The Shopkeeper of Konoha

Aoto spent three more days in the Hospital. He was treated well by the doctors. There were basically two kinds of doctors. One who treated the commoners and the ones who treated the ninjas. Of course, the ninjas could also heal those who didn't have chakras i.e., the commoners. Technically speaking everyone had chakras but most of the people had in so low quantities that it could be labelled as zero. Princess Tsunade had done a lot for the medical industry in Konoha.

Especially in the department of injuries that might be sustained due to combat or related situations, which even included poison related injuries. This was a great advancement for the medical field in Konoha which had helped a lot in the battlefield for the village.

But in these three days he had seen a lot. It took him time to digest the fact that he was in a different world just because he was struck by a meteor. But the reality dawned on him after some time and started accepting the fact that he didn't have anywhere to go.

He was hardly 12 years of age but the people around had already started treating him like an adult. His parents had died and there was nothing like orphanages that he would go to here which would take care of him until 18 years or something. There were orphanages for sure for people like him but he was also sure that he would be looked in a bad way if he went to one now since he had grown up for quite a bit. He didn't want to get bullied like Naruto for being privileged or something like that.

The doctors had already told him about his parents which he had expected. He cried a lot the first day. Losing parents from both sides was a little hard for him. The only consolation was that his parents in the previous life were safe and he didn't have any attachment to the parents of this life, except for the warm memories in his head.

Finally he was discharged from the hospital with the forehead bandage being taken off. He didn't heal completely but he didn't require bandage anymore and could do without it. He was grateful that there was no damage to his body. Arriving at a new world with no power was already a curse. Having a scar on his body would just be cruel to him.

He went through the roads with the help of past memories. The first thing he noticed was the Mount Rushmore type huge head sculpture on the steep mountains far away. The faces of the 4 Hokages were carved very beautifully on it. The majesty of this was breathtaking.

But in between this majesty, there was destruction everywhere. Many houses, shops and buildings were in shambles. The Nine tails would do an awesome job if he was hired to demolish buildings in his previous life.

People were evacuated during the fight but still there were casualties from both ninjas and commoners. Aoto passed through the roads with a little heavy heart. People were recovering from the assault and there was a sense of sadness and despair among the people that he passed.

Slowly and steadily he reached his home which was built just atop the shop. If he was a little sad before, seeing his home, he felt like crying a bit. The shops and roads at his home were safe and secure, but somehow a big chunk of rock had fallen over his home.

This had destroyed a large part of his home. He stiffened at his place and his eyes were filled with tears. Though his mentality was that of a young man, at the end he had the memories of another life which did subtly affect his behavior. Aoto felt devastated.

"Aoto, you are back? Are you okay? I tried to meet you in the hospital but they didn't allow us."

A voice came from behind. Aoto turned his head to look at the person who he recognized from the voice. The voice of young Ayame. Ayame was the daughter of the shop that was opposite to their current damaged bakery.

The shop that was famous for those who watched anime, Ichiraku Ramen. Ayame was the daughter of Teuchi, the Ichiraku Ramen's owner and its chef. Yup, Aoto's bakery was just opposite to the famous Ichiraku Ramen shop and Aoto himself was great friends with Ayame. Even their parents had a good relationship with each other.

"Sorry Ayame. I didn't know that. I am fine now, just recovered."

Ayame was sad looking at Aoto. She had already known about the death of his parents as she had seen their names in the deceased list. She had tried going to the hospital but she was denied for security reasons. Now that Aoto was back she was relieved.

"Don't worry Aoto. I know that your place was destroyed, so Dad has already told me that you can live with us once you return. You can stay with us until you rebuild your home."

"No.. No... How can that be? I have some savings. I will just sell the land and move to a new place. I am sure I will be able to find a job meanwhile."

"No.. Dad has strictly said to visit him after you return. Come with me." Ayame forcefully pulled him away from the street and took him to the back of Ichiraku ramen shop. Their home, like Aoto's, was attached to the shop.

After dragging him inside, Aoto met with Teuchi, the legendary ramen maker.

"Aoto! You are back. Are you okay? I am sorry that we couldn't come and meet you. Hokage-sama gave strict instructions against this."

"It's fine Uncle Teuchi. I have almost completely recovered."

"How can that be? Take rest for a week here. You are not allowed to move."

"No. Uncle, I have a lot to do. I will sell the land and the broken house and move to a new place."

"How can that be? Your father made that shop from his sweat and blood. You are not allowed to sell that place. I know that you don't like to be in debt, just like your father. But take money from me to rebuild the shop. You can return the money when you earn it back."

"No, Uncle, that will be too much."

"That is non-negotiable. I will not let my friend's work just wash away after his death." Teuchi almost roared when he said that.