Chapter 14: The return

The previously empty office is now filled with ninjas.

However, compared to the initial panic, everyone's mindset is much calmer now.

And all of this is naturally because of respected Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The latter is sitting in Ryu position at the moment, smoking a cigarette as he looks at the scattered summoning contract of the Shikkotsu Forest on his desk. He couldn't help but sigh in his heart that even a wealthy and solitary ninja like him, his background is still not as good as he underestimated.

You should know that it took a lot of effort for him to let his apprentice Jiraiya contract the Holy Land with Mount Myōboku.

Among them, it was more because of the individuals' own qualities and abilities that opened the door to the 3 Holy Lands.

Unlike Tsunade, he easily took out the scroll of the Shikkotsu forest summoning contract, achieving it so effortlessly.

Now it's Senju Ryu's turn again.

It's truly enviable!

But even so, Hiruzen doesn't covet this contract summoning scroll.

One could say he is hesitant and weak, craving power, but it's undeniable that in terms of personal integrity alone, he still stands high.

If it were Danzo here, I'm afraid he would have been greedy and pocketed it directly.

Just as Hiruzen was taking another puff of his cigarette, he suddenly felt something and quickly stood up and moved aside.

In the next second, a white puff of smoke rose from where he had been standing originally.

When the smoke dissipated, Ryu's figure appeared within everyone's sight.

"Fourth Hokage Ryu!" The others in the room exclaimed joyfully.

"I apologize for worrying everyone. I'm fine. I just had a conversation with my partner who just had a lonely experience. Let's all go," Ryu smiled.

"Yes!" They all said in unison.

"This time I have caused trouble, Lord Third." Ryu then expressed his gratitude to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The latter waved the pipe in his hand and said casually, "It's not a big deal, just explain it. Also, congratulations, Ryu, the sage slug is an incredible existence."

Ryu modestly replied, "The living sage slug is truly amazing, and its personality is very friendly. With this companion, it will not only benefit me but also be of great help to Konoha if any problems arise."

"Yes!" Hiruzen couldn't help but nod when he thought about the immensely powerful medical ability of the slug.

He pondered about Tsunade, who was also the custodian of the Shikkotsu Forest, and lamented, "It's regrettable that Tsunade is not currently in Konoha. If the two of them were to work together, their combined abilities as Sage slugs would significantly mitigate any potential losses in the face of imminent danger."

Ryu fell into silence.

The reasons behind Tsunade's reluctance to return were likely known well by Hiruzen.

In addition to needing time to heal her psychological wounds, there was likely a reluctance to confront the unsavory affairs prevalent among the upper echelons of Konoha.

The same applied to Jiraiya.

Neither of the two apprentices were willing to return to Konoha. Evidently, something from the village's past had created a deep divide within their hearts.

In essence, the third Hokage's demise in a future battle. To rectify the turmoil in Konoha while avoiding its acceptance by individuals like Danzo, Tsunade had to make her return. Of course, Naruto's inadvertent revelation also played a certain role in her decision.

"Well, then I won't disturb you. As one ages, reminiscing about the past becomes quite common!" Hiruzen Sarutobi said, regaining his composure, bidding farewell.

"The third hokage still possess the experience and strength," Ryu bid his farewell while speaking and chuckling.

Along the way, a sudden thought crossed his mind, prompting him to speak again with anticipation, "That's right! Third hokage, when will you lend me that crystal ball in your possession? I've mentioned this matter to you numerous times."

The aforementioned crystal ball, naturally, was the tool employed by the Third Hokage to spy on Naruto in the early stages of the original story.

In reality, there exists a more professional term for its usage, referred to as the art of spying.

Ryu had coveted it for a considerable time.

Initially, he believed it to be a standard Hokage equipment, but to his surprise, Sarutobi Hiruzen had taken possession of it.

It was only then that he mustered the courage to request it continuously.

Clearly, the latter was not amenable to such a proposition.

Upon witnessing Sarutobi Hiruzen swiftly leaping over the wall, Ryu vigorously shook his head and uttered, "No, no, no! Cough, cough... I've told you before, the crystal ball is shattered and remains unrepaired. Now, it appears highly unlikely that it can be fixed at all. So, Ryu, cease dwelling on it."

Just a jest! The crystal ball was his very essence. It always bestowed immense satisfaction whenever he was alone.

How could he possibly part with it?

Even if they were to eliminate him, Ryu would refuse to believe that the crystal ball was broken.

It seems there is yet another reason to topple the Third Hokage from power.

Ryu, driven by his ambitious spirit, made his way back to his office.

Overwhelmed with the prospect of practicing the Sage Wood Arts, he found himself teetering on the edge of surrendering to the immediate urge to engage in its mastery. The indelible image of the Nine-Tails wreaking havoc in Konoha, ultimately subdued by the Sage Wood Arts, had left an indelible mark on his mind. He eagerly awaited the day when his fame points would skyrocket upon mastering this power.

Once he acquired the technique for himself, Ryu aspired to surpass even the legendary Senju Hashirama. His relentless pursuit of mastery and the desire to reach the pinnacle of this world had consumed him for countless years. Although he was well aware of the arduous path that lay ahead, he remained steadfast in his determination to prevail and achieve his ultimate goal.

In an attempt to compose himself, Ryu reached for another familiar novel, "The Tale of the Strongest and Gutsy Ninja."

Speaking of which, the book he held in his hands marked the pivotal moment when he first encountered Minato at Ichiraku Ramen. It was during their conversation that Minato passionately recommended the book to him.

Minato had become an ardent devotee of the novel, to the extent that he had even chosen to name his unborn son after the protagonist of the story.

As Ryu turned to the first page of the novel and witnessed the main character stepping onto the stage, his gaze grew deeper and more contemplative.

Naruto...

With the unexpected arrival of this enigmatic individual, Ryu's curiosity was piqued. What future awaited him?

Ryu eagerly anticipated unraveling the mysteries that lay ahead.