"Second option," Aoki continued, pausing for a moment before speaking again, "you stay in this village, but you will become the leader of this village."
Tetsu was shocked again, his eyes staring at Aoki in confusion.
"I will provide you with food, drink, and care to restore your body," Aoki continued. "In return, you must control the residents here and lead this village in a better direction. You can train them to be criminals, murderers, thieves, or choose another path like trading and working in a more honorable way. I don't care. But remember this well, if I hear that this village is causing too many problems, I will come back and kill you all."
Tetsu was even more confused. The offer sounded like a dream too big for someone like Tetsu, but he knew Aoki was not joking.
"Third option," Aoki said in a lower tone, as if offering something greater than just surviving in this village. "You come with me. I will train you to be the leader of a new group that I will form. You will gather people, teach them how to use Chakra, train them to fight, teach them to be medical ninjas, spies, or even build a trade network across the ninja world."
For a moment, Tetsu was silent. Aoki's words echoed in his ears. The choice was so significant—more than just life or death.
Tetsu's eyes locked directly onto Aoki's eyes hidden behind the mask.
At that moment, Tetsu felt a chill run through his body. Aoki's gaze was so sharp and deep, as if piercing Tetsu's soul. The man before Tetsu was clearly dangerous. Yet, at the same time, Tetsu could also sense the sincerity in his words. The eyes are the mirror of the soul, and Aoki spoke with absolute conviction.
"Then... I choose the third option," Tetsu said with a trembling voice. He bowed deeply, prostrating himself before Aoki. "Just give me your orders, Boss."
...
...
...
"Alright, eat this."
Aoki's voice was calm yet firm as he reached into a storage scroll from behind his clothing. A piece of sealing paper flickered with a faint blue light before transforming into thin smoke, and in an instant, a cup of ramen and a thermos appeared in Aoki's hands.
Aoki deftly opened the lid of the cup ramen, pouring hot water from the thermos with practiced movements. The rich aroma of the broth immediately filled the air, mingling with the warm steam that warmed the cold, damp wooden room. The noodles began to soften, soaking in the golden broth that reflected the dim light from the oil lamp in the corner of the room.
Tetsu, who had been sitting against the rotting wooden wall, stared at the scene with wide eyes. The image of the swirling hot steam in the air left Tetsu in awe. After what felt like an eternity to Tetsu, someone finally offered him food that looked truly worthy.
Tetsu's hands trembled as he received the bowl. He gazed at the ramen before him—the glistening broth, the tender-looking slices of meat, the perfectly half-cooked egg with a slightly melting yolk. All of it seemed simple, but for someone who had long endured suffering, this was a luxury Tetsu had never imagined.
Tears suddenly flowed without Tetsu realizing it. One drop, two drops, before finally forming a smooth stream down Tetsu's dirty, scarred cheek.
Aoki, who was observing, was slightly taken aback. However, Aoki's expression quickly softened. He then reached out and gently stroked Tetsu's head, allowing the boy to enjoy his meal in silence.
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[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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