The day of Ryomaru's departure for Konoha arrived with a heavy stillness that weighed upon the young hearts of Karui, Tsubaki, and Shiromi. Their usual training ground was filled with a poignant quiet, the absence of their boisterous friend already making itself known. They stood side by side, their eyes focused on Ryomaru, their faces etched with a myriad of emotions. Despite the solemn occasion, Ryomaru wore his usual charming smile, his icy-blue eyes reflecting the determination he harbored within.
"Uncle Bee," Ryomaru began, addressing B who stood before him. The usually jovial man was uncharacteristically quiet, his face etched with a seriousness that mirrored the gravity of the situation. Ryomaru continued, his voice steady, "Promise me you'll take care of everyone here."
A solemn nod was B's response, his eyes revealing the pride he felt for the young boy before him. "I promise, Ryomaru," B said, his deep voice echoing the sincere pledge.
As Ryomaru moved to address his friends, his confident demeanor remained unbroken, a testament to his strength. He looked at Karui, Tsubaki, and Shiromi in turn, his gaze full of gratitude and affection. Their eyes sparkled with a combination of admiration and melancholy, the imminent departure of their beloved friend tugging at their hearts.
"Karui, Tsubaki, Shiromi," he started, his voice strong and sure, "I will miss you all."
"Ryomaru," Karui responded, her tone steady, the intensity of her gaze belying the tumultuous emotions she felt within. Tsubaki merely nodded, her disciplined demeanor holding back the welling emotions, her gaze speaking volumes.
The most visibly affected was Shiromi. The shy, reserved girl who usually kept her emotions in check was fighting back tears, her cerulean eyes glistening. "Ryo...," she began, her voice soft and quivering. She rushed forward, wrapping her arms around him in a warm embrace. "I will miss you, too," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.
Ryomaru returned the hug, patting her back gently. "Don't cry, Shiromi," he urged, his tone comforting. "I'll be back before you know it."
As they broke the embrace, Karui and Tsubaki stepped forward. Their faces were firm, their eyes brimming with unshed tears. Without uttering a word, they wrapped their arms around him in a group hug. The gesture was their farewell, their shared silence echoing the depth of their friendship.
The farewell was brief, filled with unspoken promises of staying strong and keeping in touch. Ryomaru then took a step back, his gaze drifting over his friends. A part of him yearned to stay, to continue growing with them, but he knew the importance of his mission.
"Promise me, you'll all train hard and be ready for when I get back," he said, his tone serious. A chorus of solemn nods met his words.
Ryomaru had said his goodbyes to Sasuke and Itachi the previous day. Their relationship nurtured over shared training sessions and challenging sparring matches. Aoba-sensei, his academy teacher, had also been part of the farewell round. The strong and serious woman had left a deep impression on him with her extensive knowledge and disciplined approach to teaching.
So now, at the gates of the Cloud Village, Ryomaru, his mother Miori, Samui, and Mabui were ready to set out for Konoha. The towering gates, which had always held a sense of permanence, now felt like a threshold to a new beginning. Hidden security details lurked in the background, but Ryomaru paid them little mind. His existence as the Raikage's son had always been shrouded with such protective measures, so their presence was hardly noticeable.
Ryomaru turned his gaze to his mother, who was quietly observing him. A tender smile curved Miori's lips, her eyes softened with pure adoration. The sight of her warmed his heart, filling him with a sense of solace. He approached her, the smile on his face mirroring hers. "Mum," he started, his voice full of affection.
Her hand reached out to gently brush a strand of hair off his forehead, her touch as light as a feather. "Yes, Ryomaru?" she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm ready," he declared, a sparkle in his eyes denoting his determination. Miori nodded, reaching out her hand for him to hold. His fingers intertwined with hers, the physical connection symbolizing their unbroken bond.
Samui and Mabui stood nearby, their gazes falling on Ryomaru and Miori. Their expressions softened at the sight, a wave of affection for the pair washing over them. "Ryo, we're ready when you are," Samui said, her voice carrying the weight of her role as their escort.
Ryomaru nodded, turning his gaze back towards the gates. "Then let's go," he said, his voice echoing a newfound resolution.
They stepped forward together, the mother-son pair flanked by Samui and Mabui. As they crossed the threshold, a gust of wind brushed past them, as though bidding them goodbye from their home and wishing them luck on their journey.
Once they were through, Ryomaru glanced back at the village that had been his home for nine years. It was a strange feeling, leaving behind the familiar for the unknown. He could still hear the echo of his friends' laughter, the comforting resonance of B's voice, the stern but powerful aura of the Raikage, and the love that his mother had always surrounded him with.
"Promise me something, Mum," Ryomaru's voice sliced through the silence, his gaze still fixated on the village. Miori glanced at him, her brows furrowing slightly, "What is it, Ryomaru?"
He turned to face her, the seriousness in his gaze matching the tone of his voice. "Promise me that we'll come back here, together. Promise me that we'll be together no matter what."
A gentle smile spread across Miori's face, her fingers tightening around his. "I promise, Ryomaru," she said, her voice ringing with sincerity. "We'll always be together, no matter what."
With that promise in the air, they continued their journey towards Konoha, their hearts filled with anticipation, determination, and unyielding resolve.
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