章節 132: Chapter 132 - Explanation
The force of the impact rattled the wall, sending a spray of dust and small fragments of wood into the air. Ryu coughed, taking a moment to gather himself as he slid to the ground, hand pressed to his jaw. There was a tense silence, only broken by the soft sound of his breath.
Naruto stood there, his fist still extended where Ryu's face had been moments before, his cerulean eyes narrowed into slits of anger. His entire body was rigid, radiating an aura of potent rage that seemed to permeate the room.
"Shit..." Ryu began, pulling himself up from the debris scattered across the floor, his voice soft but steady. "I deserved that."
A heartbeat passed before Naruto released a loud, frustrated exhale, finally lowering his fist. He turned his back towards Ryu, his posture tensing, "You think a punch makes it all okay?" His voice was strained, betraying the tumultuous emotions within.
"No," Ryu replied, dusting off his clothes as he straightened up. "It doesn't make it okay. But it's a start."
Naruto swiveled on his heels, myriad emotions flitting across his eyes before they hardened into something Ryu couldn't read. He stalked over to Ryu, stopping a mere breath away, "A start?" His voice was deceptively calm, the storm beneath thinly veiled.
"Did you think about the start when you left without saying a word? Leaving us, leaving me, worried, scouring every corner, every lead for a sign of you? You didn't even have the gull to tell me you were leaving, that's what hurts the most.
I understand the need for adventure Ryu, but I can't forgive abandonment. You should know that better than anyone." The words tumbled out, each one sharp and pointed, each one carrying the weight of the hurt and fear that had plagued him.
Ryu swallowed, meeting Naruto's gaze unflinchingly. He saw the pain there, raw and unhealed, and he understood it. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice full of regret. "I didn't realize... I didn't realize the consequences of what I was doing. You're forgetting, But I was just 12 when I left. I got excited, curious, and I didn't take anyone else into account..."
Naruto was quiet for a moment, his gaze searching Ryu's face for any hint of insincerity. He seemed to find none, indicated by how his expression softened, the hardness in his eyes giving way to a pained resignation. "...𝐅𝐮𝐜𝐤! When you put it like that, I can't hate you. I'm still mad, though. I'll need some time. Damnit, this isn't how I saw this conversation going. Just... don't do it again. Or at least tell me if you do." he said finally, his voice barely audible at the end.
Ryu nodded, offering a small, reassuring smile. "I will, promise. Now, do you want a hug?" Ryu asked as he opened his hands.
"What about me being mad don't you get?" Naruto scoffed, though a small smile appeared on his lips.
As Naruto stepped back, the tension in the room seemed to dissipate. Yoruichi let out a small sigh of relief, leaning against the wall. Jiraiya, who had watched the whole exchange in silence, let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "Well, that was intense," he mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Now, let's get to business. Jiraiya, catch me up to speed on what we know," Ryu said as Jiraiya pulled a couple of large scrolls.
"Well, I was planning to show this to you at the Kage meeting tomorrow, but I guess it'll be a good chance to review what I'll be presenting. Just a warning though, this will take a while. I'm not called the Spymaster for nothing," Jiraiya said with pride oozing from his voice.
---
"Remember to be at the village entrance tomorrow morning!" Jiraiya called out as Ryu and Yoruichi exited his office.
As dusk began to settle over the village, Konoha took on a whole new life. The waning sunlight bathed the village in a gentle, warm glow, bathing rooftops, cobblestone streets, and foliage in hues of gold and copper. The sky was a canvas of breathtaking colors, from the soft pink and purples at the horizon, melting into deep, inky blues further up. Crickets began their nighttime serenade, their gentle chorus harmonizing with the muted sounds of the settling village.
Ryu and Yoruichi made their way through the village, their casual pace in sync with the relaxed ambiance of the evening as they walked on the cobblestone roads. Lanterns started to flicker to life, casting a soft, magical glow on the surroundings.
"Man, I really messed up... I'm lucky Naruto and Jiraiya are some serious softies," Ryu said with relief in his voice, his gaze fixed on the distance where children were now packing up their games and heading home.
"That's true," Yoruichi replied. She picked up a fallen leaf, twirling it between her fingers, its crisp edges catching the light. "But you also made good points, and they forgave you. Don't worry about what's already behind you,"
Ryu chuckled lightly, his eyes following a fluttering moth as it danced around a lantern. The soft light bathed his smile, making it appear even more tender. "Fair enough, though I guess you also have experience in this field."
"Ouch," Yoruichi acted hurt as she released the leaf, watching it as it twirled in the gentle breeze before it landed on the cobblestone pathway.
"Say, Did Naruto's punch really hurt you?" Yoruichi asked curiously, her gaze shifting from the fallen leaf to Ryu.
"Nope. I'm a very good actor, though. It's part of my divinity," Ryu winked, his eyes dancing in the lamplight, causing Yoruichi to giggle.
"Yoruichi, I think it's time you got a grasp on the power level of this world. We're gonna play a very active role in this war, and I don't want you to get hurt," Ryu spoke. He picked up a pebble and aimlessly tossed it into a nearby fountain, the soft splash breaking the rhythmic chirping of crickets.
"Oh, are people strong here?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. She leaned against the cool railing of a bridge they were crossing, her eyes fixed on the shimmering water below, illuminated by the sun's soft rays.
"Well, not really if we're talking purely physical strength. But I turned into a reality warper using something they teach students at school, so you can't be too cautious. You never know what technique your enemy might pull, and it could be something that will bridge the strength gap," Ryu warned.
"Intriguing," Yoruichi mused, scratching her chin. Her golden eyes reflected the twinkling lights of the village, mirroring her growing curiosity. "Note taken, though I'm excited more than anything."
"Of course you are..." Ryu sighed as Yoruichi jabbed at his shoulder.
---
As the day rolled forward, Konoha was alive with activity. People bustled to and fro, each immersed in their daily tasks. The marketplace was especially vibrant, filled with traders calling out their wares, children running around, their laughter filling the air, and the savory aroma of freshly cooked street food wafting through the lanes.
With the Hokage tower in the distance, Ryu and Yoruichi sauntered down the cobblestone streets. The casual rhythm of their steps contrasted with the rapid pace of the village.
Above them, the sky was a vibrant blue, speckled with fluffy clouds that lazily drifted across the expanse. The village's buildings were illuminated by the bright morning sun, casting intriguing shadows and bathing the scene in a warm, inviting light.
But as the two turned a corner, Ryu was surprised by a familiar face. Leaning against a tree, book in hand, was a familiar Uchiha.
The man had short, unkempt black hair that was kept at bay by a minimalistic, black forehead protector. It seamlessly melded into his hair, hardly noticeable but for its metallic gleam and the distinct symbol of the Allied Shinobi Forces it bore.
He wore a short-sleeved, dark green t-shirt, loose enough to grant unrestricted movement but fit enough to hint at the compact muscles beneath. The shirt bore the Hidden Leaf's symbol on its back, stitched in bright emerald green to make it pop out.
His lower half was clad in charcoal-black pants, light and flexible. They hung slightly loose, designed for agility and high-speed movement. The man's footwear, soft-soled ninja boots, were a match to his shirt in the same shade of forest green.
A thin, leaf-green scarf was wound around his neck, fluttering playfully behind him as the wind carried it. It was a soft echo of his energetic nature, adding a pop of vibrancy to his otherwise subdued outfit. His hands were encased in dark, fingerless gloves, which allowed for a better grip and feel of his weapons.
Strapped across his lower back, a sheath held his weapon of choice - The shortsword Ryu made him all those years ago. The sleek, single-edged blade was a marvel to look at, its surface reflecting the morning light in a dance of shimmering silver. The sword was simple, almost plain, with no unnecessary embellishments.
It was a tool, a weapon, and it was designed for efficiency rather than aesthetics. But while it still looked brand new even after all those years, Ryu's expression twisted in embarrassment at the sloppy craftsmanship he saw in the blade.
The man's black eyes were sharp and intense, holding countless experiences within their depths. Despite his relatively broad nose and well-defined eyelashes that curled upwards at each end, it was his physique that was most striking. He was like a coiled spring, his muscular yet compact body emphasizing his focus on agility and speed.
'Shisui...' Ryu thought as he looked at the man.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票