Aoto didn't know what he should do now. He didn't want to take money from him to rebuild the bakery, but he also felt reluctant to let go of the shop since he had so many memories of this place from the previous soul.
He had always known that Teuchi was a good man. He treated Naruto so well, even when the people of the village hated him for being the Jinchuriki. Such a personality was a rare one and his help for Aoto was genuine. But Aoto felt like he would be a burden and might not be able to return the money. At the end of the day, he was a 12 year old boy. What can he do to make profit and even return the money? His parents didn't have much savings even after they toiled in the shop for a long time. Whatever they had, was used in buying the land in such a great place and making a house with a shop where they used their own money.
He wasn't sure if he could continue the legacy of his 'dead' parents.
"Uncle, can I think again on this. I need time to think about what I want to do from now on."
"Okay. I know that you are sad. But I really hope you don't let go of the place you were brought up in. Go. There is a guest room on the side. I had already bought some clothes from your old home. You can wear them." Teuchi said.
"Thank you Uncle. Thank you." Aoto bowed down in order to show his appreciation for helping him in this tough time. He wasn't sure if he would take the money for rebuilding the shop, but for now at least he had a roof over his head.
He then proceeded to let go of the torn clothes that he was wearing from the attack and bathed. After getting ready he came to the kitchen to help Uncle in making food.
"Why are you here? I told you to take a rest."
"But Uncle, I can't be just a freeloader."
"You eat so little, your portion is nothing in comparison to Ayame. You don't have to care about that."
"Dad, are you saying that I am fat?" Ayame, who was nearby, asked with a very serious tone.
"No.. No.. My sweet daughter. I am saying that your friend here eats less than you. His metabolism seems to be like those of birds." Teuchi almost made a mistake by calling his daughter fat. Aoto listening to their conversation just smiled. It was the first time he smiled after coming here.
Aoto then sat nearby while he just watched Teuchi cooking lunch for them. The sizzling sounds in the pot, the chirping of the birds from the trees outside the window, Teuchi's occasional jokes helped in calming the disturbed mood of Aoto.
After lunch, Aoto felt a little weak and so he excused himself to go and have an afternoon nap. The emotional turmoil was too much for him and he needed a rest. Ayame and Teuchi also didn't disturb him and just let him be as he was. They also realized that the sweet little boy who always had a smile on his face had changed.
He was a completely different person after coming back from the hospital but that was understandable. Someone of his age who had everything a few nights ago lost too much in one single night. His parents died and now even his home was wrecked. Such trauma doesn't just vanish away.
Aoto in his previous life was a light sleeper and here too it was the same. He hadn't been able to sleep well in the hospital but now that there was silence, he slept soundly. So much so that he woke up late in the evening.
"Uncle, why didn't you wake me up?" Aoto was ashamed that he had slept so much and didn't contribute anything.
"I told you to take a rest for a week. You will not work or do anything." Teuchi was adamant on this.
"But Uncle, the doctor said that I only have a small wound on the back of my head. Nothing serious. I ... '' Aoto wanted to explain how he got injured but stopped. The whole situation that time was full of panic and despair and he felt bad whenever he tried to recall that night. Teuchi seemed to understand this and just placed his hand on Aoto's shoulder and said.
"You can help me in making the noodles if you want. It might help you in your craft when you open the shop."
Aoto nodded his head. After that the three sat together and ate their dinner while Teuchi and Ayame tried their best to make Aoto feel comfortable and not remember the past. Aoto was thankful about it. After having a little more conversation with the duo, he went back to his room.
12 am
Since he had overslept in the afternoon, it became difficult for him to go back to sleep. Out of boredom he slowly tiptoed to the door. He couldn't sit and just watch the wooden ceiling. He was a man from the modern era so having no smartphones or TV was frustrating for him.
After making sure that he didn't wake Teuchi and Ayame up, he got out. The first thing that welcomed him was the bright moon overhead, lighting up the vacant street and the houses. His eyes were attracted to his destroyed home. The only thing Aoto could hear were some insects from far off distance and some fireflies flying around.
With a heavy heart he approached the shop and stood in front of it. He really wanted to make the old shop back at its peak but he didn't know how. It was at that moment he heard a sound.
[
Welcome to the Dimensional Shopkeeper system.
Would you like to bind the original shop of the previous owner of the body as your shop?
]