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Sarutobi Ryo stared at the system prompt before him, deep in thought.
"Ringo Ameyuri may be one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and proficient in at least two chakra attributes, but she shouldn't have any connection to the Ice Release Bloodline Limit..."
In the ninja world, beyond the seven fundamental chakra natures—Water, Fire, Wind, Earth, Lightning, Yin, and Yang—there existed something more potent: Bloodline Limits.
These unique abilities were divided into two categories.
One category involved special physical traits or mutated organs, like the Byakugan of the Hyuga or the Sharingan of the Uchiha. The other resulted from elemental fusions, such as "Wind + Fire = Scorch Release" or "Wind + Earth = Magnet Release."
Ice Release was one such fusion, a combination of Wind and Water.
In theory, this kekkei genkai belonged solely to the Yuki Clan of Kirigakure. While there were ninjas in the distant Land of Snow who could manipulate ice, their abilities were climate-dependent, not true Ice Release.
"Interesting..."
Before Ryo could delve further into his musings, Utatane Koharu's sharp voice cut through his thoughts.
"After her! Capture her!"
Ringo Ameyuri's Lightning jutsu had been dazzlingly swift, but it came with a glaring weakness—its conspicuousness. The thunderous crackling of her attack echoed for kilometers, an unmistakable sign of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen's signature techniques. Under the bright midday sun, such a display stood out like a beacon.
Anyone with basic knowledge could immediately recognize it as an attack from the Thunder Swords.
If Konoha's forces could use this mission to take down even one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, it would be an undeniable advantage.
Among Konoha's senior leadership, Utatane Koharu was the most aggressive. Just as she had been in the original events of history—when Itachi reported the Uchiha's plans for rebellion, she was the first to demand their eradication.
So, leading a pursuit team now was entirely in character for her.
But Ringo Ameyuri was no ordinary shinobi. Among the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, her speed was second only to the wielder of the Longsword: Needle.
A standard pursuit team had no chance of catching her.
A deafening explosion suddenly erupted from the dense forest.
A flash of blue lightning split the sky, sending shockwaves through the treetops. Birds scattered in panic, their cries filling the air. The Konoha pursuit squad was forced to fall back—those unlucky enough to be caught in the blast fell instantly, either critically wounded or dead on the spot.
In the aftermath, Ringo Ameyuri successfully led her comrades to safety. The Mist ninjas, experts in water combat, dove into the nearest river without hesitation, vanishing beneath the surface.
The Land of Whirlpools was surrounded by ocean, with countless lakes and rivers running through its interior. Once Mist ninja submerged themselves, tracking them became nearly impossible.
Koharu clenched her fists in frustration. Watching a ninja so much younger than herself slip through her fingers filled her with rage.
"How is Baiyun Yeshan?" Ryo asked as he returned to assess the situation.
The enemy kunoichi had chosen to incapacitate Baiyun Yeshan rather than execute him. It wasn't mercy—it was cold calculation, a matter of weighing the risks and rewards.
This was the way of the ninja world.
"It's not serious. Just a minor wound," Yamanaka Hui reported after a quick examination. "It looks worse than it is."
The mission, however, was effectively over.
Not that it mattered—Baiyun Yeshan already held the qualifications of a Jonin. This assessment was more of a formality, a pretense by Konoha's leadership to justify reclaiming the ruins of the Land of Whirlpools while making a show for the village's citizens.
"Master Koharu."
Ryo approached Koharu and began his report.
Soon after, eight bodies were retrieved from beneath the battlefield.
Baiyun Yeshan, Hinata Ruri, and Yamanaka Hui had each claimed a single kill.
The remaining five had fallen to Sarutobi Ryo alone.
Broken bones, shattered bodies—everywhere, remnants of sheer taijutsu brutality.
Witnessing the carnage, the surrounding shinobi murmured in awe.
"Only one person could deal this kind of destruction with pure hand-to-hand combat... Master Ryo of the Sarutobi Clan."
"As expected of the Hokage's son… like father, like son."
Praise and admiration filled the air, yet Ryo remained unfazed, his expression calm and indifferent.
"Not arrogant or impatient. Very good…" Koharu noted his composure with approval.
At that moment, Minato Namikaze arrived with Kushina and the others.
After surveying the battlefield, Minato reported his own contribution.
Eight enemies—eliminated in an instant.
"It happened so fast! One second they were there, the next—just a golden blur!"
"He flashed through the battlefield! The fight was over before it even started!"
Minato's teammates enthusiastically described the battle, their gestures animated. His nickname, "Konoha's Yellow Flash," resounded once more.
The assembled shinobi were left in awe.
As the crowd marveled at Minato's prowess, Yamanaka Hui suddenly stepped forward, her sharp gaze sweeping across them.
"Master Koharu," she announced. "My young master also discovered a trap set by Senior Kime Koto and recovered the remains of Senior Kato Dan."
The declaration sent a ripple through the crowd.
One of the older shinobi, a broad-shouldered man standing beside Koharu, stiffened. His usually narrow eyes widened at the news.
He was none other than Kime Koto himself—Koharu's most trusted subordinate and a veteran who had once fought alongside Kato Dan and Tsunade.
Recovering Kato Dan's remains had been one of the mission's underlying objectives.
"You did well," Kime Koto murmured, his deep voice laced with emotion.
He had seen countless battles, endured many losses. But after enduring so much, warriors emerged stronger.
As Kime Koto recounted Kato Dan's story, murmurs spread among the shinobi.
"Princess Tsunade's lover…"
"Master Kime Koto personally set the barrier trap…"
Whispers filled the air.
Compared to this achievement, Minato's feat of instantly eliminating eight enemies seemed almost secondary.
"Master Koharu."
Ryo reached into his cloak and retrieved a sealed scroll, holding it with solemn reverence.
"Senior Kato Dan's remains are inside. Let's take him home."
The wind from the Land of Whirlpools carried the scent of the sea through the ranks. A somber silence settled over the gathered shinobi.
They were all veterans of the Second Great Ninja War. The scars of conflict were still fresh in their hearts.
This moment reminded them of the countless lives lost, of the comrades who never returned.
They turned their eyes to Sarutobi Ryo, waiting for Koharu's response.
Minato, standing at a slight distance, silently observed Ryo, his expression unreadable.
"..."
Koharu's face remained impassive, but inwardly, her thoughts churned.
Finally, she extended her hand, taking the scroll and tucking it away.
"Mm."
That was all she said.
But it was enough.