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TSSITWON Chapter 174: Akarin's Question
🕑 Added 2025-01-23 12:20:26 +0000 UTCRin stood frozen, tears still streaming down her cheeks. However, this time it was not just sadness, but also confusion and uncertainty. On one hand, Rin wanted to trust Aoki, but on the other hand, her feelings of guilt made her want to run away and verify everything with her own eyes.
In the corner of the room, Akarin only smiled faintly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. Akarin knew this drama was not over—and she wanted to see where it would lead them all.
“But...! But I want to go to Kakashi's grave...” Rin said with a trembling voice. Rin's face was filled with tears, her eyes were red, and her body shook as she held back the unbearable pain.
Aoki looked at Rin with a deep gaze, trying to calm the turmoil in his own heart before speaking. “You can do that, Rin... But not now,” Aoki said softly yet firmly.
Rin looked up, her gaze suddenly filled with confusion and hope. “Why...?”
Aoki stepped forward, moving closer to Rin. “What if you work for me here? As a Bounty Hunter, as well as a servant here. I will train you to enhance your strength. That way, when the time comes, you will be strong enough. The people of Konoha Village will not be able to belittle you. You can prove to Obito and Kakashi that their sacrifices were not in vain. Don’t let their sacrifices be something wasted, Rin.”
Rin fell silent. Aoki's words felt like a harsh slap, waking Rin from her dark reverie. She lowered her head, staring at the ground with tears continuing to flow. Inside Rin, sadness, anger, and despair mixed into one. “Am I... Am I really that bad? Am I... a burden?” Rin whispered, almost inaudibly.
Aoki looked at Rin seriously. “You have never been a burden, Rin. But you have a choice now. You can become stronger. Do you want to take that chance?”
Rin slowly lifted her head, her eyes looking at Aoki with a gaze full of doubt and fear. “Is it... possible for me to become stronger?” Rin asked, her voice now more steady, though still filled with uncertainty.
Aoki nodded with confidence. “Of course. I believe you can. You will become much stronger, so that Obito and Kakashi's sacrifices will never be in vain.”
Tears again wet Rin's cheeks, but this time it was not just tears of sadness, but also a determination that was slowly growing in her heart. Rin nodded her head, even though her body was still trembling. “I... I understand. I will stay here. Please train me... Please make me stronger, so that their sacrifices are not in vain.”
Aoki smiled faintly, full of pride in Rin's decision. “Alright. But for now, cry... Cry as hard as you can. After that, never cry again.”
Without waiting for a response, Aoki turned and walked toward the door. Akarin silently followed Aoki, glancing at Rin who was now crying as hard as she could, pouring out all her sadness and guilt.
...
...
...
When they were far enough from Rin's room, Akarin quickened her pace to get ahead of Aoki. Akarin suddenly stopped and confronted the man, staring at Aoki with sharp eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Aoki asked in a flat tone. Although Aoki's face appeared calm, he knew very well that Akarin was not someone who acted without reason. “What do you want?”
Akarin crossed her arms in front of her chest, her face serious. “Leader, why are you lying to that girl?”
Aoki was silent for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. “I am not lying,” Aoki replied firmly, though his tone remained calm.
“Leader, sometimes you are not good at lying,” Akarin said sharply, staring intently at Aoki.
