Chapter 36

"Ryu-kun! Ryu-kun!"

I heard my mother's voice from the living room, distracting me from studying yet another medical treatise — hospital practice was progressing successfully, but it required a lot of self-study, as we weren't taught how to treat many diseases in the basic course.

"I'm here," I yelled in response.

I heard the sound of quiet steps, and my mom appeared in the doorway of my room. Judging by her extremely serious expression, she had some news, unpleasant news.

"What happened?"

"Within the next three months, Konohagakure no Sato will begin military actions against Iwagakure no Sato and Sunagakure no Sato under the treaty of defense with allied countries."

"Damn!" I cursed.

Here we go!

"Watch your language, Ryu!" Mom gave me a symbolic slap on the back of my head.

Embarrassed, I scratched the spot where she hit me and set aside the book.

"And what now?"

"I'm returning to active duty," Sayaka replied seriously.

"What?! No! I forbid you!" I jumped to my feet, staring indignantly at my mom.

"Ryu-kun, war is starting, and Konoha will need every extra shinobi and kunoichi to defend our home," Mom sadly smiled. "And to protect our home, I have to return to active duty."

"I don't care! Konoha will survive without another token Jonin!" I threatened.

"Ryu, it's my duty, especially since Shenesu will be on the front lines with Setsura, and he's the head of our clan," Sayaka sighed. "Moreover, I don't want to stay home while Nii-san is out fighting."

"But Oji-san won't be fighting on the front lines; he'll be in the command center developing offensive plans, as he is the village's chief strategist in times of war. But you'll be leading no more than three chunin under your command," I gritted through my teeth, glaring threateningly, or as threateningly as a child could, at the slumped Sayaka. "And the possibility of your death in this case is very high!"

"Ryu..."

"No 'Ryu'! What, now I have to worry about becoming an orphan because you felt like fighting? You have a perfectly valid reason not to return to service — me! And also the lack of practice for over eight years!"

"Ryu-chan..."

"Don't 'Ryu-chan' me! We have enough money with what they pay me at the hospital to not deprive ourselves of anything!" I stormed back and forth between the walls, glaring menacingly at Sayaka, or as menacingly as a child could. "Konoha will find someone else to take risks, and the help of another incomplete Jonin won't tip the balance! Especially considering that your specialization is mainly support, it will be very difficult for you to fight against Iwa's contact ninjas. So YOU WILL NOT GO!"

Stopping and clenching my fists until they hurt, I stared with the heaviest gaze I could muster, which made Sayaka slump even more. After a few minutes, not waiting for a response to my tirade, I took a deep breath, trying to calm down, and sat down next to her, hugging her and resting my head against her side.

"You won't change your mind, will you?" I murmured quietly, involuntarily sniffling.

Mom didn't say anything, only pulled me closer and hugged me tightly, burying her face in my hair, which now cascaded down my back.

"And who's the most stubborn one here?" I snorted.

"It runs in the family," Sayaka chuckled softly in response, and after a brief silence, whispered softly, "I'm sorry, Ryu."

"Just don't you dare die!" I declared sternly. "I'll find you and bring you back! You know me!"

"Heh... Of course, I know my little stubborn dragon," Sayaka affectionately patted my head.

"And don't you dare be a hero and cover someone's retreat if you have to retreat yourself."

"And who's the adult here?" Sayaka asked rhetorically.

"The answer is obvious — I have more brains and behave much more responsibly than some!" I declared pompously.

Of course, even for myself, it sounded idiotic, but what wouldn't I do to lift the spirits of the most beloved and closest person? And judging by the laughter that followed, I succeeded.

"How much time is left?" I asked, returning to the serious conversation.

"About four to five months before I leave Konoha," Mom replied.

Four to five months... in principle, there was enough time, especially if I used the help of clones. Jumping off her knees, I grabbed Sayaka's hand and pulled her along.

"Ryu?"

"I'll show you something useful," I grumbled, not turning back.