Chapter 33 - Goodbye

"Ryu, what's that? Scalpels? Did you make them?" Daisuke asked, puzzled.

He went on his regular patrol route, when he suddenly saw Ryu exit a crack in the ground carrying something.

"Yeah, I figured they'd be a nice goodbye gift before I go on my way..." Ryu replied hesitantly.

Daisuke's expression softened. "Oh, I didn't realize... What're your plans?"

Ryu felt touched by Daisuke's genuine concern, especially since he hadn't even paid much attention to the scalpels once he heard the news. "I'll be on my way to Konoha. Though I don't need their help annihilating the Mist anymore, I have some other business there," Ryu explained.

"Of what sort?" Daisuke inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Ryu considered his answer for a moment. 'It won't hurt to tell now, would it? I'm more than powerful enough to deal with any consequence now, and besides, I trust all of them.' With that thought, Ryu decided to reveal his secret. He undid the transformation that hid his eye, unveiling his Mangekyo Sharingan to Daisuke, who stared in shock.

"What is that eye?" Daisuke exclaimed, his voice filled with surprise.

"That's my Mangekyo Sharingan," Ryu replied, smirking as he saw Daisuke's jaw drop. "Yeah, I'm an Uchiha. And I have a Mangekyo Sharingan at just twelve years old. Surprised?"

Daisuke couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had heard countless stories about the legendary Uchiha clan and their powerful eyes. He never imagined that his friend Ryu was one of them. "When did you even awaken it?" Daisuke asked, still reeling from the revelation.

Ryu's smirk faded, replaced by a more somber expression. "Remember when you told me my dad died? That's when it happened."

Daisuke's expression softened as he remembered the tragic event. "Ah, that makes sense. So, are you willing to tell me what your Mangekyo abilities are?"

Ryu hesitated before answering. "I'd prefer not to, if that's alright with you. It's not that I don't trust you, but I don't want to risk any leaks. Also, I'm worried you might see me differently if you knew."

Daisuke looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"Well, my Mangekyo abilities aren't quite what you might expect. They aren't originally combat-focused. They're unique, and I'm afraid knowing what they are might endanger our friendship," Ryu explained, his voice tinged with concern.

Daisuke nodded, respecting Ryu's wishes. "Then I won't ask about it." He then reached up and removed his mask, revealing his face for the first time.

"You've never seen me without my mask on, and since you shared your secret with me, I think it's only fair I show you this side of me. Consider it my goodbye gift and a show of trust." Daisuke appeared younger than Ryu had imagined, looking to be in his late twenties. He had short ginger hair, blue eyes, and well-kept stubble.

Ryu couldn't help but burst into laughter, and Daisuke scratched the back of his head, slightly embarrassed. "What? What did you think I looked like?"

"No, sorry, I wasn't laughing at that," Ryu replied, catching his breath. He found it amusing because he already knew what Daisuke looked like, having inherited all his memories. He had seen Daisuke's face even when he was just a child. Despite knowing the truth, Ryu appreciated the gesture and the trust it represented.

"You should probably go see Akina and Arakan. I'll take those scalpels from you," Daisuke suggested, gesturing for a nearby security team member to come forward and collect the scalpel set from Ryu's hands.

Ryu made his way to the lobby where Akina and Arakan were waiting for him. "Daisuke sent someone to tell us you're leaving. When are you going?" Akina asked, concern in her voice.

"Well, basically now. I have no real reason to stay here anymore, and I want to continue on my journey to the Hidden Leaf," Ryu explained.

Arakan grumbled, "You brat, you should've told us in advance!"

Ryu scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I know, I know. Your workload will increase again, and I'm sorry."

Arakan waved his hand dismissively. "Not that! We didn't finish our goodbye gift! We would've worked faster if we knew you'd be leaving so soon."

Ryu's curiosity was piqued. "What did you want to make for me?"

Akina stepped forward, presenting Ryu with a book. "We compiled our important medical knowledge and techniques for you. You have great potential, Ryu. You should consider becoming a doctor if you ever find blacksmithing boring. It's good for you to have this book regardless, even if we didn't manage to complete it. Here it is, by the way."

The book had a modest appearance, with a simple leather cover and the words 'Medical Tips' stitched in red wool. "We'll miss you, Ryu," Akina said, hugging him tightly. "It won't be the same without you," Arakan added, smiling and patting Ryu's shoulder.

"Thanks, guys!" Ryu hugged them both, touched by their gestures. 'It's the same as with Daisuke, huh? I already have their memories. Can't let them know that, though,' Ryu thought.

Before leaving, Ryu asked, "Did Daisuke tell you about my gift?"

Akina nodded. "Yes, it'll be a great help. Thank you," She ruffled his hair one last time.

"I'm glad you find it useful and don't worry. I'll fulfill my end of the deal!" Ryu called out as he walked away, the clinic staff's farewells echoing in his ears.

---

Having said his goodbyes to Daisuke, Akina, and Arakan, Ryu embarked on his journey. He had been traveling for quite some time, soaring through the sky as a hawk. The Land of Water was in chaos since its primary combat force had been decimated. Various factions sought to claim territory and resources for themselves. Even those uninterested in territorial gains were after information about the unfolding events.

Such circumstances attracted a diverse array of people, making it nearly impossible to travel for more than an hour by foot without encountering a bandit or shinobi eager for blood. As a result, Ryu decided to transform into a hawk and take to the sky.

While flying, Ryu's attention was drawn to a certain individual below. The man was tall and well-built, with fair skin and waist-length, spiky white hair pulled back into a ponytail. Two shoulder-length bangs framed his face, and distinctive red lines ran from beneath his eyes down to his chin.

Ryu couldn't shake the feeling that something about the man was off. Perhaps it was due to his training with two S-rank individuals, but his instincts told him this man was powerful. He exuded strength in the way he carried himself, yet his presence was almost imperceptible—a rare and challenging combination to achieve. Intrigued, Ryu activated his Mangekyo to get a better look at the mysterious figure.

Sensing something amiss, the man suddenly raised his head, scanning the sky above. The only visible presence was a lone hawk staring intently at him, and understanding dawned on his face.

In the blink of an eye, the man vanished from his position, only to reappear behind Ryu moments later.