Chapter 23: You're So Famous in Konoha, Aren't You?
Inside the camp, besides Tsunade, there were Aoyama Ryūun, Hatake Sakumo, and the trio of Nara Shikaku, Akimichi Chōza, and Yamanaka Inoichi.
Apart from Tsunade and Aoyama Ryūun — two people who never cared much for rules and were happily drinking — the others sat properly, sipping tea in silence.
Hatake Sakumo and Nara Shikaku both rolled their eyes in unison.
"If you're itching for a fight," Shikaku said lazily, "go find a man to spar with. I'm sure Ryūun would be more than happy to give you a good match."
Tsunade grinned. She loved fighting — though not necessarily being hit.
Of course, what she might not realize was that with Aoyama Ryūun's strength, she'd be the one getting thoroughly beaten.
"I've never heard of anyone being able to transform like that!" Tsunade said, lifting her cup with a curious gleam in her eyes.
Ryūun shrugged nonchalantly as he poured himself another drink.
Naturally, if no one asked, he wouldn't bother bringing up his abilities — it wasn't his style to show off.
"Uh…" Tsunade fell silent for a moment — she had no real way to argue that.
"Turning into a dragon like that, though — incredible! Even the One-Tail Shukaku couldn't stand against you!"
Hearing that, Hatake Sakumo, who had witnessed it firsthand, couldn't help but sigh in awe. He'd been shocked by what he saw that day.
"Incredible, huh?"
Ryūun raised his cup, downed it in one go, and smiled faintly, his sharp eyes glinting with quiet confidence.
"You'll see something even more amazing in the future."
He wasn't kidding. His full-beast form wasn't even his strongest state yet.
He still couldn't perfectly harness the power of his Mythical Zoan–type Devil Fruit.
Once his mastery and synchronization improved, his power would reach an entirely new level.
"Even stronger…?"
Ryūun's calm words left Sakumo, Shikaku, and the others momentarily speechless.
None of them doubted him — if anything, their respect for him grew even deeper.
In the shinobi world, strength spoke louder than anything.
And a man like Aoyama Ryūun, who spoke openly and confidently without arrogance, naturally drew admiration — and a sense of camaraderie.
"Haha! Enough talking — let's keep drinking!" Tsunade laughed.
"Sure!"
"Yeah, why not!" the others joined in, their spirits lightened.
—
Meanwhile, back in Konoha, the Hokage's office building remained brightly lit despite the late hour.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had thought this war would last a long time — yet it had ended within a single day.
Not only had they defeated Sunagakure, but they'd also brought an end to the long and grueling Second Shinobi World War.
"Excellent…"
Hiruzen's eyes softened.
These were all truly exceptional Konoha shinobi.
"To think he's grown to this extent already…"
Aoyama Ryūun's growth was astonishing — in such a short time, he'd reached the level of defeating a Tailed Beast.
"Good… very good."
The one thing that comforted Hiruzen most was that Ryūun seemed to have no political ambition.
He loved to challenge strong opponents, but he had no lust for power — which made him both formidable and safe.
Of course, that didn't mean he never caused trouble.
As Hiruzen's thoughts wandered, the office door suddenly swung open.
Shimura Danzō strode in with a cold look on his face.
"Hiruzen, you've seen it, haven't you? The report about Hatake Sakumo fighting the Third Kazekage?"
"Hm?" Hiruzen blinked, thinking it might be about Ryūun again.
"Don't you think," Danzō continued, his voice edged with resentment, "that after this incident, the White Fang's reputation in Konoha has already surpassed yours?"
"…"
Hiruzen fell silent, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Danzō.
Surpassed me? Maybe close — but "surpassed"?
Did Danzō even know what real prestige meant?
Danzō's glare hardened, waiting for an answer.
"Ahaha… my apologies," Hiruzen said awkwardly, scratching his head.
"Sakumo is an excellent Konoha shinobi, that's all."
The calm, understated response only made Danzō's frown deepen.
He already knew Hiruzen would brush it off like this — the man always tried to play the benevolent Hokage.
Danzō gave a short, bitter laugh.
He didn't believe in Hiruzen's idealistic kindness for a second.
If Hatake Sakumo's reputation truly grew beyond control, the balance of influence in Konoha would be shaken.
And that was dangerous — especially with someone like Aoyama Ryūun around, a man who followed no rules and feared no one.
If he ever got angry enough, he might just chase the Hokage down and beat him in front of the entire village.
"Hmph. Fine. We'll see," Danzō said coldly before turning and leaving.
Hiruzen remained alone in the office, the light of his pipe flickering as he sank deep into thought.
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