Bab 46: If I am Kage, You are the Queen!
Once their breakfast had been heartily consumed and the morning's relaxed conversation had ebbed, Ryomaru and Miori retired to the living area. The daylight streaming in from the window cast long, dappled shadows across the room, bathing the mother and son in a warm, honeyed light. Ryomaru settled himself onto the plush couch, his young body sinking comfortably into the cushions. Across from him, Miori eased into her favorite armchair, her posture relaxed yet alert, her eyes warmly gazing at her son.
Ryomaru's face was thoughtful, a hint of unease lurking in the depths of his icy blue eyes. Miori observed him, her heartstrings pulling at the sight of her son looking so serious. It was rare for Ryomaru to be this quiet, this contemplative. The ever-present spark of energy that usually animated him seemed dimmed, replaced by a cautious trepidation.
"Ryomaru," Miori ventured softly, "Is something the matter?"
Her son met her gaze, his lips curling into a reassuring smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "There's something I need to tell you, Mum," he said, his voice carrying a maturity well beyond his years.
An invisible tension knotted in Miori's stomach, a shiver of unease that she quickly suppressed. She schooled her features into a calm smile, offering him her undivided attention. "What is it, Ryo?"
Taking a deep breath, Ryomaru launched into his revelation. "Raikage-sama has arranged a student exchange program. Two Jinchuriki, one from Konoha and the other from Suna, have come to Kumo to be trained by Uncle B."
Miori processed the information, her mind churning. She had always known that her son was destined for more than a simple life, his lineage had seen to that. But the news was a stark reminder of the vast world beyond their peaceful home, a world where her son would have to navigate the treacherous waters of power and politics.
Ryomaru continued, his voice steady despite the gravity of his words. "In return, I will go to Konoha to study."
The last words hung in the air, an impending reality that Miori could neither deny nor ignore. She had known this day would come, had prepared herself for it, but hearing it out loud was like a punch to her gut.
Ryomaru was watching her, his eyes wide and vulnerable. He was searching for her reaction, her reassurance. Miori took a deep breath, steadying herself. "That's... quite the news, Ryo," she said, her voice steady.
"Maybe I can convince him," Ryomaru blurted out, his young face set in determination. His eyes, an icy blue mirror of his mother's, shone with an earnest resolve that belied his tender years. Miori watched him, a sad, wistful smile playing on her lips. Her heart clenched at his words, the innocent hope they carried.
"You know as much as I do, it is impossible, Ryo," she replied softly. Her voice wavered slightly, a slight tremor that betrayed the pain of her reality. "I am a prisoner in this village, I always was."
Hearing his mother's resigned words, Ryomaru's heart tightened in his chest. His small fists clenched by his sides, a physical manifestation of his growing frustration. His mother, the woman he loved more than anything, was more than a mere prisoner. To him, she was a queen, a beacon of strength and love, resilience personified.
"I will talk to him, Mum. You are more than that." His voice carried a conviction that seemed too profound for his age. "If I am the future Kage of this village, you are the Queen of this village!"
Miori's heart skipped a beat. She stared at her son, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. His words, so sincere and heartfelt, wrapped around her heart like a soothing balm, easing the pain that had been her constant companion. For a moment, she allowed herself to bask in the glow of his words, to imagine a world where she was not just a captive, but a queen.
Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Miori rose from her chair and walked over to Ryomaru. She knelt down in front of him, her hands gently reaching out to cup his face. His cheeks were warm under her touch, his eyes bright and hopeful as he met her gaze.
"Oh, Ryo," she whispered, her voice filled with a potent mixture of love and sorrow. "My brave, brave boy."
She drew him into her arms, pulling him close against her chest. Ryomaru melted into the embrace, his small arms wrapping tightly around her. Miori held him, her fingers gently stroking his raven-black hair, her heart swelling with a fierce love for this child who was her entire world.
Despite the uncertainty of their future, Miori found a strange sense of solace in that moment. Nestled in her arms, her son was still her little boy, not yet the future Kage of Kumo, not yet the vessel for the village's hopes and expectations. He was just Ryomaru, her Ryo. And for that moment, she allowed herself to forget the world outside their home, to lose herself in the warmth of their bond.
As she held her son, Miori closed her eyes, whispering a silent prayer to whatever deities might be listening. For strength, for courage, for the wisdom to guide Ryomaru through the stormy seas that awaited him. She knew not what the future held, but she promised herself then and there that she would do everything in her power to ensure Ryomaru's happiness.
She pulled back, her hands framing his face. "No matter what happens, Ryo, remember this. You are my world. You are my King." She said the words with a heartfelt sincerity, willing him to understand the depth of her love for him.
Ryomaru nodded, his eyes brimming with a mix of emotions. He held her gaze, the determination in his eyes unwavering. "I understand, Mum. I love you too."
After a while, Ryomaru found himself seated in a minimalist office that was furnished with practicality rather than comfort in mind. Opposite him, behind a large desk cluttered with scrolls and documents, sat A, the Raikage of Kumo village. His intimidating presence filled the room as his attention remained focused on the papers in front of him. Standing by the window, his eyes twinkling with an unspoken jest, was Uncle B, his stature relaxed, yet exuding a silent power that matched A's own.
The minutes trickled by in heavy silence, interrupted only by the occasional rustling of papers as A reviewed the documents on his desk. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, A glanced up from his desk, his eyes settling on B. His deep, powerful voice reverberated through the room. "B, they have arrived," he began, referring to the two Jinchuriki who had come to Kumo for training.
B's face remained impassive as he nodded, his hands tucked casually into his pockets. "Good," he replied, his voice a low, measured rumble. "I look forward to seeing what they can do."
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Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
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