NOVEL WEB Chapter 45: Chapter 45 : Konan (2)
"You want to eat, right? Then be confident and look up at me."
Looking at the little girl in front of him, Uchiha Shin smiled and reached out, gently brushing the dust off her purple-blue hair.
Hearing his soft voice, the panic in the girl's heart gradually subsided.
She hesitantly raised her head, her bright orange eyes meeting Uchiha Shin's gaze for a brief moment before she quickly looked away. But when she realized she wasn't being scolded or hit, she slowly lifted her head again, this time holding his gaze for a bit longer.
"That's good. You've been hiding in the shadows all this time, but you need to be braver. It's alright now."
Shin ruffled her hair before turning towards the shop's entrance. "I'll heat up the leftovers for you. Go inside and clean up first."
With that, Uchiha Shin, who had been about to close up for the night, turned back, reopened the door, and led the girl inside.
Feeling a warmth she hadn't known since her parents' death, the six-year-old girl couldn't help but tear up.
"I-I don't want to trouble you," she whispered, her voice trembling with uncertainty. "I just… need some food."
How could Uchiha Shin, who had finally found his target, let Konan leave so easily?
"Don't be so reserved." He flashed a reassuring smile. "I'm Uchiha Shin. I'm only twelve, but I guess I'm just taller than most."
Hearing that the handsome boy in front of her was only twelve, just six years older than herself, Konan's orange eyes widened.
"Twelve!? Why are you taller than most adults!?"
"Hmmm, maybe I just eat well," Shin replied vaguely, dodging the truth.
In reality, his rapid growth wasn't just due to nutrition. The abilities he had cultivated had enhanced his physical strength over the past two years. Techniques derived from deep meditation, chakra refinement, and combat discipline had strengthened his body far beyond a normal child's.
Konan glanced down at her own frail frame, her malnourished body stark in contrast. Her thoughts darkened for a moment, but before she could dwell on them, Shin gently pulled her further inside.
Behind the shop, there was a small, separate living space. Other than occasional visits from servants who came to clean, it remained empty most of the time.
"I'll heat up some water for you. There are fresh clothes inside. Pick whatever fits."
Not giving her a chance to refuse, Shin set up everything for her.
After realizing that he was a child like her, Konan let down some of her wariness. He didn't seem like an adult who would take advantage of her.
Without much resistance, she accepted his kindness.
As she soaked in the warm water, Konan felt her body relax for the first time in what seemed like forever. Her delicate, dirt-covered face was soon revealed to be quite beautiful despite her young age. The dust and grime that had masked her features washed away, revealing pale skin beneath. But the malnutrition was evident—her limbs were too thin, and an unhealthy pallor still clung to her.
Putting on the clean clothes Shin had provided, Konan hesitantly stepped toward the dining table.
Her eyes fixated on the hot food. She swallowed instinctively.
Shin, watching her with a small smile, found the sight amusing.
Konan noticed his gaze and immediately flushed, looking down shyly.
Even though she was just six, she had been forced to mature faster than other children. She knew the difference between men and women, and this was the first time a boy had looked at her like this.
But unlike the fear she usually associated with men, this was different. His gaze wasn't predatory—it held warmth. She found herself feeling something she hadn't in a long time: joy.
Just as Shin was about to say something, Konan's stomach let out a loud growl.
The awkward silence that followed made her cheeks turn an even deeper red. Her hands clenched her clothes tightly as her embarrassment deepened.
Shin couldn't help but laugh.
"Hahaha! Don't hold back if you're hungry. Just eat slowly, alright?"
Still flustered, Konan nodded and sat down. She took small, careful bites at first, but as soon as the taste hit her tongue, her self-control wavered. She ate faster and faster.
Shin noticed this and gently reminded her, "Slow down. Your stomach won't handle too much all at once."
Hearing his concern, Konan tried her best to pace herself, silently memorizing his words.
As they ate, Shin asked about her circumstances. With her heart slightly more open now, Konan hesitated but eventually began to share her story.
"Brother Shin, my name is Konan."
She rarely used honorifics, but something about Shin made her want to address him more intimately.
"My parents… They were forced to the front lines a year ago. They should be dead by now."
Her voice was even, but her orange eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
Shin mentally calculated the timeline and confirmed that he likely hadn't been involved in their deaths. He stayed silent as Konan continued.
When her parents left, they had no one to protect their home. The village leader, Hanzo, demanded more and more from the people, leaving orphans like Konan with nothing. Her parents' house was stolen, their possessions ransacked. There had been no official word of their deaths, and no pension was given to her. Left completely alone, Konan had been forced to fend for herself.
Most of the time, she hid in a small cave outside the village, only coming into town to steal food when she had no other choice. She had witnessed the worst of humanity in these times, and as a result, she had learned to avoid people—especially men.
But now, sitting here, she had met someone entirely different.
Someone who, despite everything, didn't make her feel afraid.
"I heard food was being given out, so I came to check," Konan admitted. "I thought I'd leave empty-handed, but I met you instead."
She glanced at him from under her lashes.
"You're really kind… and you're also really handsome."
Her last words were so soft that she wasn't sure if he even heard them.
Shin smirked slightly but let her words slide.
"I just do what I want," he replied nonchalantly.
When Konan learned that he was from Konoha, her reaction was surprising.
"Wait! Are you the legendary 'Leaf's Flash'!?"
Shin choked on his food, his face turning slightly red.
"Ugh! Don't call me that! That's embarrassing!"
Seeing him flustered for the first time, Konan giggled softly.
At that moment, the storm outside seemed just a little less harsh.
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Bonus Chapter - 150 Power Stones