Chapter 80: Yes, I Promise You
When Ryuzen and Hinata arrived at the place where Asuma Sarutobi's body had been placed, many ninjas had already gathered.
They stood quietly outside the crowd.
At the center were the members of Team 10.
Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, and Choji Akimichi stood beside their fallen teacher, their heads lowered.
Rain poured down from the gloomy sky.
Tears mixed with the rain on their faces.
The scene reminded many people of the day when the Third Hokage's memorial had been held under the same dark weather.
Ryuzen observed quietly.
But he did not see Kurenai Yuhi.
It made sense.
Kurenai was pregnant. Even though her lover had died in battle, it would not be appropriate for her to stand here in the storm.
After watching silently for a moment, Ryuzen leaned toward Hinata.
He whispered a few instructions into her ear.
Hinata nodded repeatedly.
Without hesitation, she ran off into the heavy rain.
Ryuzen had asked her to visit Kurenai and comfort her on behalf of Team 8.
Soon afterward, another familiar figure arrived.
Shino Aburame had also heard the news and rushed over from home.
The two members of Team 8 stood quietly outside the crowd, letting the rain soak their clothes.
Neither spoke.
Two Hours Later
Gradually, the gathered ninjas dispersed after paying their respects.
Eventually, only Team 8 and Team 10 remained.
The empty field felt colder in the rain.
Ryuzen stepped forward.
Shino followed silently.
When they reached Team 10, the three genin were still standing around Asuma's body without moving.
Their heads were lowered.
Their shoulders trembled.
Ryuzen spoke softly.
"My condolences."
Shino echoed calmly.
"Condolences."
But Team 10 did not respond.
It was as if their souls had not yet returned to their bodies.
Ryuzen raised his hand and gently placed it on Shikamaru's head.
"Do you need help?"
He did not explain further.
Ryuzen knew that Shikamaru would understand.
Among the Konoha Twelve, if Hinata was the most important person in his life—
Then Shikamaru was the one he truly regarded as a friend.
Shikamaru slowly raised his head.
His lower lip was bitten tight.
The usual lazy expression was gone.
Only regret and stubbornness remained.
But he still said nothing.
Ryuzen lowered his hand.
He turned and began walking away.
As he left, he spoke one final sentence.
"Come to me after you've thought things through."
"Remember to include me and Team 8 when you make the battle plan."
He paused briefly.
"Otherwise… we're no longer friends."
Behind him—
Shikamaru finally broke down.
The tears he had been holding back began to fall.
Shino adjusted his sunglasses and quietly followed Ryuzen.
After walking some distance, Shino spoke.
"You intend to help them?"
Ryuzen nodded.
"Yes."
Then he added calmly,
"You can choose not to go."
Shino shook his head.
"I'll go."
"Whether because of Kurenai-sensei… Asuma-sensei… or our relationship with Shikamaru and the others."
"I'll go with you."
A faint smile appeared on Ryuzen's face.
"I'll inform you when the time comes."
Shino nodded once.
The two separated at the next intersection.
Later That Day
When Ryuzen returned home, steam rose faintly from his kimono.
The moisture evaporated instantly.
After drying his hair, he noticed the messy bed in the room.
Hanabi had already left for school.
Ryuzen tidied the room before walking back to the gym.
From a cabinet he took out his sword.
Placing it on the tea table, he carefully began maintaining the blade with oil and cotton.
Although it was only a weapon worth a little more than two thousand ryo, many powerful enemies had fallen to it.
Among them were:
Zabuza Momochi
Kimimaro
Sasori
Along with dozens of other shinobi from the Sand and Sound villages.
Because of this record, the sword had earned a nickname among certain circles:
The Hundred-Man Killer.
It wasn't that Ryuzen had never considered replacing it.
But good swords were extremely rare in the shinobi world.
And with his haki-like reinforcement, even an ordinary blade could become extraordinary.
Until he found a weapon truly worthy of him—
There was no need to change.
After maintaining the blade, Ryuzen placed it on the stand and returned to the gym.
He sat cross-legged and closed his eyes.
His awareness expanded.
Like a web spreading through the air, his perception captured the subtle "breathing" of everything around him.
Weak… strong…
Near… far…
The rhythm of life within the world.
Even after hearing of Asuma's death, his mind quickly returned to calm.
Evening
Night fell.
Hinata had not returned yet.
For the first time in a while, Ryuzen prepared dinner alone.
Soon, a clear voice echoed through the house.
"Brother Ryuzen!"
Hanabi had returned from school.
Ryuzen left the gym and went to the kitchen.
While helping prepare dinner, Hanabi asked curiously,
"Where's Sister?"
Ryuzen told her the truth.
About Asuma's death.
About the tragedy that had occurred.
Hanabi's face gradually turned pale.
The cruelty of the shinobi world had suddenly become real to her.
Without a word, Ryuzen gently patted her back.
That night, the two of them ate dinner alone.
Normally Hanabi would have been cheerful.
But tonight she was unusually quiet.
After a few bites—
She suddenly put down her chopsticks.
Then she jumped down from her chair and threw herself into Ryuzen's arms.
Her voice trembled.
"Brother Ryuzen…"
"You have to promise Hanabi something."
Ryuzen looked down at her.
"What is it?"
Her small hands clutched his clothes tightly.
"You have to promise… nothing will happen to you."
"Ever."
The fear in her trembling voice made Ryuzen's heart stir slightly.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then he gently placed his hand on her head.
"Yes."
"I promise you."
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