Ryouhei sat alone in his shop. The rain outside was softer tonight, barely more than a whisper, but it still dripped through the old tarp. Drops fell steadily into a cracked pot in the corner. Plip. Plip. Plip.
The ledger lay open on the counter, ink smeared where the pages had gotten damp. He stared at it for a while, tapping the edge with a tired finger.
"What can I actually do with this?" he muttered.
He'd made a trade—got the herbs into the village. People were starting to notice, even nodding at him when they passed. But herbs weren't enough. People were still hungry. Supplies were still scarce.
To survive here, he had to matter. Not just as an outsider with ideas, but as someone needed.
The door creaked open. He looked up. It wasn't a threat.
Kaede stepped in, wet from the rain, her short black hair sticking to her forehead. She dropped a cloth bundle on the counter.
"You eat today?" she asked.
Ryouhei blinked. "Uh... no."
She unwrapped the cloth. Two warm rice balls.
"Made too many," she said. "Figured you forgot."
He smiled faintly. "You're not wrong."
They ate in silence, the rain tapping on the roof. Ryouhei ate slowly, savoring it despite the simple meal.
Kaede leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "You really think this shop's gonna save the village?"
Ryouhei glanced around. "No. But it's a start. People need food, tools, clean water. If I can make that easier, maybe I'll stick around."
"And if you don't?" she asked.
"Then I'm just a guy with no chakra, no friends, and a shop full of rotting shelves."
Kaede chuckled. "At least you're not delusional."
He wiped his hands and looked at the ledger. His voice was quieter now. "I've been thinking about food. Not just meals, but long-term stock. Bulk rice, dried fish. Things we can store and not panic when the roads close or patrols go missing."
Kaede raised an eyebrow. "You're thinking like a quartermaster."
"I'm thinking like someone who wants to survive. And help others do the same."
Kaede nodded. "What's your next move?"
He tapped the ledger. "Find someone who trades food, not just herbs. Make a deal. Prove it works. If I set up a steady supply... maybe someone important will notice."
She didn't answer right away. She studied him.
Finally, she said, "You're still an outsider. But... you're not useless."
Ryouhei smiled. "Coming from you, that's practically a compliment."
"Don't let it go to your head." She pushed off the counter and walked to the door. The rain framed her silhouette.
Before leaving, she paused. "If you ever need backup, you know who to ask."
Then she was gone, swallowed by the rain.
Ryouhei sat for a while, the words "not useless" echoing in his mind. He opened the ledger and wrote:
"Food Supply Plan — Phase One"
Later, as the rain softened to a steady patter, Ryouhei wiped his hands on a towel, tidying near the stove. He had just finished soaking rice and preparing old root vegetables.
Another day. Another uncertain meal.
Ryouhei was lost in thought, absentmindedly stirring the broth as the rain continued its steady rhythm on the roof. The warmth of the stove was a small comfort in the damp, cool air of the shop. He'd just about finished prepping the vegetables and rice when he heard the familiar creak of the door.
He looked up, half-expecting Kaede again, but instead, it was her.
She stood at the threshold, her presence calm and composed, the faintest shimmer of raindrops still clinging to her cloak. She didn't say anything at first, just glanced around the room, her sharp eyes taking in the organized chaos of Ryouhei's workspace.
Ryouhei stood up quickly, a little startled. "Ah, didn't expect you."
She gave him a small nod. "I heard about the herbs. Good work."
His heart skipped a beat. "You heard?"
"Word travels quickly," she said. "You've been making quite an impression."
Ryouhei tried not to let his nerves show. "I'm just doing what I can."
She stepped inside, her footsteps soft, and took a moment to glance around before her gaze settled back on him. "I wanted to check on you... and see how things are progressing."
Ryouhei wiped his hands on his apron, glancing over at the simmering pot. He cleared his throat. "I was just about to make something simple for myself. You're welcome to have some."
She didn't say anything for a moment, her expression unreadable. But she didn't turn to leave, either.
Ryouhei hesitated, then moved toward the stove. "It's nothing fancy, just rice and broth, but... I've been trying to make it taste good. You know, with what I have."
He added a handful of rehydrated dried fish, some garlic, and a splash of soy sauce to the pot, letting it all come together. The smell was earthy, savory—comforting, really.