Sunlight streamed through the window, soft and warm. I groaned and opened my eyes — only to realize that Kushina's face was practically on mine. Somehow, by morning, she had ended up on top of me. I blinked a few times, then let out a low, amused chuckle. 'Well… this was definitely the most refreshing sleep I'd had since I came here.'
Carefully, I reached up and pinched her cheeks. "Rise and shine, sleepyhead."
Kushina stirred groggily, stretching and yawning, her hair falling over her face. "Mm… so… comfortable… sleeping in your embrace…"
Her words hung in the air. She froze mid-yawn, her eyes going wide, and then her entire face flushed crimson. She blinked a few times, as if trying to erase what she just said, and then, horrified, realized exactly where she was sitting.
Her cheeks burned brighter, and I could see her panic rising. The next moment, the door swung open, and she vanished like a gust of wind.
I blinked a few times, then let out a laugh. "Wow… That was a first." I muttered, still chuckling.
Stretching, I felt every muscle awaken. This was going to be a good day. I headed to the adjacent bathroom to freshen up, splashing cold water on my face, brushing my teeth, and letting the cool morning air hit my skin. Feeling refreshed, I went downstairs and found Kushina in the living room, trying to look composed while clearly still flustered.
I grinned, eyes sparkling. "Morning, Kushina-chan. You know… you look kind of cute when you're pretending to be all innocent like that."
She shot me a glare, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. "I'm not pretending!" she muttered, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of crimson.
I leaned down and pressed a soft, fleeting kiss to her forehead. "Cute nonetheless."
Her eyes went wide for a split second before her blush spread fully to her ears. She muttered something under her breath, a soft, almost helpless sound. I couldn't resist letting out a quiet chuckle.
Turning toward the kitchen, I stretched my arms with a smile, feeling the warmth of the morning settle in.
Breakfast today had to be perfect. Over the last four years, my cooking had gone from "barely edible" to essentially five-star chef level — thanks to boredom, necessity, and a lot of trial and error. Pancakes stacked high, eggs cooked just right, sausages sizzling lightly, a fresh fruit bowl glistening with morning dew, and buns with a subtle glaze that made me pause to admire my handiwork. The smell alone could wake up the laziest shinobi.
Carrying the plates into the living room, I announced dramatically, "Behold! Breakfast that could start wars and end them with happiness!"
Kushina's eyes widened immediately. "Ryo… this smells amazing!"
I smirked. "Just wait. One bite, and your entire day will be better — guaranteed."
She took a careful bite, and the little gasp she let out told me everything. Her shoulders relaxed, a blissful smile spreading across her face. "Ryo… this is incredible. I think I've… I've found heaven."
I raised an eyebrow. "Heaven, huh? Don't worry, I take credit where it's due. I'll even accept worship later."
Before I could bask in my glory, the door swung open with a dramatic flourish. "WHAT is that smell?!?"
Tsunade had arrived, drawn like a predator by the scent. Her eyes widened at the sight of the spread. "You made all of this?"
I nodded, helplessly bringing up another plate. "Naturally. And for you, this one's the deluxe portion."
She snorted but a grin tugged at her lips. "You know, I could get used to this. You're lucky I'm in a good mood today."
I smirked at Kushina. "See? Even Tsunade approves of my cooking."
Kushina giggled, shaking her head. "You're ridiculous, Ryo."
"And yet, completely lovable," I teased back, winking at her.
Tsunade rolled her eyes. "Don't get cocky, kid. You're lucky I'm letting you off easy before I start bossing you around for the next meal."
I leaned back, dramatically placing my fork down. "You could try, but I've survived worse."
The three of us laughed, and for a moment, the room was filled with pure warmth — teasing, laughter, and the simple comfort of a morning spent together. Kushina's small hands smoothed over her hair as she took another bite, while Tsunade's usual sharpness melted just a little with the taste of my cooking.
After finishing, I packed three lunch boxes — one each for Kushina, Mikoto, and Tsume. I handed them to Kushina with a grin. "Make sure Mikoto and Tsume get a taste of my masterpiece too. I'll be expecting detailed reviews."
Kushina gave me a playful glare. "You're impossible, Ryo."
"And yet, completely lovable," I added again, just to annoy her.
Watching the girls head off — Kushina to school, Tsunade to wherever she had work (hospital or casino, probably both) — I felt a quiet satisfaction. Mission accomplished: breakfast? Perfect. Teasing? Done. Happiness? Full meter.
I returned to my room, slipping on my forehead protector and Chūnin vest. Time to get serious. With a flicker of chakra and a burst of motion — thanks to the Body Flicker technique Hiruzen had gifted me and Minato for early graduation — I vanished from my villa, heading straight toward the Hokage's office.
Using Body Flicker for the journey felt almost like dancing. My chakra — vast and steady — flowed through me with practiced ease, letting me glide across rooftops as if the village itself moved beneath my feet. The wind rushed past, birds scattered in startled flocks, and the morning scents — fresh bread, dew-damp earth, faint smoke from cooking fires — filled the air.
Despite the speed, everything around me seemed slower, calmer. Effortless motion, quiet control, the pulse of life beneath every step — even something as simple as this made the morning feel alive.
A sudden blur of gold streaked past me in the same direction.
"Whoa! Slow down there, Yellow Flash!" I called out with a grin.
Minato glanced back, keeping pace effortlessly. "You think I'd let you have all the fun?"
I laughed softly. "I'm not worried. You're catching on faster than I expected."
He smirked, determination lighting his eyes. "Gotta keep up with you somehow, right?"
I nodded, warmth tugging at my chest. "Right. Just don't overdo it. I'd hate to carry you to the Hokage's office if you burn out."
He shot me a teasing glance. "Heh, like you could keep up if I went all out."
I chuckled, letting the morning breeze push us forward. It wasn't a race — it was just another sunrise, shared with a friend who understood the thrill of moving faster than the world itself.
Minutes later, we arrived at the Hokage Building. The authority in the air pressed down, but it didn't bother me — I'd faced far more dangerous pressures before, and this was just another morning in Konoha. We moved inside, the polished floors reflecting the soft sunlight streaming through the windows. Hiruzen had asked us to come for a briefing about teams and assignments, and I could feel the subtle anticipation in the room.
"Good morning, Ryo. Minato," Hiruzen greeted, his calm presence grounding me.
"Good morning, Hokage-sama," we said in unison, bowing respectfully.
After brief pleasantries, Hiruzen summoned Jiraiya with a hand gesture. "Jiraiya, Minato will be joining your team from today."
Minato's eyes sparkled, a flicker of excitement and nerves, while Jiraiya's smirk hinted he already knew more than he let on.
Hiruzen's gaze then turned to me. It was calm, yet weighty. "Ryo… I have a special announcement."
My pulse ticked up, though not from fear — just anticipation.
"You are being promoted," Hiruzen said, deliberately, "to Special Jōnin."
The words hit like a hammer of reality. A quiet thrill ran through me. This wasn't just a title — it was recognition, responsibility, and trust, all at once.
Minato froze mid-breath. "Wait… what? Special Jōnin? Already?"
I smiled faintly, calm as ever. "Looks like that punch got me a bonus."
Jiraiya chuckled knowingly. "Ah… that explains a lot," he murmured. "I had a feeling from what Tsunade and Hiruzen mentioned about that punch of yours."
I shrugged, letting a soft grin tug at my lips. "Little punch, nothing fancy."
Hiruzen continued, measured and firm. "Ryo could have gone straight to Jonin, but considering your lack of field experience and leadership, I've decided on Special Jonin first. Once you gain more experience commanding missions and teams, you'll be promoted to full Jonin rank."
Minato's jaw dropped. "One punch, and you knocked the Nine-Tails out cold… and you're calm about it?"
I exhaled softly, letting a small chuckle escape. "It was… strong, yes. But I'm fine. That's all."
Jiraiya shook his head, grinning. "Strong? Only Hashirama and Madara have ever done that before you. Yet you act like it's a warm-up."
I smirked lightly, feeling a warmth in my chest. "Sometimes the world just needs a little nudge."
Hiruzen nodded approvingly. "Given your strength, you'll be capable of S-rank missions sooner than anyone else. But power alone isn't enough. I want you to join the ANBU temporarily — observe, learn leadership, and gain experience. With your abilities, you'll be invaluable."
I gave a small bow. "Understood, Hokage-sama. I'll make sure to live up to the Special Jonin title."
Minato's eyes lingered on me, a mixture of awe and disbelief. "Ryo… Special Jonin at this age? And I thought my early graduation was impressive…"
I gave him a teasing smile, soft and warm. "You're not far behind, Minato. Just keep up, alright?"
Jiraiya clapped a hand on my shoulder, still grinning. "Remember, kid — punching tailed beasts unconscious is one thing. Leading a team through life-and-death missions is another. Don't get too cocky."
I chuckled softly. "Cocky? Me? Never."
Hiruzen's gentle laugh filled the room, soothing and steady. "You both have much to learn, but I trust you'll manage. That concludes today's briefing. Minato, report to your team. Ryo, prepare for ANBU assignments."
I bowed slightly, feeling the quiet weight of responsibility. Power was one thing; experience and leadership were another. And this… this was just the beginning.
Minato left with Jiraiya, still buzzing with excitement, while I stayed behind, waiting for my next orders. The silence in the Hokage's office was thick — the kind that only comes after big decisions.
Moments later, the door slid open again, and an ANBU with silver hair and a calm, unshakable aura stepped in. Even before Hiruzen spoke, I recognized him — Hatake Sakumo, the White Fang of Konoha.
Up close, the man radiated quiet strength. His eyes were sharp, but not cold — more like the edge of a blade that had already seen too many battles.
"Sakumo," the Hokage said, his voice calm but carrying the weight of command, "you'll take Ryo with you. He'll be joining your ANBU squad for a while to gain field experience. Treat him as one of your own."
Sakumo nodded without hesitation. "Understood, Hokage-sama."
I gave a small bow. "Thank you for the opportunity, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen smiled, eyes kind but still calculating. "With your power, you'll be fine. But the ANBU is different from the battlefield — it demands restraint as much as action. Learn, observe, and don't break too many things."
I chuckled. "I'll do my best to keep the commotion to the minimum, Hokage-sama."
The streets blurred beneath our feet as we moved, silent and fast as I leaped effortlessly through the rooftops, each step barely stopping before the next. Soon, we arrived at the hidden ANBU entrance beneath the cliff.
Inside, the hallways were dim but purposeful. Masked figures moved like shadows — submitting missions, vanishing down stairwells, exchanging whispered codes. The heartbeat of Konoha's secret side.
Sakumo guided me to a small chamber, lit by a few hanging lamps. A medic-nin was already preparing a vial of black ink.
"Try on this vest," Sakumo said, handing me a sleeveless ANBU uniform. "The upcoming mark will only be fully visible when wearing it. Standard issue."
I changed into the ANBU vest, adjusting the straps. Light yet reinforced, it offered both flexibility and protection — perfect for stealth and combat.
"Upper left arm," Sakumo instructed. "Permanent. It won't fade. A mark of those who operate in the shadows."
The medic pressed the needle to my skin, and black ink etched intricate swirls and sharp, wing-like accents into my flesh. A permanent symbol of ANBU membership that will follow me from this day onwards.
Sakumo nodded. "Now, the codename. Something that inspires fear and respect."
I remembered Sakumo's own codename — White Fang — then let the weight of my fists and the punch that knocked the 9-Tails, guide me. "Heaven Fist," I said firmly.
"Welcome to the ANBU, Heaven Fist," Sakumo said with a small smile.
We walked through shadowed corridors to the registration room. Names, rank, gender — every detail logged. I handed over my current rank: Special Jonin. Subtle difference from a regular Jonin, but carrying the same responsibility and respect.
Sakumo's voice softened. "Once masked, only your codename matters. But never forget who you are beneath it."
I nodded in understanding.
Sakumo led me to the squad room. The masked ANBU of Team Fang — Hawk, Serpent, Tiger, and Raven — stood waiting.
Sakumo's gaze swept the room. "This is Heaven Fist. Our squad's newest member and the boy who knocked the Nine-Tails out cold with a single punch."
A ripple passed through the squad. Their eyes widened slightly behind their masks, subtle but unmistakable respect flashing. Only now did it become clear: the masked newcomer was the same ten-year-old who had caused a shockwave through Konoha — promoted today to Special Jonin for feats beyond imagination.
Hawk tilted his head. "He… did it?"
I gave a small smile. "Yeah. But don't worry — Konoha's still standing."
Serpent's voice was low, curious. "Only legends like Hashirama or Madara could do that…"
I shrugged, voice warm and teasing. "I guess I just hit a little harder than the legends. But I know my limits."
Raven chuckled softly. "You're either a god among shinobi… or completely reckless."
I chuckled back. "A bit of both. Don't worry — I can handle it."
Tiger gave a measured nod, accepting the calm confidence in my words. The squad relaxed, the tension dissipating as laughter and quiet banter filled the shadowed room.
Sakumo motioned toward our team's mission scrolls. My eyes were immediately drawn to one with a black cover — the unmistakable mark of an S-Rank assignment. The mission: travel to the Land of Grass and neutralize a group of Iwa-ninjas recently detected in the area. Departure was scheduled for sunset.
"You're strong enough for this," Sakumo said. "Listen to my orders, observe, and act wisely."
"Understood," I said, the warm confidence of my overpowered abilities coiled behind calm restraint.
With hours to spare, I slipped to the Ninja Academy. From the shadows, I watched Kushina, Mikoto, and Tsume enjoying the lunch I'd prepared. Their laughter warmed me, a reminder of ordinary life amidst the chaos.
A few ANBU keeping watch noticed me lurking. I nodded subtly, then scribbled a quick note:
"Kushina, Mikoto, Tsume — heading out on a mission at sunset. Don't worry, I'll be back safe. Hope you liked the lunch. Take care of each other — Ryo."
I folded it into a tiny rocket, tossing it perfectly into Kushina's hand. Her eyes widened as she looked around, Mikoto and Tsume curious. I remained hidden, smiling, then nodded to the ANBU and slipped back to base, sliding silently into the shadows and pulling my mask back over my face.
Back at the ANBU base, Sakumo guided us through final checks: equipment, strategy, maps — every angle accounted for. Team Fang moved fluidly, each member synchronized and ready. Shadows lengthened as sunset approached.
I glanced toward the courtyard — the girls were probably back by now. Just thinking of their smiles eased something in me. The mask didn't change a thing. Heaven Fist or not, I was still Ryo — mind steady, fists ready, heart in the right place.
Sakumo's voice broke the quiet. "Ready, Heaven Fist?"
I flexed my fingers, the ANBU tattoo on my arm reminding me of my duty. "Ready."
Team Fang stepped forward, shadows stretching long across the hidden base. The Land of Grass awaited. And every moment would count.
(A/N): Quite the shift in tone this chapter! Jumping from the heartwarming moments of the previous chapter to something sharper and action-packed. Hope you all liked it! See you in the next one.