The sky was still dark, even though daytime had arrived—gray clouds hung low in the sky, indicating that rain could fall at any moment.
Aoki's gaze swept over the scene in this squalid village. Ramshackle huts stood in a pitiful state, some with holes in their roofs, while others leaned precariously as if they would collapse with the slightest gust of wind. The air was filled with a mix of a rancid and rotten smell, possibly from dead rats or decaying food.
This place... is not a place for a child to live.
Not wanting to linger, Aoki stepped back into the hut.
"We will leave here tomorrow. Since you both are now under my command, I need to start preparing various things for the group I will build," Aoki said, his eyes sweeping over the two children with a determined gaze. "Tomorrow, we will look for a location in the southeast area of Konohagakure to establish our base."
"Understood, Boss!" Tetsu replied loudly, trying to sound more assertive.
Ajisai remained silent. She looked at Aoki for a moment with a blank expression before slowly nodding her head.
"So, for today, you should rest more," Aoki continued in a gentle voice.
Tetsu was an eleven-year-old boy. He was tall but thin, clearly showing that he was undernourished. Despite having the potential to become a ninja, Tetsu's harsh life had prevented him from receiving proper training.
Meanwhile, Ajisai appeared much younger, perhaps around four or five years old. However, there was something strange about Ajisai—when Aoki asked about her age, she couldn't answer. In fact, Ajisai did not understand the concept of weeks, months, or years.
It was truly odd.
Aoki sighed. Now, he had a boy with the potential to be a ninja and a little girl who might be talented in Fuinjutsu. He could only hope that choosing them was the right decision.
...
...
...
As the evening rolled in, Aoki conversed with both of them, trying to get to know them better. Tetsu answered questions fluently, but Ajisai often remained silent or replied that she didn't know. Nevertheless, their conversation went quite well, building a stronger bond among them.
When night fell and the sun disappeared from the horizon, Aoki pulled out a cup of ramen from his storage scroll.
"This is dinner for tonight," Aoki said, handing a cup of ramen to each of them.
Tetsu accepted it eagerly, but Ajisai only stared at it for a moment before slowly taking it. Aoki knew very well that eating instant noodles too often was not a healthy choice, but at the moment, he didn't have many options.
They ate in silence. Only the sounds of spoons and chopsticks could be heard in the dimly lit hut.
After finishing their meal, Aoki told them to sleep.
"Tomorrow we will leave this place," Aoki said while looking out the small dusty window. "We will head southeast to Konohagakure and look for a place to build something better."
"Alright, Boss!" Tetsu nodded promptly, showing unwavering loyalty.
"Uhm..." Ajisai also nodded slowly, accepting Aoki's orders.
"Then, Ajisai, you sleep on the bed. Tetsu, you and I will sleep on the floor," Aoki said firmly, ensuring everything was clear.
"Uh? Alright, Boss," Tetsu replied, a bit surprised but without much protest. Tetsu had to get used to following Aoki's orders, even if this time it was a little unexpected for him.
Something that could change the fate of the three of them.
Aoki did not know what would happen in the future. However, for now, one thing was certain—they would no longer survive like rats in this squalid village.
They would move forward.
And this... was the beginning of it all.
------------------------------
[Announcement: A New Novel Has Been Added!
The Puppet Maker in the World of Naruto
A man who is a scientist, researcher, and expert mechanic in robotics dies in a massive explosion that occurs in his laboratory while developing an advanced robot project. However, instead of experiencing death as he thought, the man awakens in another world—a strange place with vast stretches of desert.
There, the man is surrounded by people who can jump high, calling themselves ninjas. The confusion he initially felt grows as he realizes that this world is not unfamiliar to him. This is the world of Naruto! However, there is one thing that surprises him.
"Isn't this Sunagakure? Why am I not in Konoha? This poorest village... Oh my God, this is serious!"
Now, in the midst of a new life filled with danger and uncertainty, the scientist must find a way to survive in Sunagakure, a harsh place full of limitations. With his robotic knowledge, can the man change his fate in this ninja world, or will he fall along with the village?]
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