We returned to Madame Misuki's house. The aroma of herbal tea and cinnamon wafted from the kitchen, welcoming us like a warm embrace. The house was small, its walls made of old wood that creaked slightly, yet it had a warmth that even grand buildings lacked.
Small candles flickered in the corners of the room, their light swaying gently. Outside, the sound of crickets echoed, and the night wind continued to blow like a lullaby from nature, soothing everything to sleep.
...
...
...
The next morning, the sky appeared bright, as if the cold and disappointing night had been forgotten. The sun rose slowly from the horizon, piercing through the thin mist that hung over the village.
Orange hues enveloped the rooftops and the grass damp with dew. The village children had already begun to play, their laughter faintly heard in the distance.
Breakfast together felt warm. The aroma of fresh bread and fish soup filled the air. Madame Misuki served hot tea in clay cups, and as the steam touched my face, it felt like a gentle caress from a mother's hand.
After finishing, we resumed our steps. I, Aoki, Tetsu, and Ajisai walked along the dirt path outside the village, passing small fields, ditches, and clumps of bamboo that rustled whenever the wind blew. Aoki walked ahead, his steps light yet purposeful, as if he knew that even if today might not be successful, seeking it was still important.
During that journey, I began to understand them better.
Aoki... that boy was like a puzzle. Usually cheerful, Aoki's voice was full of energy, and his eyes radiated an almost childlike enthusiasm. But sometimes—like when we encountered a dark gray wolf by the river—Aoki's expression changed.
Aoki's gaze became sharp, his jaw tightened, and his body stood tall. He stood there without fear, staring directly into the eyes of the animal. A moment of silence. Then the wolf turned and disappeared into the bushes, as if bowing to an invisible aura. That moment slapped my awareness—Aoki was not just an ordinary child.
Tetsu was different. Tetsu was no more than twelve, but his height was almost that of an adult. His shoulders were broad, and his hands rough like those of a hard worker. Yet every time he heard the sound of an owl or a breaking twig, Tetsu's eyes widened, and he would immediately move closer to Aoki.
Where Tetsu held great respect for him, like a younger brother idolizing an older sibling. But strangely, despite being timid, Tetsu could become very brave when Aoki asked him to do something. It was as if Tetsu's courage only existed because of Aoki's belief in him.
Ajisai... that little girl was like a shadow. Silent, following from behind, her steps light and soundless. Ajisai was probably no more than six years old. Her face was pale and clean like a porcelain doll.
Where Ajisai rarely spoke, her eyes always quietly observed the world as if it were not interesting enough to discuss. But when food appeared, Ajisai's eyes sparkled. She loved to eat—whether it was cookies, warm rice, or wild fruit. And one thing was clear: Ajisai would do anything Aoki said, without question, without hesitation.
...
...
...
Days passed, and I began to open up. At first, I was silent, watching them, taking mental notes. But for some reason, I started to feel drawn to speak more often... especially with Aoki.
I began to tease Aoki. Sometimes with sharp remarks laced with a smile, sometimes by mimicking Aoki's movements, or pretending to misunderstand just to see Aoki's confused expression.
And every time Aoki let out a small laugh or blushed while turning away, I felt a strange satisfaction that was hard to explain. There was something about Aoki that made me want to see him lose control, whether it was showing annoyance or embarrassment, even if just a little.
------------------------------
[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?]
________________________
[Note: 510+ latest chapters have been added! For Just 3$ You Get Access To Chapters Way Ahead,
Now you can access the chapters before Webnovel And Scribblehub by following,
Just become a patron on Patreon:
Patreon.com/Alex_Fabianoki]