บท 58: A Sunday Visit
A Sunday Visit
It was late afternoon by the time Haruto arrived at the orphanage. The day had already been filled with his usual Sunday routine: an early morning light workout, followed by four hours of volunteering at the hospital. Sundays were his day for recovery—both physically and mentally—where he allowed himself to take a step back from the intense training that usually filled his week.
But today, instead of spending the rest of the afternoon studying in the library or refining his techniques, Haruto had decided to do something different. He was on his way to visit Obaa-chan, his old caretaker at the orphanage.
As he approached the orphanage gates, the familiar sight of children playing in the yard and the sound of their laughter brought a wave of nostalgia. It had been some time since he last visited, and despite everything he had been through over the past couple of years, this place still felt like home in a way.
"Haruto!" a familiar voice called out.
He looked up to see Obaa-chan standing in the doorway, her hands on her hips and a warm smile on her face. Though her hair had grown whiter and her posture a little more bent, she still radiated the same warmth and energy she always had.
"Well, well, look who finally decided to pay his old Obaa-chan a visit," she said teasingly. "You've grown taller, haven't you? Come on in before I have to wrestle you in for tea."
Haruto chuckled, bowing his head respectfully before stepping forward. "I couldn't stay away forever. The academy keeps me busy."
"Oh, I'm sure it does, but you're not too busy for tea. Come inside, I just put the kettle on," she said, waving him in.
As Haruto entered the familiar orphanage, a few of the younger children spotted him and ran over, excitedly tugging at his sleeves. They peppered him with questions about the academy, wide-eyed with curiosity about his training and the life of a future shinobi. He smiled and answered their questions patiently, enjoying the innocent enthusiasm they had. Being back here made him feel grounded, like the rush of the shinobi world could slow down for just a little while.
After a few minutes with the children, Haruto made his way to the small kitchen, where Obaa-chan was already preparing tea. She set down two cups on the table and motioned for him to sit.
"So, tell me," she said, sitting across from him, "how's the academy treating you? They working you hard?"
Haruto smiled, taking a sip of the tea. "They definitely push us, but it's going well. A lot of training and a lot of learning."
Obaa-chan raised an eyebrow knowingly. "I'm sure you're doing more than just 'going well,' Haruto. You've always been the type to push yourself harder than the rest. Don't think I don't remember you as a boy, always wanting to perfect every little thing."
Haruto shrugged, but there was no denying it. "I guess I'm still like that. There are a lot of talented people in my class. I can't afford to fall behind."
Obaa-chan chuckled and reached across the table, patting his hand. "You always push yourself so hard, Haruto. Just don't forget to take care of yourself. You're still young, and there's no shame in resting when you need it."
Haruto nodded, appreciating her concern. It was a reminder he often needed. "I know. I'm careful."
They sipped their tea in comfortable silence for a moment before Obaa-chan spoke again. "You know, I always knew you'd turn into something special. Even when you were little, you had that determination in your eyes. I'm proud of you, Haruto."
Her words caught him off guard for a moment, filling him with warmth. He had been so focused on his own goals—on pushing himself forward—that he hadn't really thought about how others might see him, especially someone like Obaa-chan who had been there since the beginning.
"Thank you," Haruto said softly, taking a sip of tea. "I wouldn't be here without you."
Obaa-chan laughed heartily, shaking her head. "Oh, don't give me all the credit. You've done the hard work. I just kept you in line when you were too stubborn to listen."
They continued to talk, sharing stories from the past. Haruto told her about some of his experiences at the academy, including a humorous moment when Guy had declared him his "eternal rival" after a particularly tough sparring session. Obaa-chan laughed so hard she nearly spilled her tea.
"That boy sounds like quite the character," she said, wiping a tear from her eye. "It's good you've made friends like that, Haruto. You've always been so serious."
Haruto grinned. "Yeah, he's intense, but he's a good guy. The academy's been… different, but good."
The afternoon passed in a blur of laughter and conversation, as they talked about the past, the present, and the future. Haruto felt a sense of peace he hadn't experienced in a while. With all the training, studying, and pressure he put on himself, it was easy to forget the simpler joys in life—like sitting down for tea with someone who had always believed in him.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow through the windows, Obaa-chan placed her hand on Haruto's shoulder.
"Don't be a stranger, alright?" she said softly. "You're always welcome here."
Haruto smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude swell inside him. "I won't be. I promise."
With a final hug and a fond farewell, Haruto made his way out of the orphanage and back toward his apartment. The air was cool, and the village was bathed in the soft hues of the setting sun. As he walked, he felt lighter than he had in days. The visit with Obaa-chan had reminded him of something important—even in the relentless pursuit of strength, there was room for humanity.
And for a moment, as he strolled through the village streets, he allowed himself to relax.
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