TSSITWON Chapter 65: The Story of Shizune Part 1

My name is Shizune Kato. My life used to be simple, living with my parents. However, at the age of two, I lost my uncle, Dan Kato. Uncle Dan Kato was a figure admired by my family, but even so, my parents never once took me to visit Uncle Dan Kato's grave.

When I was almost five years old, another trial came—my parents died on a mission that they never shared the details of. After their passing, I stayed in an orphanage for several months before finally being allowed to return to the home we once shared.

The house is now quiet, filled with memories that make my chest feel tight. Amid all the feelings of loss, there is one thing that always troubles my mind: where is Uncle Dan Kato's grave? I do not know. My parents never mentioned the location of the grave. Trying to fill the emptiness in my heart, I decided to search for his grave myself.

I started at the nearest cemetery in Konoha. However, this village is too large, and there are too many cemeteries. I spent a whole day sifting through the gravestones, but I still could not find any trace of my uncle. Disappointed, I returned home, promising to try again the next day.

The next morning, I went out searching again, full of hope despite my fatigue. I arrived at a small cemetery located somewhat far from the village center. There, among the rows of gravestones, I saw a boy sitting in front of a grave.

The boy seemed to be deep in thought, silent in the stillness. Hesitantly, I approached him and shared my search. Perhaps, I thought, he might know something. The boy listened calmly, then without hesitation offered to help me find Uncle Dan's grave.

We wandered around again, searching tirelessly, but still found nothing. After a while, the boy said, "Maybe we can ask someone who knew your uncle better... perhaps your uncle's lover?"

I was surprised to hear that suggestion, but it made sense. With renewed hope, we decided to go to the person he mentioned. Along the way, we began to get to know each other. The boy introduced himself as Aoki Sora. There was something strange and intriguing about Aoki, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

We got separated a few times on the way; it seemed Aoki wasn't very good at remembering directions, but I always managed to find him again, even when he got lost. Though it was odd, I began to feel a sense of comfort between us. Perhaps, with Aoki's help, I would finally be able to find a trace of Uncle Dan Kato.

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After what felt like an endless journey, Aoki and I finally arrived at the Hokage building. Before we could enter, a ninja stopped us. The woman spoke briefly with Aoki, her voice friendly and gentle yet firm, then she left for a moment. When she returned, we were guided to the Hokage's office.

As we entered the room, I saw an old man sitting behind a large desk. My heart raced, fear creeping in, causing me to unconsciously hide behind Aoki. Aoki appeared calm, even a bit relaxed, as he began to explain my situation and the search for Uncle Dan Kato's grave. The old man, who turned out to be the Hokage, listened intently, then in a soft voice, he said that Tsunade, Uncle Dan Kato's lover, would be coming soon.

Not long after, the door opened, and a woman with golden hair entered the room. I was stunned to see her—she was so captivating, her beauty almost intimidating. Tsunade. This must be Tsunade, the woman who once loved Uncle Dan Kato. My eyes were glued to her face, both in awe and feeling small in her presence.