I'm back!!!
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"So this is the place, huh?" Ryu mused, his eyes taking in the two structures before him. A smithy Hiruzen made for him and a small shack beside it, presumingly his residence.
Ryu's new smithy was an impressive structure, built with sturdy gray stones that seemed to have been chiseled from the very earth itself. The three walls stood tall, with the open front providing ample ventilation and natural light, and fresh air. The interior of the smithy was meticulously organized, with various tools and equipment hung on the walls or resting on sturdy wooden benches. The forge, the heart of the smithy, was a large, well-built contraption.
Beside the smithy was Ryu's humble home, a small wooden hut that exuded a sense of warmth and coziness. The exterior was made of weathered wooden planks, aged by the elements but still sturdy and reliable. A sloping roof of thatch covered the hut, providing ample protection from the elements. A single wooden door, slightly ajar, revealed a modest but comfortable living space within. Simple furnishings adorned the interior, including a bed, a table, and a few chairs, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
The area surrounding Ryu's smithy was enveloped in a lush forest, an idyllic scene with towering trees that stretched towards the sky, their leaves forming a thick canopy above. Sunlight filtered through the foliage, casting dappled patterns on the moss-covered ground below. A chorus of birdsong filled the air, accompanied by the gentle rustling of leaves as a soft breeze meandered through the woods. The scent of damp earth and fresh greenery hung heavily in the air, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
"I guess this is where I'll be living from now on," Ryu thought, already making plans to remodel it later. "But for now, how should I pass the time? Making a few swords seems like a good idea, especially since I promised the Hokage I would."
Ryu wasted no time igniting the forge within the stone smithy. He conjured a block of steel and placed it into the forge, watching as the fire slowly engulfed the metal. The flames danced hypnotically within the forge, their bewitching movements captivating Ryu's gaze. He found the sight oddly relaxing, the stress of the day slowly dissipating as he became engrossed in his work.
As the metal began to glow with a dim, yellow light, Ryu summoned his hammer, eager to begin shaping the heated steel into a finely crafted sword. The rhythmic sound of his hammer striking the metal soon joined the symphony of the forest, and Ryu felt a sense of happiness as he immersed himself in his art.
---
"Is this really the guy?" Itachi whispered, watching Ryu hammer at the metal with a wide grin. It was hard for him to believe that someone who appeared so carefree could be the S-class Shinobi who had bested Jiraiya in battle. Even if he did watch him fight before, it wasn't at that high of a level.
"I'm positive," Shisui replied, his eyes never leaving Ryu as he monitored him with caution. Despite Ryu's innocent demeanor, Shisui was well aware of the danger he could pose.
The two young Shinobi had received Ryu's location from the Hokage, who had also endorsed the idea of keeping an eye on him. However, unbeknownst to them, they had greatly underestimated Ryu's abilities. Through the use of his Mangekyo, Ryu had spotted them the moment they entered his detection area.
Ryu considered testing their persistence, curious to see how long they would continue to supervise him. But recalling Shisui's memories, he knew that Shisui would likely never leave him alone, given the potential threat he posed to the village. The unwavering loyalty and determination displayed by the young Shinobi were truly admirable, and Ryu couldn't help but respect him for it.
After several hours of focused work, Ryu placed the finely sharpened blade he had crafted onto a mat and wiped the sweat from his brow. Having created multiple weapons, he decided it was time to confront the two hidden observers.
"It's pretty hot today, don't you think? You two must be parched after spending hours hiding in those trees," Ryu teased, looking Shisui in the eyes and startling the young Shinobi.
Silence filled the air as Itachi and Shisui exchanged awkward glances.
"Come on, there's no need to be shy. I knew you were there from the start. If you want to spy on me, you might as well do it comfortably from down here," Ryu said, letting out a resigned sigh.
"...I'd like some water," Itachi said calmly, stepping closer to Ryu. "Great!" Ryu exclaimed, creating a cup filled with water by transforming the air, and handing it to Itachi. "And what about you?" he asked Shisui, who was still trying to wrap his head around how Ryu detected them.
Shisui let out a sigh of defeat. "I'd appreciate some water too," he conceded, joining Itachi at Ryu's side.
"Alright, then. If you still want to keep an eye on me, feel free to do so from here. I honestly feel bad for making you two stay hidden in those uncomfortable trees for so long," Ryu said, a hint of humor in his voice.
Shisui chuckled drily, shaking his head. "I'll let you figure out what's wrong with what you just said," he replied.
"I'm serious, though," Ryu insisted. "Not even Jiraiya, the spymaster himself, can go undetected around me. No offense, but you'll see the same things whether you're up in a tree or sitting comfortably on my chairs." With that, he gestured to a couple of chairs that he conjured.
"I'll... take that into consideration," Shisui responded, unable to argue with Ryu's reasoning. He couldn't be sure if Ryu was being completely honest, but he decided he'd consult Jiraiya before abandoning their covert approach altogether. "Do whatever you like; I'm just sharing the facts," Ryu said, nonchalantly shrugging his shoulders.
As Ryu turned around, he noticed Itachi carefully examining one of the blades he had crafted. A glint of admiration was visible on Itachi's typically stoic face. "They're impressive, huh?" Ryu said, allowing a small smile to form.
"Can you make one for me?" Itachi asked after scrutinizing the blade a bit further.
"Normally, I don't accept commissions, but I'll make an exception for you. What kind of weapon are you interested in?" Ryu inquired, summoning a notepad and pen before adopting a more serious demeanor. He knew of Itachi's character through Shisui's memories and believed that if anyone deserved his exceptional craftsmanship, it would be these two.
"I don't have any specific design in mind; I just need a sharp and reliable sword," Itachi replied. "Alright. I actually crafted some shortswords with similar requirements not long ago, so I have a design in mind. It'll be a minimalist yet effective blade, suitable for an Anbu member. How about you, Shisui? Do you have any requests?" Ryu asked, turning his attention to the other young Shinobi.
"Hmm... Shortswords are my specialty, so I'd like to request one as well," Shisui said. 'Although his loyalties are uncertain, his skill is unquestionable. It would be foolish to pass up this opportunity,' Shisui thought to himself.
"How much will these commissions cost?" Itachi inquired. "Well, considering you two are my first actual customers, I'll make these for you free of charge. However, I'd appreciate it if you could spread the word about my work, since I doubt many people will stumble upon this place by accident," Ryu responded, receiving affirmative nods from both Shinobi.
"Alright, then it's settled. I'll have your weapons ready by tomorrow, so be sure to come by and give them a test run. And if you're thinking of attempting to spy on me again, don't bother; I'll just call you out. Now, off you go," Ryu said, watching as the two vanished in a flicker.
"I said 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲, Shisui," Ryu called out loudly, causing the branches of a nearby tree to rustle as someone hastily jumped away. "He has to give up eventually... right?" Ryu mused, hoping for some peace and quiet.