“I’m leaving now.” After adjusting his equipment one last time, Madara checked that everything was in place.
“Don’t worry.
I’ll complete the mission and come back safely.” “Mm.
Well, you’re Madara.” Smiling faintly, Ryo reached out and ruffled his younger brother’s hair.
“Take care of yourself.” Tajima also gave a nod.
“If something unforeseen happens, abandoning the mission is acceptable.
What’s important is returning alive.” Nearby, Izuna was clutching the edge of Tajima’s haori, his face filled with reluctance.
“Madara-nii, come back quickly!
You promised you’d teach me shurikenjutsu!” Just like Ryo had done moments earlier, Madara gently rubbed Izuna’s hair.
The warmth in his expression was unmistakable.
“Of course I will.
But while I’m away, don’t slack off on your own training, alright?” “Mm!” After exchanging his final goodbyes, Madara didn’t linger any longer.
He quickly ran toward the squad waiting outside the compound and left together with them.
Only after he had completely disappeared from view did Tajima turn around and retrieve a prepared ninja tool pack from behind the doorway.
“Ryo, this is yours.” The moment he saw it, Izuna’s eyes widened.
His voice immediately became pitiful enough that it sounded like tears could start flowing at any second.
“Brother is leaving too?” Ryo thanked Tajima, accepted the pack, and slung it over his shoulder before turning toward Izuna.
He gently patted his younger brother’s head.
“Mm.
My injuries have already recovered, so it’s time for me to begin rehabilitation training.” Izuna continued holding tightly onto Tajima’s haori.
His cheeks puffed out little by little.
“Madara-nii already left, and now Brother is leaving too…
Nobody ever takes me along.” Ryo immediately laughed.
“Izuna, I’ll only be staying at the Naka River Highlands.
If you want to see me, you can ask someone to bring you there anytime.” Izuna simply turned his face away.
“…You’re still not taking me.” Even Tajima couldn’t suppress a chuckle.
He bent down and lifted his youngest son into his arms.
“Then how about we accompany Ryo to the Naka River Highlands together?” Izuna’s eyes immediately brightened.
“Really?!
Father is the best!” Ryo, however, hesitated.
“Father, the war has only just ended.
Clan affairs should be at their busiest right now.
You—” “Don’t worry, Ryo.” Using his free hand, Tajima patted his eldest son’s shoulder.
The smile on his face was warm and reassuring.
“As your father, I can spare enough time to escort my son to his training ground.
Besides, once I know exactly where you’ll be staying, it’ll be easier for Madara to bring Izuna to visit later.
So stop worrying and let’s get moving.” Ryo could only sigh helplessly.
Yet as he followed behind Tajima, tapping his cane lightly against the ground, a smile unconsciously appeared on his face.
The burden he had been carrying seemed to ease considerably.
“Yes.
Sorry for the trouble.” Perched on Tajima’s shoulder, Izuna peeked toward Ryo.
After thinking for a moment, he asked, “Brother, haven’t you already adapted?
Why do you still need more training?” “This is only the most basic level of adaptation.” Ryo turned toward the sound of his voice.
“I still have a long way to go before I can truly adjust.
The most important step is separating myself from others and relying entirely on my own abilities to survive.
Only after leaving behind the convenience and support of family and friends can I genuinely become accustomed to my current condition.” Izuna nodded, looking like he understood only part of the explanation.
“Will I have to do training like this someday too?” “…No.” The smile on Ryo’s face softened.
His voice remained gentle.
“Neither you nor Madara should ever need to experience this.
If possible, I hope the two of you never have to go through anything like this for the rest of your lives.” Izuna’s gaze drifted toward the scar that crossed Ryo’s face.
Instinctively, he raised a hand and touched his own eyes.
After remaining silent for a few moments, tears suddenly began falling.
Burying his face against Tajima’s shoulder, he quietly started crying.
“Izuna?” Ryo immediately became flustered.
“Are you crying?
Brother is fine, really.
Look, even without my eyes, daily life doesn’t affect me nearly as much anymore.
This training is only so I can return to the battlefield.
I wasn’t blaming you when I said those things.
I just don’t want either you or Madara to get hurt…
Izuna?
Don’t cry, alright?
Brother will worry.” Tajima let out a quiet sigh and gently patted his youngest son’s back.
“It’s fine, Ryo.
He probably scared himself with his own imagination.
I’ll comfort him later.” Then he asked, “Can I increase the pace for the rest of the climb?” “Yes.” Although concern still lingered on his face as he listened to Izuna’s quiet sobs, Ryo answered immediately.
“I’ll be alright.” Tajima nodded and protected the back of Izuna’s head with one hand.
“Good.
I’ll speed up little by little.” As their pace gradually increased, Tajima quickly began noticing changes in Ryo’s movements.
At first, keeping up had appeared effortless.
But as the terrain became rougher and more uneven, every step required far more concentration.
Again and again, the rugged mountain path caused Ryo to lose his balance.
Yet each time it happened, he reacted immediately.
A hand would lightly brush the ground, allowing him to regain stability before using his cane to rise smoothly once more.
Not once did he fall behind.
Even so, the constant adjustments clearly demanded immense effort.
Before long, a thin layer of sweat appeared across his forehead.
As the distance grew, his breathing gradually became heavier.
Tajima observed every detail.
But he offered no help.
Instead, he deliberately maintained a pace that forced Ryo to struggle while remaining barely within his ability to follow.
Eventually, they reached a clearing near a source of water—an ideal location for a campsite.
Only then did Tajima come to a stop.
Ryo, however, couldn’t halt immediately.
He staggered forward several additional steps before finally regaining control.
Even after stopping, his breathing remained rough and uneven.
Looking at his eldest son— Clearly exhausted to his limits, yet still standing upright— Tajima sighed inwardly.
“I’ll leave you here.” After a brief pause, he continued, “Can you find your way back on your own?” “Yes.” Ryo took a deep breath, suppressing the discomfort in his lungs.
Then he smiled.
“Please don’t worry.” “Mm.
That’s my son.” Tajima reached out and ruffled the sweat-dampened hair on Ryo’s head.
“Come, Izuna.
Say goodbye to your brother.” Only then did Izuna finally raise his head.
His eyes were still red from crying.
He waved toward Ryo.
“Goodbye, Brother…
Please be careful.” “Mm.
I will.” Following the direction of Izuna’s voice, Ryo stepped forward and carefully found his younger brother’s hand.
“While Madara and I are away, you’ll be the man of the house.
And men shouldn’t cry so easily.
Our Izuna is a strong boy, isn’t he?” “Mm.
I won’t cry anymore.” Even as he said it, he used his sleeve to wipe away the remaining tears.
“When Brother comes back, my chakra reserves will be several times bigger than they are now.
Then you’ll teach me Ninjutsu.
I’ll fight just as coolly as you do!” That finally made Ryo laugh.
“Alright.
I’ll complete my training and come back as soon as possible.
After all, I still want to personally accompany my little Izuna on his very first battlefield mission.” At those words, Izuna immediately extended his pinky finger.
“…Then let’s make a promise.” “Alright.” The smile on Ryo’s face widened even further.
He extended his own pinky.
“Let’s make a promise.”