Chapter 3: No need to hide

Chapter 3: No Need to Hide

Now that Kaida had his private room, a sense of accomplishment filled his heart. This space would be the foundation for his growth, a safe place where he could train, plan, and prepare for the dangerous world ahead.

However, his thoughts were interrupted when the caretaker spoke in a serious tone, pulling Kaida back to reality.

"Kaida, I want to ask you something."

Kaida turned to face him, his expression cautious. "Yes, uncle?"

The caretaker's face was a little serious this time, different from his previous joyful expression. "Does your request to live alone have something to do with your chakra activation?"

Kaida froze. A cold sweat ran down his back as panic set in. 'How does he know? Did I mess up already?' He thought, already imagining being recruited into Root by Danzo for this reason and becoming a slave. That's why he stammered, "I... I..."

Whether it was his young age or the remnants of Kaida's emotions from the memories he now carried, the old man could read him easily, his kind eyes softening as he saw that Kaida was very worried about it for some reason.

"Don't worry, Kaida," the old man said with a reassuring smile. "Chakra activation is not a bad thing. Many children of your age get this opportunity, don't worry. In fact, I'm proud of you. Your parents would have been proud too."

Hearing this, Kaida felt the weight of anxiety lift from his chest. If it was common, then Root would not target him—at least he hoped that. Emboldened by the caretaker's understanding, he decided to come clean, at least partially.

"Yes, uncle. When I woke up earlier, I felt... something. It's hard to explain, but it was warm and comforting, like a part of me I hadn't noticed before."

The old man chuckled softly. "That's your chakra, Kaida. It means you're ready to take the first steps toward becoming a ninja. I have no doubt you'll be strong, just like your parents."

At the mention of his parents, Kaida's heart clenched. Even though they were not his parents, the pain he felt in his heart suggested otherwise, like they were really HIS parents—it was a weird feeling to say the least. But aside from the feeling, he realized this was the perfect opportunity to ask the questions that had been gnawing at him.

"Uncle," he began hesitantly, "can you tell me about my parents? I don't remember much about them. What were they like?"

The old man sighed. Kaida was just a child anyway, and the situation of losing his parents in front of his eyes surely took a toll on his mind. That's why he decided to tell the boy a little about his parents, his eyes distant as he recalled the past.

"Your father, Asami Senju, was a remarkable man—a proud member of the Senju clan, though he was an orphan himself. Despite his struggles, he had a kind heart and unwavering determination. He himself had supported many orphans in his youth after he became a ninja, and he was my friend, my best friend." A look of nostalgia appeared on the caretaker's face. After a moment, he continued.

"He met your mother, Aiko Uchiha, when they were assigned to the same genin team along with me as well. They grew close, first with rivalry then friendship, and over time, they fell in love."

The caretaker's voice grew heavier as he continued. "But their love wasn't without challenges. The Uchiha clan opposed their union harshly. They wanted Aiko to marry another Uchiha to ensure the continuation of their bloodline and that the secrets of the clan remained in the clan. But your mother defied them and their rules. She chose your father, even if it meant leaving her clan behind."

Kaida listened intently, a mix of pride and sorrow welling up within him.

"They were strong shinobi," the caretaker said, his voice tinged with admiration. "Your father had extraordinary chakra reserves, even for a Senju, and your mother had mastered her three-tomoe Sharingan at a young age. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with."

"Then... why did they die?" Kaida asked softly, dreading the answer.

The caretaker's expression darkened. "They gave their lives to protect others, protect those who were unable to do so in front of a giant beast, those who froze at critical moments." A guilty look appeared on his face because he knew he was among the people they had rescued, even though he should have been helping them. But there was nothing he could do now other than taking care of the one thing they left behind. With a heavy tone, he continued, "during the Nine-Tails' attack on the village. They had the chance to escape with you, but they chose to stay and protect others. They saved countless lives that day, becoming heroes of Konoha. But in the end..."

Kaida clenched his fists. The memories he inherited made the pain of their loss feel all too real. But alongside the grief was a burning pride and determination. His mom and dad were stupidly heroic—if he was the real Kaida, he would get angry at them for leaving him, but he would still admire them for what they did. And unknown to him, he was already doing that.

"I'll make you proud, Mom and Dad," Kaida whispered under his breath.

The old man placed a hand on Kaida's shoulder, offering a gentle squeeze. "They would already be proud of you, Kaida. You are a good kid. And now that you have awakened your chakra, with the right training and hard work, you will become a fine shinobi just like your parents. You'll achieve great things."

Kaida nodded, resolve shining in his eyes. "Uncle, will you train me? I want to become a ninja like my parents. No—I want to become a ninja they would be proud of. I want to be the strongest ninja in the world," Kaida said, his emotions taking over him.

The old man chuckled at Kaida's bold declaration. "That's quite a goal, young man. But if you're serious, there won't be anything able to stop you from achieving it, and I can most definitely help you get started. The academy's admission test is in five months. Until then, I'll train you. But you need to promise me one thing: no matter how tough it gets, you won't give up."

Kaida's lips curled into a determined smile. "I promise, uncle."

As the caretaker prepared to leave, Kaida hesitated. There was one more question gnawing at him—not the old Kaida, but the real one who knew how the world works.

"Uncle," he asked cautiously, "do you think I'll awaken the Sharingan like my mother?"

The caretaker's expression grew serious. "Kaida, awakening the Sharingan is... complicated. Even among full-blooded Uchiha, it requires strong luck to get it awakened, usually in life-or-death situations. For you, being half-Uchiha, it might be even harder." He gave the true details but at last added a little motivation. "But there's a chance. If you work hard, you might unlock it one day."

Kaida nodded, determination etched on his face. "Then I'll work hard. I'll make sure it happens." Though it was just on the surface because he also knew not everyone awakened Sharingan.

The old man smiled warmly. "Good. But for now, get some rest. Training starts the day after tomorrow. And remember, meals are in the dining hall. Don't expect room service. Since you are going to be a ninja, you can't hide away in fear now."

Kaida grinned. "Understood, uncle."

As the caretaker left, Kaida flopped onto the bed, exhaustion finally catching up to him.

'This is the beginning,' he thought.

***

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