Kaito's fists trembled at his sides, but he did not move yet. His eyes stayed locked on the scene before him—the scarred girl curled up on the ground, and the group of boys surrounding her with cruelty dripping from their words.
His heart sank. This wasn't just petty bullying. This was a reflection of the world he now lived in.
The shinobi world is cruel, he thought bitterly. It always has been.
Images from the story he knew—the story of Naruto—flashed through his mind. He remembered the countless battles, the rivers of blood spilled in wars fought over pride, fear, and power. He saw again the loneliness of orphans, the anguish of mothers losing children, the betrayals, the sacrifices.
How many had died for meaningless grudges? How many tears had soaked the soil of this world? Uzumaki, Uchiha, Senju… names that echoed with both glory and tragedy. Entire clans reduced to ash. Dreams shattered under the weight of endless conflict.
This is the shinobi world… where hatred spreads faster than love. Where children learn to fight before they learn to live. Where people hurt each other just to feel stronger.
His gaze softened briefly as it fell on the girl. And she's just a child. Her only crime is being different… bearing a scar. Yet they treat her as if she doesn't belong.
A flame sparked inside him—anger, yes, but also resolve. He couldn't erase the wars to come, not yet. But here and now, he could stop this cruelty.
"Enough," he muttered under his breath, stepping forward.
The bullies turned their heads as Kaito emerged from the shadows. His yellow eyes glowed in the fading sunlight, sharp and unwavering.
"Leave her alone," he said flatly.
The boys sneered. One of them, taller and broad-shouldered, smirked. "And who are you to order us around? Think you're some kind of hero?"
Another chimed in. "Yeah, stay out of it. This scar-face doesn't belong with us."
Kaito's hands clenched tighter. "She's Uzumaki. That's enough. If you can't see that, then I'll make you."
The tallest boy laughed mockingly. "You and what army?" He shoved Kaito hard on the chest.
But Kaito didn't stumble. Instead, he shot forward, his small frame moving with surprising precision. He ducked under the boy's arm and drove his shoulder into his stomach, knocking the air out of him. The bully gasped and fell backward, clutching his belly.
The others rushed him at once. Four against one.
The first swung a clumsy punch. Kaito caught his wrist, twisted, and yanked him off balance before sweeping his legs. The boy hit the ground with a thud.
Another tried to kick, but Kaito stepped inside the arc and pushed upward with his elbow, sending the attacker sprawling.
But the fourth was faster. He grabbed Kaito from behind, locking his arms around him. The tall boy, recovered, moved in with fury. "Hold him still! I'll teach him a lesson!"
Kaito struggled, feeling the grip tighten. His chakra roared inside him like a storm, begging to be unleashed. He exhaled sharply, focusing on raw movement instead. With a sharp stomp, he struck the boy's foot behind him. The grip loosened. Twisting hard, he elbowed the boy in the ribs and broke free.
"I think my physical strength is already approaching the genin level... these children, Not even at the level of the 4th year olds at the ninja academy, are nothing against me!" Kaito thought.
The tall bully lunged forward, fists raised. Kaito sidestepped, caught his wrist, and with all the strength of his compact body, threw him over his shoulder. The boy crashed onto the dirt, groaning.
Breathing hard, Kaito glared at them. "Is this all you have? You fight four on one, and yet you still lose. Pathetic."
The boys scrambled back to their feet, glaring but hesitant now. They hadn't expected resistance. Certainly not from someone their age.
"Fine!" the tall one spat, wiping blood from his lip. "You're not worth it. But remember this, Kaito—you'll regret crossing us."
He motioned for the others, and together they staggered away, casting angry glances over their shoulders.
The park grew silent again.
Kaito stood still, chest heaving, the adrenaline slowly fading. His body ached from the struggle, but he had won. He looked down at the girl, who was staring up at him with wide, tear-stained eyes.
She clutched her doll tightly, her voice trembling. "Y-you… you stood up for me…"
Kaito crouched down, softening his tone. "Of course I did. No one deserves to be treated like that."
The girl blinked, surprised. "But… I'm different. Everyone says I look ugly. That I'll never be strong."
He shook his head firmly. "They're wrong. A scar doesn't make you weak. It means you endured something others couldn't. It makes you stronger."
Her eyes filled with fresh tears, but this time they were tears of relief. She sniffled, then gave him a small, shy smile. "My name is Soka."
"Kaito," he replied, smiling gently. "It's nice to meet you, Soka."
For a moment, silence hung between them—then she giggled softly, the heaviness lifting.
"Come on," he said, offering his hand. "Let's walk. I'll show you that this village isn't as cruel as those boys make it seem."
She hesitated, then took his hand. Together, they wandered through the evening streets of the village.
The market stalls were closing, but the air still carried the aroma of baked bread and roasted fish. Lanterns lit the streets with warm light, casting spirals of color across the stone paths. Musicians played soft tunes, while families laughed and shared stories.
Soka's eyes widened as she took it all in. "It's… beautiful," she whispered.
"It is," Kaito agreed. "And it's ours. Don't let anyone tell you that you don't belong here."
She squeezed his hand tighter, her smile growing. For the first time, her scar didn't seem to weigh her down. She was just a child enjoying her home.
They walked until the stars appeared above, until laughter and music faded into the quiet hum of the sea. Eventually, they reached the path where their ways split.
"Thank you, Kaito," Soka said, bowing her head slightly. "I'll never forget this."
He smiled warmly. "Neither will I. Friends?"
"Friends," she said softly.
They parted ways, and Kaito walked alone through the quiet night. The warmth of companionship lingered in his chest, but so did the cold weight of solitude. His small home awaited him—empty, silent, yet filled with the echoes of his determination.
As he lay on his futon, staring at the wooden ceiling once more, he whispered to himself:
"I'll protect this village… and the people in it."
And with that vow, Kaito drifted into restless dreams of spirals, battles, and an uncertain future.