Two hours after the interrogation, Yuta found himself holding civilian clothes that fit.
The hospital gown had been comfortable, but wearing real pants again felt like a small victory.
The bathroom mirror reflected a face that looked a little older than seventeen, but no older than that.
Dark circles under his eyes, hair longer than he remembered.
The past few days proved some strange things, but he had to get used to them quickly.
A knock interrupted his thoughts.
He came out of the bathroom to see a tall man, with brown eyes, olive skin, short black spiky hair, and a beard.
His clothing consisted of a uniform with the sleeves rolled up halfway, a flak jacket, regular sandals, and a forehead protector. He also wore a sash that had a symbol for fire marked on it around his waist, a pair of black bangles, and bandages wrapped around the arms of his sleeves.
"Yuta? I'm Asuma Sarutobi. I'll be showing you around today."
The man who entered had an easy smile and kind eyes, but carried himself with the confidence of someone accustomed to command.
A cigarette hung from his lips, and Yuta caught the faint scent of tobacco smoke.
"Am I still a prisoner?" Yuta asked, pulling on the dark blue shirt they'd provided him as he was already used to the wash and was dressed.
They happen to provide him with a blue shirt, short sleeves, normal trousers, and normal palms.
"You're under observation while we wait for final approval from the Hokage," Asuma replied, taking a drag from his cigarette.
"But she's already made it clear she wants you treated fairly. Ready for a tour?"
Yuta nodded as he didn't mind the smoke.
---
Stepping outside the hospital felt like entering a completely different world.
Konoha bustled with life in ways that reminded Yuta of Tokyo, but everything was... different.
No cars, no electrical wires, no concrete everywhere.
People dressed in styles that seemed both practical and traditional of Japan but different in a way.
Children ran between market stalls while their parents haggled over vegetables.
The air smelled of cooking food, wood smoke, and something green he couldn't identify.
"First time seeing the village properly?" Asuma asked, noticing his stare.
"It's... peaceful," Yuta said.
And it was.
He had not sighted any cursed spirits
No cursed energy signatures anywhere.
No sense of lurking danger or spiritual corruption.
Just people living normal lives.
"Most of the time," Asuma replied.
"We work hard to keep it that way."
They walked down a main street lined with shops.
A ramen stand caught Yuta's attention, the smell reminded him he had not eaten in some days.
"Hungry?" Asuma asked.
"I could eat."
---
The ramen was different but good.
While they ate, Asuma began what felt like a casual lesson.
"So I hear you come from a different world," Asuma said between bites.
"Yuta didn't reply between slurps"
"Seems only fair we return the favor, The apartment they're setting up for you is in the civilian district," Asuma said between bites.
"Close enough to monitor, far enough from sensitive areas."
"Generous of them."
"We have our Version of this Cursed energy too though"
Yuta looked up from his bowl.
"I'm listening."
"In our world, we use something called chakra. It's formed by combining physical energy drawn from your body's cells with spiritual energy from your mind and experiences." Asuma gestured with his chopsticks.
"Every person has chakra, but shinobi learn to mold and control it."
"Like cursed energy?"
"Maybe. Hard to say without seeing both systems in action." Asuma said
"Chakra can be shaped into jutsu techniques for fighting, healing, transformation, you name it. Most people have an affinity for certain elements: fire, water, earth, wind, lightning."
Yuta absorbed this information quietly.
"And you're all... what did you call yourselves? Shinobi?"
"Not everyone. Most people are civilians, like in any village. But every major settlement has shinobi for protection." Asuma pointed toward a group of young people leaping across rooftops in the distance.
"We have ranks too, Academy students, Genin, Chunin, Jonin, and special ranks above that."
"Where would I fit?"
"That's what we're trying to figure out." Asuma's tone became more serious.
"You've got combat experience and unique abilities, but no formal training in our methods. The Hokage will need to decide how to proceed."
"Who is this... Hokage?" Yuta asked with concern
"You've met her before, she's of the highest rank and is the most powerful person in the village as well as the decision maker here, although there are other bodies that are needed for the decision part, she's a huge figure" Asuma replied calmly.
---
They continued walking, Asuma pointing out important buildings and explaining village customs.
When they passed the Academy, Yuta watched young children practicing basic techniques in the courtyard.
"I'm too old for that," he said.
"Definitely." Asuma chuckled.
"But you'd still need to prove you understand our basics before getting any official rank or title. Think of it as... compressed education."
"And then?"
"Then you'd officially be a shinobi of the Leaf. With all the responsibilities that entail." Asuma's expression grew serious.
"This isn't just about giving you a place to live, Yuta. If you stay here, you'll be expected to contribute. To protect this village and its people."
Yuta was quiet for a long moment, watching the Academy students.
"Controlled violence," he said finally.
"What?"
"That's what it is, isn't it? You're not just offering me shelter. You're offering me purpose, but in exchange for service." Yuta looked at Asuma.
"I understand. I've been a weapon before."
Asuma's expression softened.
"It doesn't have to be that way. But yes, we can't just let someone with your abilities live here without some form of... structure."
"I get it." Yuta turned back to the Academy. "When will I know?"
"Soon. The Hokage is reviewing all the reports tonight."
---
The apartment they showed him was small but clean.
One room, basic furniture, a window facing the village center.
It was more than Yuta had expected.
"ANBU will be nearby," Asuma said, setting a small bag on the table.
"Basic supplies, some spending money. Consider this temporary housing while decisions are made."
"And if the Hokage says no?"
Asuma was quiet for a moment.
"She won't. She's already fought to keep you here."
"Oh, there are rules too. No leaving the village. No visiting the Hokage building, ninja academy, or training grounds without an escort. Daily check-ins at the administration building." Asuma paused.
"And ... Try not to make your partner appear in public."
After Asuma left, Yuta sat on the narrow bed and looked out the window.
The village was settling into evening, lights coming on in windows, families gathering for dinner.
Normal life.
"What do you think, Rika? Could we build something here?"
The temperature dropped slightly as her presence strengthened.
But she said nothing and only appeared there looking in the same direction as Yuta.