Snuggling

I started a patreon account where you can read 45 chapters! (15 from each new series)! Take a look!

patreon.com/IWriteFanfic2

--

Ryomaru listened, the words sinking into him. His mind was abuzz, painting images of the legendary Third Raikage, standing tall and unyielding amidst a storm of attacks. His eyes flicked back to his father, his admiration for the man before him undiminished.

A, however, continued, his gaze distant as if lost in a memory. "I, on the other hand, am known as the 'Fastest Shinobi Alive'. The technique didn't result in the same outcome for me because everyone has a different preference and inclination. For me, the power of the technique lies in its speed, the ability to react and move faster than any enemy can perceive."

His words carried an undercurrent of warning, his eyes meeting Ryomaru's once more, "What this technique becomes for you will depend on how you adapt it, how you mold it to suit your own strengths and weaknesses."

A's words hung heavily in the air, his message clear. This was not a simple training exercise, this was a journey of self-discovery, a test of Ryomaru's identity as a shinobi.

Emotion swelled within Ryomaru, a blend of anticipation and anxiety. Yet, his voice held steady when he responded, "I understand, Raikage-sama. I will make this technique my own."

The walk home from the training grounds felt longer than usual, each step heavy with the implications of the conversation with A, the Raikage. Ryomaru's mind was teeming with thoughts and anticipation of the future. His heart pounded in his chest, not from physical exhaustion, but from the prospect of the monumental journey that lay before him.

Reaching the modest home he shared with his mother, Ryomaru opened the door, a warm, welcoming atmosphere greeting him as he stepped inside. A soft, calming scent filled the air – a blend of burning incense and the faint, lingering aroma of home-cooked food. Miori, his mother, was sitting on a cushion by the low table, her delicate hands deftly moving through the complex patterns of her embroidery.

"Mum," Ryomaru called, his voice breaking through the serene silence of their home. Miori looked up from her work, her face immediately breaking into a warm, radiant smile that reached her gentle brown eyes. The sight of her son always seemed to brighten her day.

"Welcome back, Ryomaru," she said, setting aside her embroidery. Ryomaru moved to sit next to her, their daily ritual, a comforting semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos of his thoughts.

As Ryomaru snuggled closer to Miori, she wrapped an arm around him, pulling him into a gentle hug. It was a familiar touch, a gesture of love and reassurance that had always served to soothe him.

"How was your day?" Miori asked, her voice soft yet attentive, her eyes meeting Ryomaru's. He hesitated for a moment before deciding to share the conversation he had with the Raikage.

"He wants me to learn the Lightning Chakra Mode," Ryomaru confessed, meeting his mother's gaze. Miori was silent for a moment, her eyes reflecting a hint of surprise.

"That's a high-level technique, Ryomaru," she said after a moment. Her tone was not worried, but rather filled with admiration. Miori was no stranger to her son's capabilities, but the idea of him learning such a formidable technique at such a young age was a testament to his growing potential.

"I know, Mum," he replied, his voice holding a hint of determination. "But I can handle it. I... I want to become strong. Not for the village, or the Raikage... but for you and myself."

Miori looked at him, her eyes shimmering with pride and affection. Her hand moved to gently caress his cheek, a wordless gesture of support and understanding. "I know you can, Ryomaru. I believe in you."

The warmth in her words washed over him like a soothing balm, calming his racing thoughts. He hugged his mother tighter, the comfort of her presence anchoring him amidst the turmoil of his emotions.

"Thank you, Mum," Ryomaru said, his voice soft yet resolute. They stayed like that for a while, simply enjoying each other's company, the silent connection between mother and son a testament to their bond.

As she pressed his head gently against her bosom, Ryomaru's eyelids began to grow heavy. He let out a soft, contented sigh, finding solace in the comfort of his mother's presence. With the familiar warmth and heartbeat lulling him to the brink of sleep, he found himself slowly recounting the day's events, including the new technique he'd discovered.

"Mum," he murmured sleepily, "I did something today. During my practice... I... I used an Ice Release technique. I'm not sure how, but I just... I just did."

Miori pulled back slightly, her eyes wide with surprise as she looked down at her son. She felt a burst of warmth spreading through her chest, swelling with pride at his achievement. This was her heritage.

"Oh, Ryomaru," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. She gently cradled his face in her hands, meeting his sleepy eyes with her own, filled with admiration. "That's... that's incredible. I'm so proud of you."

Ryomaru's tired eyes brightened at her words, a small, contented smile gracing his lips. His mother's approval was more important to him than any training or any sense of duty. He nestled against her, letting out a sigh of relief. It was moments like these - simple, heartwarming exchanges with his mother - that Ryomaru treasured the most.

As dawn crept into their humble home, Ryomaru stirred from his slumber. His mother's gentle hand was still caressing his hair, a comforting rhythm that had lulled him into sleep. He slowly blinked his eyes open, greeted by the sight of his mother, fast asleep, her hand frozen mid-stroke in his raven locks. The faint light filtering through the shoji highlighted her features, and for a moment, Ryomaru simply admired her peaceful expression, the soft rise and fall of her chest that accompanied her breaths, her beautiful face unlined and serene in sleep. He was the sole reason for her contentment, a realization that warmed his heart.

----

Read 45(15 chapters for each novel) advanced chapters in my Patreon!

patreon.com/IWriteFanfic2