Raikage is Coming

Temari was equally happy at the prospect of seeing her brother. That meant Raikage was coming too. Ryomaru wasn't sure he wanted that. His mother had been happy to be free lately, and he didn't want her to feel trapped by his presence again, but it didn't matter. 'No matter who stands between my mother and her happiness,' he thought to himself, 'I will murder them all, even my own father, Raikage.'

They were still students and couldn't attend the Chunin Exam, but they were still excited with the prospect. Exams were always a sight to see, as the final round only housed the most talented. Battles were always exciting. There were pluses as well this year, as Gaara and Naruto, who trained in Cloud with B, would come too. Hinata's crush on Naruto was obvious to all, while Gaara was Temari's brother. Ryomaru was happy for them. He only hoped A wouldn't have any ideas about his living arrangements.

Soon Iruka entered, and students started to question him about the Exam. Sighing, Iruka quietened them down to announce, "A month from now, the final round of Chunin Exam will be in Konoha Arena for all to see. Three Kage from Konoha, Cloud and Sand will also have a summit to discuss their alliance and further improve the relation between villages. With them, the students who went to the exchange program will also come to see their families and friends for the duration but will return with the Kages. That means Naruto, who is in Cloud, and Shikamaru, in Sand, will come in a month."

Choji beamed for Shikamaru while Hinata was happy to see Naruto again, although more subdued.

"That's fantastic!" Choji exclaimed, "I've been missing Shikamaru so much. It's going to be great to have him back, even if it's just for a little while."

Hinata blushed, her gaze dropping to her hands folded neatly in her lap. "It will be...nice to see Naruto-kun again," she said softly, her voice filled with a quiet joy that didn't need to be loud to be understood.

Ryomaru leaned back slightly in his seat, a content smile on his face as he observed his friends. His ice-blue eyes held a spark of excitement but also a trace of concern. "This is going to be quite the event," he remarked. "The whole village will be buzzing."

Temari, hearing her brother's name, straightened and looked eager. "I can't wait to see Gaara. I've missed him terribly," she said, her tone softer than usual, revealing her affection for her brother. "And it's not just about missing family; it's a great opportunity for all of us. The exams are going to be electrifying."

At that moment, Hanabi chimed in, her eyes sharp but playful. "Just imagine the techniques we'll get to see," she mused, "and the strategies..."

Ryomaru grinned at Hanabi, "And the opportunity to learn, right?" he added, giving her a wink. "After all, we're not just spectators; we're future competitors."

Iruka, sensing the energy in the room, smiled warmly at his students. "Yes, it's an opportunity to learn," he agreed. "Observe carefully during the exams, everyone. What you see could shape your own path as a ninja."

As the room hummed with excited chatter, Ryomaru's mind subtly shifted to the impending arrival of the Raikage. His expression remained steady, but inside, his protective instincts for his mother surged. He looked down at his hands, clenched into fists at the thought of any tension that his father might bring into their peaceful life in Konoha.

Sensing his shift in mood, Miori's lessons on composure echoing in his mind, Ryomaru took a deep breath and relaxed his hands.

The day flew by with training and classes. After the class, Ryomaru said his goodbyes to Hanabi and others and went home with Samui escorting him. He had to talk with his mother, so he didn't go with the girls today. Upon arriving at the house, Miori greeted him as usual. She buried him in her bosom as she kissed the top of his head, hugging him tightly.

"My precious Ryomaru," Miori whispered, her voice quivering with warmth and love. The affection in her embrace was palpable, as if she were trying to impart all her love into this single moment.

"I missed you, Mum," Ryomaru murmured into her embrace, his words sincere and heartwarming, his voice filled with relief and comfort that he only felt in his mother's arms.

Pulling back just enough to meet his eyes, Miori gently cupped Ryomaru's cheek, her ice-blue eyes reflecting deep love and pride. "And I you, my love," she replied softly, "How was your day?"

Ryomaru held her hand and guided her to the living room. As they seated, he held her hand, and looked at her with a maturity above his age. Miori understood something serious was happening, so she listened intently.

"Raikage is coming next month for the Chunin Exam," Ryomaru started, his voice steady but clearly communicating the weight of this news.

Miori's eyes widened slightly at the mention of the Raikage, but she quickly regained her composure, her expression softening as she focused on her son. "I see," she said gently. "And how do you feel about that, Ryomaru?"

He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "I'm concerned, Mum," he admitted. "I don't want his presence to affect the life we have built here. I don't want him to make you uncomfortable."

Miori's face softened further, touched by her son's consideration. "My dear, you are very thoughtful," she replied warmly. "But remember, we are here in Konoha now, and we have a life separate from him. His presence does not change that."

Ryomaru nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly at his mother's comforting words. "I know," he said. "It's just that… I've seen you so happy here, and I will not let him or anyone else take that away."

Miori reached out and gently cupped Ryomaru's face in her hands. "My happiness is not so fragile, Ryomaru," she whispered, her ice-blue eyes brimming with affection. "It is built on the love we share, on our life here together. His visit is temporary. We are permanent."

A tender smile graced Ryomaru's face at her words, his ice-blue eyes mirroring his mother's deep affection. "You're right, Mum," he said, his voice carrying a newfound reassurance. "We are permanent. And I will stand by you, always."

Miori leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on her son's forehead, her heart swelling with love and pride for the strong, compassionate young man he was growing to be. "And I will always stand by you, my precious Ryomaru," she whispered.

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