Once upon a time, the Will of Fire was about protecting cherished people and things. But over time, it transformed—demanding sacrifices, even the blood of one's own relatives, friends, and children, all for the sake of the village.
Every movement was fluid, precise.
In less than two minutes, Sarutobi Ryo had executed every D-rank and C-rank taijutsu technique he had mastered.
As he completed a sequence, his body felt warm, energy coursing through his veins like a steady flame.
When there were no missions, his daily regimen was rigorous: at least four hours of physical training and swordsmanship under Hatake Sakumo's tutelage, followed by several hours of ninjutsu and genjutsu practice. On top of that, he spent time reading and studying, constantly supplementing his knowledge.
He had inherited the talent of his father, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen—a master of ninjutsu.
Ryo's memory and learning abilities were terrifyingly sharp.
Strictly speaking, his talent was on par with that of Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin. But because of his low-key nature, he never flaunted his abilities. Even his own father had yet to see his true potential.
"Master, the exam is tomorrow. Shouldn't you get some rest tonight?"
Yamanaka Hui rested her chin on her hands, elbows propped on the stone table in the courtyard, watching Sarutobi Ryo train.
"Ahui, I've told you many times—the ninja world is full of dangers. Only by growing stronger can you seize control of your own fate. Or…" He turned toward her, his eyes glimmering like starlight. "Do you want to spar with me?"
Yamanaka Hui shivered at the suggestion, recalling past training sessions that had nearly left her broken.
She must be insane to spar with the young master!
That would be suicide!
After all, he could kill a cow with a single punch.
"I-I'll go practice now!" she stammered before scurrying off to train in her clan's secret techniques.
"Konoha Whirlwind!"
Ignoring her reaction, Sarutobi Ryo continued his taijutsu practice.
Above him, the night sky was scattered with stars. His sweat-drenched figure moved against the darkness, his strikes slicing through the air with deadly precision.
Had they all forgotten their original intentions? Had the dragon slayers become dragons themselves?
Those involved in the system were often blind, while outsiders could see with clarity. Having lived two lives, Ryo's mind was a mirror—reflecting the truth of the world around him.
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"Master Ryo…"
Hatake Sakumo watched the young man before him, his eyes filled with a rare sense of relief.
He had seen many talented juniors. But very few had both indomitable will and impeccable character.
Sarutobi Ryo addressed Hatake Sakumo as "teacher," having studied swordsmanship under him for years—much like how, in the future, Konohamaru would learn under Ebisu.
Seven-attribute ninjutsu and summoning techniques were not uncommon.
But true mastery of swordsmanship? In all of Konoha, only Hatake Sakumo possessed it.
It was his unparalleled blade work that had earned him the title of Konoha's White Fang.
"Well said, Sarutobi Ryo."
Mitokado Homura nodded.
"So let's end this discussion here."
"Then it's settled. Once Kakashi graduates, Minato will be his lead jonin."
The decision was made. Despite Sarutobi Ryo's earlier words, his advice had been ignored.
A reminder that power alone wasn't enough. Without authority, one had no control over their own fate.
As the glowing mission prompt shone on his retina, Sarutobi Ryo silently made up his mind.
The road to leading Anbu's Sixth Squad… had just begun.
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"Hiruzen, perhaps we should consider Sakumo's opinion…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned at his colleagues before turning to Hatake Sakumo, his expression softening.
"Sakumo, speak your mind."
"…Hokage-sama."
Hatake Sakumo raised his head, his eyes scanning the cold faces of Konoha's elders.
Unlike Sarutobi Hiruzen's kind demeanor, the remaining high-ranking officials gazed at him with chilling intent—an unspoken warning.
Watch your words, Hatake Sakumo.
If not for yourself, then for your son.
It was often said that dealing with devils was harder than dealing with the King of Hell. Though Hiruzen extended goodwill, Sakumo could not ignore the silent pressure from the elders.
Faced with the political reality, he had no choice but to compromise.
"Hokage-sama… I… have no objections…"
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Not long after, the meeting concluded.
The Jonin examination mission was set for the next day.
Among the participants were Sarutobi Ryo, Yamanaka Hui, Hyuga Ruri, Namikaze Minato, Uzumaki Kushina, and Shirakumo Hayama.
Their destination: the Ruins of Uzushio.
Years ago, the Land of Whirlpools had been obliterated in the Ninja World War.
A miscalculation by Konoha's leadership had led to its fall.
It was also where Kato Dan had lost his life.
A land where the bones of the loyal lay buried in the mountains.
Tsunade's lover had perished during the defense.
The enemy back then hadn't been just a handful of rogue forces—it had been the combined might of Kumogakure and Kirigakure.
Countless enemy ninjas had flooded in like a relentless tide, crushing Uzushio within days.
Even after the war ended, Kumogakure and Kirigakure continued to battle over the spoils.
Rumors of conspiracy brewed in the aftermath.
Some believed Konoha's leaders had abandoned the Land of Whirlpools on purpose.
As years passed, these theories only grew stronger, breeding unrest.
To silence the speculation, Konoha's elders decided to send a team to purge the remnants of enemy forces still lingering in the ruins.
On the surface, this was a standard Jonin exam.
In reality, it was a political maneuver.
And at the heart of this scheme was Sarutobi Ryo.
As the eldest son of the Third Hokage, his every move was scrutinized.
By sending him into danger, the village leaders hoped to quell public discontent and reinforce loyalty.
After all, if even the Hokage's son was dispatched to the most perilous battlefield, what reason did the people have to doubt the village's commitment?
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"Master Ryo, your mission is extremely dangerous… you must survive."
Hatake Sakumo and Sarutobi Ryo walked side by side, their steps quiet against the night.
If Ryo died in Uzushio, it would solidify the people's devotion to Konoha and eliminate a future contender for Hokage.
It was a calculated move.
Just like the death of Senju Nawaki.
"Teacher Sakumo, I'm not too worried about myself."
Sarutobi Ryo studied the man beside him.
Though Hatake Sakumo was stronger than even the Sannin, he lacked the heart of a ruthless killer.
A peaceful life suited him far more than a battlefield.
With Kakashi about to graduate under Minato's guidance, and Konoha's leadership poised to tighten their grip on Sakumo…
His slow descent into darkness was inevitable.
"…Well," Sakumo scratched his silver hair, smiling. "I don't think it should be too big of a problem."
His eyes curved into crescents as he laughed, still unaware of the fate that awaited him.
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That night, under the moonlit sky, Sarutobi Ryo trained alone in his courtyard.
He was ready.
Tomorrow, the test began.