra is what allows ninja to do Jutsu. A sensor is someone sensitive to that energy." I guess I kind of understand. It felt like a familiar concept. Kel didn't say anything about that feeling so I decided to ignore it.
Hiroto turned to Kari and Takeru. "Alright team, go ahead and escort Itsuki to his grandfather. I'll do the mission report and take Jen-san to get registered as a citizen. Got it?" They nodded, "Yes, Sensei." Kari was swift to reply and Takeru just took that as their cue to leave. "Ah, we'll see you around." He smiled and took a moment to wave at me. Kari did the same but much more curtly. She seemed very engrossed in finishing their mission.
"Alright, just you and me kiddo." I smiled. Hiroto had been so nice to me. I wonder if I could ever pay him back? As we walked around, I inquired about our destination.
"Well to file a mission report I gotta go to the Hokage's building. Uh, you'll have to wait outside of course." Ohh that makes sense. "Official Shinobi business huh?" He laughed and ruffled my hair. "By the way, who's the Hokage?" He froze, "Ah, I didn't realize you really had that many memory issues. I guess we'll swing by the hospital when we can." I nodded in agreement. "Well the Hokage is the head honcho yknow? Protects and governs the village with the help of a council." I wonder what kind of person it would take to do that. "He's the strongest Shinobi in the village." Woahh, that's amazing. "So, you're going to go report to him?"
Hiroto laughed. "That would be an honor, I've only done that a couple of times. Usually he only gets the mission reports directly if it's a classified mission." "Are you allowed to be telling me this..?" He would get endless amusement at my lack of knowledge. Hiroto suited being a teacher. "It's common knowledge among ninja, some of the older civilians know it too. Figure it out eventually."
Hiroto was visibly more relaxed now that he was home. It was amazing, like magic or some sort of Jutsu. I could almost forget how he and his team brutally killed those other ninja. Almost. There was still no mistaking the scars he held from battle. I almost- admired it. To go on after so much pain. Yet even in the void I had given up so quickly...
"You okay there Jen-san? Why are you looking at me like that?" He looked a tad bit sheepish. "I just thought, you're a really cool adult and I wanna be like you." I heard Kel laugh a bit, which was surprising- was it something I said? "Just watch." Hiroto turned red, rubbing the back of his head. "Really..? Well when you say it like that it's kind of embarrassing." He tried to laugh it off but I could tell he was flattered. "Ehh but you should probably stay away from the shinobi stuff. You're sort of an airhead kiddo."
I couldn't help but laugh. This conversation was just so normal compared to everything abnormal that's happened to me. I felt euphoria, and I just didn't want anything to change.
On the way to the Hokage building Hiroto bought me several snacks and watched with fascination while I ate. Every bite was like my last and I couldn't help but shed a few tears when I finally tasted chocolate. Like- are you serious? Kel, this stuff is sent from heaven or something right? It's like my compensation for suffering after so long? "It's just a candy humans are rather fond of. Though, you do deserve it." That's right I do deserve it.
"You eat like as if you're both starving and it's your last day on earth. What an appetite!" Hiroto seemed glad I was enjoying myself. "Well, I don't remember any of these flavors. It's like the first time in a long time." He understood what I meant. "When I was in the second Shinobi war some years back, all we ate were ration bars and the odd rabbit we could catch. When the war finally ended, and I came back home alive, I got myself a big bowl of ramen. I tell ya, I cried so much the broth in the bowl nearly overflowed." I suppose for me. Instead of the war it was the void.
Hiroto and I became a little closer and I still had some snacks leftover when we got to the Hokage's office. Hiroto walked in and I sat in a waiting area for him to be done. I went over what I had right now. Clothes, and candy. I couldn't see what more I could want. Someone else walked out of the room Hiroto went into. So was it a joint mission headquarters type thing? Guess it makes sense for efficiency sake. Another person walked out and I gawked at their appearance. Bright silver hair sticking straight up, and dirty clothes covered in dried blood. Whether it was his own or someone else's was up for debate.
Kore than that, something felt odd. A part of me felt an urge to call out to them. Upon first glance, no one would be able to tell any emotion with that ceramic mask covering his face. Though, I didn't know why I felt he must be feeling incredible emotional pain. Something in my subconscious told me he was suffering. And so, I decided to follow my impulse. Kel didn't make any indication of wanting to stop me anyway.
"Uh- hey..!" I got up, and he looked at me, well he turned his head in my direction. A moment of silence passed and lest I lose their attention, I approached him. Manners where are my manners... "My name is Jen, you don't know me, but here. You looked like you need it more than me." I handed him a small bag or candy. Thought it would've been better to save it for later, what could bring someone more happiness than sweets?
"I don't like sweets." He swiftly turned and began walking away. I stood there confused. Okay then- I guess he just doesn't like candy. I couldn't get too angry. It is kind of weird if a stranger goes up to you and offers candy- wait did he think it was poisoned? He looked like a pretty high class Shinobi. Well shit. He probably thinks I was trying to kill him! "I don't think that's the case... if it was he would have killed you already, or tried to hurt you. Perhaps he is simply not a social person?" Ah Kel with the wisdom. Thanks for that, I was jumping to wild conclusions. "Please don't worry too much about it. I think you're already recovering nicely. More...expressive." Oh that sounds good.
Hiroto came out of the room moments later. It wasn't long before we were on our way to get my citizenship. It didn't take too long, but there were some issues with the fact I didn't remember where I came from. Though, people trusted Hiroto and it went off without a hitch. I think. It happened so fast and I was just starving by the end of it so I couldn't really keep track over what was happening.
It was late at night by the time it was over. A lot of waiting was involved. "So your citizenship is pending, but that's the hardest step. Actually, they want a mandatory psych evaluation and an overall physical to see if your story checks out. About the amnesia." Oh. "Ah, okay." I mean-- it should be fine? I didn't want to worry about it too much, seeing as the day so far was a far better than anything I can remember experiencing.
"Hey don't sweat it kiddo. Why don't we get something to eat? Takeru and Kari are probably already knocked out asleep. I'll treat ya. Ah, then there's also the matter of where you're gonna stay." I felt a heavy weight on my shoulders as he said this. "Um, I'll pay you back for all of this, I swear!" He only smiled warmly. "Yeah yeah, well I have an extra room anyways so don't worry about it." How much do I owe other people now at this point?
We walked around, looking for a place to eat. "Hiroto-san, why are you being so nice to me? When you found me and also up until now?" He stiffened slightly. "You asked a similar question before." "You told me it was because, if I was a danger, then I would have already tried something. But- what if I was a spy then? Infiltration?" He was quite and we continued to walk in silence until he responded with a heavy tone.
"Jen-san. I've been a Shinobi for a long time, and that says something in my line of work. Many of us don't live past our twenties nowadays. I believe you're who you say you are. Definitely hiding something, but nothing that would hurt anyone around you. I mean, you just don't fit the profile. So either you're a damn good spy or you aren't one at all." I mean. I'm not a spy so that makes sense, why do I keep questioning it? Oh right. It's the kindness, the fact I feel so indebted. I felt like there must be a reason. Could it be Hiroto is just a kind person?
"Then.. I'm glad you believe me. Thank you. I swear one day I'll do something to pay you back, seriously." That awkward silence returned and Hiroto directed me to a small stall to eat at. A ramen stand, and I strangely understood the writing an the sign. 'Ichiraku Ramen'. It had a homely atmosphere, making me believe it was run by a family. I seemed to be correct as I spotted a girl and an older man working together. They smiled together and I could practically wade through the love they were giving each other.
Hiroto sat down at one of the stools, and I took a seat beside him. "I'll get the usual, Teuchi." He nodded and the man's eyes flitted to me. Hurriedly, I selected something from the menu. "Pork ramen, please." He smiled, a warmth coming over me and he began to get the orders ready. Hiroto sighed, "You don't need to pay me back for any of this. I'm doing it for myself." I blinked, unsure as to what he meant. Kel..? I didn't get a response, so it probably didn't matter too much. "Well, then I'll do it for myself too, when I help you out in the future." We smiled at each other, the awkwardness seeming to fade away as if it were never there.
Our orders were served shortly after and we dug in. I gotta say. After all the candy, this taste was even better. It tasted like a home cooked meal whilst also being of such high quality that I forgot I was sitting at a food stall. "W-woah, Teuchi-san, this is amazing!" he chuckled, seeming used to compliments. "Thank you, I'm glad you enjoy it."
Hiroto and I made small talk with each other. He was having a good time, and then suddenly went quiet. Huh? It wasn't the conversation, certainly, and I looked to where his eyes were looking on the other side of myself. A little tuft of blond hair sat on the stool. A toddler. He looked way younger than Itsuki, and I looked back at Hiroto with a confused expression. The same feeling I had earlier with the masked Shinobi happened again. The feeling I needed to say or do something, that this person had some problems and emotional pain. This isn't a psychic thing is it? "You don't have such powers." Oh! Kel, do you know what this feeling is? I didn't ask earlier but it's weird that it happened twice... "Hm, subconscious memories. That's all I can tell you." I rose an eyebrow. Weird. What did my memories have to do with it? Have I met them somewhere before? But neither seem to recognize me.
"That thing- it's a monster." Hiroto was shaken, and I almost didn't recognize how he looked at the kid. A mixture of resentment and fear. It felt ridiculous, that someone as powerful as him was scared of a toddler. "What do you mean..?" Rather than a sense of unease, I only felt confusion. Hiroto shook his head, like he didn't- or couldn't, talk about it. I looked back at the child, and he seemed to ignore eye contact. He brightened up when Teuchi began speaking to him. Hiroto tried to nudge me, "Finish up, we're leaving soon." Ah, cause of the kid? I didn't understand. Though, I trust Hiroto, so I should just listen but- the feeling I had. About the kid. I couldn't just up and leave without doing anything. May as well listen to my gut even if it didn't work out well with that other guy.
I took my time with the ramen, and I started talking to the child. Hiroto stiffened up. "Um, Hi there, my name is Jen, what's yours?" He looked side to side blinking and then pointing at himself confusingly. An awkward smile was plastered on my face, "uh, yeah I'm talking to you." His eyes widened, "Oh..! My name is Uzumaki Naruto! H-hi..!" He was loud once he started talking, and I couldn't help but chuckle. What was Hiroto talking about?
As I continued to finish up my ramen I talked to Naruto about school, what he did for fun and I didn't get the sense that he was super upset with life. Not from how he described it to me. He just acted like a normal kid. "Um, Naruto, where are your parents..?" I felt like it was unusual for this toddler to have wandered to this ramen stand alone. Not to mention his familiarity with Teuchi. He must be a regular, but why?
His expression became sullen and Hiroto seemed ready to bolt. "I'm an orphan." He looked down into his ramen, and I quickly tried to remedy the situation. "Ah- I'm sorry, Naruto. Um.. do you have any friends?" This question only seemed to make things worse. "No..." Was he on the verge of tears? Contrary to my belief he just looked up at me, a goofy smile on his face. "It's okay though, I have Teuchi n' gramps." Ah. He might think he's clever but if anyone saw him now, had a conversation with him, everything was utterly transparent.
A new emotion spurred within me. I wanted to cry, weep, yet I also felt happy because I was experiencing something new. Ah- let's focus on the negativity. "Sympathy, most likely. You feel bad for him and his situation." Ohh that would explain it, seeing how I just wanted to do something to help... and gosh, it hurts to know this little boy is all alone and wait- "Is there an orphanage you can go to? To be taken care of." Again, my questions only seemed to make things worse. "They threw me out..." What. Now I really knew what I felt this time. It just isn't fair, and I could feel my blood burning and- "Careful, remember your chakra? Try to calm down, focus on centering your thoughts." I took a deep breath. Kel's instruction helped, thanks. "Where are you staying right now?"
Naruto only brightened up slightly. "Gramps got me an apartment! I'm livin' by myself." He sounded proud. "Ah, I see.." but I know that it's irresponsible for a child to be left alone unattended. I mean- I couldn't survive in that white void and I'm not that young! "Hmm.."
I continued to ask more questions about his living situation. Hiroto had begun listening as well, some of his fear fading. He looked calmer now and was listening in on my conversation with Naruto. I had long finished my ramen- wait what? I felt confusion again seeing how the little boy just finished five bowls of ramen in one sitting. Hiroto became fearful again.
"So, I'll go over it again. No one is taking care of you, people refuse to sell you basic needs and you basically survive off of ramen and the few stores that will give you the leftover stuff they couldn't sell?" I had to ask a lot of questions as he wasn't very articulate in his responses, which makes sense. He nodded, looking nervous. "Well- I'm okay though..! Honest." Yeah bud, you're not convincing anyone.