"What's going on???"
"Isn't that Lord Ryun? Why is he kneeling in public? That woman… could she be his mother?"
"She must be his mother. Otherwise, why would he kneel and hug a stranger's legs like that…"
The eyes of the surrounding onlookers were all drawn to Ryun's kneeling.
"You outsiders might not know this, but this Ryun isn't just brave in battle. He's also famous in Konoha Village for being a filial son!"
A woman loudly began embellishing stories about how Ryun had been sensible and filial since childhood…
Ryun's deeds, such as braving the scorching sun to deliver homemade meals to his mother while she worked at the factory, had already spread among Konoha's women.
Everyone envied Asuka for having such a filial son, and this son had even become a well-known hero of Konoha…
Now, every parent in Konoha longed to have a son like Uchiha Ryun and wished their own immature children could become like him.
Sometimes, expectations led to disappointment. Because of him, many children had been unfairly scolded or beaten by their parents for no reason…
"This child returns victorious, sees his mother in tears, and kneels to weep. Such filial piety, such devotion, is truly rare in this world. He lives up to his reputation as 'the filial one'—it's no exaggeration!"
An elderly man, hearing about Ryun's deeds and witnessing his 'filial act,' couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
The crowd around him nodded in agreement, their gazes toward Ryun filled with even more admiration and fondness.
The reason Ryun knelt now was because his mother had written in her letter that she would break his legs… To protect his shaky legs, he had no choice but to kneel, admit his mistake, and cry pitifully for forgiveness…
Asuka was stunned by this shameless move. Her tears even stopped mid-flow…
It took her a while to react. Feeling the stares of the crowd, her face flushed red, and she reached out to pull up this shameless guy from the ground…
"Mom, forgive me. I didn't mean to deceive you," Ryun whispered tearfully.
"Get up first…" Asuka wiped the tears from her face and spoke softly.
"I'll only get up if Mom forgives me…"
"…"
"As long as you're safe, I forgive you!"
After a brief silence, Asuka suddenly nodded cheerfully.
"Waaah, Mom's the best!!!" Ryun stood up and hugged Asuka tightly.
The scent of his mother instantly calmed his heart, filling him with a happiness even stronger than when he hugged Kushina.
Asuka gently stroked Ryun's long hair, her eyes full of tenderness and love. Her precious son had returned safe and sound.
"Let's go. There are too many people here. We'll talk at home."
Just as Asuka took Ryun's hand and was about to call Kushina along, the girl spoke up first:
"Auntie, Ryun, you two go ahead. I'll come later!"
Since Tsunade had returned, Kushina felt she should at least greet her. It would be too rude to go straight to Ryun's home.
Kushina pointed at the grandmother-granddaughter pair not far away.
"Then come quickly. I'll be waiting for you at home…"
Ryun looked at Kushina reluctantly, his pitiful expression making her heart tremble. She almost gave in and followed him home right then…
Kushina's face turned bright red. She nodded firmly before heading toward Mito Uzumaki.
"Son, you're already a jonin now. In just over half a year, you've reached the pinnacle of ninja ranks and become a hero of Konoha. Your father would be so proud if he knew what you've achieved…"
As they neared their home, Asuka suddenly spoke with a hint of sadness.
Ryun paused, then smiled humbly and squeezed Asuka's arm reassuringly.
When the mother and son arrived home, Asuka's smile vanished. She shut the heavy iron gate behind them, her expression turning cold and stern. Ryun couldn't help but feel nervous.
"M… Mom???"
"Do you still consider me your mother?" Asuka said sharply, reaching out to pinch Ryun's ear.
Knowing how painful this move was, Ryun dodged and jumped onto the courtyard wall.
"Mom, didn't you say you forgave me earlier?"
"You can lie, but I can't? Get down here now, or you'll never come down—and never step foot in this house again!" Asuka crossed her arms and glared threateningly.
Seeing his mother's genuine anger, Ryun didn't dare push his luck. He jumped down from the wall and stood before Asuka, head bowed, ready to accept punishment.
"Kneel!"
At the sharp command, Ryun immediately dropped to his knees.
Asuka walked to the porch, then pulled out a pair of pliers and a wooden stick from the corner…
"M… Mom… I… I was wrong. Please forgive me this time…" Ryun begged.
"Pliers or stick. Pick one." Asuka ignored his plea, even giving him the freedom to choose…
"Wh… what are these for…?" Ryun forced a stiff smile.
"I already said in my letter—I'd rip apart your lying mouth or break one of your runaway legs. Nana pleaded for you, so out of respect for her, I'll take back one punishment!"
"Now choose: rip your mouth or break your leg. Pick one. If you refuse both, then get out. I'll act like I never had a son like you. Konoha's hero? I don't care!"
Asuka's voice was icy, her face dead serious. This was no joke.
Ryun's mind flashed with memories, reminding him that his mother meant every word—she was truly furious.
And rightly so. A 12-year-old sneaking off to a brutal battlefield behind his parents' back? What parent wouldn't be enraged?
It was only by sheer luck that he had survived the war unscathed. Had he died, leaving Asuka unprepared, how devastating would that have been? How unfair?
Asuka felt betrayed and deceived. The day she learned the truth, she had hated her rebellious son, even dreaming of killing him herself.
She had wondered if Ryun no longer needed her, if he had outgrown his mother…
Earlier, in public, she had spared him some dignity, holding back her anger. But now, at home, if she didn't discipline this brat properly, she might never get another chance.