Chapter 5: The Third's Visit
The cold pressure of Ryouma's large hand around his neck sent a chill straight to Kiba's core. He could feel the sheer strength in that grip. He had no doubt that with just a slight twist, Ryouma could end his life.
This guy... he's been pretending all this time, hasn't he?!
That thought flashed through not only Kiba's mind but Hinata's as well.
"Ryouma-nii... you're so strong..." she whispered in awe.
A breeze swept through the space between Ryouma and Kiba. In the blink of an eye, a figure appeared beside them, a hand resting gently on the shoulder of each boy.
"It seems we have a clear winner," a calm, melodic voice observed.
Ryouma turned his eyes to the newcomer. As expected, it was the jōnin instructor for Team 8, Kurenai Yūhi.
He released his grip on Kiba's neck, took a step back, and gave a slight, respectful bow. "Kurenai-sensei."
"Ah? Kurenai-sensei?" Hinata and a still-stunned Kiba echoed the greeting.
"You know me?" Kurenai's crimson eyes scanned Ryouma carefully. This student seemed different from the lazy, unmotivated boy she'd heard about in rumors. His strength was far beyond what she had imagined.
"I've heard other ninjas at the ramen stand speak of you, Sensei," Ryouma explained smoothly. "They said you were a beautiful and gentle kunoichi with long black hair and striking red eyes. So I recognized you immediately."
As the saying goes, you can never go wrong with flattery. Even a seasoned jōnin like Kurenai couldn't help but show a faint, pleased smile at the compliment, a hint of a blush coloring her cheeks.
"Quite the silver tongue for one so young," she remarked, recovering her composure. "Let me introduce myself properly. I am Yūhi Kurenai. From now on, I will be your jōnin instructor. And..." Her gaze swept over all three of them, turning serious. "The ninja world demands strength. So give it your all!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
Their answers were firm and unified. This was about their future and their very survival.
Even Ryouma responded with utmost seriousness. Using the Clone Technique had made him realize a crucial point: he didn't necessarily need to rely solely on the system's exchanges. He could learn ninjutsu from this world itself, giving him survival skills without spending his precious Almighty Points.
"Now, I want each of you to introduce yourselves and tell me your dreams. You will be comrades fighting side-by-side, so understanding each other is vital. Kiba, you first."
"Right! My name is Inuzuka Kiba, I'm 12 years old. My dream is to become Hokage!" Kiba declared, his voice full of determination.
"My name is Hyūga Hinata... I'm 12 years old. My dream is... to become a ninja who is as strong as my father, and as kind as my mother," Hinata said, her face flushing slightly.
"My name is Akizuki Ryouma. I am 16 years old. My dream..." Ryouma paused, looking up at the sky as if he could see through the clouds to another world. "I want to become strong enough to protect the people I care about. Strong enough to survive... and to one day return to where I belong, to protect my family."
Kurenai went on to explain the essential qualities of a ninja and conducted a simple team coordination test before dismissing them, telling them to meet the next morning to begin their official duties.
As it turned out, Ryouma's assigned home was very close to the Hyūga compound. After making plans to meet Hinata in the morning, a silvery light flickered in Ryouma's eyes, and he teleported directly into his own small apartment.
"Ryouma, you're back." An old, slightly hoarse voice spoke like a soft clap of thunder in the quiet room.
"Who's there?!" Ryouma spun around, his heart leaping into his throat. Standing behind him was an old man observing him with deep, penetrating eyes that seemed to see right through him.
"Lord Hokage?"
It was the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Yes. Ryouma, you've been in the village for about ten years now, haven't you?" Hiruzen pulled out his pipe, took a long draw, and leisurely exhaled a smoke ring.
"Ah?" Ryouma, now fully aware of the backstory the system had crafted for him—that of an orphan from a minor village brought to Konoha—was momentarily startled before quickly replying, "Yes, Lord Hokage."
"You must have endured many cold stares and much indifference during that time," Hiruzen continued.
Ryouma was puzzled. He didn't understand why the Hokage was bringing this up now, or what his true purpose for visiting was. He could only follow the old man's lead.
"There have been some hardships," Ryouma admitted carefully. "But it's thanks to the village that I've grown up. In my heart, I've always considered everyone here my family."
Hiruzen's drooping eyelids lifted slightly, a sharp gleam flashing in his eyes. He took another deep pull from his pipe and exhaled slowly. "I am glad to hear you feel that way. The truth is, the reason some villagers treated you coldly is that they lost relatives in battles with other villages. They feel a natural resentment towards outsiders."
He paused, letting the words hang in the air. "However, you have lived here for a decade. Most villagers have already come to accept you as one of Konoha's own. What truly frustrated them was your apparent lack of ambition. From now on, train hard under Kurenai, complete your missions dutifully, and the villagers' opinion of you will change."
Though Ryouma hadn't personally lived through those ten years of isolation, he felt a pang of resonance. The loneliness of not being recognized... wasn't that similar to his own feelings in his old world?
He suppressed the emotional flutter, simultaneously admiring Hiruzen's masterful understanding of human nature. With just a few words, the Hokage had managed to foster a sense of goodwill within him.
"I understand, Lord Hokage. I will work hard from now on."
"Good. There is one more thing. Where did you learn the teleportation jutsu you used in the forest?"
So this is the real reason for the Hokage's visit.
Hiruzen walked to the windowsill, looking out at the sunset as if speaking to himself, yet making sure Ryouma heard every word. "As Hokage, I am responsible for this village. It is my duty to remove any and all threats to its safety."
Ryouma also looked out the window. The golden sunlight bathed the buildings, making the entire village look like a sheltered, peaceful haven.
Drive away threats and protect the village...?
"That was a dōjutsu I awakened," Ryouma said after a moment's consideration, weighing the pros and cons. He decided the name itself was harmless. "It's called the Instant Eye."
Hiruzen turned around. With his back to the setting sun, his face was cast in shadow, making his expression unreadable. He stared intently at Ryouma for a long, silent moment before taking a final puff from his pipe and exhaling slowly.
"I see. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, you may come to me at any time."
Having said that, Hiruzen walked to the door. Just as he was about to leave, he turned back one last time, a kind, grandfatherly smile gracing his features.
"Oh, and one more thing. Congratulations on becoming a ninja."