The cold stone floor of the training ground faded behind him. Ryo's steps didn't pause. The faint dust on his sleeve was the only trace left of that one-sided, almost ritualistic "Jōnin exam."
He already understood that the exam was less of a test and more of a stage. Hiruzen had deliberately arranged it as a public signal. Its purpose was to announce that Ryo had officially stepped into the village's inner circle of power. Why now? The answer had become clear even before he arrived at the Hokage Tower. It was to balance Konoha's White Fang, Hatake Sakumo, whose boldness and growing prestige were beginning to overshadow even the Hokage himself.
"Ryo." Hiruzen looked up as he tapped his pipe against the edge of his desk. His face wore a gentle smile, like that of an elder greeting a promising junior. He gestured at the chair in front of him. "Sit. For you, the Jōnin rank is only a formality."
Ryo sat as instructed. His silver-gray eyes calmly met Hiruzen's gaze. That calmness held understanding. He spoke directly.
"Hokage-sama went to great trouble setting this up. I doubt it was only to award me a Jōnin vest."
Hiruzen's smile stiffened for the briefest moment, then deepened. He leaned forward slightly, arms resting on the desk, fingers lightly rotating the pipe bowl. His gaze, full of supposed elder-like concern, locked onto Ryo's face.
"Heh, sharp as always. You've heard the village buzz these past few days, haven't you? Sakumo killed Chiyo's son and daughter-in-law, forced back the Third Kazekage, and earned fame across the entire shinobi world."
He paused, his voice taking on a more guiding tone.
"Ryo, you're already a Jōnin. In terms of strength, you've long reached Kage-level. On the frontlines in the Land of Rain, the number of Suna and Ame shinobi who've fallen to your blade is no less than Sakumo's. But you never bothered to spread your name."
He raised his eyes. "With that level of power and merit, have you never considered doing what Hatake Sakumo did? Let the name 'Kamiyama Ryo' be known across the shinobi world? Let the village see that besides the White Fang, there is another man just as dazzling, perhaps even more terrifying in potential?"
It was temptation, clear and direct. Hiruzen wanted Ryo to step into the spotlight.
Ryo's brow twitched slightly, then relaxed. His silver-gray eyes reflected Hiruzen's expectant expression.
"Fame is just a label. I don't value such things. Konoha's balance doesn't require me to stand in the open."
Hiruzen's gaze flickered, a trace of frustration passing through. But he quickly recovered, smile deepening. He leaned closer, voice softening, as he played a heavier card.
"Look farther ahead. Young man, have you ever considered that one day…"
He tapped the Hokage hat resting beside the desk with the tip of his pipe.
"You might sit in this very seat, become Hokage, and lead Konoha. That reputation you're avoiding will determine whether or not you ever can. Look at Sakumo. That half-length Hokage robe isn't just a reward. It draws attention. Too much of it. That's not always good for Konoha. What we need is balance and stability."
He paused, then continued with a trace of honesty.
"Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya. They're all excellent. They'll be the backbone of Konoha in the future. But right now, their power and reputation still aren't enough to stabilize everything. You, on the other hand, are different. Your strength has already reached the top. You're of the Hokage's direct line. That combination is exactly what Konoha needs now. I need you to step up."
"Also, I remember that Kushina. Ever since she was a child, hasn't she been shouting about becoming Hokage?"
Hiruzen stared at him, voice tempting.
"Don't you want your name to shine as brightly as hers? So that when she mentions you, her eyes are full of pride and admiration?"
He leaned forward again, locking eyes with Ryo.
"As her partner, shouldn't you be her strongest support? Her greatest pillar? Shouldn't she be proud of you? With your strength, you can earn that pride. That's worth a bit of effort, isn't it? Not just for the village. But for them."
The office fell quiet.
Though Ryo had no particular desire to become Hokage and believed that Tsunade was the one who should eventually be pushed into that position. Still, Hiruzen wouldn't stop unless given a clear answer. And while Ryo viewed the title of Hokage as little more than an "empty name," he couldn't deny its value. If wielded wisely, it could become a useful tool, one that could smooth the path not just for himself, but for the people he cared about.
"I understand." Ryo finally broke the silence.
That "I understand" acknowledged the Hokage's intention and accepted the deal.
The stone in Hiruzen's heart dropped instantly.
"Heh heh. Good. That's more like it."
Hiruzen laughed, nodding with satisfaction.
"Young people should have drive. The courage to rise, to lead. Konoha's future needs shinobi like you. With strength, and heart."
He stood and circled the desk. Coming to Ryo's side, he clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Since you've shown this spirit, I can rest easy. Go now, Ryo."
He pointed toward the door with a smile.
"You've just been promoted to Jōnin. Celebrate it. Go share the news with Kushina. She'll be thrilled."
"Hokage-sama, I'll take my leave."
Ryo stood with a clean motion, bowed slightly, and left with calm steps.
Watching his tall black figure disappear through the doorway, Hiruzen's smile slowly faded. He sat down again, lifted his still-warm pipe, and took a long drag. Smoke curled around his face, softening the light in his eyes and hiding his sigh of relief.
It was done.
Sakumo's light was growing too strong. His fame threatened the Hokage's authority. That half-length robe was drawing too many eyes. Now Ryo, just as dazzling, terrifying in potential, and of direct lineage, had finally stepped up. The balance was back under control.
Ryo pushed open the gate of his home.
The evening breeze carried the scent of flowers and grass, washing away the staleness of the Hokage's office. The courtyard welcomed him with warmth and life.
Under the veranda, Kushina sat cross-legged, holding a skewer of three-color dango, waving it excitedly at Mikoto.
"Mikoto, look! The new dango shop's amazing. Red bean filling is so soft. We should go tomorrow. They have strawberry daifuku too!"
She took a big bite. Her cheeks puffed.
Mikoto smiled softly. Her black eyes curved gently.
"If Kushina recommends it, I'm sure it's good."
"Of course!" Kushina nodded. "And, and, the cinema is re-screening Snow Princess Ninja Scroll next week. I've been wanting to see it... we—"
She trailed off.
Her eyes had caught a familiar figure by the gate.
"Ryo!" She stood up at once. "That old man called you again? Another annoying mission?"
She remembered he had gone for the so-called Jōnin exam.
Ryo glanced at the crumbs on her lips and at Mikoto's calm, curious gaze. He stepped under the veranda, brushing dust from his sleeve.
"Nothing troublesome." His tone was quiet. "The Third promoted me."
He looked at her, his gaze steady.
"To Jōnin."
"Promoted... to Jōnin?"
Kushina blinked, unsure if she heard correctly.
Then she jumped to her feet.
"Jōnin?! Ryo, you're a Jōnin now?!"
Her voice shot up, full of excitement. Her blue eyes sparkled like stars. Face flushed, she rushed forward.
"Really? You're a Jōnin?"
She reached for his arm, paused, then grabbed her own sleeve in excitement.
"Congratulations, Ryo-kun." Mikoto stood up too, her voice warm and sincere. She stepped beside Kushina, her eyes falling softly on Ryo. Her smile carried a quiet, proud joy.
"Haha!"
Kushina clapped her hands.
"Mikoto, we have to celebrate! Let's invite Tsunade-nee, Nawaki, Kaori!"
"Yes." Mikoto nodded. "It's worth celebrating. I'll prepare fruit and snacks."
"Great! Let's go shopping now." Kushina grabbed Mikoto's wrist. "Get the best beef and fish. What does Ryo like again? Nawaki's going to eat a lot like always!"
She counted ingredients while dragging Mikoto along.
After a few steps, she let go of Mikoto and ran back.
She stood on tiptoe and quickly kissed Ryo on the jaw. Her cheeks flushed red. She turned away without looking at him and covered her face.
The setting sun flowed into the living room, casting warm lines across the floor. The scent of food filled the air. A sense of home wrapped everything gently.
Bang.
The gate flew open.
"Dinner time! Ryo, promoted to Jōnin and didn't even tell me? I nearly missed the feast!" Nawaki barged in, grinning proudly. Behind him, Kaori followed, dressed in a new floral dress. She clutched his sleeve and called softly,
"Onee-san... Ryo-oniichan..."
"Nawaki-niisan, quiet down."
Kushina glared with hands on her hips, though she was smiling.
Last to arrive was Tsunade. Her stride was bold, golden ponytail swaying. She waved as she entered and went straight for the seat at the head of the table.
"Yo. Kid. Finally made Jōnin? Took you long enough."
Her eyes held a knowing gleam, and behind her teasing was a hint of understanding.
Ryo met her gaze with one look, then reached for the sake.
"Haha, you've got some decency after all."
Tsunade laughed, raised her cup, and downed it in one gulp.
"Damn, this wine is good."
"Heehee, I got it especially for you. Kushina raised her chin proudly.
"Let's eat! I'm starving!"
Nawaki picked up his chopsticks and pointed at the roast.
"Ryo, your barbecue's wasted on ninja. You should open a restaurant!"
"Nawaki-niisan, slow down."
Kaori giggled, gently tugging his sleeve.
Mikoto sat beside Ryo, quietly placing food for Kushina and scooping Ryo's favorite stew into his bowl.
Under the warm yellow lights, the group gathered around the table. Tsunade at the head, Kushina beside her and Ryo, Mikoto on the other side, Nawaki and Kaori flanking them.
Nawaki loudly recounted his "heroics" in the Land of Rain. Kushina and Kohari laughed. Mikoto smiled.
Tsunade drank slowly. Her golden eyes flicked between Kushina fussing over Ryo, Mikoto preparing dishes, and Ryo eating quietly.
(To be continued.)