A Seeker's Journey Of Transmigration

Chapter 12: Different Grief

When Komatsu heard the question, he became sad. He thought, "Mujin, you better not die. If you die I don't know what will happen to your son." But outwardly he smiled and said, "Your dad's still alive and kicking. He hasn't finished the mission yet, but I'm done. As you can see, I'm retired now."

Komatsu was using crutches to get around since his leg was gone. He shook the stump of his leg to make his point.

Dandin felt better when he heard what Komatsu said. He was happy that his dad was alive but felt sorry for Komatsu.

"Will you be okay Mr. Komatsu?"

"Me? Of course I'll be fine. I am a resourceful guy."

Komatsu moved to Dandin and rubbed his head. "Is your mom home? I'd like to tell her about the mission. Then I'll go back to my house."

"She's inside but she's sleeping on the couch. I'll let her know you came."

"Alright," Komatsu chatted with Dandin for a little longer and then left for his house.

Once Komatsu was out of sight Dandin found a tree and sat under it. He leaned his body against it and let out a long sigh. His head was full of emotions like, sorrow, happiness, exhaustion, and anxiety.

If Dandin was in an adult's body he would have been able to quickly sort through his emotions, but as a child it was hard for him to regulate his feelings. He struggled to master himself, and then he couldn't hold back his feelings anymore and silently cried.

"Thank goodness..." He cried because he felt so relieved. His dad was still alive.

...

After Dandin sorted his own emotions, he felt like he had changed a little. He was more adult somehow. Experiencing deep pain and relief had matured his small heart and brain. He lost some of his childlike wonder.

"It's time for me to get to it. I've wasted enough time and energy feeling sorry for myself." Dandin stood and stretched his body. "Let's train hard today!"

Dandin activated his chakra barrier and filled it with chakra. He quickly began his exercise routine. He moved with control and finished 90% of the set before he made a mistake with his barrier and popped it.

"Let's go again!" Dandin shouted and started the routine from the beginning.

He trained and trained.

An hour later he finished the exercise set without popping the barrier.

"Hmm...." Dandin had a realization that he overlooked something important. "Aren't I supposed to tell mom about dad's mission? I wonder how Taki is doing? His dad is seriously hurt. I'll need to check on him later."

Dandin turned around, wiped the sweat from his body and went inside his home.

...

Dandin didn't get to train for the rest of the day. Once he told Matsuri about Komatsu the two of them packed their things and went to the Mori's home and checked on Komatsu. There were several people there, all trying to hear news about their loved ones.

Through the chatter Dandin learned several things. He found out that tens of Tetsu-Nin had attacked Mujin's team but were defeated. He also found out that over six of their shinobi had died or been seriously injured like Komatsu. Lastly, he learned that Mujin's mission should be successful because the Land of Iron didn't have enough time to send out a second attack force.

He found Taki and greeted him. The boy stuck to Komatsu like glue and refused to let go so they didn't have a chance to talk or play.

Dandin was stuck at Komatsu's home, so with nothing to do he watched the adults. He was surprised by how tight they seemed. Matsuri was there for hours. Once she talked to Komatsu she helped Hina by cleaning their home. Many visitors came with food. A doctor came and made sure Komatsu's leg wasn't infected. Some grieved, others were happy, but they all helped each other.