To the Sand!

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Days turned into weeks, the rigors of shinobi training blending seamlessly into the rhythms of life in Kumogakure. The nuances of each jutsu learned, the strength gained, the wisdom earned – all these carved themselves into the very being of the young ninja, Ryomaru.

One evening, when the crimson hues of the setting sun painted the skies of Kumogakure, a summons arrived at the doorstep of Ryomaru's home. The messenger, a tall, thin shinobi with a serious demeanor, handed Ryomaru a sealed scroll, bearing the official mark of the Raikage. "You've been summoned to the Raikage's office," he said in a monotone before disappearing as quietly as he'd arrived.

Miori, who had been preparing dinner in the kitchen, watched as Ryomaru broke the seal and read the parchment. Her sharp eyes softened as she regarded her son, the product of circumstances that had stolen her freedom yet gifted her the joy of motherhood. "What is it, Ryomaru?" she asked, her voice careful to not betray the apprehension she felt whenever the Raikage was involved.

Ryomaru looked up, his ice-blue eyes mirroring a maturity beyond his years. "I've been summoned by Raikage-sama. I need to see him now," he said, his voice steady.

Miori nodded, forcing a smile. "Be careful, my son," she said, the words tasting bitter-sweet on her tongue. She knew that every interaction with the Raikage took her son one step further into the world she'd tried to protect him from.

When Ryomaru arrived at the Raikage's office, a heavy wooden door etched with intricate symbols, he took a deep breath before entering. The office was imposing, as was the man behind the massive desk. A, the Fourth Raikage, was a towering figure, his formidable presence filling the room. His dark eyes scanned over Ryomaru, a fleeting glimmer of acknowledgement in them. "Ryomaru," he said, his voice a rumble, "sit down."

Ryomaru took the seat across from him, his young face serious. He held his silence, awaiting the Raikage's words.

"I have decided," A started, "that you will accompany me to the upcoming Chunin Exam in Sunagakure."

Ryomaru felt a flicker of surprise, but he kept his expression neutral. The Chunin Exam, a major event that brought together the brightest young shinobi from all the major villages, was a significant responsibility.

"You are not participating," A clarified, noting Ryomaru's reaction. "This is an opportunity for you to see the world beyond our village, to understand the scope and responsibility of being a shinobi in a broader context."

Ryomaru nodded. "I understand, Raikage-sama," he said, his voice respectful yet detached.

"Good. We leave in a week. Use this time to prepare yourself."

Upon returning home, Ryomaru shared the news with Miori. She felt a stab of fear at the thought of her son leaving the safety of their village, but she swallowed it, offering him a small, supportive smile. "This is a big opportunity, Ryomaru. I know you'll make the best of it."

Ryomaru looked at her, his heart filled with gratitude. For a woman forced into a life she didn't choose, Miori never let her bitterness taint her love for her son. "I will, Mum," he promised, "I will."

To make the best of the week they had, Ryomaru helped his mother with dinner. He was quiet and focused, chopping vegetables with a precision that spoke of his training. Yet there was a gentle warmth to him, his ice-blue eyes glinting with fondness as he teased Miori about her excessive use of spices.

After dinner, they cleared the table together, their movements mirroring each other, a silent dance of familiarity. Later, they lay on the same bed, hugging each other. Miori held her son tight, her fingers carding through his dark hair, her heart aching with a mix of pride and sorrow. Ryomaru, for his part, rested his head on his mother's chest, his thoughts a whirlwind, yet comforted by the steady rhythm of her heart.

The morning of departure came all too soon. Miori stood at the threshold of their home, watching as Ryomaru hoisted his small pack onto his shoulders. His young face was serious, his gaze focused on the journey ahead. Yet, he turned back, offering his mother a soft smile. "I'll be okay, Mum," he said, his voice filled with a reassurance that was wise beyond his years.

"I know you will, Ryomaru," Miori replied, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind his ear, her fingers lingering on his cheek for a moment longer. "Remember to eat well and take care of yourself," she instructed, her voice trembling despite her efforts to keep it steady.

"I will," he promised, his hand covering hers for a moment before he turned, making his way to where the Fourth Raikage was waiting.

A looked at Ryomaru as he approached, his gaze inscrutable. He merely nodded at the young boy, a silent acknowledgement of his presence, before leading the way towards the village gate. Ryomaru fell into step behind him, his heart pounding with a mix of apprehension and anticipation. His mind buzzed with thoughts of the journey ahead, his resolve firming with each step he took.

They travelled in silence, the landscape around them changing as they moved further away from Kumogakure. Ryomaru, despite his mature demeanor, couldn't help but marvel at the new sights. He kept his observations to himself, knowing that the Raikage was not one for idle chatter.

The journey began under the azure dome of the morning sky. A, with his lightning-infused chakra, moved with an uncanny speed that left Ryomaru trailing behind, his breath coming in gasps. The Raikage's agility was legendary, but experiencing it firsthand was a different matter altogether.

"Keep up, Ryomaru," A commanded, his tone devoid of any trace of familial affection. His gaze, fixed on the horizon, seemed to carry the weight of all the responsibility he held as the Raikage.

"Yes, Raikage-sama," Ryomaru replied, fighting to keep his breath steady. He didn't harbor any resentment towards A for his seemingly detached manner. It was the way things were, the price of being born to a man more invested in his role as a village leader than a father.

The landscape whirled by as they sped on, the air around them crackling with the Raikage's electricity. A pushed on, his speed unwavering, taking them into the chilly domain of the Frost Country. The cool air was a sharp contrast to the humid atmosphere of Kumogakure, the surroundings starkly different from the mountainous landscapes of their home village.

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