Chapter 3
As I slowly walked to Orochimaru with my earlier clumsiness fresh in my mind I clutched my stachel tightly. It was a gift from one of the older girls that had disappeared. The last couple of meetings it was with Saya as she fixed it during her spare time. She awesome.
I quickly (without stumbling or falling) stood in front of Orochimaru. He looked stoic and his shoulders were tense but his emotions gave him away exhaustion, resolution, and hesitation, but he still accepted the candy without protest or prompting.
Self imposed task completed I turn around ready to get the hell away when his voice stops me in my tracks. “Why…”
I turn around keeping my eyes on the ground not wanting to make eye contact even accidentally. I rocked on the balls of my feet waiting for him to continue his question. “…do you keep giving me candy?”
I froze at the unexpected question.
I didn’t know the answer. Thinking back I could have started avoiding him after we first met. Pretended that it never happened. It was an impulsive decision, one that I could’ve just chosen to ignore but as I looked back on our encounter I recalled what made me approach Orochimaru and give him the candy in the first place. He felt miserable as if a permanent dark cloud was slowly suffocating him. Thinking about it made me remember what my mama once told me whenever I was mean as a kid. Kindness was something everyone should give but not everyone did because it was hard and not everyone repaid with kindness but that shouldn’t stop me from being kind because everyone deserves a bit of kindness. It was something that I tried to live by. It was my choice to continue giving him candy, my own pocket of joy because if I didn’t who would. A simple glance at the people around us solidified that belief. With their eyes full of fear, scorn and contempt and if he still went all evil scientist then it wasn’t my problem.
Having come to an answer I squared my shoulders took a deep breath before looking him in the eyes. “You looked sad and um candy makes me happy so I gave it to you so you can be happy.” I couldn't stop my smile when I felt some of his sadness disappear. Granted it was replaced with bewilderment but it's still an improvement and I’ll take what I can get. Having answered his question I took it as my que to leave as he was staring blankly into space now. I waved goodbye before spinning on my heels and speed-walking away. It felt rude to run away but I wanted to be gone like yesterday so speed-walking, yay.
While walking away I decided to try and find him tomorrow. To continue to give him some of my joy and show him the kindness he deserves as a human.
I looked up at the sun and calculated how much time I had, maybe two hours until I had to head back to the orphanage for dinner. Pivoting I made a quick left turn. I navigated down unfamiliar streets using landmarks as my guide until I was back to an area that I was more familiar with. Before I knew it I was at my destination. A place that I spent more time at than the orphanage.
The park or to be more precise the small forest just beyond the park. I kept to the outskirts of the park to avoid the boisterous children that littered about. I eyed the few parents who sat together chatting while they kept an eye on their children.
I made my way into the mass of trees. I weaved through the trees eyes distracted by how the leaves danced in the wind letting rays of light through. No matter how many times I go through here it never ceases to leave me in awe. Occasionally I ducked under low-hanging branches or jumped over fallen logs but my attention never strayed far from the canopy (this did cause a few run-ins with the occasional bush but that wasn’t my fault, they shouldn’t have been there).
It wasn’t long before the trees opened into a small clearing with a youngish ginkgo tree a bit off-center atop a little hill. It was nearing the end of winter and shortly followed by the beginning of spring.
Taking a seat under the ginkgo tree I rummaged through my satchel before bringing out my sketchbook and pencil and starting to draw the scenery. I was by no means a skill artist and for the most part my drawings looked slightly more legible than scribbles. However, I found the repetition soothing.
I sketch out half fished scenes and doodles. Never staying on one idea for too long. Among the things I drew were trees, birds, flowers. My favorite things to draw were people and things from my last life like skyscrapers that breached the clouds, planes that soared through the blue skies, and poorly drawn portraits of people I dearly cared for. Often more silhouettes than true portraits. It was hard to draw their faces when you couldn’t remember what they looked like.
Losing track of time was easy when I was engrossed in drawing. When I eventually looked up from my sketchbook to check how much time I had left I realized that I had less than 10 minutes before dinner started and food went fast. Even though I was only a block away I still quickly packed up and then made my way to the orphanage.
I arrived just before they started serving dinner. For a second I fantasized about coming home to my family, the people who loved me and cherished me. Who always greeted me with a smile. I mentally shook myself out of my daydreams before hurrying forward to grab my serving. I quietly thanked the caretakers for the food before sitting down somewhere without too many people.
I quickly ate the bland and watery food before hurrying to wash up before it got crowded. I still couldn’t get used to bathing with other people. By the time I was finished all the others started to trickle in. I made my way to my bed and knocked out as soon as my head hit the pillow.
Consciousness came suddenly like being drenched in water. My hand spasmed as I quickly brought it up to my face, eyeing it as I experimentally wiggled my fingers. Letting out a breath of relief I let my hand fall and my eyes wandered around the room absently taking note of how dark it is. Without a clock I had no way of telling what time it was. Tugging my blankets closer I curl into them. I screwed my eyes shut trying to get some more sleep but it stayed out of my grasp. Time flowed by like molasses and too soon but not soon enough the first rays of light started streaming in through the windows. Letting out a heavy sigh I mentally debated whether it was worth getting out of bed. Taking deep breaths I forced myself up and out of bed before sluggishly getting ready. Throwing my satchel over my shoulder I headed to the mess hall to grab a quick breakfast, consisting of rice, miso soup, and some vegetables.
My stomach churned at the thought of eating but I forced myself to eat the rice and miso soup unable to stomach more I gave the rest to a kid near me. Who was more than happy to take the vegetables.
Finished, I got up to head outside only to be stopped by a familiar voice “Ku-chan.” I spin around to figure out who called me only to be greated by Saya holding a large basket of laundry near the entrance to the mess hall. After getting my attention she opens and closes mouth as if wanting to say something but couldn't bring herself to say it. Eventually she manages to continue. “Don’t forget to grab a sweater it's cold outside,” She gently reminded. I quickly backtracked to the sleeping quarters to grab my thin green jacket. It was a bit worn and showed obvious signs of wear mainly because it was a hand-me down like the rest of my clothing.
Saya was my favorite among the adults at the orphanage even though she only started working here full time a little over four years ago but she’s been working part-time for longer than I’ve been in the Narutoverse. She was the youngest amongst the caretakers, being only 28 years old. I interacted with her the most on a regular basis so I knew just how kind she was. She went out of her way to check up on all the kids, remember their names and the little things they liked or were interested in. I was the main reason she became a full time employee besides them being understaffed but she still went the extra mile even though it wasn’t expected of her. She was overworked but so were all the other caretakers and they never tried to get to know any of the kids or show them affection.
I made a small detour to the back of the orphanage where the clotheslines are to wave goodbye to Saya before truly heading out. It was probably too early to start my search but the chill of the morning air was nice. I decided to take a stroll. As I walked around I waved at the few early vendors and shopkeepers that I knew from when they would watch over me as I took breaks.
There weren’t many people outside, just early risers and vendors setting up their stall for the day.
After a while I got tired of walking and decided to stop by my favorite shop. It was only a minute away from my current location.
“Obaa-san can I sit for a bit, please.” I asked as I slowly entered the shop.
Obaa-san wasn't actually that old; she was maybe in her late 50s. She worked in the mornings until her oldest son came to take over for the afternoon (sometimes he would bring his baby with him, who is in the top ten cutest babies I’ve ever seen). Her second son and youngest came in the late afternoon and closed up shop in the evening. I almost never came after noon because of how busy it was so I didn’t really interact with either of her sons but they were nice. While I preferred talking with Obaa-san, I didn’t mind their company.
“Of course sweetie. Your usual spot is open, go sit.” She ushered me to my favorite spot in the store. It was a small booth near the counter. They even got me a stepping stool so I could easily get on the bench by myself.
“Thank you Obaa-san.” I flopped onto the chair and laid my head on the table. Taking a moment to catch my breath.
“Rough day honey,” Obaa-san gently inquired.
I just hummed in agreement.
“You just go to sleep dear, I'll keep watch.” She reassured me.
“Okay, oh-” I lift my head off the table and turn to her- “can you pretty pwease wake me up before you go. I’m gonna go make a friend,” I quietly gushed to her.
“Just leave it to me. I’ll make sure to wake you up in time.” Giving me a big smile she turns back to what she was doing before. Slow soft hums escaped Obaa-san as she finished getting the shop ready for a long day ahead. The smooth tune slowly lulls me to sleep.
A hand on my shoulder and a soft breathy voice calling my name. Reluctantly I crack open one eye to see who’s there. After seeing it was Obaa-san I groggily lifted my head while trying to rub the sleep out of my eyes.
As I sit up a small navy blue blanket falls off my shoulders and pools on the seat. Looking around a bit I notice a small plate with two onigiri and a cup of soy milk. I can’t help but look helplessly at the food before glancing at Obaa-san who was already busy helping another customer. From my personal experience I knew there was no winning this battle. Sighing, I hesitatanly pick up a onigiri and take a small bite.
It took me a few minutes to finish but I was able to eat everything even though I was left feeling just a tad nauseous. Taking a few steading breaths before I started folding the blanket she let me borrow. Quickly setting the messily folded blanket on the table I walk over to the door but before I leave I turn to Obaa-san. “Bye, Obaa-san.” I wave goodbye before leaving without waiting for a response or else I’ll be stuck talking to her forever.