“…Could you show me how to properly pet a cat?” “Huh?
What did you just say?!” Ryo almost lost his grip on his cane from sheer surprise.
“W-Where did that come from all of a sudden?” Since the question had already left his mouth, Uchiha Hiro seemed to abandon any remaining concern for his pride.
His voice gradually returned to its usual tone.
“Yukimaru told me you’re really good with cats.
I figured I’d ask.
If you don’t want to answer, just forget I said anything.” “Petting a cat?” Ryo looked uncertain.
“Isn’t it mostly about controlling your strength and following the direction of the fur?
I usually curl my fingers slightly and use my knuckles when stroking them.
Maybe kittens like Yukimaru just prefer gentler touches.” Hiro lowered his voice again.
“…Can you explain it in more detail?” “More detail?” Ryo chuckled helplessly.
“Why don’t you transform into a kitten?
Then I can demonstrate directly.” The moment the words left his mouth, Hiro felt even more ridiculous for asking in the first place.
Letting out an awkward cough, he immediately shifted the conversation.
“I’ll bring you to Yugo’s place first.
Later I’ll ask Yukimaru myself…
and if I still can’t figure it out, I’ll come find you after transforming into a cat.” “I was kidding!” Ryo instantly took a step backward.
“With my sensory abilities, if that really happened, I wouldn’t know what to do.
Why not bring Yukimaru next time and learn by watching firsthand?” “…Let’s go.
I’ll take you to Yugo.” Only after hearing that did Ryo finally relax.
Tapping his cane lightly against the ground, he followed after Hiro.
“To be honest, everyone has areas they’re worse at than other people.
That’s completely normal.
You don’t need to compare yourself with everyone over every little thing.
Take Genjutsu, for example.
You’re far better at it than I am.
People should focus on what they’re naturally good at.” “Hah.
That’s easy for the strongest person in our generation to say.” Ryo looked utterly helpless.
“Wasn’t that title something all of you came up with yourselves?
If we’re talking about Genjutsu alone, every single one of you surpasses me.
How does that make me number one?” “You’re as irritating as that bastard Masaki…
actually, you’re worse.” Hiro clicked his tongue.
“At least Masaki admits he’s talented.
You, on the other hand, are obsessed with training.
Every time I run into you, you’re either talking about training or doing it.
Don’t you ever get sick of it?” “Because all of you are right behind me.
If I stop working hard, I’ll get left behind.” A smile appeared on Ryo’s face.
“Though I probably won’t be quite as busy anymore…
Still, Hiro, like I’ve said before, you should pay more attention to your strengths.
You’re exceptionally gifted and have very few shortcomings.
But no matter who you are, time and energy are limited.
Nobody can be outstanding at everything.” Hiro glanced back at him and gave a dismissive snort.
“And when did I ask you to teach me how to live?” “Hm?
Haven’t you secretly come to ask me for advice several times already?” Ryo tilted his head.
“I remember inviting you to train with me on the Naka River Highlands once.
You refused at first, then showed up later to watch from a distance.
After I caught you, you even—” “…That’s enough.
Stop talking.” “I was only giving suggestions.
Whether you listen or not is your choice.” Hearing the frustration in Hiro’s voice, Ryo couldn’t help smiling.
“Besides, if you ask me, someone like you—someone who never falls behind no matter what the field—is the person who truly deserves to be called the best of our generation.” Hiro scratched the back of his head and deliberately avoided responding.
“We’re here.
This is Yugo’s place.
Want me to stay?” “No need.
I already arranged something with Madara yesterday.
Once he’s done training at the Academy, he’ll come find me.
Thanks for bringing me here.” “I only pointed out the way.” After knocking on the door, Hiro added, “When you’re able to return to the battlefield, let’s have another match.” “You all seem to have more faith in me than I do.” Ryo shook his head lightly, though a smile remained on his face.
“I’ll do my best to recover quickly.” “Hmph.
You’re way too humble.” A faint smile crossed Hiro’s lips.
Looking toward the door that had begun to open, he yawned.
“I’m heading out.
Yugo, he’s your responsibility now.” The man he addressed, Uchiha Yugo, simply nodded and moved aside.
“Come in.
What do you need?” Ryo waved goodbye to Hiro before entering the house.
“Akihiko mentioned that you raise ninja crows.
I wanted to ask whether I could form a Summoning Contract with one.” Yugo looked at him and remained silent for a few seconds.
“Not with the ones I currently have.
None of them are suited to staying with someone full-time.
If that’s what you need, you’ll have to raise one yourself.
I can provide an egg and teach you how to care for it.” “How long would that take?” After a brief pause, Yugo answered, “About a year.” “A whole year…?” “Mm.” Yugo nodded.
“The ninja crows I have now were originally ordinary crows that I collected several years ago.
Their chakra inheritance still isn’t stable.
If you want one capable of properly using chakra, it has to be guided from the egg stage.
It’s a troublesome process.” As he led Ryo deeper into the house, he continued speaking.
“Your circumstances are even more complicated.
What you’re looking for is a ninja beast that can remain by your side constantly and act as your eyes.
These crows were all raised by me personally.
They wouldn’t mind delivering messages for you, but expecting them to follow you around all day and night?
That’s unlikely.” “You have a point.” Ryo let out a quiet sigh.
“I guess I was rushing things.” “You’ve already shown far more composure than most people would.
Don’t be so hard on yourself.” Yugo stopped walking.
His face remained as serious as ever.
“Akihiko told me everything.
I’m not a fighter, nor do I possess the same vision as you and the others.
But if I had experienced what happened to you, I would’ve probably given up entirely and spent the rest of my life wasting away.
Ryo, my father once told me that when the current Clan Head was young, his talent exceeded even that of the former Clan Head’s son.
Yet even after becoming Clan Head, he never earned the complete admiration of all his peers.
You did.
Akihiko.
Masaki.
Hiro…
Each of them possesses extraordinary talent, yet they’re willing to stand behind you.
Do you know what that means?” “Haha…” Ryo rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
“Hearing something like that so suddenly is a little embarrassing.
But I appreciate it.
Thank you.” “Mm.
Also, I think it’s time for you to replace that cane.” Yugo’s gaze settled on the walking stick.
“If you intend to continue focusing on Taijutsu, you’ll need a proper weapon.
You should have accumulated enough mission contributions to request chakra metal by now.
You can submit an application.
I’ll be traveling to the Land of Iron soon to help purchase supplies.
While I’m there, I can introduce you to a trustworthy blacksmith.” Once Yugo started talking, one subject naturally led to another.
Before long, he had moved from discussing weapons to clan matters, then from clan matters to logistics and countless other topics.
Ryo never interrupted him.
He simply listened quietly, responding from time to time to show he was following along.
The smile on his face remained unchanged.
[Looks like I’ll need to work even harder from now on.]