Chapter 93: Headband
The Hokage's office was a sanctuary of history and tradition, its walls adorned with portraits of past leaders, each casting an eye of solemn approval or stern judgement on the room's current occupants. In the center stood a massive wooden desk, piled high with scrolls and papers—a testament to the endless responsibilities of the village leader. The rich aroma of freshly brewed tea wafted in the air, blending with the antiqued scent of old wood and parchment.
A wave of blush swept over Hanabi's cheeks, "That's not true, Hokage-sama. Ryomaru is just teasing," she retorted, her voice a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance.
The Hokage chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement at their youthful exchange, then he smiled softly, "I'm afraid the teams are confidential for now, but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the arrangements."
Hanabi's eyes sparkled with heightened curiosity, her mind racing with possibilities, while Ryomaru gave the Hokage a playful, exaggerated chuckle, to which the venerable leader responded with a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. It seemed he reveled in stirring their curiosity with his carefully chosen words.
"So, we really can't know our teams yet?" Hanabi probed, her eyes flickering between hope and disappointment.
"Patience, Hanabi," Hokage's voice was laced with gentle reprimand and amusement. "All will be revealed in good time."
"But Hokage-sama," Ryomaru joined in, his tone layered with feigned disappointment and curiosity. "Can't we get just a little hint?"
The Hokage raised his eyebrows, an amused smile playing on his lips, "Nice try, Ryomaru. But my lips are sealed."
The friendly exchange was lighthearted, but amidst the playful air, Temari observed silently, her thoughts like the whispering winds of her home village, contemplating her likely pairing with Ryomaru due to their unique statuses.
While the atmosphere was filled with a mix of playful requests and gentle denials, Hinata observed quietly, her gentle eyes shifting between her sister and Ryomaru, detecting the subtle exchange of glances and the hues of blush on Hanabi's cheeks.
While the others chatted, Temari found herself beside Hinata, both of them observers in their own right. "Your sister seems to be getting along well with Ryomaru," she remarked quietly.
Hinata smiled, "Yes, Hanabi has always been more outgoing than me."
Temari nodded, "It's a useful trait. One I wish I could adopt sometimes," her words tinged with a hint of regret, leaving Hinata to wonder what lay behind them.
The conversation gradually shifted, and the air was soon filled with the aroma of tea and sounds of friendly discourse about their futures as shinobi. Even the silent exchange of glances between the sisters, communicating their newfound ease and the dissipation of their initial apprehensions, became a quiet part of the conversation's backdrop.
"Ryomaru," the Hokage's voice regained its formal tone as he handed over a forehead protector with the symbol of the Cloud Village. "Raikage-sama had this sent over."
Ryomaru received it with a respectful nod, "Thank you, Hokage-sama," his voice held a mixture of gratitude and pride.
Ryomaru held the forehead protector and started to secure it to his left arm, creating a mirror image with Hanabi, who had hers on her right arm. Hanabi rose and, with tentative fingers, assisted Ryomaru, ensuring it was tied just right. Hinata and Hokage shared warm, approving smiles at the scene.
On the other hand, Temari's expression was harder to read. She turned her gaze towards the window, her lips pressed into a slight pout, a hint of jealousy or perhaps longing evident in her posture.
Temari's thoughts swirled like a desert storm. Her eyes discreetly observed Ryomaru's interaction with Hanabi, a pang of conflicting emotions surging within her. Years ago, when he first visited the Sand Village, their eyes met and something clicked. She knew he felt it too. Despite knowing Ryomaru's tendency to reciprocate affection to the degree due to a careful habit cultivated under his father A's stern rule, and tempered by his mother Miori's kindness—she couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy as she saw how freely Hanabi expressed her affection towards him. Ryomaru reciprocated affection but only to the extent it was offered to him—never crossing lines, always maintaining an equilibrium. As the Kazekage's daughter, she too had her restrictions. It was a dance of unspoken emotions and unsaid words.
The gentle ambiance was interrupted by the Hokage clearing his throat, drawing all attention. His countenance changed, turning more serious, "Ryomaru, as mentioned earlier, your stay in Konoha will extend by a few more months due to the circumstances in the Cloud Village. Naruto and Gaara are deep in their training with B. They need at least three more months."
Ryomaru nodded in understanding, taking in the information. "Of course, Hokage-sama."
The Hokage continued, "In the meantime, both you and Temari will assist and collaborate with other teams here in Konoha."
Hinata's and Hanabi's eyes gleamed at the news. The idea of having Ryomaru in their vicinity for a little while longer brought them evident joy. Yet, beneath Hinata's happiness, a tinge of sadness lay. Her heart yearned for Naruto's presence, missing the warmth of his usual exuberant spirit.
Hanabi, on the other hand, was battling with her emotions. While she delighted in the thought of having Ryomaru in the village for a longer duration, she couldn't ignore the ache in her heart knowing he was away from his home. Hanabi's eyes met Ryomaru's for a brief second, and in that instant, a myriad of emotions flashed between them—joy, apprehension, and a tinge of sadness. Her feelings for Ryomaru were a complex labyrinth, one she was still navigating. Caught in a whirlpool of youthful enthusiasm and the responsibilities that came with her lineage, she was torn between her own desires and the larger concerns of her village and family. The young Hyuga heiress, despite her wishes, wasn't one to let selfish desires cloud her judgment.
Seeing the range of emotions playing across their faces, Ryomaru decided to lighten the mood. "Well, if I'm to stay, we might as well make the most of it, right?" His ice-blue eyes gleamed playfully.
Hinata responded with a soft chuckle, "That's the spirit, Ryomaru."
The Hokage smiled, appreciating the young ninja's adaptability, "That's what we expect from the future generation. Resilience and adaptability."
The Hokage's eyes scanned the young faces before him, each carrying the weight of their respective legacies, yet also brimming with the untamed potential of youth. As a leader, he knew the importance of fostering this next generation. They were not just the future of Konoha, but of the entire shinobi world. And in Ryomaru, he saw more than just a visitor. He saw a future leader, perhaps even a future Raikage, who would one day be a name known throughout the lands.
Hanabi sighed, her earlier excitement turning to contemplation, Ryomaru glanced at Hanabi, "You know, your excitement is contagious."
Hanabi looked up, "Is that so? Then I hope your resilience is equally infectious."
He chuckled, "Fair enough. Then let's both promise to bring out the best in each other during my stay."
"Agreed," Hanabi replied, her eyes shining with a new resolve. "I just wish you could be at peace with both your homes, Ryomaru."
Ryomaru shrugged, offering her a comforting smile, "Konoha has been more welcoming than I ever imagined. But don't worry too much. B is there to look out for me in the Cloud."
The Hokage's eyes twinkled with understanding, having been a witness to the complex dynamics between families and villages throughout his tenure. "In time, all things find their balance. For now, let's focus on the present and make the most of your stay here, Ryomaru."
Ryomaru nodded, drawing a deep breath and releasing it slowly, "You're right, Hokage-sama. Thank you for your wisdom."
The room fell into a comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts, pondering the paths the future held for them.
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