Banished from the Moon |Naruto FF|

First beginnings

Shiro sat on a wooden bench in front of the hut, staring at the landscape in front of her. A small clearing surrounded by a forest swayed slightly under the influence of the evening wind. The air was warm, saturated with the smell of pine needles and moisture from a nearby stream. Her thoughts wandered, and her heart continued to tremble with the emotions associated with the loss of her old life.

- How are you feeling, dear? - asked in a warm tone the landlady, whose name turned out to be Hina. The woman sat down next to Shiro, giving her a cup of steaming tea.

Shiro smiled gently, although there was still uncertainty in her eyes. - I am grateful for your hospitality. Then... - she hesitated, choosing her words - ...I don't often meet people like you.

Hina looked at her curiously. - Like us? Ah, everyone needs a warm corner and something to eat. It's nothing unusual.

Shiro lowered her gaze, not knowing how to respond. "This is nothing extraordinary," she repeated in her mind. In her world, full of strict rules and cold looks, ordinary human cordiality was a foreign thing.

- Do... - she began uncertainly, looking at her hands - does it bother you that I am... different?

Hina looked at her inquiringly, then smiled, placing her hand on her shoulder. - My dear, everyone is a little different. This is what life here, on the edge of the forest, taught us. My husband and I lived here for many years and learned that a man should be judged by his heart, not his appearance. - She smiled broadly. - Besides, your eyes are beautiful. Only the brave can look at the world with such a look.

Shiro felt her face light up. It was the first time someone called her beautiful. Even in her family home, her appearance was treated as an anomaly—something that shouldn't exist.

– Thank you, Hina. Really," she whispered softly.

Suddenly, the door of the hut opened and a man, Hina's husband, Ryo, came out. He was a handsome man with dark, gray hair and rough hands. He smiled slightly, holding a basket full of apples in his hands.

- Hina, I think it's time to introduce our guests to the real charms of this area - he announced, putting the basket on the bench. - We were wondering, Shiro, if you would like to go with us to the village. It's not far from here, and you'll need more than just that old coat you're wearing.

Shiro looked at her simple, moon outfit - white, simple clothes, completely out of place for this world. She looked like someone who had just arrived from another reality. She nodded slowly.

– Gladly. Thank you for thinking of me," she replied.

The trip to the village was a new, fascinating experience for Shiro. For the first time she could observe people - ordinary people, working in the fields, carrying wooden baskets on their backs, talking, laughing, living. A world full of simple pleasures and emotions seemed to her something foreign, but at the same time incredibly attractive.

When they entered the market square, Shiro was stunned. For a moment, she was overwhelmed by the number of people who seemed to run in every possible direction. Hina, noticing her insecurity, shook her hand.

– Calm down, honey. You get used to it. We'll start with something simple. Let's go to the seamstress to find the right clothes for you.

When they entered a small, cozy shop, the elderly woman behind the counter looked up and greeted them with a warm smile.

– Hello, Hina! And who is with you today? - she asked with a smile, looking curiously at Shiro.

– It's Shiro. A new friend who needs some help. Maybe we can find something for her?

The seamstress came closer, looking at Shiro with interest, but without a trace of judgment. It was obvious that she was not the type of person who asked too much. After a while, she pulled out a delicate, light kimono in shades of blue and gray.

- I think it will fit - she said, handing them to Shiro. - You can try on in that fitting room.

Shiro took the clothes with a slight uncertainty and went behind the veil. When she looked at her reflection, she felt something change in her. This kimono was different from the cold, strict outfits she wore before. It was warm, soft, human. She felt like she could be herself for the first time.

When she left, Hina and the seamstress smiled widely.

- You look great! - Hina said proudly. - Like a real part of our community.

Shiro wasn't sure how to describe it, but something in her heart blossomed. Maybe, despite her exile, despite what she lost, she could find her place here on Earth.

Ryo joined them after a while, carrying a bag full of fruit.

- I see that you have already settled in - he said with a smile, seeing Shiro in a new outfit. - It's time to go back. We have one more surprise for you.

Intrigued, Shiro went back to the hut with them, not expecting what was waiting for her inside.

As soon as she crossed the threshold, she smelled the baked bread and spices. There were dishes on the table that Hina and Ryo had prepared especially for her.

"This is our way of welcoming a new family member," Hina said, hugging Shiro.

The emotion squeezed Shiro's throat. In her life, she did not expect to meet such people - warm, friendly, full of kindness. It was not exile, but a new life that she never imagined.

When everyone sat down at the table, Shiro felt that perhaps she had found her place. And although there were still many difficult days ahead of her, she knew that here on Earth, she could start anew.