Capítulo 19: Chapter 20: A Birthday to Remember
The sun was setting, casting long, golden shadows across the streets of Konoha. Haruto Takeda walked beside Obaa-chan, the old woman who had cared for him as long as he could remember. Her wrinkled face was lit with a warm smile, her gentle but firm hand resting on his shoulder as they moved through the village. This walk was special—it was his sixth birthday, and it wasn't just any birthday. In a month, Haruto would be applying for the Ninja Academy, and today, Obaa-chan had decided to celebrate him.
The orphanage had been his home for as long as he had lived in this world, and Obaa-chan had been the closest thing to a family he had. She had raised him along with the other children, but their bond was special. She'd always known there was something different about Haruto—something that set him apart from the others, though she had never pried into the specifics.
Today was about more than just his birthday. Obaa-chan knew that once Haruto entered the Ninja Academy, his life would change. He would get a small, subsidized apartment, just like Naruto had. She had arranged for him to have the same, sure that he would succeed in his application. But more than that, she wanted to make sure Haruto knew how proud she was of him, how much she valued the boy who had grown so quickly before her eyes.
A Special Evening
They walked to a small teahouse tucked away in one of the quieter corners of Konoha. It was a simple place, the kind of establishment frequented by villagers who wanted a quiet evening away from the hustle and bustle of the main market. The paper lanterns hanging outside glowed softly, their light casting a welcoming warmth over the entrance.
"Here we are," Obaa-chan said, her voice slightly wheezy but filled with a quiet pride.
Haruto looked up at the teahouse, a sense of warmth spreading through him. He wasn't one for grand celebrations, but this… this felt right. He had always appreciated the small, quiet moments with Obaa-chan, and tonight was no different. She had never treated him as just another orphan. To her, Haruto was special, and in moments like these, he felt it deeply.
The owner of the teahouse greeted them with a respectful nod, clearly familiar with Obaa-chan. She must have brought him here before, years ago when he was too young to remember. Haruto took a seat beside her at a small table by the window, the soft hum of conversation from other patrons filling the room.
As they sat, sipping the tea that had been served, Haruto found himself reflecting on his relationship with Obaa-chan. She had always been there, from his earliest memories, watching over him with a mixture of care and gentle discipline. In a way, she had taken on the role of a parent, even though the orphanage was filled with other children who also relied on her.
For a moment, Haruto glanced at her, seeing the deep lines etched into her face from years of hard work and worry. Her hair was grey, tied up into a neat bun, and though her body had grown frail with age, there was still strength in her posture.
"You know, Haruto-chan," she began, interrupting his thoughts, "I've watched you grow up from that small, quiet baby into this young man sitting before me." Her eyes sparkled as she spoke, the love she held for him clear in her voice. "You've always been different… special. I know you've worked hard, even when you didn't think anyone was watching."
Haruto smiled softly, his chest tightening with emotion. He wasn't one for outward displays of affection, but Obaa-chan was one of the few people who made him feel like he didn't have to hide his feelings.
"Thank you, Obaa-chan," he said quietly, lowering his gaze to his cup. "I've always wanted to make you proud. You've done so much for me… for all of us."
She reached out, placing her hand on his. "Haruto-chan, you've already made me proud." Her voice was steady, though Haruto could hear the slight tremble of emotion in her words. "You're about to take your first step into a world that few understand. The Ninja Academy… it won't be easy, but I know you're ready. And when the time comes, you'll get your own apartment, just like the others before you. The village will take care of you, and I know you'll succeed."
Haruto nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. The thought of leaving the orphanage and starting this new chapter of his life was both exciting and bittersweet. Konoha was his home, but the orphanage, and Obaa-chan especially, had been his world. The idea of moving on without her constant presence, her quiet reassurances, and her watchful eye… it was daunting.
"I'll miss this place," he admitted softly, his gaze drifting out the window as the twilight deepened. "But I won't be far. And… I'll always be grateful for everything you've done."
Obaa-chan smiled, her eyes softening. "I'll miss you too, Haruto-chan. But I'll be here. You'll always have a home with me, even if you don't live in the orphanage anymore." She paused, squeezing his hand. "You're like a son to me. You always have been."
Her words struck deep, and for a moment, Haruto found himself at a loss for what to say. He had never had real parents in this world, but Obaa-chan had filled that role in ways he hadn't fully realized until now. She had given him guidance, love, and a sense of belonging. To hear her say that he was like a son to her… it meant more than he could express.
"I… I feel the same," he said, his voice quieter than usual. "You've always been there for me. I wouldn't be who I am without you."
Obaa-chan smiled warmly, her wrinkled face lighting up with pride. "You've always been so serious, Haruto-chan. Always focused, always pushing yourself. I see that in you every day. And I know you'll make a great shinobi."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, sipping their tea as the soft glow of lanterns filled the teahouse. The world outside continued to move, but for this moment, it felt like just the two of them, sharing a quiet celebration of not just Haruto's birthday, but everything they had built together.
A Quiet Goodbye, For Now
As they finished their meal, Obaa-chan stood, motioning for Haruto to follow. They left the teahouse and began walking back toward the orphanage, the streets quieter now as the village settled into the night.
"You'll be moving into your own apartment soon," Obaa-chan said softly as they walked. "The village provides one for new academy students who come from the orphanage. It's small, but it will be yours. And I know you'll do just fine."
Haruto nodded, the reality of leaving the orphanage settling in deeper. It was a new chapter, one that excited him and filled him with determination, but also one that made him realize how much he'd miss this life.
As they reached the orphanage, Obaa-chan turned to him, her eyes filled with warmth and pride. "No matter where you go, Haruto-chan, you'll always have a place here. And you'll always have me."
Haruto smiled, feeling the weight of her words. "Thank you, Obaa-chan. I'll make you proud."
"You already have," she said with a soft chuckle. "And you'll keep doing so. Now go rest, you have a big month ahead of you."
Haruto nodded, giving her a final glance before heading inside. As he closed the door to the orphanage behind him, he realized just how much Obaa-chan had shaped him. She wasn't just a caretaker—she was his family, and no matter where his path as a shinobi took him, he would carry her love and guidance with him.
He was ready for what was coming. Ready to take the next step. But he would never forget where he came from, or the woman who had been there from the beginning.
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