Soul of a Samurai

Kyojin walked through the streets of the Hidden Leaf Village, his wooden sword secured at his side, his white kimono flowing with each step. The warmth of the village was unfamiliar, a stark contrast to the freezing cold of the Land of Iron. Yet, even as the sun bathed the village in golden light, Kyojin felt nothing.

His eyes wandered aimlessly until they landed on a calendar hanging outside a small shop. The date was unmistakable.

Today was his 10th birthday.

But it didn't matter.

There was no one to celebrate with. No warm embrace from his mother. No approving nod from his father. No home to return to. Birthdays were for those who had something to look forward to.

Before he could dwell any longer, something slammed into him at full speed.

Thrown off balance, Kyojin hit the ground with a grunt, his wooden sword clattering beside him. Blinking, he looked up and found himself staring at a boy his age.

Bright golden hair.

Big, shining blue eyes.

A wide, fox-like grin.

And an absolutely hideous orange jumpsuit.

The boy quickly jumped to his feet and extended a hand, still grinning.

"Oops, my bad!" he laughed, grabbing Kyojin's hand and helping him up.

Kyojin dusted himself off, still trying to process what had just happened. His gaze flickered back to the strange boy, who didn't seem fazed at all.

"Where are you going in such a rush?" Kyojin asked, arching a brow.

"I'm late to the academy!" the blonde boy said with a sheepish chuckle, scratching the back of his head.

Kyojin hesitated for a moment. The academy? He had no idea what that was. But… he had nowhere else to be.

"Can I come with you?" he asked.

The boy's grin widened. "Yeah! Come on!"

Without waiting for a response, the boy grabbed Kyojin's hand and took off, dragging him through the streets of Konoha at full speed.

Kyojin barely had time to react as they weaved through the bustling village, dodging people, carts, and obstacles. For the first time in a long while, something other than numbness filled his mind.

And it all started with a boy in an orange jumpsuit.