Who should give this child a bath?
Even for an orphan, Shiki had never seen such filth.
Eventually, a usually shy nurse stepped forward and completed the difficult task.
However, once they finished bathing Shiki, they discovered that the red-haired boy was actually quite adorable.
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Chapter 2: The Choice
This feels so good!
When Shiki woke up, he found himself lying on a soft hospital bed.
Though it was just a hospital bed, it felt like the most comfortable one he'd ever slept on since coming to this world.
As he moved slightly, a wave of refreshment ran through his body. Shiki realized he had been bathed and changed into a neat and clean hospital gown.
"You're awake," said Mengbai.
Turning toward the voice, Mengbai saw a rather kind old man. But when he noticed the Hokage cloak on him, he immediately figured out who he was.
The Third Hokage — Hiruzen Sarutobi!
Shiki hurriedly answered, "Yes, Third Hokage!"
"Oh?" Hiruzen said, somewhat surprised. "You know who I am?"
Shiki nodded.
Just as Shiki was about to talk more with the Third, his eyes suddenly caught sight of another person in the room—Danzō!
Why is he here?
Could it be he wants to use me for experiments?
Shiki already had some suspicions in his heart. In the original story, Danzō had cooperated with Orochimaru and conducted extensive human experimentation.
Looking again at Danzō's right hand, wrapped entirely in bandages, Shiki couldn't help but feel fear and shivered violently.
Danzō didn't care and merely glanced at Shiki, who was still lying in bed. He was about to speak directly to the point when Hiruzen interrupted him.
"You also think someone wrapped in bandages like a mummy looks funny, don't you?" the Third comforted Shiki like one would soothe a child. However, Shiki couldn't manage a childish laugh.
This was Danzō!
The man who controlled the dark side of Konoha!
He would sacrifice anything for the sake of protecting the village!
If he fell into such a man's hands, Shiki could already imagine what fate awaited him.
Shiki could almost see the Sharingan on Danzō's right arm staring at him.
Seeing Shiki still staring fearfully at Danzō, the Third sighed, "Looks like this little one is just very shy around strangers."
Then he turned his head toward Danzō, saying, "Hey hey! Grumpy old man, even I get a bit scared seeing your cold expression."
Danzō glared with displeasure. "Fool!"
Though knowing full well the Third was teasing him on purpose, Shiki couldn't help laughing anyway. He hadn't expected that sometimes the Third could really act so silly.
Afterward, the Third asked many questions—for instance, asking Shiki for his name, whether he knew which clan he belonged to, and where his parents were.
When he heard from Shiki that he had been separated from his mother, the Third let out a long sigh.
During this time, Danzō repeatedly tried to interject, but each time he was cut off by the Third.
Hiruzen finally asked, "So Shiki, now that you can't find your mother at the moment, would you like to stay in Konoha?"
Shiki thought to himself, "Here it comes," but he was still afraid that Hiruzen might suddenly decide to hand him over to Danzo.
But then again, if he left Konoha, what else could he really do?
Gritting his teeth, Shiki made up his mind silently. Even if it meant following Danzo, he'd still stay in Konoha!
So he answered Hiruzen, "Grandpa Third, I want to stay in Konoha."
The Third nodded with satisfaction and continued asking, "Then would you like to become a ninja?"
Since he had already made his decision, this question seemed easy enough for Shiki.
He replied, "Yeah, I want to become a ninja!"
After receiving this positive answer, Hiruzen said, "Well then, in a few days, you'll start attending the Ninja Academy."
Shiki felt delighted, thinking to himself that at least he hadn't been taken away by Danzo.
"Hiruzen!" Danzo could no longer remain silent after hearing this. "You said this child should be allowed to choose his own future!"
Still puffing on his pipe, the Third played dumb. "Oh? Did I say that? I'm getting old; my memory isn't what it used to be. Besides, isn't it too early for such a young child to make life choices? Why not let him attend the Ninja Academy first and decide later after graduation?"
Danzo glared at the smiling Third, then suddenly turned toward Shiki with a serious expression, saying sternly, "Do you crave power? Want to uncover the truth behind your clan's destruction? Desire the strength to protect your mother? Only by following me can you achieve all these things!"
Shiki was momentarily stunned, caught off guard by Danzo's sudden interrogation.
But as he regained his composure, a faint smirk tugged at Shiki's lips. If he were Sasuke, he'd have agreed without hesitation.
But he was Shiki. He had read the Naruto storyline. He understood that following Danzo would make him a mere pawn, destined to be sacrificed whenever it suited his purposes, and none of those promises would actually be fulfilled.
Looking at the stunned Shiki, Danzo assumed this kid must also pursue strength.
Inside, Hiruzen feared what might come—if this boy really sided with Danzo, he'd carry hatred from the start. And how could he honor the Uzumaki clan—how could he face Kushina herself—by placing such a burden on a child so young?
However, Shiki placed both hands on the bed and sat up, spitting out some saliva at Danzo while making a face, "Stupid old man, who do you think you are, shouting like that?"
Haha!
The Third was the first to laugh. Exactly! This was only a six or seven-year-old kid. There was no way he could understand much less agree with many of Danzo's words.
Danzo's face turned alternately black and white as he muttered, "Another annoying little brat just like Naruto!"
With that, Danzo rose abruptly and stormed out.
Finally relaxed, Shiki gave himself a mental pat on the back. Not only did he manage to drive Danzo away, but also convinced him he was just a clueless kid who didn't understand anything.
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