The next day, Kozuki wearing black shirt and trousers arrived at the Yamanaka clan's flower shop.
"Here you go little brother" said the Shop owner smiling handing Kozuki the white lilies.
Kozuki looked at the Shop Owner who had some resemblance with Ino in his memory, but he didn't care much and moved towards Konoha's cemetery.
Today a memorial service was held for those who sacrificed there lives in the 2nd Great Ninja War.
Many died in the war to protect the village and Kozuki's parents were included in it.
Kozuki never met his parents, he only had their memory but he was somewhat sad since he knew how much they loved his predecessor through the memory, therefore he decided to go to there to pay respect to them.
Putting the flowers on his parents grave, Kozuki said in his heart "May your soul rest in peace in the pure world"
"Kozuki-Kun" he heard a voice behind him so he looked back and saw a girl with black hair and red eyes wearing black clothes looking at him.
"Aren't you Kurenai?" asked Kozuki a bit confused why would she call him.
"He remembers me" thought Kurenai happily since she introduced herself in the class yesterday and didn't expect him to remember her.
"Yes I'm" said Kurenai quickly her eyes bent into crescent shape happy but then she noticed the grave behind Kozuki and asked curiously "Kozuki- kun who's grave is this?"
"My parents" said with a straight face but his eyes showing some sadness.
"I'm sorry I didn't know" said Kurenai with a guilty conscience and was sad as well after hearing about his parents.
"No need to worry they taught me enough to live and now I'll live for their sake" said Kozuki as he looked at the blue sky above wondering whether he could survive in this dangerous world.
Kurenai looked at Kozuki's side face that showed sadness and felt her heart hurt for no reason and wondered how Kozuki lived so much time alone.
Then, thinking of something she looked at him and said with determination.
"Can we be friends Kozuki kun" asked Kurenai with a serious face looking directly at his eyes.
Kozuki was stunned by her words for a moment wondering where did this come from but nonetheless answered her with a smile on his face "Of course"
Kurenai was happy that Kozuki agreed to be her friend and then put flowers on Kozuki parents grave.
Kurenai started talking about all kinds of different things after becoming friends with Kozuki who enjoyed her company after being alone for a long time.
Soon, the Third Hokage arrived as he gave a speech for those who sacrificed themselves for the village making nearly everyone present cry.
Kozuki had an indifferent expression on his face as he didn't care for a single word of Sarutobi as he knew of his true face more then anyone else in the world.
To Kozuki, Sarutobi was more dangerous then Danzo, as he was a hidden poisonous snake and Danzo was a Mad Dog at best.
Sarutobi liked everything to be under his control, he for his rule let Sakumo die.
Then, when he saw Minato getting out of his grasp instead of fighting the Kyubbi himself he let him die and Naruto the son of hero grew up under the ridicule of everyone and his grandson had a Jonin as his lackey.
Sometimes Kozuki felt that it wasn't a bad thing that his Ninjutsu talent wasn't good since he didn't want Konoha Elders attention and wanted to grow safely at the Academy.
After the memorial service, Kozuki bade farewell to Kurenai and went home and started his daily practice and he was more determined to control his destiny So, he doubled his daily practice.
After 3 hours of intense practice Kozuki sat on the ground as his body trembled all over but feeling the warm current flowing in his body he sat up again with difficulty and started another round of training.
After the training and washing up, Kozuki went outside to hunt because no matter which world money was needed to survive.
Like usual Kozuki returned late at night, and slept immediately tired of the daily hard work.
___________
At a place that was covered with darkness everywhere a figure with his right arm and eye covered with bandage and mark on his chin stood and was listening to the report of his subordinate wearing a mask kneeling in front of him.
"Hatake Kakashi and Kozuki Shiro" are the best students admitted this year told the root member to Danzo.
Hearing the surname Hatake, Danzo had an irritating expression on his face but quickly calmed down and asked for the details.
"Keep an eye on Hatake Kakashi and as for the Kid Kozuki Shiro don't waste time on him someone who can't even learn Ninjutsu isn't worth my time" said Danzo with an indifferent expression.
"Yes" the root member nodded as he flashed away.
"Hatake Sakumo I'll deal with you someday" said Danzo viciously as his crutch made ground tapping sound in the quiet surrounding and he disappeared in the darkness.
(Read 35 chapters ahead on patreon.com/NavyKing6666)