While cleaning up, Ryosuke's sharp eyes spotted a flower in the corner of the kitchen.
He couldn't remember exactly what it was called, but he was sure it was the type used to honor the dead.
"Kakashi, your classmates all miss you. If you have time, come by the academy sometime."
Kakashi's hands paused in the wash basin before returning to their usual rhythm.
"Ryosuke, do you think comrades are more important, or the mission?"
"It depends on the situation."
Ryosuke set the washed cloth in its place, sat down on the sofa, and fixed his gaze on Kakashi.
"What kind of situation would make someone abandon a mission to save a comrade?"
Ryosuke met Kakashi's cold eyes with a meaningful look but said nothing.
"And why would a comrade not understand being chosen over the mission?"
Seeing the subtle stir in Kakashi's expression, Ryosuke thought for a moment before replying.
"Then it depends on whether that comrade is worth abandoning the mission for."
Kakashi's dead-fish eyes immediately focused on him.
"Ryosuke, which do you think is more important—the mission or the comrade?"
He had never really thought about it before.
"Which is more important? I don't know. But… I'd probably choose the comrade."
"Choosing the comrade means breaking the rules."
Kakashi's voice was heavy, but his eyes were thoughtful. A glint of moisture flashed at the corner of his eye before he wiped it away.
"Those who break the rules are trash!"
Then, with a sudden rise in volume, "But those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash!"
Ryosuke knew the famous line from Naruto but didn't speak it aloud.
He was just a student at the academy, with no war experience and no situations where he'd had to choose between a comrade and a mission.
There was no way he could talk-no-jutsu someone who was already a chūnin.
"You get it now?"
Ryosuke stood, picking up the pacific saury they'd brought.
Kakashi turned away, his head low, and gave a soft grunt.
"These are the fish we brought today—it's from all three of us. After eating so much of your food, think of them as repayment."
He paused at the door.
"By the way, what you said about rules… you're not wrong. But I, Uchiha Ryosuke, am not the type to follow rules."
At that, Kakashi's head shot up, eyes wide.
Before he could say anything, the door shut and Ryosuke was gone.
Ding. Uchiha Sasuke Card Points +5.
Ding. Uchiha Sasuke Card Points +6.
Ding. Uchiha Sasuke Card Points +3.
…
Walking down the street, Ryosuke wore a satisfied smile. That trip had been a huge win.
One dinner had netted him thirty card points.
The bonds of Team 7 were as profitable as he'd hoped.
Shun!
A shadow flickered into view in front of him.
"Uchiha Ryosuke, the Hokage wants to see you."
"The Hokage-sama—he's here."
The ANBU spoke, then vanished after a nod from the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Greetings, Hokage-sama."
Ryosuke bowed his head respectfully.
"Ryosuke, how have you been lately?"
Hiruzen rose from behind the Hokage's desk, approaching with a kindly smile.
"Thank you for your concern, Hokage-sama. I've been fine. What did you call me here for today?"
Hiruzen studied him, sensing a greater steadiness than before, and sighed.
"Ryosuke, I know you were deeply hurt when your parents passed away. I saw it all. But what's done is done—you must look forward."
"Your parents were outstanding ninja of the village—heroes of Konoha.
They risked their lives on missions to protect the village, to protect children like you, and countless others."
Inside, Ryosuke smirked. That familiar rhetoric—so the old man was starting up again.
Hiruzen continued, "Wherever the leaves dance, the fire will burn. The shadow of the fire will shine upon the village and allow new leaves to bud. When you want to protect something precious, a ninja's true strength will emerge.
That is the Will of Fire your parents inherited—it was why they became ninja in the first place."
Turning serious, he added, "The village will not forget its heroes. A few days ago, we decided that for descendants of heroes like you, the village will provide extra monthly stipends and living supplies. But don't waste it—buy what you truly need."
Ryosuke put on an expression of deep gratitude, his eyes bright.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama! From tomorrow, I'll study and train hard, inherit my parents' will, and become a ninja who contributes to the village like they did."
"Good, good."
Hiruzen's face lit with satisfaction as he patted Ryosuke's shoulder.
"You're a good child, Ryosuke. I believe in you."
"Thank you for your trust, Hokage-sama."
"Oh, and… your parents' belongings—I've gathered them for you. I think they'll help you understand the Will of Fire even better."
Their belongings?
Hiruzen went to the desk and handed him a small box.
At his signal, Ryosuke opened it.
"This is a ninjutsu scroll… this is your father's old ninja tool pouch… and this—"
Just as Ryosuke was about to pull out a conspicuous book, Hiruzen interrupted.
"Ryosuke, these are your parents' keepsakes. Best take them home and look them over carefully."
Ryosuke nodded, putting the items back into the box.
Inside, he was wondering—was the Hokage just trying to brainwash him?
Even if he didn't understand the Hokage's exact game, he knew that if the man wanted to tamper with something, those keepsakes would be the perfect opportunity.
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
As he was about to leave, Hiruzen spoke again.
"By the way, how's your brother Shisui doing?"
Shisui?
"As his older brother, you must take responsibility for looking after him. That's an important part of the Will of Fire."
Ryosuke bowed.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. I'll take good care of him."
Seeing his firm reply, Hiruzen nodded.
"All right, Ryosuke. It's late—I'll have someone escort you home."
Waving him off, Hiruzen watched him leave.
Outside the office, an ANBU operative approached.
Ryosuke raised an eyebrow, his thoughts unreadable, then followed as they headed toward the Uchiha compound.
[End of Chapter]