He is Tetsu, an eleven-year-old boy whose body looks thinner than it should. Despite Tetsu's young age, his relatively tall stature gives the impression that he is older than he is.
Unlike Ajisai, Tetsu eats in a more controlled manner. Although Tetsu is also hungry, he chews his food properly before swallowing. However, occasionally Tetsu glances at the little girl with an expression that is hard to interpret—somewhere between pity and wonder.
Across from them, a thirteen or fourteen-year-old boy sits cross-legged with his arms folded over his chest. The boy's black hair falls messily, covering part of his face, and his sharp eyes calmly observe the two children. The black cloak he wears makes him appear more mysterious in the dim light of the campfire.
He is Aoki.
At first, Aoki only intended to give a cup of ramen to Tetsu—a small gift for his new subordinate. However, unexpectedly, Aoki found a little girl in this place. And not just any girl—she is Ajisai, a child from Amegakure who will eventually take the Chunin Exam in the Naruto era. More than that, Ajisai is one of the figures who will later become part of Pain.
Finding someone already known from the Naruto anime gives Aoki a strange feeling. As if fate has arranged for them to meet.
Aoki lets out a quiet sigh, his gaze still fixed on Ajisai, who continues to eat her food without stopping. Watching how the little girl eats so greedily, Aoki realizes one thing—this world is truly insane.
How far does this girl have to struggle to survive? How hard must her life be for her to eat as if this is her last chance?
For a moment, Aoki considers whether he should pull out more food for Ajisai. However, he quickly dismisses that thought. Aoki's supplies are limited—only a few cups of ramen are left. And Aoki cannot just focus on feeding them. There are more important things he needs to do.
Now, with Tetsu having joined him, Aoki needs to start looking for a location for the new base he wants to establish.
They cannot stay here much longer.
As soon as their food runs out, they must move. Aoki needs to explore the area around Konoha, looking for a suitable place to build their operational base.
But for now, Aoki will let the two children fill their stomachs first.
Because in this cruel world, food can be the most valuable thing for those who do not have it.
...
...
...
The morning wind blows gently, carrying the damp forest aroma mixed with a faint smell of blood still lingering in the air. The sunlight hangs dimly in the sky, peeking through the slowly moving clouds. The morning sun casts a soft glow on the faces of the three people sitting in a circle around it.
Aoki gazes at the little girl in front of him with a soft yet attentive look. The tattered clothes she wears seem full of dust, her hair is tangled, and her eyes appear... empty. There is no life there, as if the girl is just a doll that has lost its soul.
"Are you full?" Aoki asks, offering a small smile to show his good intentions.
However, there is no answer.
Ajisai remains silent, only staring at Aoki with vacant eyes that send chills down one's spine. Her gaze seems to not recognize the concepts of hunger, fullness, or even social interaction.
"Tch! Boss! That girl is weird! Why are you bothering to talk to her!" Tetsu exclaims, his annoyed expression clearly visible.
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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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