Extended Stay

Samui, who had been observing silently, finally nodded. "We should get going."

Ryomaru said his goodbyes, eliciting promises from his friends to meet up later for training or perhaps some ramen. With a parting wave, he and Samui began to walk toward the Hokage's office.

The air inside the Hokage's office was heavy with the scent of aged wood and parchment. A towering bookshelf filled with scrolls and tomes lined one wall, while the symbol of Konoha adorned another. Hokage Sarutobi sat behind his desk, eyes filled with the wisdom of many years. He looked up as Ryomaru and Samui entered. "Ah, Ryomaru. How was training today?"

"Eventful," Ryomaru grinned. "Faced off against Neji. He's strong."

Sarutobi's eyes twinkled. "I heard. You both are growing into formidable shinobi. That's good for the future of our villages."

Ryomaru smiled, "I still have much to learn, Hokage-sama."

"As do we all," the old Hokage chuckled, setting down his pipe. "Now, to business. How are you finding your time in Konoha? Any issues with the villagers?"

Ryomaru shook his head. "The villagers have been respectful. I think my classmates are getting used to having me around as well."

Sarutobi nodded approvingly. "That's good to hear. I was also wondering how your mother is doing. She hasn't been seen much."

"She prefers to keep to herself," Ryomaru replied, aware of the tension that always accompanied any mention of his mother. "But she's doing well, thank you for asking."

After the small talk, Hokage Sarutobi's expression grew solemn. "We've had a discussion, the three Kage—myself, Raikage, and Kazekage. We've agreed to extend the duration of the Student Exchange Program. Gaara and Naruto are benefiting immensely from your Uncle B's guidance. Raikage-sama has graciously agreed to extend their stay in the Cloud. As a reciprocal measure, you and Temari will remain here in Konoha for an extended period, and Shikamaru will stay in the Sand Village."

Ryomaru only said, "Oh."

It wasn't that he was unhappy in Konoha. He had found friends here, like Hanabi, Hinata, and Temari. His mother seemed more at ease as well. But there was a tug in his heart for his Cloud family—Uncle B, Karui, Shiromi, Tsubaki.

Reading the subtleties in Ryomaru's eyes, Sarutobi's gaze softened. "You will graduate here in Konoha. Then, you'll return to Cloud."

Ryomaru met the Hokage's gaze. "I understand, Hokage-sama."

"Good. Remember, you're not just here to learn; you're also an ambassador of sorts for your village. So far, you've done well on both counts."

With that, Ryomaru left the Hokage's office. Once outside, Samui gently placed her hand on his shoulder, her gaze softening. "How do you feel about this, Ryomaru? We can write to Raikage-sama if you want."

Ryomaru shook his head as he leapt up to plant a soft kiss on Samui's cheek, earning a rare giggle from her. "Thank you, Samui. I'm fine. When I return, Karui, Shiromi, and Tsubaki will be older. I wonder how strong they've gotten. And Uncle B should miss me more by then."

Samui smiled at Ryomaru's cheerful disposition. She knew he was putting on a brave face, not just for himself but for her as well. It was one of the many reasons she adored the young boy; he was always considerate of those he cared about.

After that, they walked back home, talking about random things like the quirks of Konoha's weather and their favorite Cloud Village foods that they missed. The usual residence they occupied in Konoha was more modest than their Cloud Village home but comfortable nonetheless.

As they entered, Miori was there to greet them. Her white hair framed her face like a snowy halo, and her ice-blue eyes immediately locked onto Ryomaru. "My sweet boy, how was your day?" She opened her arms wide, and Ryomaru ran into them, hugging her tightly.

"It was fine, Mum," he grinned, pulling away to look at her face. "I sparred with Neji today."

"Ah, the young Hyuga prodigy. And how did that go?"

"I learned a lot," Ryomaru said, smiling but not boasting.

Ryomaru guided his mother Miori and Mabui to the cozy sitting area of their Konoha residence, the scent of evening tea wafting through the room. Samui took her place nearby.

"Sit, Mum, Mabui," Ryomaru gestured toward the cushions on the floor.

Miori took a seat gracefully, her eyes locking onto her son's face, sensing that he had something important to discuss. Mabui sat as well, her eyes revealing a mix of curiosity and concern.

"I spoke with Hokage-sama today," Ryomaru began, his voice tinged with a subtle seriousness that immediately caught his mother's attention. "The Student Exchange Program has been extended. I'll graduate here in Konoha."

Miori's eyes widened a touch, her immediate instinct being a mother's concern. "That's another year without seeing your home, Ryo. How do you feel about that?"

Ryomaru looked into his mother's ice-blue eyes—eyes that so resembled his own—and smiled gently. "It's okay, Mum. I'm learning a lot here, and I've made some good friends."

Still, Miori felt a pang of sadness for her son. She loved him beyond words and always worried about his happiness. Feeling her gaze heavy with a mother's affection and concern, Ryomaru motioned for her to come closer.

As if reading his mind, Miori moved next to him, and Ryomaru gently guided her head to rest on his lap. He began to caress her white hair, a small yet meaningful gesture that spoke volumes of their close bond.

"Don't worry, Mum," Ryomaru said softly, his fingers continuing their tender movement through her locks. "We'll be back in the Cloud Village soon enough. And I'll be stronger for it."

Miori closed her eyes for a moment, allowing herself to be comforted by her son's touch and words. In that instant, she felt her worries ease, her heart swelling with pride and love for the young boy who had become her world.

Mabui watched the tender scene unfold and felt her own emotions stir. Ryomaru had a way of lightening everyone's worries; it was one of the things that made him so endearing.

Soon, Miori's eyes closed, lulled into peaceful slumber by her son's gentle touch. Ryomaru felt his own eyes grow heavy, his energy spent from an eventful day of training and important conversations. Before long, both mother and son had fallen asleep, her head resting comfortably on his lap.

Samui and Mabui, who had been watching the tender scene from a distance, exchanged a look. There was something overwhelming about how genuinely adorable the moment was. With the utmost care, Samui and Mabui quietly moved to lift Miori's head from Ryomaru's lap, then gently carried the sleeping pair to Miori's bed, laying them down with the same delicacy one might use to handle the rarest of jewels.

"Looks like it's our cue to leave," Samui said softly, her voice barely above a whisper as she carefully tucked a blanket around the two.

Mabui nodded. "They'll need all the rest they can get for tomorrow."

Silently, the two shinobi left the room, closing the door gently behind them, before making their way to their adjacent lodging for the night.

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