Chapter 114: The King is Dead! Long Live the King!
Ryomaru, trying to push aside the rush of emotions, responded with an authoritative, albeit youthful voice, "Rise."
As one, the Cloud shinobi stood, lining up behind their young Raikage. Their postures, while rigid and formal, screamed of loyalty and an unwavering readiness to defend their leader. Their combined gaze was fixed on Danzo, a silent challenge hanging between them.
The contrast between the two groups was stark. On one side, the formidable presence of the Cloud shinobi with Ryomaru at the forefront. On the other, Danzo, his face contorting in a mix of frustration and begrudging respect.
Samui, her usually stoic face showing a hint of concern, broke the silence, "Ryomaru, are you hurt?"
He shook his head slightly, "I'm fine, thanks to you and everyone else," Ryomaru responded, his voice steady but his mind racing. For the first time in his young life, he truly felt the harshness of the world, a reality he had been shielded from due to his status as the son and heir of the Raikage. His father's presence had always been a protective cloak, but now that he was gone, that protection had vanished, leaving Ryomaru exposed. Danzo's blatant hostility was a rude awakening, a stark reminder that his position did not grant him invincibility. Even Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, who had lurked in the shadows, choosing to intervene only when Danzo's aggression became overt, had shown his true colors. Ryomaru felt a bitter taste in his mouth; he realized that the political arena was a treacherous one, and trust was a luxury he could ill-afford. He wouldn't forget this day, the day he learned that power and position were fleeting, and only strength could truly protect him and his loved ones.
With a forceful landing that made the ground tremble slightly, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, appeared in the courtyard. His usually calm demeanor was now strained, and anger burned brightly in his eyes. "Danzo," he thundered, his voice filled with palpable fury. "You were strictly forbidden from setting foot within Konoha's borders. Why do I find you confronting our guests?"
Ryomaru's eyes flicked to the Hokage, his gaze cool and calculating. The young Raikage had felt Hiruzen's watchful gaze from the shadows for quite a while now. The Third had let the scene play out, choosing to intervene only when the scales had tilted heavily against Danzo. Ryomaru pondered what would have unfolded if Hiashi, Hizashi, and the Cloud shinobi hadn't arrived. Would Hiruzen have stepped in to protect him and his mother? Or would he have remained a silent observer?
Hiruzen, feeling the weight of Ryomaru's scrutiny, turned his gaze towards the young Raikage. His voice softened, but the undertone of regret was undeniable. "I deeply apologize for what transpired here, Raikage-sama. I'm also truly sorry for your loss."
Hiruzen, his face etched with genuine regret, could feel the weight of Ryomaru's gaze, intense and searching. The Third Hokage was conflicted, torn between his duty to Konoha and his fondness for the young man before him. Over the years, Ryomaru had earned a special place in Hiruzen's heart, his brilliance and empathy shining through, making Hiruzen believe in a brighter future. He saw in Ryomaru a hope for a more peaceful world, a leader who could bridge the gaps between villages. Yet, his duty to Konoha, his obligation to ensure its strength and security, had led him to a crossroads. Danzo's actions, as ruthless as they were, were aimed at strengthening Konoha, and Hiruzen had been willing to turn a blind eye, a decision he now deeply regretted. The Hyuga Patriarch's unexpected intervention and Ryomaru's immediate pledge to protect the Hyuga Clan had changed the tide. Hiruzen realized the magnitude of his mistake; he had underestimated Ryomaru's capacity to form strong, unwavering bonds. He had hoped to gain an ally in Ryomaru, but his late intervention had only served to create distance between them. Ryomaru was now wary of him, a trust once present now tainted by doubt and suspicion.
Ryomaru's face remained impassive, but a sharpness appeared in his ice-blue eyes. He managed a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
The tension in the courtyard was palpable, and the silence was only broken by the soft rustling of the wind. Ryomaru's voice then pierced the quiet, "It appears we may have overstayed our welcome in Konoha. We'll be departing now."
Hiruzen nodded respectfully, a touch of sadness in his eyes. "You're always welcome here, Raikage-sama. Konoha values its relationship with the Cloud Village."
Ryomaru paused for a moment, the weight of his new title and responsibilities heavy on his young shoulders. "As my first decree as the Raikage of the Cloud Village," he began, his voice resonating with conviction, "from this day forth, the Hyuga Clan will be known as our brethren. In times of trouble, the Cloud Village will stand by their side, and in moments of joy, we shall celebrate with them."
The declaration hung in the air, sealing an unspoken bond between the two powerful clans. Hiashi's eyes shone with appreciation, while Hizashi nodded in silent agreement.
Miori stepped forward, her white hair flowing gently with the wind and her ice-blue eyes filled with pride and concern for her son. "Thank you, Hiashi-san, Hizashi-san, for your support," she said, her voice soft yet carrying a strength of its own.
Miori, her white hair flowing gently in the wind, stepped forward with grace, yet her eyes held a storm of emotions. The events of the day had shaken her to her core, bringing back memories of her own turbulent past. Once a victim of political machinations, she had been taken to the Cloud Village, her powers seen as a means to an end. She had given up, her spirit broken, until Ryomaru's birth rekindled a flame within her. He was her reason to fight, to grow stronger. Yet today, she had been helpless as she watched her son face death. Her training, her powers, they had not been enough. A fierce determination lit up in her eyes; she would not let weakness define her any longer. For Ryomaru, she would rise, become the shield that he needed. She would not allow danger to touch him, not while she breathed.
Ryomaru placed a comforting hand on his mother's shoulder. "We should get going, Mum." He then turned to Hiashi, "Please tell Hanabi, Hinata and Temari that I am sorry and I will will meet them as soon as I can."
Samui and Mabui exchanged a glance, then Mabui stepped forward. "We're ready to escort you, Raikage-sama."
As they prepared to leave, Ryomaru looked back at the Hokage. Their eyes met, each understanding the complexities of leadership and the sacrifices it demanded. With a final nod, Ryomaru and his entourage disappeared from the courtyard, leaving behind a heavy silence that spoke volumes about the intricate dance of politics and power.
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