Loyalty?

The room fell silent, tension filling the air. The old man's face went from confusion to a deep shade of red. "What did you just say, boy?" he spat out, the force of his words like a physical blow.

Taking a quick, defensive step back, Ryomaru held up his hands in a placating gesture, the weight of his outburst pressing down on him. "I apologize," he said, his tone measured. "I shouldn't have said that. Rest assured, regardless of the mission details, we are fully prepared to handle bandits."

Temari eyed Ryomaru curiously, a mixture of concern and surprise evident in her gaze. "Ryomaru, are you okay?"

He nodded but remained quiet, his mind a whirlwind of confusion. Why had he reacted so impulsively? The old man's claim of a simple mission had, for reasons unknown to Ryomaru, felt false. But how could he know? It was as if a dormant intuition had been suddenly awakened within him.

Mabui, ever the diplomat, stepped forward, trying to defuse the situation. "We understand the importance of the mission, sir. Let's focus on the task at hand."

Samui, sensing the unease in the room, added, "Ryomaru's instincts are sharp, and they've served us well. We'll make sure you reach the Wave Country safely."

The Hokage, observing the unfolding drama, spoke up, "Trust is crucial for a mission's success. I believe in Team 8, and I expect the same level of trust from you," he directed towards the old man.

The old man grumbled but didn't counter. "Fine, just get the job done."

As they left the Hokage's office, the air was thick with unsaid words. Temari was the first to break the silence. "Ryomaru, why did you call him out?"

Ryomaru took a deep breath, trying to articulate his feelings. "I... I'm not entirely sure. It just felt like he wasn't being truthful. I can't explain it."

Hinata gently placed a hand on Ryomaru's arm, her voice soft, "We trust your instincts, Ryomaru. Let's stay alert."

He smiled gratefully at her, "Thanks, Hinata."

With their mission set for the next dawn, the fading light of the day found Ryomaru pushing open the door to his home. The comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal wafted through the air, but his mind was a tempest of thoughts, leaving little room for anything else.

Finding his mother, Miori, in the living area, he approached her hesitantly. Wordlessly, she beckoned him over, sensing his need for comfort. Ryomaru lowered himself onto the floor next to her, laying his head gently on her lap. Miori began running her fingers through his silky black hair, her touch soothing his restless mind.

Lost in the gentle rhythm of her touch, the vision that had earlier surfaced returned. The masked figure, enigmatic and imposing, its mere presence evoking a cascade of conflicting emotions. He felt a pull towards this unknown entity, a sense of misplaced loyalty, as if he was meant to be subservient. But in the same breath, a wave of disgust surged through him. The idea of being used, of being someone's mere tool, revolted him. The realization that this was not natural loyalty but rather an imposed, brainwashed allegiance filled him with anger. The sensation of invisible chains trying to bind him made him shudder, and he mentally fought to break free.

He was no one's puppet. His loyalty, fierce and unwavering, belonged first to his mother. It was a bond forged through love, through years of shared laughter and tears. Then came his friends, the ones who stood by his side through thick and thin, and lastly, his village, the place that had welcomed him with open arms. To think he could be swayed by a mere vision, by someone or something attempting to control him, infuriated Ryomaru. He would not be controlled.

Miori, sensing the turmoil in her son, gently whispered, "Whatever is troubling you, remember who you are. You are strong, Ryomaru. Stronger than any external force."

Ryomaru took a deep breath, the weight of his mother's words pushing away the lingering unease. "I know, Mum. It's just...sometimes, it feels like there's a bigger picture, and I'm just one piece in it."

Miori tilted Ryomaru's face up, looking deep into his ice-blue eyes. "Remember this, my love: even a single piece can change the course of a game. Never underestimate your worth."

Ryomaru nodded, drawing strength from her words. "Thank you, Mum."

They sat in silence, the tranquility of the room wrapping around them like a warm blanket. Ryomaru, in the comfort of his mother's presence, gradually let go of the day's worries, letting sleep claim him. Tomorrow, a new challenge awaited, and he would face it head-on, with his mother's love as his shield and his own unwavering determination as his weapon.

As the first rays of dawn peeked through the curtains, Ryomaru was already dressed and ready. His black hair, usually a tousled mess, was neatly tied back, showcasing his striking ice-blue eyes. These eyes, full of determination, darted around the room, double-checking his supplies.

Miori, ever the doting mother, buzzed around him like a bee, her white hair a stark contrast against the early morning light. "Have you packed your extra kunai? What about the antidotes for poison? And don't forget the--"

Ryomaru laughed, gently placing his hands on her shoulders to steady her. "Mum, if I packed everything you think I need, I'd need a bag bigger than me!"

Miori pouted, her ice-blue eyes mirroring Ryomaru's in their shimmering depths. "It's your first mission outside the village, Ryo. A mother worries."

A tender smile played on Ryomaru's lips. "I know, Mum, and I love you for it. But I've trained hard, and I've got a great team with me. We're ready for this."

From the doorway, Samui and Mabui watched the heartfelt exchange, smiles of amusement curling their lips. Mabui whispered, leaning towards Samui, "He's got her wrapped around his little finger, doesn't he?"

Samui chuckled, "And vice versa. Their bond is special."

Ryomaru, overhearing them, gave a mock salute in their direction. "Ready to head out?"

Miori took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. "Promise me you'll be careful?"

Ryomaru enveloped her in a tight embrace. "I promise, Mum."

As they broke apart, Miori brushed a stray strand of hair from his face. "Remember your training and trust in your teammates."

Nodding with a determined grin, Ryomaru replied, "Always."

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