7 Chapter 7
After lunch, Toshiro took a one-hour nap, then dedicated an hour to practicing swordsmanship and shuriken throwing. After that, he went out for a stroll. He promised Mei that he would spend more time trying to make friends, and he had no plans to break his word.
His reason for seeking activity was simply to fill the time. Otherwise, his days were monotonously divided between reading books and mundane practice routines. He was growing increasingly bored with this routine.
Nevertheless, he understood the importance of balancing work and rest. Overexertion at a young age could halt his progress entirely. He grasped the need to proceed step by step rather than rushing headlong into exhaustion.
The thought of playing and interacting with kids while putting up with their annoying antics took the wind out of his sails. Yet he recognized the necessity of socializing with peers, as they are the ones that would support him and watch his six when needed.
Reflecting on the limited entertainment options available, Toshiro couldn't help but lament the simplicity of adult pastimes in the ninja world. But being four years old, he couldn't get involved in adult activities such as casinos or bars.
As he ventured out onto the street, he casually remarked, "I'm heading off!". I didn't care that there was no one in the house, it became a habit saying it whenever I left. Toshiro sported a dark blue high-necked long-sleeved shirt and loose white trousers, a lollipop dangling from his mouth as he strolled out.
"Toshiro~ this way!" A childish voice beckoned him. Glancing over, he spotted a boy his age, clad in Uchiha casual attire similar to his, motioning for him to join by waving his hand enthusiastically. Around him gathered seven or eight children of similar age, both boys and girls, all participants in clan training alongside Toshiro.
"Toshiro, you're here just in time to play a ninja game with us." Ryo said.
"Oi, you want to play ninja games again? Maybe we should switch it up and try something else this time," a little girl chimed in before Ryo could finish his sentence.
The one who interrupted Ryo's speech was a little girl named Uchiha Asuka. Her hair was black with a hint of brown, neatly tied up in a charming high ponytail. With sparse eyebrows and a straight nose, her appearance radiated the innocence and cuteness typical of a young girl her age.
This little girl had been the one to display exceptional talent, mastering Chakra refinement in just one night during clan training. Rumor had it that she was the daughter of a prominent leader in the First Department, with both parents being formidable ninjas in their own right.
Upon hearing the various suggestions, the group of eight or nine children split into two factions for a brief time. Some favored playing ninja games, while others leaned towards playing tag and t. The ensuing debate resulted in a cacophony of noise and excitement.
The location they had gathered at was known as Uchiha Park, a recreational area where people could relax, stroll, and engage in activities with children. All the youngsters present bore the emblem of the Uchiha clan—a symbol of their lineage and heritage.
This time period marked a peaceful lull between the Second and Third Ninja Wars, allowing children ample time for carefree play. Though communication between clans and villagers remained limited, leisure spots like the Uchiha commercial street and park provided a haven for clan children to gather.
During this time, the relationship between the Uchiha family and the village had not yet reached the tense state seen after the Nine-Tails incident. Nonetheless, tense interactions between clan members and villagers were rare, though not entirely absent. However, social barriers persisted, discouraging interaction between clansmen and villagers. Despite efforts to foster community, the lingering stigma of the Uchiha's policy of no marriage outside of the clan hindered familial relations and, in turn, closer bonding.
Even if there are occasional Uchiha children, they are willing to go out of the family residence and play with ordinary children. The stigma of being children of law enforcers makes the children fear them, as they associate the Uchiha kids with law enforcers, the same ones whom parents use to scare children into obeying them.
"These games are a bit too simple and childish. How about we try something new?" I can't change the fact that they were a bunch of kids, but perhaps it could steer them away from their usual games and make it interesting for me.
"A new game? Not something like peek-a-boo or hide-and-seek, I hope? I think a ninja game would be more exciting," remarked Ryo, his expression reflecting confusion.
At that moment, both sides of the argument abandoned their initial preferences and directed their attention towards Toshiro, eager for an explanation. Without hesitation, Toshiro retrieved a deck of playing cards from his pocket, observing the astonished faces of the surrounding children with a knowing smile.
Proposing a new game, Toshiro unveiled a deck of playing cards, eliciting a mix of reactions from his peers.
"Toshiro~ you're not suggesting we gamble, are you? We'll be in big trouble if our parents catch us!" Ryo's incredulous tone reflected the group's skepticism. Ryo was the one who invited him to join them.
Conversely, Ryo's expression hinted at a slight eagerness, while others displayed varying degrees of curiosity and apprehension.
Dismissive of any gambling notions, Toshiro clarified that the deck served as a prop for a new game he had in mind. Assured by his explanation, the children awaited eagerly, intrigued by the prospect of an innovative new game.
"The name of this new game is Werewolf Kill. There are five character types: werewolves, commoners, witches, hunters, and prophets. Since there are 10 of us here, in one game, there will be three civilians, three werewolves, one witch, one hunter, and one prophet. Each person will play a role."
"And what about the extra person? Isn't there only nine of us?" inquired Ryo with unabated curiosity.
"The additional person is, of course, the referee. Ryo, please don't interrupt my explanation," responded Toshiro.
"I'll prepare nine cards, each representing a person's identity. The game starts with each person drawing one to determine their role, and then"
After Toshiro's explanation, the group of children encircled him, their heads bobbing or shaking in understanding. Some wore expressions of sudden enlightenment.
"Did everyone understand the game's rules?" he asked, secretly hoping they got the gist of it as he didn't want to explain it again.
"Let's not waste time with more questions; let's just start playing," urged Ryo impatiently.
Listening to Toshiro's explanation left me feeling a bit overwhelmed. Once he starts delving into the game rules, the trouble never seems to end!
Mako, Asuka, and Taro, standing nearby, nodded in agreement with Ryo's impatience. Some of them, being quite precocious, anticipated the game to be good.
"Alright, let's give it a try. Remember, the player who draws the Ace is a werewolf, the King is a prophet, the Queen is a witch, the Jack is a hunter, and the Ten is a civilian. Clear?"
With these instructions, Toshiro and his friends arranged themselves in a circle. From the deck of cards, nine identity cards were chosen and distributed one by one. Once everyone had confirmed their role, the game commenced.
"Everyone, remember your roles and listen up. Now that it's dark, please close your eyes," instructed Toshiro.
"Oi Hisako, close your eyes! "What are you doing?" one of the confused children shot a glance at Hisako with a puzzled expression, as if just realizing it, and Hisako hastily shut his eyes.
"Alright, werewolves, open your eyes. Identify your companions and choose your target for tonight's kill," commanded Toshiro, initiating the game that had swept the world in his previous life.
"Don't reveal that you're a werewolf!"
"When speaking, be clear about your position and analyze who's good and who's bad."
"You can only use the witch's poison once per game!" Toshiro pointed out their errors while reiterating the game's rules. He guided them on speaking strategies and helped analyze the situation.
It took three games before these children began to grasp the essence of the game.
Starting from simple statements like "I'm a werewolf" or "What should I say?" to more strategic discussions like "Asuka is a werewolf, because..." their speeches, while still immature, showed improvement over time. He believed that with practice, they would become more adept and gradually refine their approaches.
"Sugoi, this game is amazing!How did you come up with it, Toshiro?" Ryo was in awe of Toshiro, as were the other children. They gave him enthusiastic praise, which made his face flush.
"Heh, it's nothing special," he dismissed modestly, though still feeling a sense of accomplishment. When he first introduced the game, he had doubts about whether four-year-olds would be able to understand it. But after a few rounds, he was impressed by the kids' quick adaptability. This might also be a side effect of chakra.
"I'm not the werewolf! Don't believe Taro; he's the real werewolf! Don't be fooled by him." Hanma pleaded desperately with the others until Hisako cast the final vote, sealing his fate.
"Alright, close your eyes again. Werewolves, open yours. Choose whom you want to kill." Toshiro continued, disregarding Hanma's elimination as the impartial referee.
As they grew more accustomed to the game's intricacies, their enthusiasm for Werewolf Kill soared.
"You're too sneaky!"
"Hisako, you dimwit, I'm obviously on the good side!"
"Asuka, you're actually the werewolf!" It seems that by nature, females are always more cunning than males, and this game is no exception. Toshiro couldn't help but sigh as he watched Asuka's clever maneuvers, using which she won, again and again.
As their shouts echoed, the shadows above them slowly shifted eastward. The shadows beneath their feet grew longer, and time slipped away quietly. Around them, kids of similar ages slowly gathered, their eyes filled with wonder and curiosity as they observed the game. Occasionally, a few adults would approach to see what the children were up to.
But as the sun began its descent in the west, the fleeting joy of their playtime drew to a close. The setting sun cast its warm glow upon the group of children, deeply engrossed in their game.
"Ryo, it's time for dinner!"
"Just a little longer, Mom. There are still ten minutes left, and the game will end in ten minutes."
"Ah ah ah!" Without waiting for her son to finish the game, she reached out and firmly grasped his ear, pulling him home. Knowing his mother's temperament well, Ryo didn't resist much, though his ears slowly turned red from the continuous pulling.
Reluctantly handing his identity card to a nearby friend, he watched forlornly as they continued playing. Dejectedly, he followed his mother home, feeling a sense of loss.
His other friends, however, remained very concentrated, diving back into the game with gusto.
Yet, in less than twenty minutes, parents began to arrive, calling their kids home. Some of them reluctantly handed over their identity cards to their friends before departing with their parents.
As the last civilian was eliminated, signaling the end of the game, Toshiro clapped his hands and addressed the group, "Alright, it's getting late. Let's call it a day. I'm sure you all have a better grasp of the rules now. See you tomorrow!"
AN : For every 50 power stones, a new extra chapter to be released.
AN 2: You can read chapters published ahead on my p@treon account - p@treon.com/noviceauthor777
