Capítulo 8: Chapter 6: Privilege of the strong
Ryu noticed the scent of freshly cooked food wafting through the air, signalling that breakfast was ready. With a warm smile, Hotaru, the orphanage's cook, placed a tray of food on the bedside table in front of Ryu.
"Well, good morning, sleepyhead," she said with a gentle chuckle. "It seems like you're finally awake. Breakfast is ready!"
Ryu's stomach growled in response to the delicious aroma, and he couldn't help but feel grateful for Hotaru's kindness. Although simpler than the meals he had in the past, it felt like a feast to a hungry person.
"Thank you, Ms. Hotaru," he said sincerely, a genuine smile spreading across his face. Grateful for her kindness, Ryu thanked her before diving into the meal, savouring each bite.
"How are you feeling today?" she asked, her eyes crinkling at the corners with concern.
"Much better," Ryu replied, taking a tentative bite of the egg. It was fluffy and perfectly seasoned, a testament to Hotaru's culinary skills. "Just a few aches and pains from yesterday's... disagreement."
Hotaru's smile faltered slightly. "That Kaito is always causing trouble. Don't worry, I gave him a good earful this morning. He won't be bothering you any time soon."
"Let's hope so," Ryu chuckled, wincing slightly as he shifted in bed. "Though I'm starting to think he might have a crush on me. Why else would he keep coming back?"
Hotaru burst into laughter, shaking her head. "Oh, Ryu, you're too much sometimes. Eat up now, before it gets cold."
Just then, the door opened once more, revealing a familiar face. It was Mikasa, the girl who had bravely intervened on his behalf. A wave of warmth washed over Ryu as he remembered the memories of Ryu he inherited—memories filled with Mikasa's kindness and unwavering spirit.
"Ryu! You're awake. I was worried sick."
She was Mikasa Watanabe, a girl a few years older than Ryu, who had bravely intervened on his behalf when he was being thrown around. He could still clearly recall their brief encounter, which had reminded him of Mikasa's compassion and bravery.
The memories of her flooded back to him; she had a brother of the same age as him who died, which is why she was close to him. Although Ryu was isolated due to his illness, having Mikasa around brought him the comfort and companionship he longed for.
"Are you okay, Ryu? I'm sorry, I couldn't stop Kaito," she said, her voice laced with guilt.
Ryu looked at Mikasa and said, "You did your best, Mikasa. You're a kind person and a true friend. Thank you for standing up for me."
Mikasa's eyes welled up with tears as she listened to Ryu's words of understanding and forgiveness, touched by his empathy despite her guilt.
She replied, "No, I didn't do enough. I should have stopped him. You're like a brother to me; I should not have let him hit you like that."
He then looked at her and said, "You did enough by standing up for me. How are you doing? You know that I am quarantined, right?"
"I know. I talked with Mother Yuki; she said I can talk as long as I don't get too close or touch you," she said.
"So what do you want to be when you grow up?" she asked Ryu.
Ryu wanted to say scientist, but he doubted that she would understand what it meant. So, considering the situation, he opted for the most generic answer a kid would give without much thought.
He replied after a pause, "I want to be a ninja because they are skilled protectors and warriors."
She was surprised by such a response. She never thought she would get such an answer from this sick kid.
She beamed with pride and confidently declared, "If you're going to be a ninja, then I'm going to be the first female Hokage, and I'll make sure you're my right-hand ninja!"
"You are making fun of me, or do you really want to become first lady Hokage?" Ryu asked
It may seem like she was looking down on the sick kid, but actually she was encouraging him as she said those words, which were genuinely heartfelt, with a proud and innocent smile on her face.
She replied, "Maybe a little bit of both."
Ryu said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Do you think a scrawny kid like me could ever become one?"
Mikasa met his gaze, her eyes filled with unwavering confidence. She laughed and said, "Of course you can!"
"Well, if I do become a ninja," Ryu grinned. "I promise to be your right-hand man when you become Hokage. Every leader needs someone to do the paperwork, right?"
Mikasa giggled, playfully swatting his arm. "Hey! I'm not going to make you do all the boring stuff!"
Ryu thought about her declaration with a mix of admiration and sadness. While he knew the future held Tsunade as the first female Hokage, Mikasa's determination and dreams of becoming the lady Hokage stirred conflicting emotions within him. There was no mention of anyone named Mikasa in the story he read before reincarnation. So he knew that she was either an unknown shinobi or not a shinobi but definitely someone irrelevant to the story.
During their conversation filled with mutual admiration and understanding, both Ryu and Mikasa opened up to each other in a way they hadn't with anyone else.
As they finished their breakfast, Mikasa shared with Ryu the challenges she faced at the orphanage, including bullying and learning to advocate for herself and others. For orphan girls, life comes with its own hardships, including limited educational opportunities, societal discrimination, and the daily struggle to secure food and shelter, challenges that often surpass those faced by boys in similar situations.
Ryu listened intently, admiring her unwavering determination and resilience. They shared their dreams and other things. Ryu and Mikasa's conversation flowed easily as they shared hopes and aspirations, two souls united by a common struggle in the orphanage.
"Why would anyone pick on someone for no reason?" she asked, her voice laced with anger.
She then questioned him about the challenges he faces in this difficult life, prompted by her observation of Kaito bullying Ryu without cause.
Ryu sighed, a flicker of sadness crossing his features. He didn't know it before, but after inheriting Ryu's memory, he knew why Kaito turned into a bully. It was because of Ryu's special treatment by the orphanage staff.
"Kaito... he lost his parents a while back," he revealed softly, the memories of Ryu's past surfacing once again. "It's been hard on him. Sometimes, people lash out when they're hurting. Perhaps he desired other people's love and attention in order to heal the void in his heart."
Mikasa's anger softened into understanding. "He just wants attention?"
Ryu nodded. "Maybe. He wants to feel loved, to fill the emptiness inside him. But he's going about it the wrong way." He cast a wry smile at Mikasa. "Guess that's why he picked on me. The easiest target, right?"
Mikasa shook her head vehemently. "No! You're not weak, Ryu. Just because you're sick doesn't mean you deserve to be treated like that."
He paused and then continued, "No. I am bullied because I am weak."
He stared at Mikasa and said, "In this cruel world, the weak don't get to choose how they live or die. It's a privilege of the strong."
Mikasa's brow furrowed. "That's not fair! Everyone deserves a chance."
Ryu's eyes lit up with admiration as he heard Mikasa's determined words. He hadn't expected such fierce determination from a girl her age. "You're strong, Mikasa," he said, his voice filled with respect. "Stronger than you think."
"But you're right," Ryu continued, his voice taking on a more determined tone. "It's not fair. And that's why we have to change it. We have to become strong—not just for ourselves but for those who can't defend themselves."
Mikasa's eyes widened at his words. "You sound different, Ryu. It's like you've lived a lifetime carrying wisdom beyond your years."
Ryu realised he might have let too much of his adult perspective slip. He quickly backtracked, "I've had a lot of time to think, being sick and all. Maybe all this time spent in contemplation has made me a bit too serious."
"Well, being serious isn't always a bad thing," Mikasa said, giving him a gentle smile. "But remember to have fun too, okay? It's important to balance being serious with enjoying ourselves; after all, we're still kids," she added, referencing their earlier conversation.
Ryu nodded, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude for her understanding. "You're right."
As they continued to chat, Ryu felt that in Mikasa, he had found not just a friend, but a big sister he never had in the past life.
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#Quote inspiration from:
"Weaklings can't choose how they die. You'd be wise to remember that."- Trafalgar D. Water Law
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