Chapter 20: Am I Old?
In less than ten minutes, the remaining team members had all arrived. At the command of the team leader, Yeyama Tatsuya, the four of them formed a combat formation and set off toward the border.
Three hours later, just as Yeyama Tatsuya was thinking that Kudo Ryoan might not be able to keep going, he was surprised to find that this kid, who had never been on a mission before, had not even broken a sweat.
The thirty-something chunin in the team, who had remained silent throughout the journey, was already panting a bit. When the sun reached its zenith, Yeyama Tatsuya made a gesture to take a break.
The group stopped in their tracks, preparing to eat and rest. As the leading jounin, Yeyama Tatsuya set up several alarm devices around their camp before returning. The Anbu's principle is to be cautious at all times, even when within the influence of Konoha.
To describe it in Kudo Ryoan's own words, the food eaten during missions was hardly fit for humans. It was specialized ninja food, which was terrible in taste but excellent for quickly replenishing energy and providing necessary vitamins.
Twenty minutes later, the four of them set off once again. This time, they made no stops, and by evening, they arrived at the designated task location.
"Well, well, look who we have here. You guys are pretty fast; I thought I'd have to wait until tomorrow," a man in his forties approached with a smile, patting Yeyama Tatsuya on the shoulder.
Kitano Miki quietly leaned toward Kudo Ryoan and whispered, "This uncle is an old-timer in the Anbu. I've heard he has more seniority than White Fang; he's a true veteran. But he has a rather…"
"Hey, did a new team come? And such a little kid too. White Fang really is getting worse these years—it's come to the point where he sends out a child for missions," the old man continued lightheartedly.
Well, only an old-timer like this could critique White Fang without any pressure. Kudo Ryoan approached respectfully, "Hello, sir, my name is Kudo Ryoan!"
As soon as he spoke, he heard a collective intake of breath from those around them. Even Kitano Miki, who had just been standing beside him, turned her face away, acting as if she didn't know this kid.
Kuroda Kento's brows furrowed, but he eventually chuckled, "You're the first little brat to dare mention my age in front of me! Time waits for no man; I'm getting old, old indeed."
Just then, a transmission reached Kudo Ryoan's ear, "Kid, watch your words. Kuroda Kento hates it when people mention 'old' in front of him."
Well, now that Kudo Ryoan had realized his mistake, he just wanted to apologize to the old man. However, Kuroda Kento grabbed Kudo Ryoan and using a Body Flicker Technique, they disappeared.
"Kuroda Kento, please don't…" Before he could finish, the awkward glances from the others made him feel incredibly embarrassed. Well, the leader's authority had just dropped a few levels.
The words Kudo Ryoan had prepared were stuck in his throat. He couldn't open his mouth due to the strong winds. In the depths of the forest, Kuroda Kento stopped.
He began to scrutinize Kudo Ryoan in front of him. "The letter from the Third Hokage said that you are the future hope of Konoha, and I hope you can live up to this expectation."
"To be honest, old man here brought you out here to ask you for a favor." He paused, his eyes fixed intently on Kudo Ryoan's. "I have a son, and I hope you can use your bloodline limit to see his future. I beg you!"
At this moment, Kudo Ryoan couldn't help but think: When did my bloodline limit become common knowledge? Also, didn't Kuroda Kento hate the word "old"? Why is he referring to himself as "old man"?
His bewilderment made Kuroda Kento laugh heartily, "Little Ryoan, I know my ninja career is nearing its end, and unfortunately, my disappointing child is still young. I don't want him to get involved in the ninja battles. You can help me defeat him. I believe that only those younger than him can shatter his dreams of becoming a ninja."
At this moment, Kudo Ryoan started closely scrutinizing Kuroda Kento, and the system's prompt sounded in his mind: "Gen is mountain, signifies ominous signs, the facing direction is filled with black energy, fate is nearing its end!"
"Does the old man already sense something?" Kuroda Kento said, "I'll entrust this matter to you! From now on, I will conduct the training that the Third Hokage didn't complete for you!"
"It's time to go back; if we don't, everyone might think I'm going to do something to you." With a smile, Kuroda Kento brought Kudo Ryoan back without any sign of worry.
Looking at the rest of the group still waiting in their spot, Kuroda Kento paused for a moment and then said, "Am I the type to seek revenge for personal grievances?" Unfortunately, those around didn't buy his words and shook their heads mechanically.
Kudo Ryoan couldn't help but laugh at that moment. Everyone else was also amused by his laughter, and one by one, they started chuckling.
Kuroda Kento didn't get angry; instead, he surveyed the crowd, "This kid named Kudo Ryoan will undergo special training with me starting today!" With that single statement, he determined Kudo Ryoan's assignment and responsibilities for the next half month.
The earlier joyful atmosphere faded, and nobody raised any questions. They all looked at Kudo Ryoan sympathetically, their expressions showing amusement at his expense.
The night passed without further disturbance.
Early the next morning, while Kudo Ryoan was still lost in his dreams, a loud voice broke through, "Hey, kid! If you don't get up soon, I'll hang you up on the watchtower outside, and you'll be hanging there in the nude!"
Though the tone was casual, the words didn't hide their meaning: "Kid, if you don't get out of bed, you're going to regret it."
Resigned, Kudo Ryoan stretched. After washing up, he arrived at the spot where he would train that day.
"Hey, kid! When it comes to ninjutsu and practical combat, I believe the Third Hokage has taught you everything. For the next half month, I'm going to teach you other things, like how to observe and gather intelligence!" Kuroda Kento said earnestly.