The warm light of the setting sun filtered through the paper sliding doors of Ryo's traditional-style home in Konohagakure, casting long golden shadows across the floor.
The air was filled with a quiet serenity, as if the storm that shook the entire shinobi world four years ago had never happened.
Ryo sat cross-legged under the veranda, leaning against a wooden pillar, his gaze resting on the maple tree in the courtyard, now dyed crimson by the evening glow.
Four years had passed, quietly and swiftly.
He wasn't wallowing in nostalgia, but rather reflecting inward.
With a slight thought, a translucent interface surfaced in the depths of his consciousness.
---
[Strongest Legacy System]
Current Legacy: Red-Haired Shanks
Fusion Rate: 92%
Power Rating: Beyond Kage
----
Ninety-two percent… A barely noticeable curve appeared at the corner of Ryo's lips.
Four years ago, he had been forced to "retire," stripped of his shinobi status.
At the time, even Hiruzen hadn't known how to persuade someone of Ryo's terrifying strength to step down. In the end, it was Ryo himself who nodded.
Why?
The shinobi title had long become a shackle.
All those rules, endless missions, and obligations were nothing compared to the freedom and ease he now enjoyed.
Retirement was liberation.
Tsunade had naturally been displeased. Ryo was her man (albeit, unofficially).
On the surface, she had objected, but deep down, there was a sense of relief.
After all, the unspoken wall of their former teacher-student bond had always loomed between them.
As long as Ryo remained a shinobi, still part of Konoha's system, if their relationship was exposed, it would bring relentless scrutiny and backlash—hurting her reputation, and burdening him.
But she also understood the chaos Ryo had caused in Kumo was enough to make Konoha the target of the entire shinobi world.
To prevent internal strife from weakening the village, she had ultimately chosen silence.
That silence was both compromise and a quiet hope… that after Ryo gave up his shinobi status, their relationship could finally be freed from its invisible chains.
Ryo understood that silence.
He also understood that now, in this age where the Sage of Six Paths hadn't reappeared, his strength—this deep, oceanic power from the Yonko legacy—was unmatched. It coursed through him, flowing freely, perfectly fused. At 92% integration, it responded as easily as breathing, vast as the sea.
"When it reaches 100%… who will be next?" A flicker of curiosity passed through Ryo's mind before settling again.
There was no rush. Power would come in time. Living in the moment, that was the real joy.
This unfettered life over the past four years was exactly what he had wanted.
As his thoughts drifted, light footsteps approached, carrying the sweet scent unique to girls. The quiet courtyard was broken.
A petite figure dashed in like the wind, bringing in the fresh outdoor air and a hint of sweat. Without even looking, she leapt straight into Ryo's arms.
Ryo instinctively opened his arms, and the warm, soft body crashed squarely into his chest.
"Ryo-nii!" A crisp voice rang out, filled with joy and affection.
Ryo looked down at the girl whose upturned face nestled against him.
Nohara Rin. That little girl who once followed behind him had grown into a graceful young lady. The childish features had faded, replaced by the freshness of youth.
But her habit of pouncing on him hadn't changed a bit.
"Rin," Ryo said with a hint of helplessness, though mostly indulgence. He gently patted her back. "You're a big girl now. Be mindful of appearances."
Rin didn't care in the slightest. Like a koala, she clung tighter around his neck and nuzzled into his shoulder. "What's the problem? Ryo-nii isn't an outsider!" Her muffled voice was thick with playful affection.
Rin's feelings for Ryo had only deepened over the years, like aged wine—stronger and clearer.
She clung to him and refused to let go.
Ryo sighed, giving up the struggle. "Fine." His tone was utterly resigned.
What else could he do? This little girl was one he had spoiled himself.
He held Rin by the shoulders and straightened her up slightly. "How was your graduation exam today?"
Time flew by. This year, Rin was graduating from the Academy.
Immediately, Rin lifted her chin, pride shining in her face. The earlier cuddling act seemed forgotten. "Don't underestimate me, Ryo-nii! I'm super strong now!"
She raised a tiny fist, showing off muscle that wasn't really visible.
Ryo chuckled softly.
She wasn't bragging.
Ever since his "retirement" four years ago, he'd been free from dull missions and had loads of time.
Rin's chakra control was exceptionally gifted, so he had taken the opportunity to teach her—secretly copying what he'd observed and figured out from Tsunade's monstrous strength. Technically speaking, he'd reverse-engineered it.
Over four years, Rin had not only mastered the brute-force taijutsu, but had fused it with her precise chakra control, forming a unique style.
She could focus her chakra into a single point in an instant, unleashing terrifying power. Ordinary training posts and rocks shattered like tofu under her small fists.
Calling her a "mini Tsunade" was no exaggeration.
In terms of strength, among this year's graduates, only the early-graduated prodigy Hatake Kakashi could outshine her.
"Yeah, I know," Ryo nodded in acknowledgment.
Rin beamed with even more pride. Just then, another voice rang out from the doorway, tinged with teasing.
"Oh my my!"
Kushina appeared at the door, leaning against the frame, her vibrant red hair glowing in the setting sun like dancing flames.
Beside her stood the gentle and elegant Mikoto, both carrying shopping bags. Clearly, they'd just returned from a trip to the market.
Kushina's emerald eyes sparkled mischievously as she looked at Rin still clinging to Ryo. Her mouth curled into a grin. "Rin, hanging all over Ryo again, huh?"
Mikoto just smiled gently, her eyes warm.
Time had been especially kind to the two women.
Four years later, they looked no older. Instead, they had shed the immaturity of youth and gained a calm, graceful maturity. Every movement radiated elegance and allure.
The violet diamond marks—the Strength of a Hundred Seal—stood clearly on their foreheads.
It was Tsunade's secret technique that had locked in their prime, preventing time from leaving marks on them.
Rin blushed under Kushina's teasing, but only tightened her grip on Ryo's arm. Then she turned to make a face at Kushina, boldly declaring, "What's wrong with it? Kushina-nee, I'm going to be Ryo-nii's second wife someday!"
That audacious claim stunned Kushina for a moment. Then she burst out laughing, practically doubled over.
Mikoto also chuckled softly, her eyes filled with affection as she looked at Rin like a silly little sister.
"You little rascal, getting bolder every year!" Kushina shook her head, laughing, as she walked over and reached out to pinch Rin's cheek.
Rin dodged behind Ryo with a giggle. "I'm serious!"
Mikoto stepped forward and gently patted Rin's head, her tone indulgent like an older sister. "Then wait till you grow up a little more."
Her words were half comfort, half tacit approval, making Rin's eyes light up.
"Mikoto-nee!" Rin immediately latched onto Mikoto's arm instead.
The three women quickly fell into playful banter on the veranda.
Kushina's cheerful laughter, Mikoto's soft chuckles, and Rin's lively teasing mingled together, filling the courtyard with warmth and vitality.
A faint smile played at Ryo's lips as he quietly watched them.
This noisy warmth was the life he wanted to protect.
He didn't need to stand atop the shinobi world or be worshipped by all. This small piece of peace was enough.
Before long, the front door opened with a soft sound. Steady footsteps approached.
Tsunade was back.
She took off her white coat from the Konoha Hospital, leaving only the deep green tube-top dress beneath, highlighting her stunning figure.
Her golden hair was tied up casually, with a few strands framing her face. There was a hint of work fatigue on her face, but more of a relaxed ease from being home.
Her eyes landed on the cheerful scene under the veranda.
"So lively?" Her voice carried her usual lazy strength as she draped her coat onto the rack. "Looks like I came back at the right time."
"Tsunade-nee!" Rin immediately stood up and greeted her sweetly, though her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Mm." Tsunade walked over, her gaze sweeping across everyone and pausing slightly on Ryo. Within that look was both understanding and familiarity.
They had argued over the decision four years ago, but also shared silent understanding.
Now that Ryo was no longer a shinobi, the invisible wall between them had vanished, and in Tsunade's heart, their bond felt more natural than ever.
Looking at this peaceful scene, the turbulence of the past seemed to settle.
She reached out and ruffled Rin's hair. "Kid, how'd you do on your graduation exam?"
"No problem at all!" Rin puffed up her tiny chest.
"Yeah? Don't embarrass me out there." Tsunade raised a brow, though her tone carried a subtle note of pride.
Rin's monstrous strength was a simplified version of hers. Though the technique paths differed, seeing someone inherit its essence still brought her satisfaction.
"Everyone's back? Time to eat." Mikoto's gentle voice broke the momentary silence as she walked toward the kitchen. "Kushina, come help."
"Sure!" Kushina responded and followed, flashing a wink at Ryo and Rin as she left.
"I'll help too!" Rin volunteered eagerly.
"You? Just don't make more work," Kushina teased mercilessly.
"I can wash vegetables!" Rin huffed and chased after them.
Soon, the clatter of pots, running water, and playful bickering echoed from the kitchen, filled with Mikoto's soft mediation and laughter.
The air was filled with the warmth of daily life.
Tsunade sat down beside Ryo on the veranda, closing her eyes slightly. Whether to dispel her fatigue or savor the moment of peace, it was unclear.
Ryo didn't look at her. His gaze remained on the courtyard. Between them flowed a quiet, wordless understanding.
The sun finally dipped below the horizon. Gentle twilight enveloped the small courtyard. Warm indoor lights glowed softly through the paper screens, stretching their shadows long.
Soon, the aroma of food wafted from the kitchen, growing stronger.
"Dinner's ready!" Rin's crisp, happy voice rang out.
A small square table was set under the warm lights.
Mikoto's carefully prepared dishes gleamed temptingly—perfectly grilled pacific saury, steaming miso soup, vibrant greens, golden tamagoyaki, and Rin's favorite fried chicken. Simple homemade food, filled with the taste of home.
The five of them sat around the table.
Kushina eagerly placed a piece of fried chicken in Rin's bowl. "Here, reward for passing your exam!"
"Thanks, Kushina-nee!" Rin accepted it happily.
Mikoto naturally served Tsunade and Ryo with a few dishes. "Try this."
Tsunade raised a small sake cup and took a sip, letting out a satisfied sigh. "Mm. Nothing beats a home-cooked meal." Her gaze swept across the room, finally landing on Ryo, her eyes filled with calm emotion.
All the turmoil from four years ago had led to this seemingly ordinary, yet precious, night.
Was it worth it?
At least now, surrounded by warmth, free from burdens, without the shadow of teacher-student ties hanging over them… she felt it was all worth it.
Ryo quietly ate his meal, listening to Kushina and Rin bicker, feeling Mikoto's attentiveness and Tsunade's relaxed presence.
Soft lighting. Warm food. A full table.
The power of a Beyond Kage. The fusion rate. The chaos of the shinobi world… all faded into background noise.
He didn't need words to express anything.
This table, filled with lighthearted chatter, warmth, and quiet joy, was his entire state of mind at this moment, peace that surpassed the peak of power.
Retirement life?
This was the life he had chosen. And he wouldn't trade it for anything.
As Rin snuck glances at Ryo's peaceful side profile, she blushed and slipped the biggest piece of fried chicken from her own bowl into his.
Ryo blinked, then gave a small smile, accepting it and eating it without a word.
Kushina saw it and exaggerated a dramatic sigh. "Sigh… got Ryo-nii now, don't need Kushina-nee anymore!"
Rin turned redder and buried her face in her bowl.
Tsunade found it amusing, her eyes flickering with interest.
Mikoto smiled and added a piece of fish to Kushina's bowl.
Laughter returned to the table. Light, warm, and real, like a gentle current wrapping around everyone.
(To be continued.)
The author decided to take a hiatus because he wasn't feeling well before moving on to the next arc. So I'll keep an eye out hopefully, it won't be too long.