Chapter 64: Promise
When Ryuzen woke, dawn was just breaking through the darkness.
Cicadas chirped outside the window as he slowly opened his eyes. An uncomfortable weakness immediately washed over him—his body felt hollow, drained.
He tried to lift his head, but his vision blurred and swam, forcing him to lie back down.
A familiar weight pressed against his chest. A familiar fragrance filled his nostrils.
Looking down at the girl sleeping peacefully in his arms, Ryuzen's mind slowly pieced together fragmented memories. Hinata had been wiping his body, then massaging his hands and feet... His body felt clean, no sticky residue. Last night's memories were real.
His eyes softened.
He raised a hand and gently stroked her long, silky hair. Then he lay quietly, not moving, not even thinking about the emptiness in his stomach.
[You have killed Kimimaro. Experience gained: 1.22%]
[Dracule Mihawk Inheritance Template: 63.58% Unlocked]
While stroking Hinata's hair, Ryuzen checked his system. The 1.22% experience made him nod with satisfaction.
In the seven years since coming to this world—apart from that long-ago fight with three bullies when he was six—this was the first time Ryuzen had been reduced to such a state. Kimimaro had made him experience the suffocating approach of death for the first time.
That experience was entirely worthy of the Kaguya clan's final heir.
After checking the system, Ryuzen closed his eyes.
Not to enter the spiritual world this time, but to listen.
Yesterday, he had been too exhausted to properly comprehend the realm of the Great Swordsman. Now, with renewed energy, he naturally wanted to experience that feeling again.
A long moment passed. His red eyes opened, and disappointment flickered in their depths.
The perception range is three times larger than before. But yesterday's slash... was that just a moment of enlightenment?
He remembered clearly. The sword that carved the mountain had been powerful—far beyond his normal capabilities. But Mihawk had swung similar slashes casually, effortlessly.
Ryuzen had been left nearly dead.
At that moment, the Breath of All Things had expanded to an absurd degree. Ryuzen's current perception was still greatly enhanced compared to before, but when he deliberately tried to enter that state, he couldn't replicate it.
Like after witnessing Mihawk's battle with Shanks in the spiritual world, he had briefly entered a transcendent state. This felt similar—a temporary elevation, not a permanent ascent.
But this time, my baseline has risen significantly.
He understood now. The brush with death had forced an epiphany.
"Death really is a terrible thing," he murmured softly.
BAM!
"Ryuzen-nii!"
The door slammed open with force. Hanabi burst in, her small face twisted with worry. She launched herself at the bed without hesitation, her entire body landing on Ryuzen's chest.
"Cough—!"
Ryuzen, already weakened, nearly had the breath crushed out of him.
But when he felt wetness on his face and saw tears streaming down Hanabi's cheeks, any irritation dissolved instantly.
He cupped her head gently, using two fingers to wipe away her tears. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"
"I... I heard that everyone who went to save Uchiha Sasuke got hurt! Neji-nii is really badly hurt, and there was a silver-haired chūnin who passed out..." Hanabi's voice hitched with sobs. "I thought something happened to you, Ryuzen-nii!"
Hinata, who had been about to scold her sister for the rude awakening, softened completely at the words.
Ryuzen smiled. He lifted his head slightly and pressed a kiss to the corner of Hanabi's eye, then rested his hand on her head.
"No matter what you hear in the future, remember this: Your brother Ryuzen will always be fine."
He met her tearful gaze seriously.
"That's my promise to Hanabi. Understand?"
"Mm." Hanabi's voice was thick with tears, but she raised her hand toward him, extending her little finger. "Pinkie promise!"
Ryuzen laughed softly. He hooked his right little finger around hers and shook gently.
"Pinkie promise."
Hee hee...
Hanabi's face broke into a smile through her tears. She was only seven years old, after all.
And in that moment, Ryuzen realized he had found the second precious gem in his life.
Time flowed like water, passing in an instant.
Two months later.
Mid-December. The end of the year approached.
After Uchiha Sasuke's defection, the nine rookies seemed to transform. They began growing up.
The most noticeable changes were in Naruto Uzumaki and Nara Shikamaru.
Naruto had promised the girl he loved that he would bring Sasuke back—and failed. Aware of his own weakness, resenting his powerlessness, he became less childish. He constantly sought ways to find clues about Sasuke, training harder than ever.
Shikamaru carried deep guilt for his teammates' injuries. Though he still appeared lazy on the surface, once a mission began, he transformed—fully engaged, using his genius mind to prepare flawless strategies.
Beyond that, the twelve little heroes had grown closer through their shared ordeal. Bonds of friendship had blossomed.
For certain gatherings, Inuzuka Kiba and Nara Shikamaru from Teams 7, 9, and 10 would come to invite Team 8. Hyūga Neji's team—Guy's team—also participated.
At first, Ryuzen refused. Eventually, worn down by persistence, he brought Team 8 to a few events.
His relationship with the original cast shifted from strangers to classmates to acquaintances.
At least, that's how Ryuzen saw it.
To Shikamaru and the others, he had become a trusted partner.
The end of the year drew near. Heavy snow began to fall.
December 27th.
Tonight, Ryuzen had prepared a surprise.
His apartment was dimly lit. Candles flickered.
Hinata and Hanabi, summoned by Ryuzen's mysterious request, entered the living room to find a cake waiting—twelve small candles burning bright on its surface.
Before Hinata could react, warm hands covered her eyes from behind.
A soft voice whispered in her ear:
"Happy birthday, my beautiful Byakugan princess."
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