It was still quiet in the early morning in Konoha Village.
Suddenly, a soft thud came from outside the courtyard. The sound was faint, but to Ryo, whose perception was razor sharp, it was like a stone dropping into still water. He immediately opened his eyes. The discomfort from a poor night's sleep vanished at once. His gaze sharpened and turned calm. The presence outside the gate carried the distinct mark of the Konoha ANBU. There was urgency, and a trace of carefully measured respect.
Beside him, Kushina stirred. She hadn't fully woken up. She mumbled quietly, shifting her head toward Ryo like a sleepy kitten. Instinctively, she clung to the corner of his clothing, clearly relying on him.
Ryo glanced over. Her face was still creased with sleep. He hesitated for a second but quickly pushed down any lingering softness. A quiet, overwhelming aura radiated from him, the presence of a top-tier shinobi. He carefully pulled his arm from under her head and gently freed his cloak from her grip.
Without the warmth of her "pillow," the morning chill brushed against Kushina. Blinking, she rubbed her eyes and saw Ryo standing up. He was already grabbing the black training outfit hanging from the cupboard.
"Ryo..." she murmured.
"Go back to sleep," he said in a low, husky voice. He didn't turn around. With practiced ease, he dressed, stepped out of the room in just a few strides, and shut the door softly behind him.
The room felt instantly vast and quiet. Only the faint trace of his presence lingered in the air, cold and strong. Kushina wrapped herself tighter in the blanket, sat up, and stared at the closed door. Her chest felt hollow. But she understood. He had gone to handle something serious. She brushed back her hair, lay down again, and pressed her face against the pillow that still held his scent, quietly waiting.
Outside, the morning air carried a slight chill. An ANBU operative knelt stiffly on one knee on the stone-paved path. His head was lowered, body tense, not daring to meet Ryo's gaze.
"Kamiyama Ryo-sama," the masked ANBU said, voice low and slightly muffled. "The Hokage has urgent business. Please proceed to the Hokage building immediately."
Ryo's expression didn't change. His sharp eyes swept over the operative. No need to ask questions. From the tremor in the man's chakra and his barely contained breath, Ryo already knew it was serious. For the Hokage to summon him directly, there could only be one explanation — a major event. He nodded.
The ANBU seemed to relax, vanishing in a flash.
Ryo cracked his neck, as though shaking off the stiffness of sleep. Last night's lingering tension now had somewhere to go. He walked to the center of the courtyard and delivered a sudden punch to the wooden training post.
A deep rumble echoed. The entire post shattered from the impact, splinters flying. Even the ground trembled. His sweat dripped onto the loosened earth. The black training outfit clung to his muscles. He didn't need a warm-up. Just standing there was enough to show his strength.
Kushina, watching from the window, remained silent. The early sunlight bathed his figure in golden light. It outlined the strong curve of his shoulders, his focused expression, and the sweat sliding along his jawline. Her chest warmed. She watched him, filled with trust and emotion.
Ryo suddenly stopped. Without turning, he spoke toward the window.
"Kushina, I'm heading out for a bit. I'll be back soon."
"Mm!" she answered immediately. Her tone was bright and clear. She didn't ask anything, just trusted he would return.
Ryo dropped his stance. He didn't wipe the sweat off. His figure flickered and vanished through the gate. In the courtyard, only splintered wood remained, and the heavy aura of power that lingered in the silence.
Inside the Hokage's office, the atmosphere was thick and heavy, like air before a storm.
Sarutobi Hiruzen stood by the window, pipe clenched between his teeth, staring at the waking village. Smoke curled in the air, but the hand holding the pipe was white from tension. The door opened soundlessly.
Ryo entered. He walked calmly, showing no signs of rushing. His black clothes were neat, expression unreadable. Only his deep, focused gaze met the turning Hokage.
"Hokage-sama."
"You're here, Ryo," Hiruzen said, urgency replacing the calm facade on his face. "This is critical. I need you and your team to head to the Land of Rain immediately." He paused, staring straight into Ryo's eyes. "More specifically — you. Assist Orochimaru on a special mission."
Ryo didn't blink. "Why?"
Hiruzen took a deep drag on the pipe, then exhaled slowly. "Our top intel source in Iwagakure has sent a warning. That old fox Ōnoki is mobilizing a large force, likely aiming to push through the Land of Grass and strike the Land of Fire's border. The war is escalating. We need to open a second front in the Land of Grass."
His hand on the pipe trembled. Opening a second front would stretch manpower and supplies thin.
Ryo stayed quiet. After a few seconds, he looked at Hiruzen and said flatly, "Ōnoki? Is this because we captured his son?"
The air cracked.
Hiruzen froze. The pipe nearly slipped. His eyes widened. "His son? Kitsuchi was taken? That's what triggered all this? Why wasn't I informed? What am I even doing here then?"
The blow struck hard. No wonder Iwagakure was acting up. Capturing the Tsuchikage's son? That was massive.
Ryo didn't flinch. He answered like stating a weather report.
"Capturing prisoners during war is standard. Kitsuchi, as far as I know, was taken during a mission. Command and intel-related matters fall under Danzō-sama. He's the one overseeing the Land of Rain theater."
Hiruzen's expression turned stormy.
"Danzō. Again." He slammed the pipe down. Ash scattered. "That man has no respect for my authority! This isn't a minor issue. Why didn't you return the prisoner to Konoha immediately?"
Ryo replied without emotion.
"I'm a Chūnin assigned to the task. I have no command authority. My job is to execute missions, not question high-level operations. Danzō-sama is responsible."
Hiruzen's fists clenched.
He knew he had been bypassed. Knew it, and could do nothing about it. "That man always moves in the shadows. Curse him..."
Ryo stood silently.
Fine. Interfere with Iwa now. Consider it revenge for the last time those Kumo dogs dared target Kushina.
"I understand the mission," Ryo said at last. His words were short and cold. "I'll gather my gear and move out."
Seeing him accept without resistance, Hiruzen's nerves eased slightly. He nodded heavily.
"Good. I'm counting on you. The situation may erupt any moment. Go."
Ryo turned without another word and left. The heavy wooden door closed behind him, cutting off the weight of the Hokage's stare.
In the tower's first-floor hall, Nawaki and Mikoto were already waiting. Both had their travel packs. Nawaki looked grumpy from being woken early, but he was still eager. Mikoto was calm and steady. Her gaze showed concern.
Ryo walked down the stairs.
"Ryo!" Nawaki called.
Mikoto nodded silently, her eyes meeting his.
"Is Kaori taken care of?" Ryo asked.
Nawaki gave a thumbs-up. "Don't worry. My family's caretaker is reliable. She'll be safe."
Ryo nodded. "You two go to the village gate and wait for me. I'll head home first. It won't take long."
His eyes briefly stayed on Mikoto.
She nodded. "Understood."
"Got it!" Nawaki added.
Both disappeared toward the village gate. Ryo's figure shot in the other direction.
The small courtyard gate was slightly open.
Ryo stepped inside and saw Kushina standing by the doorway, waiting. She hadn't moved since he left. Morning light made her hair gleam, but her figure looked small. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her robe.
As soon as she saw him, her eyes brightened and she rushed forward a step.
Ryo didn't hesitate. "I have to leave immediately. Urgent mission in the Land of Rain."
Her expression fell instantly. That sudden blow made her chest tighten. Their peaceful life together had only just begun. She knew how dangerous the battlefield was.
She forced down the panic.
"...I know," she said softly. Her voice trembled, but she held herself steady.
"Please," she added, her words slow and clear, "be careful. Come back safe."
Her sky-blue eyes were filled with emotion. "I'll wait for you. Right here."
He looked into her eyes but didn't say anything back. Instead, he lifted his hand and gently brushed her cheek. Before she could respond, he leaned down and pressed a soft, solemn kiss to her forehead.
It was brief, but strong enough to leave a mark on the heart.
No words. Just that kiss said everything.
Before she could react, he wiped a small tear forming at the edge of her eye. Then, without a word, he turned and left.
"...?" Kushina froze. That kiss. The way he wiped her tears. It was overwhelming. Her heart pounded. She wanted to call out to him, say something more, but the words caught in her throat.
She could only watch his back as he disappeared.
"Please... come back safe, Ryo..." she whispered. The wind took her voice away.
At the village gate beneath the large Konoha crest, Nawaki and Mikoto were already waiting. Nawaki kept pacing. Mikoto stood still, arms crossed, her gaze occasionally drifting inward.
A gust of wind swept past.
Ryo appeared.
"Let's move," he said flatly.
No rousing words. Just that command.
"Understood!" Nawaki's chakra burst out, and he shot forward.
Mikoto took one last look down the path toward the village. The red-haired figure still lingered in her mind, but she shoved it aside and leapt forward.
The three figures raced out of Konoha's gates, the wind howling behind them.
Konoha grew smaller behind them. The trees grew sparse. The road ahead was dry and cold.
(To be continued.)
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◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
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