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After a stretch of comfortable silence, Ryomaru turned his gaze towards B, ice-blue eyes glowing in the encroaching darkness. "B," he started, his tone serious, "what happened with Konoha?" His words hung heavily in the air, a stark contrast to the lighthearted conversation they'd had moments ago.
B paused in his steps, turning to regard Ryomaru. A gust of wind blew, rustling the leaves around them and carrying the echoes of a distant, unpleasant memory.
Ryomaru watched B's reaction intently. He remembered the tension that had filled the room that day, the desperation in B's voice, and the fear in his eyes when he had barged into the Raikage's room, questioning the decision about the treaty and Kumogakure's plan to kidnap the Hyuuga princess.
B sighed heavily, running a hand through his afro. "It wasn't our finest moment, Ryo," he admitted, his voice filled with regret. "We almost did something… terrible."
"Yeah, luckily A decided to back down," B continued, an undercurrent of relief palpable in his voice. His dark eyes stared off into the distance, as though reliving the events of that time. "He realized the folly of such a path. The tension, Ryo... it was suffocating. It felt like we were standing at the edge of a precipice, one wrong step away from an abyss of conflict."
He paused, giving a small shake of his head as if to chase away the ghosts of the past. Turning his gaze to the young boy, he offered a small smile. "But, thankfully, better sense prevailed. Both villages signed a treaty that, we hope, will stand the test of time."
Ryomaru nodded, processing the words. He remembered the sigh of relief that had swept through the village when the news of the treaty was announced.
"Is that why the Hokage is visiting us next month?" Ryomaru asked, a note of excitement creeping into his voice. He had heard tales of the legendary leader of the Leaf Village, the tales of his strength and wisdom.
B chuckled at the boy's enthusiasm. "Yeah, Ryo. A invited the Hokage to attend the Chunin Exam next month. It's a big deal. It's not just about the competition; it's a symbol of our new-found peace, of our readiness to cooperate and coexist."
A gust of wind blew across the path, ruffling Ryomaru's black hair, making it dance wildly. His ice-blue eyes gleamed with an intense curiosity, mirroring the stars that had begun to twinkle in the night sky. The prospect of seeing the Chunin Exam, of witnessing the Hokage in person, set his heart racing with anticipation.
"Ryo," B's voice was solemn, drawing the boy's attention back to him, "I want you to understand this. What happened with Konoha, it was a mistake. It's not the path of a true shinobi. A shinobi protects, seeks peace... not conflict. You remember that, alright?"
Ryomaru stared at B, his gaze unwavering. His small hand curled into a fist, determination seeping into his features. "I understand, B. I'll remember that."
The quiet mountain air was punctuated by their shared understanding, a silent vow hanging between them. The shadows of the past seemed to recede, giving way to the hopeful promise of a peaceful future.
The journey back home was filled with casual banter about the academy and shared laughter, the grim topic of their previous conversation set aside for the moment. Yet, as the pair entered their home and greeted the family waiting for them, the weight of B's words settled into Ryomaru's heart.
Ryomaru had always admired B, had always strived to emulate his strength, his wisdom. But in that moment, he realized the depth of the responsibility that lay on B's shoulders and, by extension, on his own as the Raikage's son. He was a part of a legacy, a part of a greater narrative that strived for peace and harmony.
While he was too young to fully grasp the complexities of the political landscape, he understood the fundamental values that B had emphasized. He understood the importance of peace, of empathy, and of understanding. And he knew, without a doubt, that these were the values he would carry forward as he walked his path as a shinobi.
His heart brimming with resolve, he gazed at B, a small smile playing on his lips. "I promise, B, I'll always remember," he vowed, his voice carrying an unwavering determination that belied his young age.
A month had passed since that memorable conversation with B. Ryomaru was at his mother's house. Miori, a woman of unparalleled grace and strength, was busy fussing over him, fixing his collar, and smoothing out invisible creases in his attire. Her hands were steady, but her dark eyes were clouded with a mix of pride and anxiety.
"You must stand tall and confident, Ryomaru. You're not just my son, you are also the son of the Raikage." Her voice was gentle but firm, the words carrying the weight of his lineage.
Ryomaru nodded, meeting her gaze with his clear, ice-blue eyes. The gravity of the situation was not lost on him. Today, he was not just a five-year-old boy. He was the son of the Raikage, a representative of the Cloud Village, and his role demanded a level of maturity and decorum beyond his years.
Outside, the air was filled with a buzz of anticipation. The Hokage was arriving soon, marking the first step towards a new era of peace and cooperation between the Leaf and Cloud villages.
"There," Miori announced finally, stepping back to take in her son's appearance. She regarded him fondly, her heart swelling with love and admiration. Despite the strained circumstances of his birth and her complicated feelings towards the Raikage, her love for Ryomaru was pure and unwavering. To her, he was the beacon of light in her otherwise tumultuous life.
"Do I look okay, mom?" Ryomaru asked, his voice a mixture of eagerness and apprehension.
"You look perfect, Ryomaru," she assured him, her voice laced with affection. "Remember, the key is to carry yourself with grace and confidence. No matter what, I know you'll do great."
With a final, encouraging squeeze of his hand, Miori sent Ryomaru off, watching him until he disappeared from sight. The sight of her son, walking tall and proud, brought a lump to her throat. Her baby was growing up, stepping into a world far more complicated than he realized.
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