The Freedom Quest

Adopted

The moment Santo arrived, he called their army doctor to check up on Xiao Chang and ordered him to give him nothing but the best treatment. If there was one thing that Santo disliked to the core, then it was the Chinese hurting any of his men. There is a fact throughout china that anyone who hurts a Japanese won't live long enough to see the next day. Some brave Chinese did and sure enough, they were not heard of or seen again. After that, no one dared to mess with him again. They were like prisoners on their land!

"Mom.....mom... mom... please don't leave me, please stay mom...mom...noooooo! don't shoot her please don't...."Xiao Chang began calling out to his mom from his sleep. "Boy....boy...boy... the lady attending to Xiao Chang called him when she realized that he might be having a nightmare. "Mom is here with you okay I won't go anywhere and no one wants to shoot me." And it worked because Xiao Chang calmed down and opened his eyes. But the one with him wasn't his mom but a stranger. She looked like someone in her early thirties but she was dressed like a twenty-year-old. So the rumors about the major forcing his wife to look young always were true after all. He was about to ask why he was there when he began to recall the incident from before. Oh, you are finally awake she said with a smile seeing that Xiao Chang has regained consciousness.

Yes please Xiao Chang replied. I'll go and inform Major Santo. She said in Japanese. Okay, Xiao Chang replied.

He knows very well that the major will ask him about the incident from the day before. This was the delicate part of their plan. One mistake and he might not see the next day.

After a few minutes, the major came to the room.

Hey kid, can you now tell me about what happened and why you were in that state on the street? Major Santo asked even without asking about how he was. It was obvious that he was angry.

I'm Japanese, but the Chinese killed my mom this morning.....he paused to wipe his tears with the back of his palm. They tried killing me too but thanks to your timely arrival, I was saved. Xiao Chang said in tears. because he wanted the hardened major to be moved by his story

What did you just say? The Chinese bullied you and your mom to this extent? The major said almost in a growl.

I think I need to teach them a lesson he added.

"Major I want to ask you for a favor." Xiao Chang said and the major motioned him to continue.

"I want to teach them a lesson myself."

Now that they have hurt you into this state tell me how are you going to teach them a lesson huh! the major asked him.

Well, maybe not now but a few years later.

and how do you want to do that?

"I want to become a soldier

To become stronger...strong enough to protect those I want to protect. Avenge for my mom, And I believe that only when I become stronger can I succeed.

"I like people like you. Who never bows in for defeat...I like your zeal and determination.

Only if Major Santo knew that the one he wants to protect his loved ones from, the ones he Xiao Chang wanted to teach a lesson .......was him!

"From now on you are my adopted son." the major said

What is your name? Santo to asked

My name is Xiao Chang! Xiao Chang replied almost knowing what he might have to answer next.

What is a Chinese na??! I thought you said you are Japanese.

Change your name then ... Major Santo said

No, I won't Xiao Chang replied.

Being a Japanese with a Chinese name is already an insult to them.....Xiao Chang added hoping to convince the major.

There was no way he was going to use the name of his enemy he thought to himself.

"I love your style already..... son Major Santo said

So ten-year-old Xiao Chang became the adopted son of the wicked Japanese major.....SANTO!