Chapter 3: Since When Do I Need to Care About Others' Opinions
For a Konoha ninja not to recognize one of the village's well-known shinobi—
how could that be acceptable?
"Oh! A Spirit Transformation ninja, huh? Sounds impressive!"
Aoyama Ryūun said casually,
as he looked at Kato Dan emerging from the river.
"So, how about it? Wanna fight me?"
A "Spirit Transformation" ninja?
One punch from him and you'll be meeting your ancestors.
"Lord Ryūun!"
Kato Dan clearly recognized him.
A strained smile appeared on his face—one that looked worse than crying.
But after glancing at Tsunade, he took a deep breath to compose himself.
"Lord Ryūun, everyone has the right to pursue happiness!
You can't stop me from doing so just because you're strong!"
So that was it—he was trying to defuse the situation before Ryūun blew up.
Even though Tsunade herself had her own disagreements with Ryūun,
hearing that made her raise an eyebrow.
As for Aoyama Ryūun, he simply laughed.
"Oh? You're trying to reason with me?"
"Uh… yes."
Caught off guard, Kato Dan nodded earnestly.
"Sorry,"
Ryūun said, his grin growing even wider,
"I don't do reasoning. You can try talking reason to my fists instead."
With one arm, he pulled Tsunade close.
With the other, his muscles flexed like forged steel,
each movement exuding raw power.
"…"
Faced with such a sight, Kato Dan instinctively stepped back in fear.
"Lord Ryūun! You're using your strength to bully others?"
What a heavy accusation!
"Exactly!"
Ryūun's calm, straightforward admission made Kato Dan freeze in shock.
Most ninjas cared deeply about reputation—
but someone like Aoyama Ryūun?
Kato Dan had never met anyone like him.
"…"
Off to the side, both Hatake Sakumo and Tsunade sighed helplessly.
Yes, this was just how Aoyama Ryūun always was—
brash, unapologetic, and utterly unreasonable.
"Lord Ryūun—please!"
Kato Dan began, trying to say more—
But—
"BOOM!"
An invisible wave of overwhelming force erupted from Aoyama Ryūun,
radiating outward in all directions.
At its center, Kato Dan was struck head-on.
The sheer pressure forced him to his knees,
cold sweat pouring down his forehead.
Ryūun lowered his hand.
Bathed in that oppressive aura,
he looked like an ancient war god descending upon mortals.
Step by step, he approached Kato Dan—
and with each step, Dan's heartbeat grew faster and faster.
Is he… actually going to kill me?
Ryūun grabbed him by the head and lifted him clean off the ground.
"…"
With those piercing, threatening eyes staring at him from up close,
Kato Dan's mind went blank.
"Do you understand?"
Noticing his silence, Ryūun suddenly roared—
"DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"
"Y-Yes! Yes, I understand!"
Kato Dan blurted out in panic.
If he stayed quiet even a second longer,
he was sure Ryūun would've crushed him with one punch.
Under the startled gazes of everyone around them,
Aoyama Ryūun's furious shout echoed through the street.
His eyes glowed faintly red,
his overwhelming aura growing even more violent.
"RUMBLE!"
A sudden clap of thunder echoed across what had been a clear, sunny sky.
Even if some people disagreed inwardly,
none of them dared to speak up.
As he looked around, Ryūun smirked disdainfully—
and then turned away.
Only when he left did that suffocating, tyrannical pressure finally fade.
"The great lord of our village…"
some onlookers whispered in disbelief.
He was supposed to be a kind man when dealing with villagers—
but seeing him like this, so unrestrained and domineering,
ready to throw a punch at the slightest provocation—
this was the first time anyone had seen such a thing.
...