Chapter 25: Dialogue
A true hero, when they die, leaves nothing but a small gravestone. White Fang, a hero who struck fear into the hearts of any adversary, was ultimately crushed by the weight of politics, like a drop of water falling into a river without making even the slightest ripple.
Unfortunately, it was in the most remote corner of the cemetery that a few of Konoha's most prominent figures stood. "The era of White Fang has finally come to an end!" Orochimaru murmured, shaking his head impassively.
Even Jiraiya, usually the most boisterous, stood solemnly off to the side, lost in thought. The most striking figure among them was a small shadow with silvery-white hair, identical to White Fang's.
Kakashi, whose spirit had grown numb, stared blankly at the engraving of the name on the gravestone. "Where does the soul go after a person dies?"
This was the scene that Kudo Ryofun encountered upon arriving at the cemetery. No other ninjas had come to pay their respects. "Have their consciences been eaten by dogs?" This was what Ryofun thought at that moment.
Walking up to Kakashi without reservation, he gently patted his shoulder and offered some words of comfort: "Everyone understands in their hearts what White Fang has done for us, but..."
"In any case, don't be too sad; you're not alone in this. You have Guy, that overly enthusiastic boy, and you have me! The day before your father's passing, he entrusted me to watch over you. White Fang is up in the heavens blessing us and looking after his beloved village. As his descendant, now is the time to gather yourself and not bring him shame!" Ryofun continued to gently encourage Kakashi.
Ryofun was self-aware; although he didn't possess the eloquence of a seasoned speaker, he had read numerous articles on comforting others in his past life. Kakashi's cold gaze seemed to regain a bit of vitality, and he managed a forced smile, creating an expression that was more painful than crying.
Knowing that one can say too much, Ryofun finished what he had to say, glancing at the figure of the Third Hokage standing in the back, revealing a look of helplessness.
After returning to his training room, Ryofun, feeling restless, ended up brutally killing a training fish out of frustration. Using a Body Flicker Technique, he ran to a nearby vacant training ground.
"The blade should be held like this. Remember that when you pick up this sword, you must have the stance that declares you will cleave away any obstacles in your path," he recalled the moments from the past, and his eyes became red with emotion.
"What's wrong, Ryofun? Does a ninja who caused tremendous losses to the village deserve such reflection?" A cold voice came from behind him.
"Lord Danzo, when you use such despicable methods to eliminate the pillar of Konoha, doesn't your heart feel even a hint of unease?" Ryofun spat out his anger without turning around.
"That person wouldn't tell you these things, would he? Have I misjudged him?" Danzo's voice entered Ryofun's ears once more.
"Even a six-year-old child like me can see the truth; does Lord Danzo think the ninjas of Konoha are blind to these signs?" Ryofun replied coldly, throwing Danzo's question back at him.
"I originally thought that Ryofun-kun had a greater capacity for understanding, but it's a pity you can't see past this small matter. What a waste of such good talent."
As soon as his words fell, Ryofun finally turned around. He saw Danzo fixated on him, as if there was something about him that drew his attention.
"You think that by removing White Fang, you, Lord Danzo, can sleep soundly, believing you can sit in the position of the Fourth Hokage?" A strange smile appeared on Ryofun's small face, one that even Danzo found unsettling.
That statement struck Danzo like a bolt from the blue, forcing him to swallow the words he was about to say.
"You?!!!" Startled that even a six-year-old knew of his ultimate goal, Danzo was about to speak when Ryofun continued, "Someone who only plays with such underhanded, unworthy tactics in the dark will never gain the recognition of an ordinary ninja. You should abandon such thoughts early; time will ultimately bear witness to this fact!"
"Is this what you envision for my future?" Danzo's tone grew serious. Ryofun's several predictions, whether from the last mission or concerning White Fang's death, had proven accurate.
So, when Ryofun claimed he wouldn't ascend to the position of Fourth Hokage, Danzo's anger flared: "If you can see the future, then why not help me achieve what I deserve?"
"Hah, I can still discern the judgment of the Second Hokage. His choice not to appoint you as the Third Hokage proves that you're unsuitable for this position. No matter how I intervene, this matter won't come to pass!" Ryofun replied with a smile, stating something that further astounded Danzo.
This was something that Danzo was certain no one had disclosed to Ryofun. The only people present at that time, besides Danzo, were the Third Hokage. The Third would certainly never mention this to Ryofun, which left one possibility.
"What an enviable ability; not only can you predict the future, but you can also see the past?" As he said this, Ryofun felt a shiver. It wasn't that he could see the past, but rather that he had become overly excited and revealed what he had been thinking due to his knowledge of the plot.
Seeing Ryofun's reaction after making that statement effectively "confirmed" Danzo's suspicions. His desire to have Ryofun work for him couldn't be suppressed any longer.
If he could know certain future events...
"Kudo Ryofun, you can't escape. You are mine; no one can take you from me, no one!!!" With those words, Danzo turned and walked away, leaving Ryofun standing there quietly.
This is it; this was the only word that Ryofun could think of. He had let things get out of hand. Originally feeling resentment over White Fang's death, Ryofun had been unable to control his mouth.
Now, he had completely attracted the attention of a hidden snake lurking in the shadows.
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