Chapter 10: Exploration time
I walked outside the orphanage for the first time, my eyes glancing around the newer environment with an ever observant gaze. Walking down the stone pathway I looked at the quest I had gotten by the head Matriarch of the orphanage, Manabe.
Quest: Buy Apples from the market using the money Manabe gave you!
Requirements for completion:
1. Buy 10 Apples.
2. Head back to the Orphanage
Rewards:
50 EXP
50 Ryo
Time Limit: 3 hours
Yeah, I got a chore which allowed me to explore the Village by myself. Since I had 3 hours I decided to explore first.
I needed to find the spots needed for my plan, then from there things would be simpler.
My plan with Hinata and Naruto needed a particular spot. I knew there was trees along this pathway, there was a swing, randomly there too and of course it was winter at the time, which hinders my research a bit, but since there was only one swing it was made easier.
The wind brushed lightly against my face as I moved further down the stone pathway, the sounds of the village humming in the background. Konoha bustled with life around me, shops opening their doors, villagers chatting with vendors, and the occasional glimpse of a shinobi darting between rooftops. It was peaceful here, in a way that felt foreign after everything I'd been through.
The crisp autumn air swept past, carrying with it the scent of dried leaves and the slight chill of the season's change. As I walked through the streets of Konoha, the ground beneath me crunched softly underfoot, the fallen leaves creating a mosaic of gold, orange, and red against the stone path. The faint rustling of leaves overhead blended with the low murmur of villagers going about their daily tasks, some glancing my way with passing curiosity, though none lingered long enough to warrant my attention.
To the right, a small group of children played near a training field, their wooden kunai clashing against each other. The sound of their laughter was jarring, a stark contrast to the silence I had grown used to in the White Room. I watched them for a moment, noting their lack of technique, but more importantly, their carefreeness was something I would never have experienced back in that unfeeling, cold, sterile place.
Even now, even if I understood the chemicals that make up each of those emotions, I did not understand them myself. The intricacies between having the ability to feel emotions wasn't understood by me.
Even if I had accumulated more knowledge than what a normal human would and could ever learn in their lifetime. It took a piece of me with it.
Even now, I guess I'm still stuck in that place, huh?
As I walked further down the stone path, my eyes drifted to the houses lining the streets. Each home was built with a simplicity that reflected the village's humble nature, yet there was a charm to their structure—a harmony between human craftsmanship and the natural world around them. The houses were typically one or two stories high, made primarily from wood and stone, with sloping tiled roofs that extended over the entrances. The earthy tones of the materials - soft browns and greys - helped them blend into the surroundings.
Most houses had small porches with wooden railings, often decorated with potted plants or wind chimes that sang softly in the autumn breeze. The windows were large enough to let in natural light, covered by sliding paper screens rather than glass, a traditional touch that added to the peaceful atmosphere. Some homes had lanterns hanging by the front doors, though they remained unlit during the day, ready to bathe the streets in a warm glow once night fell.
The yards were small but neatly kept, with gravel pathways leading to the doorsteps, flanked by carefully pruned shrubs or trees turning vibrant shades of red and gold in the autumn. The smell of fresh leaves, damp earth, and the faint scent of burning wood from nearby chimneys lingered in the air, giving the village a cosy, welcoming feel, despite my cold approach to it.
Occasionally, I'd spot small wooden fences, marking the boundaries between properties, though none were tall enough to be a barrier. The fences were more symbolic; a way to separate homes without cutting them off from the community. It was clear that the citizens valued their connection with one another.
Here and there, laundry hung out to dry on lines stretched between posts, flapping gently in the breeze. The sounds of daily life hummed faintly from within the houses. muffled conversations, the clatter of dishes, or the distant cry of a child; all reminders that while Konoha was a shinobi village, its heart was still made up of ordinary citizens.
The Hokage Mountain loomed in the distance; the faces of the previous Hokage and current were a reminder of the power that ruled over this place. Yet to the citizens they were a symbol of hope, a symbol that brought them peace of mind. That they were protected.
To me though, their faces were a reminder of what was to come, of my plans, and perhaps a symbol of something more.
Further ahead, the pathway began to widen, leading into a busier part of the village. Market stalls lined both sides of the street, vibrant fruits and vegetables on display, shimmering under the afternoon sun.
I turned left, walking down a narrow side street that led to a quieter section of the village. Here, the sound of the bustling market faded away, replaced by the whisper of leaves falling and the occasional creak of a swing swaying in the breeze. And there it was—the swing. A single wooden seat tied with fraying rope to an aged tree.
I approached it slowly, observing the area. The trees on the pathway offering some level of privacy while still being on the main path. 'This would be the place,' I thought to myself looking around. I realised that it was pretty isolated here, which must have provided the comfort for those bullies to the Hyuuga Heiress.
With the area mapped out in my mind, I began walking back to the marketplace, except I walked off, heading elsewhere searching for something. Something I wanted to see and taste for myself before grabbing the items.
As I wandered down the path, my eyes caught sight of something familiar from the stories—Ramen Ichiraku. It stood humbly on the side of the street, nestled between taller buildings that cast long shadows in the setting autumn sun. The small ramen stand had a simple wooden exterior with beige hanging curtains bearing the same iconic "ラーメン" in bold red; literally translating to Ramen. Beneath them, the inviting glow of the shop's interior gave off a comforting warmth that beckoned passer-by's to consider eating there.
It also had a strange, golden mark that only I could see on it. As I stepped towards it, a screen popped up.
Key Location found, Ramen Ichiraku.
The Map Function has been unlocked for usage.
Key spots will be marked on the map though the user cannot fast travel between them.
Ramen Ichiraku Found
+ 10 EXP, 20 Ryo, 1 Cookbook.
I decided to not focus on that as I stepped inside.
For this I was actually going to spend my Ryo. Why? Because I happened to be curious on what it would be like to eat here.
The warmth from the small shop immediately contrasted with the crisp autumn air outside. It wasn't busy, which suited me just fine. I preferred the quiet, especially since I wasn't entirely accustomed to engaging in such social activities—eating in a public space, surrounded by other people.
Teuchi, the shop owner, stood behind the counter, his hands deftly moving as he prepared a bowl of ramen for a customer seated a few stools down from where I would eventually sit. His movements were precise yet relaxed, honed through years of practice. The rich, savoury aroma of several types of Ramen filled the air.
I walked over to an empty stool near the corner, sitting down with an almost calculated deliberateness. The rough texture of the wooden seat pressed against me as I glanced briefly at the menu hung above, though I already knew what I wanted.
"One miso ramen, please," I said, my voice calm but laced with a faint hint of curiosity.
Teuchi looked up from the bowl he was finishing, his face warm and welcoming. "Ah, a fine choice. Miso ramen coming right up!" he replied with a smile, turning to work his culinary magic.
While he prepared the meal, I allowed myself to take in more of the surroundings. Despite its incredibly minuscule size, the ramen stand held an air of... I couldn't quite place it, perhaps it was like home? The countertop was worn from countless customers who had sat here over the years, seeking a quick meal or perhaps solace in a bowl of noodles. The light inside was soft, almost golden, casting gentle shadows across the shop, making it feel even cosier.
I felt the faint hum of other patrons talking amongst themselves, though it didn't concern me. I was more focused on the smell of the ramen being prepared—the sizzling of vegetables hitting the hot surface, the rich scent of the broth deepening as it simmered. The steam rising from the cooking pot swirled lazily, its warmth inviting.
In no time, Teuchi placed the steaming bowl of miso ramen in front of me. The golden broth shimmered, its surface dotted with scallions and perfectly cooked noodles beneath. A single slice of tender pork rested on top, accompanied by half a boiled egg and sheets of nori. It looked good, no, it seemed perfect.
"Enjoy!" Teuchi said with a grin, wiping his hands on his apron before moving on to the next order.
I picked up the chopsticks, hesitating for a moment as I studied the bowl in front of me. This was a part of Konoha I had never known—this mundane, yet meaningful experience of sitting down to enjoy a meal, surrounded by the casual atmosphere of the village. It was strange, but not unpleasant. A symbolic representation perhaps. A representation of what it might have been like to have been normal. To have lived a normal life.
Something, I could not envision.
I took my first bite, the warmth of the broth hitting my senses instantly, the rich flavours coating my tongue. It was better than good. A soft, involuntary sigh escaped my lips as I realized why this place was so beloved by the villagers and shinobi alike. It offered something more than just sustenance. It offered a sense of belonging, a fleeting moment of peace, something I hadn't experienced since...
Matsuo.
I finished my bowl quietly, placing the chopsticks down with precision before reaching into my pouch to pay the amount due. Teuchi thanked me, and as I stood to leave, I gave the stand one last glance. This place, for all its simplicity, had left a mark.
With my curiosity satisfied, I stepped back out into the cool autumn air, the warmth of the ramen still lingering inside me. There was no time to dwell on the experience. I had the quest to complete.
Walking back into the market, the smell of fresh apples greeted me as I approached the vendor's stall. The old man behind the counter gave me a kind smile as I pointed to the apples.
"Ten, please," I said, handing him the coins from Manabe, exactly 50 Ryo which I would get back for myself once the quest ended.
He nodded, wrapping the apples in a neat cloth bag. "That should do it," he said, placing the bag in my hand.
With the apples secured, I turned back to the orphanage my mind, one akin to a supercomputer already racing with the steps that lay ahead. The pieces were already falling in place,
The village of Konoha was larger than I had initially anticipated, but the chaos of everyday life offered more than enough cover for what I needed to do. For now, the task was simple—observe, plan, and remain unseen. Soon, both Naruto and Hinata would become valuable tools in my arsenal.
My plans were in motion already.
Walking back up the pathway, I thought back to the emotion I felt at Ichiraku's, even if I hadn't known what it was exactly yet here I was, trying to grasp that particular emotion.
My thoughts were interrupted as I sensed danger, tilting my head sideways . I saw the appearance of several wooden Shuriken flying towards me, each one incredibly slowly. I grabbed them as I heard a kid yell out in shock. I turned to look at the kid who had run towards me.
They appeared to be an older girl, her eyes were silvery with onyx hair tied into 2 buns with short fringe-bangs framing her face.
When they got close they muttered out, "I'm sorry," as if in a hurry but by their voice, it was a sincere apology.
Seeing an opportunity, I faked a kind smile showing the girl who was older in front of me that I forgave her already akin to that of an innocent kid. A toddler, no less.
"It's alright. Why are you playing with these things?" The question was asked, deliberately aimed at getting her to talk subtly.
"Ah, I'm a student at the Academy. I want to become a legendary Shinobi like Tsunade one day."
"Tsunade? Who's that, never heard of them? And a legendary Shinobi? Are you sure, in the books I read it mentioned nothing of a "Tsunade"?"
That was a manipulation tactic, by asking people such a question about their career or what they want to become in a wrong way they will feel obligated to correct your incorrect presumption. This can cause them to reveal information about themselves although it is unlikely that it will be anything personal, it would clue one in on the person they see in front of themself's personality.
"How can you not know who Tsunade is? She's one of the best Kunoichi out there, a member of the 3 Sannin who are said to have fought Hanzo the Salamander, to the point he gave them that title out of respect. She's the best Iryo-nin in the entire world, it's said that no disease is incurable to her, no Injury can't be healed, either. She's also said to be the strongest of the 2 in raw physical power. I want to become just like her, but I don't want to be an Iryo-nin, no, I'll make the world of Kenjutsu, Shurikenjutsu, all types of techniques like it famous. Tenten; Powerful, strong, intelligent, respected, that's who I will be!"
As Tenten yelled out her last part, I recognised why she seemed familiar. It's no screentime-chan as the fandom calls her.
"Ah, the Slug Princess. I read about her, I just didn't recognise the name. Tsunade Senju, I heard she was called the Legendary Sucker for Gambling all her money, not exactly the Legend you portray her as. Unless," I gasped, making it look real, but it was just that, nothing more, nothing less, "That's your goal? Who would want to be bad at Gambling though? You are strange Onee-san."
The usage of Onee-san completed the act I put on.
"You... You... You might be right about that," I had broken Tenten's dream with just a few simple words, yet with determination she looked at me, "I won't fall into that trap, I'll make the world watch me become better, even stronger than Tsunade."
"I see, Onee-san is determined isn't she?"
"Ah, it's Tenten, just call me Tenten. And how do you know words like that?"
"I read a dictionary, Tenten."
"Ah, I see."
With that I looked up at her, "Ah, I should get going, bye bye."
I ran off, without introducing myself, not to Tenten, I was going to let that impression with me fester, until I showed her my truer self later on.
At home in the Orphanage, I looked at the aged woman.
"Thanks, Manabe."
"It's fine. I don't mind letting you outside the walls of the Orphanage, so long as you remain safe, young one. And understand some dangers.
"So with this, I've earned the ability to go outside into the Village, right?"
"Correct."
I handed her the bag of apples, and with that...
Quest Completed: Buy Apples from the market using the money Manabe gave you!
+ 50 EXP, 50 Ryo.
My quest was completed, so I walked off.
As for Shiina, well since rest was important, once a week I allowed her a day off training. Which meant that I was probably going to be doing something else too.
Of course, it was one day a week yet even that would be preposterous in a place like the White Room. In that facility, you slept at the end of the training, and woke up, you were taken to your first task usually, then breakfast, then you did things like study core subjects until lunch, after lunch was more subjects they wanted us to learn, this was until dinner, after that would be everything else until bed.
Every day, every month, every year, with the slight changes being in the complexity of the tasks and the "Special Tests" which you had to meet a certain score on in order to continue staying in that facility. These were at the end of the month, and used to determine whether one was worth teaching, no matter your results the previous days, fail this, and you fail everything else.
Though, I guess that didn't matter.
Now that I think about it, I got a Cookbook, right?
Cooking was one of the few things the White Room did not teach us. Thus, my boundless curiosity got the better of me. I entered my room. And began reading.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone