Chapter: Alone in the fire

He heard a low whimper and followed the voice through the ablaze house. The ceiling collapsed just before him. He didn't have time to stop, so he turned into the left entrance. Everything seemed so familiar to him. As if he'd walked this way a thousand times. But he couldn't remember the last time he was here. Has it been too long Or did it not happen at all? Despite annoying and confusing thoughts he kept walking, getting closer and closer to the voice. He stood in front of a closed door and looked at it. The flames came closer and closer to him. Should he run in or turn around and get to safety? Maybe this voice was just an imagination and wanted to lure him into a trap! But he heard her very clearly. He had to look. If he learned that another innocent person died on the mission, he would never forgive himself. So he went in!

Hot flames hit him. He had kicked the door down with force. Now everything was quiet. Only the crackling of the huge fire could be heard. He didn't like it. He had fallen for it! He was just about to turn around and start running again when he suddenly heard someone ask softly: "Papa ...?" He turned around. He saw no one. "Papa!" Shouted the creature now. So there was someone after all! He went further into the flames. It was clear to him that he was only putting himself in further danger, but this voice did not leave him calm.

A small child sat huddled in a corner. He walked slowly towards her, but stopped when he discovered that there was a large blood stain on the wall and that her dress was also splattered. He really couldn't explain that now. Whatever had happened here, she had seen it. The ceiling creaked dangerously and it cracked loudly. At the last moment he was able to save the screaming girl from being buried under the wood. He jumped out the window with her and ran towards a cart.Dogs were excited about this. He jumped up and urged the dogs to keep walking. They sprinted off. The girl wanted to free herself from his arms, but he held her tightly. Probably too tight, because she gave a low whimper for a moment. He let go a little and whispered: "Don't let go. And don't be afraid." She looked into his confidential eyes and put her arms around his neck. She was scared, but when she sank her head in his arms, it wasn't that bad anymore. She noticed how tired she was.

A gentle hand caressed her cheek and let her slowly wake up. She blinked, then opened her eyes all the way. Finally she saw the face of the man who had saved her from the fire. She sat up and looked around. Then she looked at him again. "Where ... am I?" She asked slowly and quietly, looking shyly out of her eyes. “In Konoha, at my home.” He got up from the bed and walked out of the room. She saw this as a good opportunity to have a look around. She got up carefully to make sure he didn't hear her. The first thing she noticed was a team photo. She looked at the people for a long time.

"Lie down as long as you are not well again.", His voice rang out from behind her. She turned and blushed a little before going back to bed. Only now did she notice that he was holding out a cup of tea. Thankfully she accepted and began to drink. But she interrupted when she saw a wagging tail behind the door. She put the cup down and jumped out of bed. She went slowly over and tapped the tail lightly. The man watched her in amazement. >> Pretty curious, the little one ... << he stated. Then the animal pushed the door aside and jumped on the girl. The oversized dog happily licked her face. He had to grin himself at the sight of the laughing girl.