Jigen settled down as he poured the young blonde man a cup of green tea.
(So this is the Naruto world. But why here of all places in this hellish timeline? And Jigen?! Isn't he from that next-generation series? The one who lived thousands of years before the original story even began? Or maybe this is after the Fourth War—no, he looks exactly how he did before that parasitic Isshiki possessed him! So that means… I'm more than two thousand years in the past?!)
Raymond looked down at the steaming tea, his mind racing.
He had already concluded that he was in the ancient era from Jigen's appearance, possibly before or during Kaguya's rise. But there were still too many unknowns, and overthinking would just exhaust him. Survival came first.
Jigen, now sitting cross-legged in a relaxed manner, broke the silence.
"So, Mr. Raimon, what brought you near our temple?"
"Umm... It's Raymond, not Raimon."
"Oh… I'm sorry, sir, but your foreign name is difficult to pronounce. Please forgive me."
Raymond tried his best to correct him, but it was pointless. His name was bound to get butchered in a place like this.
(What can I do? These people are Japanese through and through. But wait… why can I understand him so easily? Was this the ability that he talked about giving me?)
He mentally filed that thought away for later. Too much thinking wouldn't help. For now, his priority was making sure he didn't get kicked out of the only safe place he had found.
"I'm sorry, Monk Jigen, but the thing is… I just found myself in that glade. I don't seem to remember much before that, except for my name."
Jigen sipped his tea calmly, studying Raymond.
"Hmm… So what else do you remember except for your name?"
(He's still suspicious.)
"Nothing at all," Raymond answered as plainly as possible. "I have no idea why or how I got there."
Jigen gave him a long look before setting down his cup.
"You did look confused and terrified when I found you. I believe you, Sir Raimon. Though I must say, you must have come from a very faraway land. I have never seen someone with your features."
His gaze flickered toward Raymond's golden hair and sapphire-blue eyes.
"However," Jigen continued, "I have never traveled far beyond this temple, so I apologize—I cannot help you determine your origins."
The monk was clearly genuine in his unhelpfulness. He wanted to help, but he simply couldn't.
"But I do believe that with time, you may recall your memories. So, I am willing to let you stay here for as long as you need—perhaps being here will help you remember."
Raymond nearly sighed in relief. A roof over his head, food, and a safe place to think. That was all he needed for now.
"Thank you for your hospitality, and for believing me, Mister Jigen."
The westerner didn't forget to bow, mimicking the customs of the East he remembered from his previous life.
"You're welcome, Sir Raimon. Now, let me show you to the dining hall."
---
Days passed. Then weeks.
Raymond quickly settled into life at the temple.
At first, he wasn't sure how to contribute. He had no spiritual knowledge or monk-like discipline. But he was practical. He fixed broken furniture, reinforced the temple walls, and even figured out how to improve the water supply by redirecting a nearby stream.
Jigen was clearly grateful. Though Raymond could tell the monk was used to solitude, he seemed to enjoy having company.
They often ate together, talking about philosophy, the world, and even foolish things like what Jigen thought the stars tasted like.
(Dude actually thinks it tastes like white rice. I swear, this monk is too pure for this world.)
Still, there was one question that nagged at Raymond's mind.
One night, as they were eating, he finally asked.
"Jigen… why are you the only monk here?"
Jigen's chopsticks paused mid-air. His expression darkened.
Raymond immediately regretted asking. "O-oh, if you don't want to talk about it, then—"
"No… You should know."
Jigen set his food aside, his voice carrying the weight of old sorrow.
"When I was still an apprentice, our temple was attacked by bandits. My superiors had no idea they had built a camp nearby… until it was too late.
"They raided us, stole everything… and killed everyone."
Raymond stiffened. "You mean… everyone except you?"
Jigen nodded. "My elders… they pushed me into an underground passage, told me to stay hidden. I was… the youngest. The weakest. So they protected me."
Raymond's stomach twisted. He couldn't even imagine the guilt Jigen must have carried all these years.
"I-I'm sorry," he muttered.
Jigen smiled faintly. "It was a long time ago, Sir Raimon."
They ate the rest of the meal in silence.
But later that night, as Raymond lay on his futon, he made a silent promise to himself.
Jigen saved me. If anything threatens this place again… I'll protect him.
---
One morning, Raymond awoke feeling stronger than ever.
His body felt refreshed, powerful. Even his muscles—lean but defined—seemed sharper than before.
He playfully threw a few punches, feeling an unexpected strength behind them.
(I don't remember being this fit before.... Hmm...Maybe it's because being in a place devoid of pollution did something? Or the healthy extremely organic foods we ate?)
He thought of a logical explanation for his sudden physique improvement.
(Or maybe it's chakra?!... Nah... I think Hagoromo's not yet even alive so why would I have chakra)
He laughed at his illogical thought and as he stepped outside, he spotted Jigen holding a basket.
"Oh, good morning, Monk Jigen. Where are you headed?"
"Ah, Sir Raimon. I am going to the forest opposite the glade to gather fruits."
Raymond frowned. "Are you sure that's safe? The bandits might still be out there."
Jigen hesitated. "It has been years since the attack. I have walked outside many times and never encountered them again."
"Hmm… That does make sense. They probably ran far away after the massacre."
Still, something about Jigen walking alone into the woods didn't sit right with him.
"Tell you what," Raymond said, cracking his knuckles. "Let me come with you. I could use some fresh air."
Jigen chuckled. "Oh? And will you also protect me with those muscles of yours?"
"Obviously," Raymond grinned. "Look at these bad boys."
He flexed dramatically.
Jigen shook his head, amused. "Very well. Let us go, Sir Raimon."