Chapter 3 - New Beginnings

Normal P.O.V

Suddenly several notification boxes appeared, startling Daichi.

Quest 'Report to the head Matron' Completed.

Rewards:

Rep increases with Matron Aiko.

150 Exp.

1st Quest Completion Bonus. 500 Exp.

New Title: Capable Child. (This title will boost Exp rewards by 15% )

You have leveled up.

You have leveled up.

Skill Observe's level has risen by one.

For the second time that day, Daichi was taken aback and dumbly said. "What?".

'I knew he'd be surprised but I didn't think he'd be this surprised.' Aiko thought to herself looking at Daichi's shocked face.

The old man Kensei Yasaji was looking at the boy and a slight upward curl of his lips could be seen.

Thanks to the gamer's mind skill, Daichi regained his calm face quickly and looked at the old man and then at the matron. He used the 'observe' skill on the old man but didn't get any new information.

[??] [Kensei Yasaji]

???

He turned to look at the Matron and he saw the level and a small description about her.

[LV. 47] [Aiko Hikara]

[She is a chunin who served the leaf village for 11 years and then served as a medic in the hospital for 7 more. After retiring she used her funds to build the orphanage where she currently resides as its head Matron. She loves kids and cares deeply for them. She thinks you're a sweet kid and wants the best for you.]

Daichi quickly read through the description and he felt he had a better understanding of the woman.

"So Daichi, what do you say?"

When he heard Miss Aiko's question he looked back at the old man. 'I could see Miss Aiko's level and some info on her but I don't have anything on the old man.'

'That means he's definitely above level 47 and definitely a shinobi. But what kind of a man is he?. Someone laidback or serious? Or is he someone ruthless and manipulative and with less than kind intentions? The last one seemed less likely since Aiko's allowing this guy to adopt me... Well, only one way to find out. What I'm about to do is stupid and has risks but at least it'll give me an idea as to who I'm dealing with.'

All of these thoughts flashed through Daichi's mind in a couple of seconds. Steeling his heart, he made a choice. "You know old man, with that pegleg, if you wear an eye patch you'd make a scary-looking pirate." He said with a smile on his face.

'Let's see how this guy responds. Will he take my words as an insult or laugh it off? Or maybe neither and stay expressionless.?'

He noticed Aiko's face sporting a shocked expression out of the corner of his eye. "Daichi! That was very rude. Apologize." She exclaimed.

Daichi was still looking at the old man's face with a small smile. Suddenly the old man's face had a large grin and he burst out laughing. "Ha! Boy, you're not the first person to tell me that. Even I think I'd make a decent pirate with my face. In fact, the ladies would definitely fall for my ruggedly handsome looks." He said in a merry tone.

Aiko was taken aback and then slowly a small smile bloomed on her face. 'For a moment I thought Kensei would be offended but I'm happy to be proven wrong in this instance.'

"So kid what do you say.? Wanna come live with me.?" Kensei asked me with a wide grin. "Sure." Daichi replied with an equally wide grin on his face.

"Well I am glad you two are happy. Daichi, why don't you go upstairs and grab your things. Kensei-san and I will be waiting here."

"Ok." He nodded and left the room.

"You were right. He's smart." Kensei said after Daichi left the room.

"Yes. He's much more intelligent than the other kids here." Aiko agreed and added her thoughts. "Tell me something? This adoption... Is this just about Hotaru or is there something more?" She had a serious expression on her face as asked this question.

Kensei looked at Aiko and had a smirk on his face. "Maybe I'm just a nice guy and want to give the kid a home.!?"

The matron slightly narrowed her eyes. "A nice guy? You and I both know that's not true. The only reason I agreed to this adoption is because we've known each other for over two decades. Now tell me. Why now? Why him?"

The smile left Kensei's face and he closed his eyes for a moment. The masked face of someone who rescued him during a mission long ago came to his mind.

"Let's just say that… I'm here to honor a promise."

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Daichi's P.O.V

On my way up, a lot of thoughts crossed my mind. Even though Aiko posed the adoption choice as mine, I knew it really wasn't. If every orphan had that choice I doubt many would get adopted. But the three main reasons why I decided to accept the offer so readily was because

1. I want some privacy. And I wouldn't have gotten it here in the orphanage.

2. This old man reminded me of my old neighbor Mr.Mark. Kind and helpful. And I couldn't feel any ill intent coming from him. But I am just a child, and that guy is most likely an old shinobi veteran who probably has decades of experience hiding his emotions. So I wouldn't be able to tell even if he was a bad guy. But my gut feeling says that guy cares about me. Although lord knows why.

And the third and most important reason

3. He's a shinobi who's definitely at least high chunin level or more. My lack of info when I used observe on him proved that much. If I could learn from him during the time I spent in the academy, it would definitely boost my growth rate exponentially. Something that wouldn't happen if I stayed here.

There are definitely cons to this as well. He could find out about my gamer body and its abnormalities and report it to the Hokage. He could be a retired root agent and looking to recruit new talents for Danzo's army. Or something else entirely. All risks I will have to take. But the pros definitely outweigh the cons. So this was a decision that wasn't hard to make.

Due to making a logical and smart decision, you have obtained +1 WIS

A new blue dialogue box appeared. Other than my hands and shoulders slightly twitching I made no outward reaction. I was starting to get used to the notifications popping up in front of me without warning.

'An unexpected but not unwelcome surprise. So this also means I can increase my stat points by not just leveling up huh.! Alright! I've waited long enough. Time to check out my status page.'

"Status" I quietly muttered. A new window appeared containing my information.

Name : Daichi Hekima (The Gamer)

Class : Civilian

Age : 5

Title : Capable Child

Level : 3 (0/1000)

HP : 195

CP : 155

SP : 100

Primary Stats

Strength - 5

Vitality - 4

Dexterity - 3

Agility - 4

Intelligence - 10

Chakra - 3

Wisdom - 8

Special Stats - Locked (To see the special stats at least one of them must be unlocked. Unlocking these stats requires certain actions or reaching specific conditions. Different stats are unlocked with different methods.)

Stat Points - 25

Ryo - 0

'Everything looks standard except for two stats. My intelligence is highest with wisdom coming in second. Hmm… It must be due to my previous life. 17 Years worth of maturity and intelligence and logical decision-making capabilities. I guess it's only natural that my Intelligence and wisdom are higher than the rest. And what the heck are these locked special stats? No. Not right now. I'll do a more thorough research on my gamer's ability later in my own room at the old man's home.' I thought to myself and closed the status page.

I quickly reached my room and started packing the few belongings I had in a bag. It wasn't much. Just a few pairs of dresses and a few books.

As I put what little I owned into the bag my mind went to my previous life. 'Mom, Dad… What are they feeling right now? What a stupid question. I'm sure they're heartbroken right now. And my brothers Alex and Simon… I won't get to see any of them again.' As the faces of my family came to my mind, tears welled up in my eyes and before I went into a hysteria the gamers mind activated and calmed me down. I rubbed my eyes and took a few deep breaths and got my emotions under control.

'I can't wallow in sadness or self pity. I have to move on. Mom, Dad, Alex, Simon… I won't forget you. But I'm going to move on. I have to… I'll make sure to live a good and happy life. Please do the same. I hope you guys will be ok…'

I sighed and quickly finished packing and when I stepped outside the room I saw Jozu standing nearby. I used 'observe' on him immediately for the second time that day.

[LV. 30][Jozu Kenta]

[He is a genin who doesn't have much talent but has a good heart. He failed the chunin exams three times and decided to stay genin and do minimum risk missions. He helps out at the orphanage from time to time to help out Miss Aiko. He is fond of you.]

'Hmm. More information than the first time. Must be because my 'Observe' has leveled up. Ok, the first thing I gotta do is level up 'Observe' as much as I can as fast as I can.' I mulled.

"I heard the good news. Although I'm sad to see you leave, I am truly happy for you." He said with a sad smile.

Jozu was the one I had memories of the most. He taught the 'previous Daichi' to read and write and told him all kinds of stories that made him laugh. He was like an older brother. Well at least to the 'previous Daichi' anyway. Still, I couldn't help but feel a small attachment to him.

I went to him and gave him a tight hug. "Thank you. For everything." He hugged me back just as tightly. After a few seconds, he let go and quickly wiped the few tears he had at the corner of his eyes.

"This is way too sappy. Real men don't cry. This is supposed to be a happy occasion. Go on. Better not keep Miss Aiko waiting." He said with a big smile patting my back. I smiled nodding at him and then made my way to the matron's office.

Both Kensei and Aiko were waiting for me at the door of the office. Aiko had a gentle smile on her face and asked. "Are you ready Daichi?." I nodded and then bowed.

"Thank you for taking care of me all these years, Miss Aiko. I'll never forget you."

The gratitude in my voice was clear. This was a woman who spent her life serving this village as a shinobi. And then healing others as a medic. And now she spends her days looking after, and genuinely caring for children who have no one. I may not know her personally, but this woman deserves my utmost respect.

Aiko placed a hand on my shoulder. "Happy birthday Daichi. This is a new beginning for you. So make the most of it."

I looked at her and nodded, then turned to the old man. We both nodded at each other and slowly made our way out of the orphanage.

As I set foot outside, excitement, anxiety, giddiness and all kinds of other emotions welled up in my heart. Like Miss Aiko said. This is my new beginning and this is also my second chance. I am not going to waste it. I am gonna give it my all.

Get ready world. Here I come.