“And that’s the whole story, meow.” “I understand.” A gentle smile appeared on Ryo’s face as he scratched beneath the kitten’s chin with a finger.
“Thank you for making the trip at this hour.
Your name is Yukimaru, right?
Hiro’s summoning partner?” “That’s right, meow~” Clearly pleased by the attention, the tiny white cat rolled onto its back and exposed its belly, wrapping its paws around Ryo’s hand.
“I’ve never seen you visit the Cat Village before, meow.
Otherwise, I would’ve picked you as my contractor for sure, meow~” Ryo chuckled.
“I imagine partnering with me would be more trouble than it’s worth.
Would you like something to eat before you leave?” “I’ll collect my payment from Hiro tomorrow, meow.” Yukimaru glanced briefly at the scar running across Ryo’s face before letting out a contented purr.
“I’m going to sleep now, meow.
If anything comes up, just find Hiro tomorrow, meow.” “Alright.” As soon as Ryo replied, the kitten disappeared in a cloud of white smoke.
Ryo gently rubbed his fingertips together, as though still feeling the softness of Yukimaru’s fur lingering there.
Then he sighed.
“If I’d known things would end up this way, I would’ve gone to the Cat Village years ago and signed a summoning contract…
“Hopefully I’ll find a suitable alternative when I visit Yugo tomorrow.” Unfortunately, before he ever got the chance to meet Yugo and discuss the possibility of contracting a crow summon, visitors arrived at his home early the next morning.
“Looks like your mission last night ended successfully.” Standing outside with Madara’s assistance, Ryo lifted a hand in greeting.
“You should go train, Madara.
Akihiko and the others are taking me to see Yugo.” Madara glanced at the three shinobi standing nearby.
All of them were covered in bandages and visible injuries.
His expression immediately became skeptical.
After a lengthy silence, he finally nodded.
“Understood, Brother.
Please take care.” “As expected.” Masaki grinned.
“Little Madara only acts obedient around you, Ryo.
“You have no idea how badly he bullies my younger brother whenever they’re together.” Ignoring the murderous glare Madara immediately directed at him, Masaki continued talking as though nothing had happened.
Ryo laughed quietly.
“Madara is a sensible child.
“If he’s fighting someone, it’s probably because they started it.” Then he added with clear meaning behind his words: “Didn’t you once come looking for a fight with me for a similar reason, Masaki?” Masaki immediately froze.
After an awkward cough, he rubbed the back of his neck.
“Well…
“I was chasing after Chiho back then.
“You know how it is.
Youthful stupidity.” “Why are you acting embarrassed about it now?” Hiro snorted.
“Chiho liked Ryo.
You liked Chiho.
“So you challenged him.
“He beat you so badly you spent three days stuck in bed.” Masaki: “…” A second later— “Uchiha Hiro!
I’ll kill you!” Listening to yet another argument erupt beside him, Ryo simply smiled.
“You two really haven’t changed at all.
“Anyway, did something happen during the mission?” “Actually, that’s why I came.” Akihiko carefully ignored the two idiots.
“The mission really was a trap set by the Senju.” He then recounted the entire operation from beginning to end.
After Yukimaru left with the warning messages, the squad had discovered another hidden outpost.
A fierce battle followed.
By the time everything was over, every member of the team had sustained injuries.
Fortunately, because the warning reached the main force in time, the Uchiha managed to avoid the explosive tag array concealed beneath the battlefield.
Even so, the aftermath of the detonation still resulted in casualties.
Meanwhile, every Senju stationed at the outpost had been fully prepared to die.
The explosion had also erased nearly every useful clue and destroyed most of the supplies.
In the end, the Uchiha gained only a marginal advantage.
Compared to a normal engagement, they had simply managed to eliminate a few additional Senju shinobi.
Beyond that, there was little to show for their efforts.
“That makes sense.” Ryo smiled.
“The Senju have been fighting the Uchiha for generations without losing ground.
“They wouldn’t have survived this long if they lacked capable people.” After a brief pause, he continued.
“It sounds like the clan should invest more effort into cultivating sensory-type shinobi.
“Did you mention that to the elders?” “I did.” Akihiko sighed.
“I brought it up the moment we got back before sunrise.
“But don’t expect much.
“Finding sensory shinobi is even harder than finding medical specialists.
“In our entire generation, there aren’t even enough talented sensory users to fill one hand—and that’s including you and Hiro.” Then he shook his head.
“Sometimes I can’t help admiring the Senju.
“Roughly two out of every ten of them possess sensory abilities, and most of those also know medical ninjutsu.
“They practically manufacture them.” “That’s why they’re known as the Senju of the Forest.” Masaki limped over while rubbing his swollen cheek.
“Every single one of them has ridiculous stamina.
“Thankfully, we Uchiha still have the advantage when it comes to ninjutsu and genjutsu.” Hiro arrived as well, one hand pressed awkwardly against his lower back.
“I agree.
“Fighting the Senju inside a forest isn’t a battle.
“It’s torture.” Ryo laughed.
“Really?
“I always found it manageable.” The three immediately turned toward him.
“We’re not monsters like you.” Akihiko’s response was completely flat.
Then he folded his arms.
“By the way, are you really giving me all the credit for this mission?
“The reward is pretty substantial since the warning arrived in time.” “Of course.” Ryo shook his head.
“You were the one who carried it out.
“And honestly, mission achievements don’t serve much purpose for me right now.” His smile never faded.
“More importantly, why did all three of you come so early in the morning?
“Surely you didn’t come here just to challenge me to another spar.” “Definitely not.” Akihiko looked horrified.
“I came to report the mission results.
“I have absolutely no desire to get beaten twice in such a short period.
“My head still feels like it’s splitting apart.
“All I want is sleep.” “You brought that on yourself.” Hiro frowned.
“I warned you not to use your dōjutsu.
“Repeatedly.
“What should’ve healed overnight is going to take a week now.” Then his voice lowered noticeably.
“My reason for coming isn’t urgent.
“I can wait until they’re done.
“Afterward, I’ll take you to see Yugo.” Ryo nodded.
“Then what about you, Masaki?” “Hm?” Masaki shrugged.
“I just wanted to check on your condition.
“When do you think you’ll return?” Ryo considered the question.
“Not anytime soon.
“At the very least, I need to solve the issue of getting lost.” A helpless smile appeared.
“Using chakra perception to navigate is possible.
“But spending chakra simply to walk around means having less available for combat or emergencies.” “Fair point.” Masaki stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“Still, you’d better hurry up.
“Otherwise I’ll be taking your title as the strongest of our generation.” “I definitely heard that.” Akihiko immediately jabbed him in the ribs.
“Even if Ryo loses that title someday, it won’t be because of you.
“Come on.
“Let’s go.
“My head hurts.” Clutching his side, Masaki waved goodbye.
The two of them soon departed.
Once they were gone, Ryo turned toward Hiro.
“So.
“What was it you wanted to discuss?” Hiro clicked his tongue and deliberately looked elsewhere.
“Nothing important.
“I just wanted to ask…” “Hm?” “Could you maybe teach me…” “Teach you what?” Ryo smiled helplessly.
“Hiro, things are different now.
“I can’t read lips anymore.
“And you’re mumbling so quietly that I can barely hear you.
“Could you say it a little louder?” Instantly, Hiro’s face turned bright red.
For a moment, it looked as though he might simply flee on the spot.
But after seeing the patient smile on Ryo’s face, he forced himself to stay.
He hesitated.
Paused.
Opened his mouth.
Closed it again.
Struggled for several seconds.
Finally, he gathered enough courage to speak loud enough to be heard.
“Could you teach me…
how to pet cats properly?”