บท 115: Hot Water
In the midst of the bustling Land of Hot Water, Ryomaru and his entourage chose to pause and gather themselves. Their recent battle with Danzo had taken a toll, particularly on Ryomaru, who was now grappling with the aftereffects of wielding the Lighting Chakra Cloak twice consecutively. Each step he took felt heavy, and a thin sheen of sweat covered his forehead. He felt like his body was made of lead, every muscle protesting each movement.
Spotting a peaceful motel surrounded by the comforting sounds of nature, Mabui turned towards Ryomaru, her eyes filled with concern. "This looks like a good place to rest, Raikage-sama."
Ryomaru let out a faint grin, shaking his head slightly. "There's no need for formalities, Mabui-nee. Just Ryomaru will do."
She hesitated for a moment, a myriad of emotions playing on her face. Yet, eventually, a soft smile tugged at her lips as she nodded.
While Darui, accompanied by elite Jounin, spread out to guard the motel's perimeter, Uchiha Fugaku and Itachi took their leave to find lodgings of their own. Ryomaru, Miori, Mabui, and Samui headed inside the motel. Their footsteps echoed slightly on the wooden floors, and the warm scent of steam and minerals wafted towards them. Ahead lay a vast hot spring, its water bubbling gently, and steam rising to touch the cool evening air.
Miori moved close to Ryomaru, her fingers deftly helping him out of his battle-worn clothes. "Into the water, Ryo," she whispered, her voice tinged with a motherly warmth. "It'll ease your muscles and mend your wounds."
He nodded gratefully, feeling a rush of warmth towards her. She had always been his pillar, ever since he could remember. The complexities of their lives often overshadowed simple moments like these, and he cherished them deeply.
Samui, standing a few paces away, glanced over at the mother-son duo, her heart swelling with fondness. Though they were there as guards, the bond she and Mabui shared with Ryomaru went beyond mere duty.
As Ryomaru settled into the hot spring, the soothing water enveloping him, he felt his body begin to relax, the pain from his injuries starting to ebb away. Looking around, he saw Mabui and Samui already immersing themselves in another section of the spring, their expressions serene.
With deft hands, Miori began to undo the sash of her kimono, allowing the silky material to cascade gracefully down her frame. Her fair skin shimmered in the dim light, the stresses of the day showing faintly across her expression. Despite the exhaustion, there was an elegance to her movements, a beauty that Ryomaru had always found reassuring.
She stepped closer, slipping into the water behind her son. The warmth enveloped her, making her sigh with relief. For a moment, she simply allowed herself to revel in the gentle embrace of the spring. Then, tenderly, she wrapped her arms around Ryomaru's slender waist, pulling him close.
The world seemed to fade away for the two of them. The haunting memories of the battle, the weight of responsibilities, the distance from home; everything melted into the background. All that remained was a mother's love and a child's comfort.
"Ryo," Miori murmured, her voice quivering with emotion, "That battle... I thought I might lose you."
Ryomaru's fingers traced the soft skin of her hands, gently squeezing them in response. "Mum, we made it. We're here together. That's what matters," he reassured her.
Her chin rested on his shoulder, allowing her to whisper in his ear, "Promise me, Ryo, promise me you'll always stay safe."
He smiled, tilting his head to meet her gaze, his ice-blue eyes softening. "I promise, Mum. I'll always come back to you."
Miori's eyes welled up, her heart full of gratitude. "You're my world, Ryomaru. I love you more than words can express."
A gentle chuckle escaped him. "I know, Mum. I love you too."
Sitting in the silence, basking in the warmth of the hot spring and the comfort of each other's presence, Ryomaru and Miori allowed themselves to be enveloped by their thoughts. The soothing water carried away the strains of the battle, offering a temporary respite.
Ryomaru's mind wandered to the daunting tasks that lay ahead of him. He was now the Raikage, a role he hadn't anticipated assuming so soon. Merely a few months had passed since his graduation from the Academy, and the contrast between his life then and now was stark. He remembered the silly missions, the laughter, and the camaraderie he had shared with Temari, Hanabi, and Hinata. They were friends he had left behind, without the opportunity for proper farewells. And while his heart ached at the thought, he also knew that his home needed him. His friends in the Cloud Village were waiting.
As these thoughts swirled through his mind, he felt Miori's gentle hands in his hair, washing away the remnants of the battle. Her touch was tender, filled with love and care. "Ryo," she murmured softly, "you carry such heavy burdens for someone so young."
"I'm not alone, Mum. I have you," he responded, his voice steady despite the turmoil within.
Miori smiled, her heart swelling with pride. "Yes, my love. And I will always be here for you. But you must remember, being Raikage is not just about strength. It's about wisdom, compassion, and the ability to lead. You have a good heart, Ryomaru. You will be a great leader."
Ryomaru looked up at her, his ice-blue eyes reflecting her sincerity. "I will try, Mum. I just wish things could have been different."
Miori nodded, understanding his unspoken words. The complexities of their lives and the sudden thrust into responsibility – it was a lot for a twelve-year-old to bear. "Life has its own way of unfolding, Ryo. We may not always understand it, but we can find strength in each other."
"And I find my strength in you, Mum," Ryomaru said softly, leaning back into her embrace.
Miori's hands continued their gentle work, easing away the tension in his muscles. "And I in you, my love. You are my world."
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