Wood and tinder crackled under the heat of a fire; a wood spit propped high over top momentarily used to dry wet clothes. It was constantly pouring in the land of Rain, and with little protection in the way of discarded boards, it was no surprise that nothing was ever really dry for too long.

Pulling off his ragged shirt, Shirou flapped it a couple times before rolling it up and squeezing several droplets of water out before placing it on the rack. His actions were mimicked by Yahiko and Nagato, while Konan stared at all three expectantly. Aside from Yahiko who blinked in confusion, Nagato and Shirou nodded before turning their backs to Konan and dragging Yahiko off.

The sound of rustling clothes and dripping water signalled that Konan too had begun to wring out her outer clothing before setting them by the fire to dry. This left her only in her underwear, while the boys were basically topless until their apparel dried.

In the meantime, everyone huddled close together with blankets they'd scrounged from abandoned villages wrapped around their shoulders, feet sprawled out near the warmth of the fire.

"We still have fish soup from yesterday. Anyone hungry?" Shirou asked while tending to the flame. He'd taken off his own blanket and moved towards where they kept their supplies and leftovers he'd cooked previously.

Reaching towards a large pot with a cracked rim, Shirou carefully removed the lid to reveal the pot still half-full.

"I'll take some," Yahiko swallowed.

"I'd like some too," Nagato followed suit, awkwardly yet politely raising his hand.

"More," Konan's response was on point as always.

Expectedly, all three were still hungry. They were growing adolescents, and as they matured, their appetites would only ever increase and never decrease.

Shirou himself felt his own stomach rumble, but he didn't show it on his face. Instead, he proceeded to find three clean bowls that he generally washed in a nearby river after meals, and gave Konan, Nagato, and Yahiko each a full bowl. Afterwards, he pulled out a few loafs of bread. Many were somewhat stale, as it had been a while since Shirou and Konan took the food from bandits, but it would do for now.

He handed each new friend a few loaves of bread and instructed them to dip it into their soup rather than just biting it. Doing so would at least add more flavour to the bread. However, in Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan's perspective, the bread would just ruin the soup. Between the three, they agreed and acknowledged that Shirou's culinary skill far exceeded their knowledge to describe. Hence, they savoured anything that he made.

Of course, they didn't refuse Shirou's intentions and took the bread before following Shirou's instructions. They weren't picky to begin with, anyway, and this would fill their stomachs more. It was just…

Konan's eyes glanced over to see Shirou pull a dried fruit from the cart and simply make due with that, whereas she practically had a full meal. Peering into the pot from earlier, Konan noted that it was empty, the contents evenly distributed to their three bowls.

Yahiko, Nagato, and even herself for a time were too engrossed in eating to even register the difference. Suddenly, she didn't feel as hungry anymore.

"What? You're not hungry? Don't mind if I do." Yahiko reached over for Konan's bowl which she had just set down.

-Thwack.

"Owe, you didn't have to hit so hard," Yahiko grimaced, pulling his hand back from where Konan had thwapped him.

She stared, practically glaring at Yahiko, but saying nothing.

By this point, Nagato too had noticed the discrepancy between servings between them all, and didn't side with Yahiko's wronged look at all. Instead, Nagato addressed Konan after glancing from her to Shirou and ascertaining her intentions.

"Don't think about giving it back to him. You should eat it," Nagato advised as Konan blinked, doubtful and curious that she was so easy to read. Maybe Nagato was just too observant?

Konan stared at Nagato, and the demure boy grew a tad flustered. Hurriedly he came up with an explanation.

"My father used to say that giving something back after it's given is rude, and ugh, watching me eat filled his hunger?"

Konan's features shifted into a deadpan, Nagato suddenly feeling the need to straighten his back.

"I-I, I mean look. Does he look like he wants you to give it back to him?"

No. No it didn't.

Konan furrowed her forehead and pursed her lips. Having known Shirou the longest, it was only now that she was no longer as starved that she could infer that he liked to treat others better than he treated himself. It was evident enough in how wiling he was to invest time and effort he could use to find his own food to teach three about Chakra.

How stupid. Foolish. Idiotic. Dunderheaded-

Konan's gaze inevitably turned back towards the food Shirou had partitioned for her, and couldn't help but shudder.

How admirable…

Shirou's actions were ones that Konan couldn't have envisioned her past self doing at all without hesitation.

"He gave us the food, so in turn, we should nourish ourselves and repay the favour by helping him get more food for everyone in the future." Nagato found himself mumbling.

To this, Konan could agree. At this moment, she couldn't help but re-evaluate Nagato in her mind. For someone generally so quiet, he was quite insightful…unlike the other one. Cheerful, loud, and well, loud.

Konan rolled her eyes at Yahiko who still hadn't picked up on the subtleties, but sure enough, Konan picked her bowl back up and began stuffing her mouth again. The gratitude within her was one she would be earnest in repaying in full, no- double, triple even. No matter how long it takes.

[Konan Favourability increase. (Friend) (Mentor) (?)]

[Nagato Favourability increase. (Friend) (Mentor)]

Suddenly seeing new notifications at the corner of his periphery view, Shirou subtly knitted his brows in confusion. Did he actually do anything worth noting, right now?

He didn't know. There was nothing at the top of his head that he could think of, and he blamed it on thinking too much.

Taking care of others was something that he knew was going to be difficult, hence why he was dwelling over things.

With the Shinobi successfully repelled, his priorities shifted once more to the livelihood of the children he was taking care off, and the quest to create some sort of movement or resistance group.

It was as he'd thought.

For now, he'd have to find a new source of food, maybe a town, village, or a settlement of some sort. He, Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan could subsist off of caught fish and wild game, but there was more to food than just meat. He knew this aspect well as someone who'd had to cook balanced meals for his adopted father since he was a kid.

Therefore, it was with a bit of uncertainty that after everyone finished eating, he informed them that they would be moving away from their current shelter. It was little more than a cave using make-shift tarps to ward away cold wind and rain by the entrance. Not only would he move because of supply reasons, but he didn't think it was healthy for children to grow up in this sort of environment either.

If he'd already committed to looking after Konan, Nagato, and Yahiko, then their mental wellbeing was also something he had to consider.

Oddly enough, none of them protested his suggestion which was strange. Konan had once told him that her main priority had always just been to find a place with stable food and shelter. This reasoning was likely the same for Yahiko and Nagato. This cave and the nearby river area was exactly that for the three, or at least, it should be.

The fact that none of three hesitated to agree made Shirou feel as if he was missing something, or some other change.

In the end, Shirou was right. Something really was different about him.

It was the reward he'd obtained from defeating the enemy Jounin: a choice of a single passive skill.

The reward had been divided between several useful Passive Skills such as Body of Steel and Fire of Blood, Luck E Curse Breaker Halo (He was honestly confused with that one. He didn't remember getting cursed?), Max Chakra Affinity, and Ninshū.

In the end, what he chose wasn't anything that benefitted just himself, but that of others.

[Ninshū: Way of Unity and Understanding]

This passive was a unique one in that it set off a vague Hidden quest that Shirou didn't even know how to begin.

[Hidden Quest Unlocked: Sage's Regrets, Origin of Chakra]

[Recognition: 0/9]

[Duration: Indefinite]

[Reward: ?]

Putting aside the matter of a hidden quest, what mattered was the new Passive's effect; the very reason Shirou had chosen it among the rest.

Shirou was never one to be selfish or focus on self gain when the other option could foster and improve the condition of others. In this case, his newest skill allowed him to passively disseminate portions of his chakra into those that lingered around him for extended periods of time, forming links and connections.

It obviously wasn't meant for offensive capabilities, but the links formed allowed everyone a better understanding of themselves and those linked with them. He'd be able to feel when someone he was connected with was sad or angry, and vice versa, allowing him and others to better understand each other. Moreover, he could feel through the shared links that he could also share chakra, if need be, in desperate situations.

In the end, the real reason he opted for Ninshū over the others was its ability to judge the safety of those bonded together. If a link is severed, it would be the same as alerting everyone that he or she had died. If it weakened, it would equate to a desperate situation as the bonded would use up their chakra quickly.

Essentially, it was a nanny system, and considering that Shirou was practically raising kids at this point, reckless kids mind you, it felt like the most apt skill to acquire.

Unknown to him, but what truly made the skill terrifying, was that the longer one stayed around him, the less likely they'd view him as an enemy. The ability to understand and empathize with others, could break through even the most hardened or damaged shells.

Of course, while Shirou had merely considered the practicality of it, the same couldn't be said for Konan and the others.

"This is a Jutsu that lets us know that we're all okay."

Shirou's description to them was rather vague, but one that didn't have to be elaborated on either. Ninshū was the predecessor of Ninjutsu, a fact that few would be able to recognize if at all, let alone Shirou.

To Konan, Nagato, and Yahiko, the moment that they felt the connection between them and everyone else, it was almost like a sense of security. One of the largest pains of an orphan was the debilitating sense of loneliness after they'd lost everything, more so in the land of Rain. Their families were gone, their homes ruined in the aftermath of war between countries that chose their land as a battleground. What sense of belonging they had left was the solidarity in shared pain, but no longer.

Nagato perked up, shoulders no longer drooping.

Konan had felt as if there were embers burning in her chest- the very same embers flickering within Nagato and Yahiko, linking them. Then she glanced at Shirou and felt the ever-steady flame that tied them together in a Jutsu she'd come to cherish more than any other.

It was warm.

It was comforting.

Nagato and Yahiko hadn't said anything, but they were likely experiencing similar sentiments. It wasn't easy to trust in this war-torn land, yet now, it was as if she instinctively knew that no one present had any ulterior motives.

For all those connected, Konan had a feeling that she could trust them. Of course, she was cautious that this increased favourability might have been artificially induced, but there were no indications at all. Instead, she gradually understood that this feeling of trust was born not from a mind-altering effect, but through being able to feel the good or bad will of others. Yahiko and Nagato didn't give any feeling of ill will, but instead feelings of solidarity. Then…then there was Shirou at the center of it all.

'I will protect them.'

'How can I help them?'

'Are they eating alright?'

'Why are they looking at me?'

'Do I have something on my face? Did I do something wrong?'

Shirou obviously wasn't saying these things, nor thinking them, but it was basically inferred from the feel of the chakra within him through his Ninshū passive.

Their friend and mentor, was basically too much of an open book that it was almost impossible for anyone not to feel his goodwill.

So, what if they were moving shelters? Wasn't it because Shirou was thinking for them?

The fool, did he think that they wouldn't understand his good intentions?

The way he was acting was ridiculous.

A snort escaped Konan's mouth, a hand moving to cover it, but it was already too late as Yahiko and Nagato noticed. Then again, those two didn't say anything either while still regarding Shirou. They may have had different interpretations, but one thing was clear for Konan at least.

"What, are you guys sure you're all fine with this?" Shirou turned his head cluelessly.

Konan snorted again, and this time, she turned her back away from everyone so that no one could see her eyes glistening under the light of the fire. This feeling. It had been such a long time.

No one hated someone caring about them.

No one hated someone who'd act for another's wellbeing.

"Hey really, if there's something wrong, you should let me know now so I can fix it."

'Idiot,' Konan mouthed warmly, and said nothing else when Yahiko burst out laughing while slapping Nagato on the back.

.

.

.

Shirou…he was…he'd become their pillar tying everyone together.

So long as he existed, there was no need to worry.

Too often, wars do not affect those in power in the same way that they do for those just trying to live their lives. Even within the barrier of mist that suddenly descended on a certain part of the land of Rain, people were struggling.

Homes were torn down, leaving behind only skeletal remains of wooden foundations snapped and splintered on the ends. Meanwhile, streets were pockmarked with the aftereffects of various Jutsu eroded further by unceasing rain. What little shelter was left could only be found in area that were fortunate enough to avoid any large-scale shinobi operations.

Rubble was practically scattered everywhere. A single misstep could lead into a foot-full of glass or rusted nails protruding from broken structures.

It was in the midst of all this destruction that Shirou, Konan, Yahiko, and Nagato were making their way through. Chibi, Nagato's dog was further ahead, using his nose to try and lead everyone in the general direction of some settlement.

"Chibi, don't go too far!" Nagato advised, a small bark coming back in response.

In the meantime, Shirou had Konan and the others continue training on the basics of Chakra and molding it. True to their assessed potentials, the three were making staggering progress and would soon be on the Shinobi level of Genin. All they would need left is actual combat experience and a shinobi mentality. Unfortunately, Shirou was the last person to ask for a shinobi mentality. Instead, what he demonstrated would be his own form of idealism that Konan and the rest would inevitably see again and again.

While Konan and the others practiced on their training, Shirou was doing the same with the knowledge granted to him from his quest rewards. Having chosen to put aside the Hidden Quest, all of his gathered knowledge was used to brainstorm what he'd do with his current quest, a direct branch line of the main quest.

[Sub-Quest: Establish a Rebel Force]

[Minimum members: 100]

[Affiliated members: 3/100]

[Time Limit: 5 years]

[Quest failure penalty: Death]

The death penalty was kind of the driving factor here, and Shirou knew he had to start somewhere. The barrier he'd activated encompassed a rather large area, and as such, he was sure that there had to be people around other than them.

He wasn't wrong.

Sure enough, after several more hours of travelling, Chibi ended up finding a relatively undamaged section of a village where people could be seen. Many were aimlessly milling through the streets, while many more were squatting at the sides of building to get out of the rain while clutching at their stomachs.

Shirou inwardly bristled at the depression of it all. This wasn't how people should live. Not when the situation wasn't made from their own choices, but through circumstances out of their control.

No matter where Shirou looked as he, Konan, Nagato, and Yahiko entered the settlement, people were on various levels of dying. Some were injured, others sick, while the vast majority were gaunt malnourished sticks of flesh and bone.

The general carefree air around Konan, Yahiko, and Nagato over their travels had disappeared upon entering the settlement.

Too many eyes were staring at them.

For a group of children, their complexion and musculature were too healthy for mere orphans. Either their constitutions were just better than everyone else's, or they had some access to actual food. Many watching stares lit up at the prospect, but didn't move recklessly. However, this didn't mean that there was no movement at all.

A child younger than even Konan herself walked bare feet towards them and wordlessly cupped his trembling hands. The child was so thin that the sockets of his eyes were almost entirely sunken in. The way the child was looking at them, it was like they were the child's last hope. Pity, charity, the child didn't care about what Konan and the others felt. Starvation could make anyone desperate.

Konan, Yahiko, and Nagato had just entered the town and were accosted like this immediately. One look at the settlement's populace, and it was clear that there was nothing to be found here. This wasn't what they were looking for in a new settlement, so it was best to move on.

It may have sounded heartless, but what could be done?

Konan could only turn her gaze away, Yahiko and Nagato awkwardly following suit. It didn't help that they could picture themselves in the person's shoes.

Death and malnutrition.

This sort of scene was all too common in the present land of Rain that Konan, Yahiko, and Nagato had grown habituated to it.

All one could and should do was look away, and pretend as if you'd never seen it. In this land, the priority was to watch out for yourself, or risk starvation and injury from the desperate.

Just as Konan, Yahiko, and Nagato stopped and moved to turn back in the direction they came, one person did the opposite and stepped forward, rooting all three in place.

Yahiko and Nagato's eyes widened.

Shirou, he was-

"Shirou no, wait!" Konan tried to hold Shirou back, but it was already too late.

"Are you alright?" Shirou asked while crouching down to the famished child's level. He rummaged through his belongings and sincerely pulled out a box carefully wound in torn yet remarkably clean rags. "I have bread here, and even bits of dried fruit. You can have it."

Everyone was looking now.

Shirou's ignorant words had caused Konan, Yahiko, and Nagato to tense.

Shirou had just openly admitted to having food in a place where practically everyone was starving and the settlement practically on the verge of ruins. There would be no law here, no disciplining force in the face of survival.

The effect was immediate, especially from grungier looking adults who assessed Shirou, Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan as mere children.

Yahiko shifted his weight from foot to foot as he noted the size of the crowd, and the intensity of their gazes. Vultures, all of them, but he couldn't hate them either. Neither could Konan or Nagato.

In the end, it came down to empathy and shared pain. They could understand what drove these people in the same way it drove them. Anguish, pain, and more pain.

Pain was what connected people.

Nagato balled his hands into fists, grabbing Chibi into his arms and preparing to flee if need be. Yahiko and Konan were the same, but out of everyone abandoned in the land of Rain, only one wasn't on the same page.

"Careful, eat slowly."

Shirou could be seen fretting over a child he'd had no relation with whatsoever.

His compassion, his empathy, his idealism that moved Konan from the moment she met him…it was on full display.

He really was someone that shouldn't have been born in this land.

Konan pursed her lips, glaring at the eyes of those around her.

He was too good to be tainted by it.

Thanks for reading!

Next update: Vasto of White

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