Naruto: A Shinobi’s Burden

I asked villagers for directions to find Haruto's house, though I made sure to remember the way back. It would be embarrassing to have to ask him to walk me home because I didn't know where I lived.

After a while of walking, I arrived at a single-story house painted light brown. It wasn't exactly a pretty color, but it fit the atmosphere of the village.

I approached the door, hesitating for a moment before knocking softly.

Knock

Knock

"Coming!"

A shout followed, along with the sound of wood creaking under weight.

Soon, a middle-aged man with some gray hair and a slightly unkempt beard opened the door.

"Oh! It's you, Akuma," the man said, somewhat surprised, before his expression turned sad and he crouched slightly to be at my eye level.

"Tell me, kid, do you have any problems?" he asked while gently patting my head.

"Hello, Haruto-san. I just wanted to ask you a few questions," I said with a sad look, lowering my head slightly.

Haruto, seeing this, could only frown slightly with sadness, his eyes exuding warmth.

"Of course, Akuma. Tell me what's wrong," he said, gesturing for me to come inside.

"Excuse me," I said softly, taking off my shoes at the entrance.

Looking around, it seemed like a simple house for a single person. He might be renting it. At the end of a hallway, there were two doors—probably one for the bathroom and the other his bedroom.

He's single.

He doesn't seem to have a wife or kids, at least judging by his house. There's only one picture hanging on the wall above his sofa, showing a younger version of him with two elderly people hugging him—likely his parents.

"Tell me, Akuma, what's wrong?" Haruto asked, patting my back and gesturing for me to sit on the sofa.

"Tell me, Haruto-san, did my parents really…?" I said, clenching my fists and furrowing my brows, seemingly on the verge of tears.

Haruto sat beside me, patting my back sadly.

"Listen, Akuma, I…" he said quietly before letting out a small sigh.

"Your parents… were proud Shinobi. They gave everything for the village," he said, looking me straight in the eyes before continuing.

"Your parents stayed behind to buy time while their comrades escaped from a Shinobi ambush." He paused, giving me time to process his words.

"They died as heroes of the village. Your parents embodied the true Will of Fire. I hope you will too," he said with a serious look.

I was stunned for a moment, raising an eyebrow as I processed his words.

This guy is really bad at comforting people. He just spouts nonsense about the Will of Fire and all that, as if it's going to ease the pain of a child who just lost their parents.

Truly fitting for a ruthless Shinobi. I wonder if most ninjas are like this, with little to no emotional intelligence.

I rolled my eyes internally at this attempt at consolation while keeping up my act.

I wiped the few tears I had shed with the sleeve of my shirt before giving him a determined and courageous look.

"Yes, Haruto-san. I'll become a powerful Shinobi like them and protect my comrades just like my parents" I said with a resolute expression.

Haruto, seemingly relieved by my response, gave me a slight smile before patting my back twice.

"Tell me, Akuma, have you eaten anything?" he asked with concern in his voice.

"Yes, Haruto-san. I made myself something to eat before coming," I replied quickly.

"That's good," Haruto said with a sigh of relief.

An awkward silence settled for a few moments. I opened my mouth to speak, but Haruto was faster.

"So… tell me, Akuma, do you have any other questions?" Haruto asked, scratching his cheek with visible discomfort.

Haruto-san, you really need to work on your social skills!

"Ermm… Haruto-san, c-can you help me become a Shinobi?" I asked with a determined look, my cheeks slightly pink from embarrassment.

Haruto's eyes widened slightly in disbelief.

"You want me to help you become a Shinobi?" he asked, clearly confused.

I looked down, playing with my feet.

Damn, this is more embarrassing than I thought. After all, this kind of question would have made me seem like a chuunibyou in my past life.

Haruto scratched his head before looking at me. "You could just wait for the Shinobi academy enrollment, you know?"

I was stunned for a moment before looking up. "But Haruto-san, I want to be as strong as my parents. I need to start now."

Haruto raised an eyebrow, giving me an amused look as he patted my head.

This guy really likes patting my head, huh?

"Are you sure? My training isn't easy," he said, his expression turning a bit more serious.

"I'm sure," I said, putting on the most serious face a 5-year-old could muster.

Haruto stared at me for a while before smiling again. "Alright, kid. We start tomorrow," he said, ruffling my hair.

Huh? That was quick. I thought it would take more time to convince him. After all, he's not my babysitter or anything.

Haruto got up from the sofa and gave me a look that said, 'Anything else?'

I blinked a couple of times before shaking my head slightly.

He nodded, gave me another pat on the head, and gently pushed me toward the door.

"Go on, go on. See you tomorrow at 7 a.m. Don't be late," Haruto said as I stepped out of his house.

I grabbed my shoes, put them on, and turned to give Haruto a slight bow.

"T-Thank you so much, Haruto-san! See you tomorrow!" I said with a serious face.

"Yeah, yeah, it's nothing, kid. See you tomorrow," he said, waving his hand before closing the door.

Well, that was easier than I thought. Actually, way too easy—so easy that it feels suspicious.

I narrowed my eyes slightly at this thought.

I'm not a shinobi yet, but I can imagine they're often on missions, some of which can last months. It's expected that after such missions, you'd just want to rest, with barely enough time to teach others.

Yet Haruto agreed so easily, barely hesitating. Maybe he feels guilty about something, perhaps related to my parents? Maybe he was on that mission.

I shook my head slightly, dismissing those thoughts. Whatever the reason, the important thing is that I'm no longer adrift.

As I thought about this, I made my way back home.

After a while of walking, I finally saw the door to my house, but before I could enter, a figure suddenly appeared in front of me.

Startled by the sudden presence, I stumbled back and fell on my butt.

Looking up, I saw a man wearing an animal mask, a gray jacket, and a black outfit.

ANBU. That was the first thought that came to mind when I saw the man.

The ANBU gave me a cold look before saying, "Akuma Kurokawa, report immediately to the registration office."

He finished speaking before disappearing in a blur.

He didn't even help me up, huh?