Chapter 109: What Do You Want?
Holding her closer for a few moments, the two basked in the comfort of their reunion. Then, remembering the pressing danger they were in, Ryomaru reluctantly pulled away. "We need to leave, Mum. It's not safe here."
Miori looked into her son's eyes, seeing the mature determination that had always made him stand out. "Where are we going?" she asked, trusting him to lead the way. "What happened Ryo? Why are they after us?"
Quickly and meticulously, Ryomaru drew out a scroll from his pouch. With a swift motion, he unfurled it, revealing intricate seals. Placing his palm over the scroll, he summoned two inky black cloaks. The fabric was soft but thick enough to mask their identities.
"Put this on," he urged, handing one to Miori. "Your hair is too recognizable."
Miori swiftly draped the cloak around her, allowing its shadows to engulf her distinctive features. Though both were skilled in the Henge technique, they knew that broadcasting their chakra was a risky move, especially when they didn't know how many enemies were near.
After ensuring they were suitably disguised, Ryomaru's eyes found his mother's. There was a weight in them that Miori hadn't seen before. With a somber tone, he said, "He is dead."
Confusion crossed Miori's face for a brief moment, but as the gravity of his words settled, she understood. The Raikage, A, was no more.
"Oh," she uttered, the syllable carrying a myriad of emotions – from the weight of the past to the uncertainty of the future. There was a flash of relief, knowing that the chains of the past would no longer hold them down. But that was quickly replaced by a swelling concern for her son, who had just lost a significant backer in his life.
Grasping her hand with a gentle firmness, Ryomaru directed her towards the reflective surface from which he had emerged. "We need to get back," he whispered.
The mirror shimmered once more, and within moments, they stood outside the boundaries of Konoha. The forest's familiar sounds were a stark contrast to the tension that lingered in the air.
As the mother and son duo made their way stealthily, Ryomaru began to update his mother. "Danzo's ROOT agents are here, Mum. The agreement... it's been broken."
As they darted further into the forest, Ryomaru's senses heightened. The distinct chakra signatures of approaching figures sent shivers down his spine. The worst-case scenario was unfolding.
"Damn it," Ryomaru muttered under his breath. Swiftly spotting a narrow opening between two colossal rocks, he tightened his grip on his mother's hand. "This way," he whispered, pulling Miori towards the slit in the rockface. The path they were taking was barely wide enough for one, but it was their only option.
His hand gripping Miori's tightly, Ryomaru deftly executed hand seals with his other hand. This skill, something he'd acquired after tapping into Haku's memories, was a significant advantage in situations like this. A thick mist enveloped the area, concealing them from potential threats. Taking advantage of the temporary shield, the duo slid into the narrow opening between the two rocks.
Once inside, Ryomaru wasted no time. He rapidly unpacked an assortment of explosive tags, wires, and sealing scripts. His fingers moved quickly and deliberately, setting up intricate traps designed to delay any pursuers.
Miori watched him work, her ice-blue eyes showing a mixture of admiration and concern. "Ryomaru," she whispered, "you've become so skilled. But why are we not just escaping?"
He met her gaze briefly, determination evident in his own ice-blue eyes. "We can't outrun them, Mum. They'll find us eventually. Here, we have the advantage. This will buy us time."
In the distance, faint noises suggested that their pursuers were closing in. The mist, however, would confuse and disorient them, even if only momentarily.
The process of setting up the traps was meticulous. Ryomaru's knowledge of the terrain, paired with his strategic mindset, ensured that every trap was placed to its maximum potential. Once the traps were in place, he turned back to Miori, his face etched with concern.
"We need to move deeper in. Stay close," he said, guiding her further into the rock formation.
As they ventured deeper into the narrow pathway, Miori couldn't help but marvel at how much her son had grown. The once playful child had evolved into a decisive and strategic young man, capable of navigating intense situations with a calm demeanor.
Suddenly, a distant explosion echoed, indicating that one of Ryomaru's traps had been sprung. He turned to Miori, signaling her to keep moving. "They're close, Mum. But we have the advantage."
A few minutes passed, punctuated by the sounds of explosions. Then, a voice rang out, cold and dismissive. "Useless!"
The once concealing mist was suddenly blown away by a powerful gust, and Ryomaru watched with a sinking feeling as traps were disarmed, one after the other. There was no mistaking that voice; it was Danzo.
Drawing himself up, Ryomaru placed a gentle kiss on his mother's forehead. "Stay here, Mum," he whispered, readying himself for the confrontation.
Miori, however, gripped his hand and rose to stand beside him, her eyes firm with determination. "We either escape together or die together, Ryo. There is no life for me without you."
Ryomaru glanced at his mother, seeing the unwavering resolve in her ice-blue eyes. Words would be futile; her decision was made.
Together, the two emerged from their hiding spot, standing defiantly before Danzo and the formidable lineup of twenty ROOT agents. The setting sun cast long shadows, with Danzo's lone eye scrutinizing them intently.
Danzo's voice held a hint of amusement, "I must commend your efforts, Ryomaru. For a moment, I was almost impressed."
Ryomaru's gaze never wavered. "What do you want, Danzo?"
The older man chuckled. "Isn't it obvious? The Raikage is dead, and with his demise, there's a power vacuum. You, his son, are the key to controlling the Cloud. And while your friends in Konoha would prefer to have you safe with them, I have other plans."
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