NOVEL NEXT Chapter 6: Chapter 5
I put on a face of annoyance and irritation as I got up and rubbed my butt.
I doubt he couldn't have caught me as I fell backward—he just clearly didn't want to.
I mentally noted his mask. I don't know if ANBU members change their masks periodically, but I'll remember this one anyway.
Letting out a resigned sigh, I turned around and asked a random lady passing by in front of my house for directions to the registration office.
After thanking her briefly, I quickly ran in the direction she pointed.
After about 15 minutes of twists and turns, I finally arrived at a small two-story building. A few people were coming and going. After entering, I looked around and saw a line of only two people in front of a receptionist.
After waiting for about half an hour, it was finally my turn.
Due to my height, I could barely peek over the receptionist's desk.
The woman was a bit surprised to see a child but quickly composed herself before asking, "Tell me, sweetie, why are you here?" she asked curiously.
Giving her my most innocent look, I quickly replied, "Hello, Onee-san, a man in a gray flak jacket and a rabbit mask told me to come here."
The woman thought for a moment before apparently remembering something and giving me a pitying look. "I see. Your name is Akuma, right, sweetie?"
I nodded, giving her a curious look.
Seeing this, the woman's expression filled with pity, helplessness, and sadness. She sighed softly before leaning over and gently patting my head.
Do people in this village have some kind of inclination to pat strangers' heads?
Not letting my annoyance show on my face, I asked her again. "What's wrong, Onee-san?"
Blinking a couple of times, the woman sat back down and cleared her throat. "Listen, Akuma, because of what happened to your… parents," she said softly, trying to find the right words to continue.
"Your parents left you an inheritance. However, since you're still a minor, you can't claim it yet." She paused briefly before continuing. "So, for now, your inheritance will be held in temporary suspension until you come of age."
The woman finished before pulling out a form and writing a few things on it.
"I need you to fill out this form. Don't worry, it's just some basic information about you," she said gently, handing me the paper.
Ah… crap. I felt a drop of sweat run down my forehead as I looked at the form. I hadn't had enough time to fully investigate my own information.
Taking the pen she handed me, I filled in the boxes with the information I currently knew about myself.
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Name: Akuma Kurokawa
Date of Birth: --
Marital Status: Single
Street: --
Origin: Konohagakure
Father's Name: --
Mother's Name: --
Guardian: --
---------------
...
So, apart from a few things, I really don't know much about "myself," huh?
At least I could write my full name—thanks, ANBU-chan!
Giving the woman an awkward look, I handed her the form with the information I knew before she could ask. "Onee-san, that's all I know. Sorry, my memory isn't very good."
I finished speaking while putting on a sad look and lowering my head.
Giving me another pitying look, the woman sighed before offering a small smile. "Don't worry, I'll take care of the rest, okay?"
I gave her a slight nod.
The woman rummaged through some papers before pulling out two forms. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see they looked similar to the one she had given me.
She began filling in my form with the information from the other two papers. After a while, she picked up the form and handed it back to me. "Check if the information is correct, sweetie."
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Name: Akuma Kurokawa
Date of Birth: April 20, XX
Marital Status: Single
Street: Tokumura
Origin: Konohagakure
Father's Name: Riku Kurokawa
Mother's Name: Aoi Takahashi
Guardian: Haruto Suzuki
---------------
...
So, Riku and Aoi, huh? It seems that Haruto had a close enough relationship with my parents to be listed as my guardian.
That might explain how easily he accepted my request.
Giving her another look, I nodded and handed the form back to her. "Yes, Onee-san, it's correct."
The woman nodded. "That's all for today, sweetie. Come back here when you're older, okay?" she said with a gentle smile.
"Thank you, Onee-san!" I gave her my best smile before turning around and heading toward the exit.
By the way, was it really necessary to send an ANBU just to tell me to come here? Those guys seem to have more free time than I thought.
I headed home once again. When I reached my front door, I made sure to look around in case another 'ANBU-chan' wanted to ambush me.
After a moment, I smiled ironically as I opened the door. If the ANBU really wanted to ambush me, I probably wouldn't be able to react before they stuffed me in a sack and carried me off like Santa Claus.
Amused by the thought, I chuckled lightly before closing the door and locking it.
It might not stop a trained ninja, but at least it'll keep civilians out.
Assuming they'd even dare to commit crimes in a village full of ninja police, of course.
Looking at my somewhat messy house, I sighed before starting to clean. There's still a lot to prepare for the day.
I swept the living room, kitchen, and stairs. After a while, I mopped the floors.
Once that was done, I cleaned the windows, which were already a bit dirty.
After finishing, I took a shower to wash off the dust and dirt from the street and the house.
I got dressed, went downstairs to the kitchen, and made some chicken soup with vegetables and toast.
I washed the dishes, pan, knife, pot, etc.
Once that was done, I went to my room and opened my "notes" notebook.
I needed to make a light training plan apart from the one Haruto is going to put me to prepare for the academy. Although I don't know what kind of "test" they'll give us to enter, I have to be ready.
As for not becoming a ninja and spending the rest of my days peacefully, starting a family, and dying of old age…
Hehe.
Are you seeking death? If not, then there's no other path. No matter how much money you have to hire ninjas, even if you have 10 Jōnin surrounding you, someone with "Kage"-level strength can easily kick their butts.
In this world, what matters most is your own individual strength. I won't stand around like a fool watching as I'm killed.
Just as I was about to start writing, I froze with the pen in my hand.
"Crap… I forgot to ask when the academy enrollment starts."