Chapitre 73: Not Close!
A month had flown by, and the energy surrounding the final stage of the Chunin Exam was palpable. The impending arrival of both the Raikage and the Kazekage only added to the atmosphere.
One bright morning, a knock echoed through the peaceful household. Ryomaru, with his usual grace, moved to answer it. On the other side stood two familiar faces: Kurenai and Anko. Special Jounin of Konoha, both women held an aura of authority that was impossible to ignore. They were the same ones who had welcomed Ryomaru and his family alongside Sarutobi Hiruzen, the esteemed Hokage of Konoha.
His black hair ruffled slightly from the wind, Ryomaru's ice-blue eyes regarded the duo with a mixture of surprise and recognition. "Kurenai-san, Anko-san," he greeted with a nod and a friendly smile. "It's been a while."
Kurenai, with her deep crimson eyes, exuded calmness and seemed to be sizing up the young boy before her. Anko, on the other hand, was more candid with her reactions. Her eyes, glinting with mischief, surveyed Ryomaru from top to bottom. "Look at you, all grown up and courteous! Still cute as ever, huh?"
Ryomaru chuckled softly, unfazed by Anko's playful comment. "Thank you. Please, have a seat on the porch."
With a grateful nod, Kurenai gracefully settled herself onto one of the porch chairs. Anko, in her characteristic style, lounged on another, stretching her legs out comfortably. Ryomaru sat opposite them, his posture erect yet relaxed.
"Would you like something to drink? Tea, perhaps?" Ryomaru offered, always the gracious host.
Anko smirked, her lips quirking in amusement. "You really have become quite the gentleman. Tea sounds lovely, but I think we're good for now."
Kurenai shot Anko a warning glance before turning to Ryomaru. "Indeed. We appreciate the offer, but we're here on official business."
Ryomaru tilted his head slightly, curiosity evident. "Is it about the final stage of the Chunin Exam?"
Kurenai nodded slowly, her gaze sharp and assessing. "Yes. As you know, the Raikage and Kazekage's arrival is imminent. We're here to ensure everything goes smoothly during their stay."
She then took a deep breath and asked, "We don't want to impose, but we would like to make sure to host the coming Kages with the best of our hospitality." Kurenai started, then asked, "Will Raikage-sama stay with you in this house?"
Ryomaru frowned, "No!" He stated. His voice was a little cold, almost icy, contrasting with his usually calm demeanor. The word was sharp, carrying a weight that surprised even him.
"Nearby house?" Anko asked, her voice steady but clearly walking at the edge of a delicate subject.
"As you wish," Ryomaru replied, his tone measured but still carrying a frosty undertone. "I would prefer him to be away from my mother. I am not comfortable with him around."
Ryomaru's ice-blue eyes met Kurenai's. "Since we are having this conversation, either Hokage-sama either felt we are not close or your 'intelligence' reported it to you," he said, his voice carrying a hint of sarcasm. "Either way, further the better."
Kurenai looked at Ryomaru, her heart aching slightly. She felt a deep sense of sympathy for him. It wasn't a rare occurrence for villages to take talented clan women to produce offspring with them, and it seemed like Ryomaru was a product of one of these tragic circumstances. She had met with Miori and had seen firsthand how much both Ryomaru and Miori cared for each other. Despite the bond they shared, both had to carry this scar for all their lives. Miori had been forced into this situation, and Ryomaru was the fruit of that heinous act.
"I'm sorry," Kurenai finally said, her voice soft and genuine, her eyes reflecting her sincere empathy. "This wasn't meant to cause distress. We will ensure that Raikage-sama's accommodation is arranged in a way that respects your family's privacy and peace."
Ryomaru's eyes softened just a fraction at Kurenai's words. He let out a quiet sigh and nodded. "Thank you," he said, his tone quieter now, but the coldness had receded. "I appreciate that."
Anko, often boisterous but not insensitive, chimed in with a more subdued tone than usual. "We're here to protect everyone's interests," she said gently. "Including yours and your mother's. We will ensure the Raikage's visit does not disturb your lives."
Ryomaru offered a small, appreciative smile. "That means a lot," he replied. His posture relaxed slightly, signaling a return to his more natural, easy-going demeanor, albeit with a lingering shadow in his eyes. "Please convey my regards to Hokage-sama for his understanding."
Kurenai nodded, her eyes still reflecting a mix of sympathy and respect for Ryomaru. "Of course," she responded warmly. "We will. And Ryomaru, if you or your mother need anything during this time, please don't hesitate to reach out to us."
Ryomaru nodded, his expression grateful. "I will keep that in mind," he replied, the tension that had briefly tightened his features continuing to ease. "Thank you both, truly."
As Kurenai and Anko rose to leave, the air was significantly lighter than it had been minutes before.
As he walked in, the sound of soft sobbing reached Ryomaru's ears. Following the sound, he made his way to his mother's room. The sight that met his eyes was one he had never seen before and had hoped never to witness: his mother, the pillar of strength he had always admired, sat on the bed, her body quivering slightly.
Miori, always the image of resilience, had her guard down in this vulnerable moment. It wasn't difficult for Ryomaru to deduce that the earlier interaction with Kurenai and Anko, combined with the weight of the past and the fears of public perception, had brought forth these tears.
Ryomaru's fist clenched involuntarily, a surge of protectiveness welling up within him. He approached the bed silently and sat behind her, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting embrace. Miori turned to him, burying her face into his chest, their roles of protector and protected briefly reversing.
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État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
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