Chương 69: Reflections by the Pond
Out in the woods of Kusagakure, near a pond, sat a young genin. Her Kusa headband laid on the ground allowing her white hair to remain uninhibited. She grabbed a stone and skipped it across the pond. She watched it go for some time before sinking. "Tsk, Ryūzetsu you really are stupid, aren't you? This union is good for the village, but...why did Muku have to die before that could happen?! How...can I avenge him now?" she asked herself.
Apparently, the Fruit Group had a meeting with the Flower Group two days ago. There had been talks of unification for both groups to work together for the sole purpose of regaining Kusagakure's former glory...without the use of the Box of Ultimate Bliss. It...it seemed too good to be true. Initially, Ryūzetsu had been told that Daijin had not so readily accepted the merger, but...it turned out that after a brief night's sleep...he had decided to place his trust in the union as well. It was almost odd. For that headstrong, and prideful elder to change his mind was akin to oil and water finally mixing together. But, what could she say? She was just a genin. She couldn't request an audience with him.
"Ah, here you are, Ryūzetsu. Come with me. Daijin-sama has requested your presence," a male shinobi said to her, sparking interest in the young genin's eyes. She turned around and stood to her feet. Either the heavens were having a fun time messing with her, or she was born under some lucky star. Naturally, she believed neither of these.
"Why?" she asked. The number of times Ryūzetsu had ever been in close proximity to the leader of the Flower Group were times that she could count with one hand. What could he possibly want with her?
"I wasn't told. I presume you'll find out if you come," the shinobi replied. A mumble to herself, Ryūzetsu nodded and began walking with her escort towards the Flower Group building.
The walk wasn't anything meaningful. In fact, it went further than she figured possible. Soon, she found herself in front of Daijin, leader of the Grass Flower Group. "Ryūzetsu-san, Daijin-sama. I shall take my leave," the escort said. He exited the room with a bow.
Ryūzetsu did not know why, but something felt off about the current leader of her faction. The times that the white-haired girl had seen him, the man never gave off this...intimidating, powerful aura. His eyes stared at his work rather dutifully. They were also sharper than she remembered.
About five minutes passed before the door opened again. Ryūzetsu turned around and she was not expecting a boy around her age to come through. She took note of his blond hair and his blue eyes. His walk was very confident. He sent her a glance and that gaze made her shiver. She didn't know what the point of this...boy was, but it seemed that his presence was enough for the leader to put down his notes.
"Ryūzetsu, tell me. What do you think of this coming union between our groups? I am looking for all perspectives in this decision," he said, his voice firm.
Ryūzetsu exhaled for a moment, but she then spoke. "Daijin-sama, I don't mean to stand in the way of our mission. I long for the time that Kusagakure can become a major power once again,but...I lost my friend to the greed of that faction! I can't trust them so easily!" Ryūzetsu said with a small frown.
"Ah yes. I heard of the passing of Jonin Mui's son. A true prodigy if your generation. I have no doubt he would have been at the forefront of the Kusagakure military. He might have even been the one to lead us to greatness. A shame some of the elders who had a hand in this still live," Daijin said. Though his eyes were closed, his ears could pick up on the rapid pulse of the young genin's heart. She was getting angry. She was getting so very angry.
"Sorry, I don't mean to bring up past grievances. Yes, I don't believe it either. That's why I'm going to petition for you to be given a mission in investigating a rumor regarding their group. I'll be sending you, a chunin, and this boy. Please, greet Uzumaki Naruto. He is the same age as you. Unfortunately, he hasn't graduated the academy yet, but someone close to me spoke boasted...a little too highly of his skills. So I'm giving the boy a test run," Daijin said.
Ryūzetsu raised an eyebrow. A boy the same age as her hadn't graduated from the academy? What could he possibly give to this mission? She didn't have the right to refuse, but she wasn't as confident as her leader seemed to be.
Naruto quickly took her hand and kissed it. "Nice to meet you, Ryūzetsu-san. I'll try not to get in your way dattebayo!" he said. Ryūzetsu stilled when she felt his lips on her hand. A sudden shock of lightning blasted through her body. She exhaled slowly. It felt like her blood was pumping through her chest with an almost unnatural intensity.
"R...Right," she replied. Ryūzetsu did not see this, but Daijin's smile deepened. So...this was the result of his cultivation. He would have to take further notes of this new strength. He noticed the way the white-haired girl seemed to be in such a daze. However, he would have to leave this aside...for now.
"Ahem," The Flower Group leader cleared his throat which shook Ryūzetsu from her daze. She quickly apologized and straightened up. Naruto continued smiling. Mmm, such a deliciously vengeful aura, even if she didn't realize it herself. He released her hand and moved his focus back to the matter at hand.
"The two of you with a sanctioned chunin will investigate Hozuki Castle. It's supposed to be run by the Grass Fruit Group, and it's a criminal containment facility serving all of the nations. For criminals whose crimes are too heinous to keep in their own prison cells. They stay there until they die or they are released. Sources have claimed the box...to be there somewhere. All I want you to do locate the box for now. We'll go from there. Prepare to leave in two days. Ryūzetsu, to be honest, this is a bit above a genin's responsibilities, but I know you, of everyone, have a personal investment in this. I have faith in your ability to succeed," he said.
The young woman quickly saluted him. "Yes sir! I will try my hardest to make this mission succeed," she claimed. Daijin nodded behind his desk. He then pulled out a piece of paper along with a key.
"The boy, thankfully, got a copy to his room at the hotel you're staying. Make sure you're familiar with each other before you set out in two days," he ordered. Ryūzetsu and Naruto glanced at each other. Her reveal of her mission had changed her face to a more stoic expression. Naruto wouldn't say it, but it reminded him of Sasuke in some areas.
"I understand. I'll take my leave," she said. She then exited the room. Daijin and Naruto found their gaze upon each other. The latter turned on his heels and walked out of the door as well. With Daijin alone, he stood up and looked out the window. What a surprise. He had come to Kusagakure not expecting such interesting developments. He would have to keep his eye on all of them.
....
Join my P*atreon for early access to 60+ chapters ahead of the public release.
Free members also get 4+ advanced chapters for free.
Link: pa*treon.com/MysticVerse (Remove the *)
Tình trạng nguồn điện hàng tuần
-- Xếp hạng
Quyền lực 
-- Đá
Quyền lực