"Ryoma, what are you talking about?"
Kushina asked anxiously, her eyes darting between him and the others.
Uzumaki Mito and the Third Hokage both frowned in concern.
Orochimaru cursed inwardly. Tch, damn it!
Originally, once Ryoma accepted the rank of Chūnin, even if he didn't take on an undercover mission in Kumogakure, a simple B-rank mission would have been enough for Orochimaru to engineer an "accident."
But Ryoma had outright refused the promotion.
As a mere Genin, he could only take D-rank or C-rank missions.
If he stuck to D-rank jobs, then for Orochimaru to make a move without revealing his cover, it would be impossible—the plot would be exposed almost instantly.
Even a C-rank mission would require months of careful planning before Orochimaru could act without suspicion.
Orochimaru's sharp eyes locked onto Ryoma. Is this calculated foresight… or just dumb luck disguised as wisdom?
Uzumaki Mito's tone was firm, almost scolding. "Ryoma, what nonsense are you spouting? Do you plan to stay a Genin your whole life?"
Ryoma replied without hesitation, "Old lady, what's wrong with being a Genin? I think it's great."
"You're content to remain at the lowest rank forever?"
"Why not? Genin are the backbone of Konoha. They make up the vast majority of the shinobi force and form the village's most reliable strength."
"It's thanks to their numbers and sacrifices that Konoha stands as it does today."
"Without the silent contributions of Genin during the First and Second Great Ninja Wars, there would be no prosperous Konoha."
"The First and Second Hokage were great leaders, but the countless shinobi under their command were just as great."
"As a Genin, I feel pride in my role. I have no desire for promotion."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had been annoyed at first, found his expression softening as he listened.
Ryoma's words struck him deeply.
Have I… grown too distant from the common shinobi because of my position as Hokage? Have I been neglecting them?
Uzumaki Mito, too, fell into thoughtful silence.
Kushina stood off to the side, confused. Is… being a Genin something to be proud of? Ryoma certainly made it sound that way.
Of course, Ryoma's true motivation had nothing to do with ideals. That Thousand Hands Hashirama character card's "fusion speed ×10" bonus was just too good to give up.
With his recent choices, the fusion speed was now ×20. One hour's progress was equivalent to twenty!
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes slightly. Wait… am I being played here? Promotion to Chūnin has nothing to do with respect for Genin. He just doesn't want the responsibility.
"Very well, Ryoma," Hiruzen said finally. "You have a point. Being a Genin can be admirable in its own right. So, you're sure you don't wish to be promoted?"
Ryoma shook his head. "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Third, but I just want to live as an ordinary Genin."
Hiruzen's mouth twitched. Ordinary? You've awakened a Kekkei Genkai—don't pretend you're just some average shinobi.
Mito leaned toward Hiruzen, speaking softly. "Sarutobi, I'll try to talk some sense into him later. He's still young."
Hiruzen gave a weary sigh and nodded. "Fine, we'll leave it at that for now."
Being refused so directly was a first for him. Without another word, he turned and left—there were far more pressing matters to handle.
Kumogakure had been unusually active lately. Both the Raikage and the Eight-Tails' Jinchūriki had made moves. Orochimaru's intel confirmed that Kumogakure had captured the Two-Tails, Matatabi, a few years prior.
Now, they wanted to find a host for it—Kushina was an obvious target.
The Raikage and the Eight-Tails' Jinchūriki had even crossed the border in person to recover their undercover agent.
Although Orochimaru had been severely injured saving Sakumo Hatake and Minato Namikaze, Konoha had still lost an infiltrator. Hiruzen knew Kumogakure wouldn't let the matter drop.
More precautions were needed—especially to prevent another kidnapping attempt on Kushina.
And Kumogakure wasn't the only concern. According to spies, Iwagakure had begun mobilizing troops as well.
Peace… not even a decade old, and already war looms again, Hiruzen thought grimly.
Without another glance back, he left, and Orochimaru—after one last lingering look at Ryoma—followed.
Uzumaki Mito sighed. "You brat… have you packed your things yet?"
Ryoma nodded.
In truth, there wasn't much to pack—just a few sets of clothes.
Ryoma followed Uzumaki Mito back to her home.
It was just as he remembered—an elegant courtyard filled with lush greenery, the air alive with birdsong and the fragrance of flowers.
He could see faint silhouettes moving inside.
For any family to occupy such a large estate in the very heart of Konoha was proof of the Uzumaki clan's high status within the village.
Uzumaki Mito smiled warmly. "Ryoma, welcome back. In the past, we of the Uzumaki have neglected you…"
Ryoma waved a hand casually. "It's fine, old lady. I used to enjoy the quiet… but now, I think this place is pretty nice too."
"I'm glad you think so," Mito replied. "Your room is over there. Kushina, take him over, help him put away his things, and tidy up."
"Yes, Grandma Mito!"
Kushina's cheeks warmed. Living under the same roof as Ryoma-kun made her a little nervous.
Ryoma followed her to his assigned quarters. The room was clean, well-lit, and tastefully simple.
"Want to come in and sit?" he asked casually.
Kushina's blush deepened. "N-No need… my room is right next door!"
Before he could respond, she darted away in embarrassment.
Ryoma stood there for a moment, blinking. …Was that supposed to be a hint?
Root Headquarters
A dark, damp office reeked faintly of ink and old paper.
Danzo Shimura sat at his desk, reviewing a thick dossier on Ryoma, his brow furrowed in surprise.
A war orphan picked up during the escort of Kushina Uzumaki?
And by pure "coincidence," he's the last surviving orphan of the Senju clan…
And yet another "coincidence," he awakened a Kekkei Genkai in a life-or-death crisis.
All of it lined up too neatly.
The Root's intelligence was usually accurate, but this… this was almost too coincidental.
Could this be the final quiet move of the Senju and Uzumaki clans?
A kneeling, masked Root operative reported, "Lord Danzo, Ryoma has refused the Third Hokage's offer. He declined the rank of Chūnin."
Danzo's single visible eye narrowed. "Oh? And why is that?"
"He said Genin are the backbone of Konoha. That they form the village's greatest strength, and that he intends to dedicate himself to the 'path of Genin,' uniting their power."
Danzo let out a low, humorless chuckle. "Foolish idealism. The true strength of a shinobi village lies in its elite jōnin… and above all, its Kage-level warriors."
His expression hardened. "He doesn't want to meet me? Then bring him here."
To Danzo, this last orphan of the Senju was a potential threat—an unstable element.
More importantly, his body's active cells could be… useful.
If Ryoma would not come willingly, Danzo would ensure he had no choice. And if he resisted—well, an unstable factor could always be… removed.
The masked operative bowed. "Understood, Lord Danzo. Leave this to me."
"Be quick and decisive," Danzo ordered coldly. "You alone may not be enough—take all ten members of the squad."
"Yes, Lord Danzo."
"And one more thing," Danzo added. "Do not act within the Uzumaki compound. Wait until he leaves."