Ryu leaned against the counter, his arms crossed as Shisui and Itachi approached, their expressions weary from the recent battle. "So, how many casualties?" Ryu inquired.
Shisui's eyes held a hint of sadness as he replied, "We lost about a hundred, mainly normal civilians. Our makeshift hospital was overwhelmed."
Ryu raised an eyebrow. "Was the result worth it?"
"Yes," Shisui said, his tone somber.
Pausing for a moment, Ryu continued, "Normally, losing only a hundred people in a battle involving mostly untrained civilians would be considered a decent result. However, we both know why you managed to achieve such a victory, don't we?" His question caught the duo off guard, and they froze in place.
Ryu's gaze turned contemplative as he explained, "You did an impressive job incorporating Naruto into your attack plan, but you should be aware that he won't always be there in every battle. Without him, you would have been pushed back without even breaching the clan gate. And that giant insect swarm would have decimated your forces. It's important to reflect on your strategy and understand what went wrong."
As Ryu spoke, he took the weapon list from Itachi's outstretched hand and examined it carefully. Shisui's eyes widened in disbelief. "You... knew?" he asked, his voice barely more than a whisper.
Ryu chuckled softly, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Nothing escapes my attention, Shisui. You'd be wise to remember that." He handed the list back to Itachi, who remained quiet but visibly disturbed by Ryu's revelation.
Itachi finally spoke up, his voice tense. "Then why did you let it happen?"
Ryu sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I had no reason to intervene. Putting Naruto in such a pivotal role was a smart strategic move. Why would I oppose it? Besides, it's not like he could have been hurt - at least, not physically."
Shisui furrowed his brow, concern evident in his voice. "Is he still in shock?"
Ryu nodded, a sympathetic expression crossing his face. "Yeah, that experience took a toll on him. But in a way, it's for the better. It's best that it happened now, rather than when he could have lost his life. He's resilient, though. He'll bounce back in no time. I'll talk to him later, help him process everything he's been through."
A hint of relief appeared on Shisui's face. "I see... That's good to know..."
"No," Ryu interrupted, a playful smirk forming on his lips before Shisui could voice his thoughts. Shisui's expression soured. "I hate it when you do that," he grumbled, annoyed by Ryu's mind-reading antics.
Ryu laughed softly. "That's why it's fun to do. But let's leave it at that. I won't do what you're thinking, no matter how much you plead."
Shisui sighed in resignation. "Fine. I'll give up, for now, but—"
His words were cut short as a group of Yamanaka clansmen approached Ryu's smithy. The group consisted of six people, with three Jonin, two elite Jonin, and the clan leader. Their presence instantly heightened tensions, with everyone placing their hands on their weapons, prepared to leap into action at a moment's notice.
Ryu sighed, glancing at the Yamanaka members. "Shisui, I'll update you when your order is complete. I think it's best if you leave for now." Shisui nodded in gratitude before swiftly vanishing from his spot.
Turning his attention to the Yamanaka clan leader, Ryu raised an eyebrow. "Alright, what do you want? I hope you remember what happened last time when someone tried to give me attitude."
The Yamanaka clan leader, a man named Inoichi, had long ash-blond hair that reached his lower back, styled with spiky strands on top and a long ponytail. His light green eyes and strong facial features, including a well-defined jawline, gave him an air of authority. He wore the standard flak jacket over a black outfit, complete with handguards and a forehead protector.
"We'd like to ask you to join us once again," Inoichi said, his voice steady.
Ryu chuckled, his eyes narrowing slightly. "And things are different now than when you asked me last time, how exactly?"
"This time, we will force you if you refuse," Inoichi replied calmly, unfazed by Ryu's sarcasm.
"Didn't you grovel on the floor just from the pressure I emitted last time? How will you force me?" Ryu asked, a hint of amusement in his voice as he activated one of his Mangekyo abilities. "I take it you refuse our offer?" Inoichi inquired, his tone betraying no emotion.
"Yup. And you should know, that plan of yours won't work," Ryu said with a small laugh, causing Inoichi's eyes to widen in confusion.
"What plan?" Inoichi asked, his voice wavering slightly.
"Your plan to kidnap Naruto. It's rather basic, even for you. Your men have probably already been intercepted by his guards. As for your backup plan, well, trying to mind-control me? The gap between us is too vast for that to succeed," Ryu stated, shocking Inoichi with his insight.
"You're not the only mind-reader. The difference is, I do it much better than you," Ryu taunted as Inoichi's composure crumbled. "Let's test your theory, then!" Inoichi snapped, he and his escorts made hand signs before attempting to breach Ryu's mind.
The area fell silent.
"That's not possible! Not even the Hokage can resist my possession Jutsu!" Inoichi exclaimed in disbelief.
Ryu shrugged nonchalantly. "I told you. Anyway, can I take this as an act of aggression? Because if it is, well, you're not making it out of here alive," he said, stretching his arms upwards.
Inoichi's eyes widened as he tried to order his men to flee, but his words were cut short as a blade suddenly materialized in the middle of his skull, killing him instantly. The remaining Yamanaka clan members stared in shock, fear evident on their faces.
"Well, that was anticlimactic. I guess that without the Nara clan, you really are foolish, huh? You all can go back and make sure no one else comes to bother me like this again," Ryu sighed in annoyance, dismissing the shaken Yamanaka as they returned to their base
---
Leaving his smithy behind, Ryu made his way through the village streets to Naruto's apartment. As he arrived at the building, he took a deep breath and climbed the stairs, mentally preparing himself for the conversation ahead. He paused in front of Naruto's door and knocked three times, the rhythmic sound echoing in the hallway.
The door creaked open after a few seconds, revealing the blond kid with an empty look in his eyes, moving as if on autopilot. Upon recognizing Ryu, however, his demeanor shifted slightly.
"How are you holding up?" Ryu asked, concern evident in his voice. Naruto averted his eyes uncomfortably, struggling to find the right words. "I'm... Better. But that makes me think that I'm not better... Do you get it?" Naruto tried to express his feelings, unsure if Ryu understood him.
Ryu nodded, his expression gentle. "Yeah, I got you. You're afraid that the fact that you got over so many deaths means you lost something, right?" Naruto hesitated, then gave a small nod. "...Yeah," he whispered.
"Don't worry, you didn't lose anything. You feel like this since it's your first time dealing with this kind of experience. I also felt like you at the start. It's perfectly normal," Ryu assured him, his voice steady and comforting.
"Really?" Naruto's eyes held a glint of relief. "Yeah, so don't sweat it. Do you want to tell me how you feel, or do you want to process things on your own?" Ryu inquired, giving Naruto the choice.
Naruto paused for a moment, considering his options. "...I think I want to talk to you about it. Can you stay?" he asked, vulnerability in his voice.
Ryu smiled warmly. "Of course, I have all day," he replied, taking a seat beside the young boy on his bed.