Warning

Since Miori had been in Konoha with Ryomaru, Tsubaki, Shiromi, and Karui hadn't seen her in years either. They remembered her warmth and the way she always seemed to make Ryomaru's eyes sparkle with happiness. Now, as she welcomed them into the home with a smile that seemed to brighten the dimming light of the day, they were reminded of those days long past.

"Please, come in," Miori said, stepping aside to allow the young visitors entry into the abode that held so many memories for them all.

As they entered, the scent of a meal being prepared wafted through the air, homely and inviting. They found their way into the living room, a space that was simple yet held a comforting ambiance. It was the kind of place that, despite the changing world outside, remained a constant sanctuary.

Tsubaki, ever the observant one, took in the surroundings, noting the slight changes since their last visit. She settled herself on a cushion with her usual grace, her eyes lingering on Ryomaru for a moment longer than necessary, though she was quick to look away when Miori caught her glance.

"Look at you three," Miori started conversationally, taking a seat opposite the trio. "I'm so proud of how you've all grown."

"Thank you, Miori-san," Shiromi responded, her voice a soft tone that carried a respect nurtured over years. "We've had good teachers," she added, her gaze flitting towards Ryomaru with an unspoken acknowledgment of his influence on their training.

Karui, unable to stay still for long, fidgeted, her energy palpable. "We're just getting started," she said with a confident smile. "And now that Ryomaru's back, we'll get even stronger!" Her statement, though boastful, was infused with the fondness that simmered beneath her competitive surface.

Their exchange was interrupted as Miori rose to serve some tea, the steam curling into the air, carrying with it the subtle aroma of herbs from the mountains surrounding Konoha. As they accepted the cups with thanks, their fingers brushed, and shared smiles were exchanged.

"Thank you, Miori-san," Tsubaki said, accepting the cup with both hands. Her eyes were thoughtful as she took a sip, the warmth of the tea spreading through her.

Shiromi's hands wrapped around her own cup, her eyes lifting to meet Miori's with a silent gratitude. Her fingers trembled slightly—a detail only noticeable to those who knew to look.

Karui took her cup with a nod, her gaze flicking to Ryomaru before settling on Miori. "This is really good," she commented, the energy in her voice cutting gently through the quiet that had fallen over the room.

"So, what have you been learning in Konoha, Ryomaru?" Tsubaki inquired, her curiosity genuine as she sipped her tea carefully.

Ryomaru grinned, reminiscing about his time in Konoha, "Konoha was a lot different," he began. Memories of the bustling village, the unique jutsus, and the strong bonds he had formed there filled his mind. There had been many good times and friendships made, moments he cherished deeply. Yet, his departure had been abrupt, a sudden attack in the village curtailing any chance for proper farewells. He regretted not being able to say goodbye to Hanabi, Hinata, and Temari, promising himself he would make it up to them one day. Shaking his head to clear the bittersweet thoughts, Ryomaru's voice held a note of excitement as he continued, "Their trainings are different. You wouldn't believe the new Chakra Control Techniques I learned."

Karui's eyes sparked with interest, her attention captured entirely by the mention of new techniques. She leaned forward, the thrill of learning and competition always at the forefront of her mind.

Tsubaki listened intently, her analytical mind already trying to envision what these new methods could be. Her disciplined nature meant she was always searching for ways to refine her skills, and the prospect of unfamiliar techniques was an enticing one.

Shiromi, though less outspoken, observed Ryomaru with quiet curiosity. Her thoughts drifted to the soft whisper of clouds, wondering how these new teachings could intertwine with her clan's unique abilities.

Miori watched the young ninjas with a mother's eye, seeing the unvoiced feelings that hung in the air. With the wisdom of her years, she understood the silent language of the heart that the youth were yet to decipher. Her gentle smile encouraged them to bask in the comfort of their reunion, knowing that some things, like the ties of deep friendship, never truly change.

As the conversation ebbed and flowed around Ryomaru's experiences, the comfort of familiarity wrapped around the group. They were shinobi, bound by the common thread of duty and the pursuit of mastery over their art. But beyond that, they were friends, united by past memories and the promise of many more to come.

After sharing stories and laughter that lingered in the room like the subtle scent of tea, the time came for the trio to depart. The evening sky was dimming, painting the horizon in hues of soft pink and deepening blue. They stood, and with the elegance of practiced shinobi, they made their way to the door.

Tsubaki was the first to bow deeply to Miori, her black hair swaying with the motion. "Thank you for your hospitality," she said, her voice steady and sincere. Her disciplined nature shone through, even in such simple manners.

Shiromi followed suit, a gentle smile gracing her features, though her hands betrayed a subtle nervousness. "The meal was wonderful," she added, her voice barely above a whisper, but enough to carry the weight of her gratitude.

Karui's bow was brisk, her energy still radiating as if the quiet of the room could not quite contain it. "Yeah, thanks! The tea was amazing," she chimed, a grin flashing across her face, dispelling the solemnity of their parting.

As they turned to leave, Tsubaki's gaze locked with Ryomaru's, her expression imbued with a gravity that seemed beyond her years. "Ryo, be careful with the council tomorrow," she advised, her brown eyes flickering with an unspoken concern.

Behind her, Shiromi's slight frame tensed, and she gave a small nod, affirming Tsubaki's cautionary words. "Yes. Be careful. Clan Elders are not happy with such a young Raikage," she murmured, sharing a sentiment that carried the weight of her clan's wisdom.

Ryomaru acknowledged their warnings with a solemn nod, the playful spark in his ice-blue eyes giving way to a flash of steel. "I am grateful," he replied, his tone deepening with the seriousness of the moment. The undercurrent of concern from Tsubaki and Shiromi hinted at the brewing unrest within the village—an unrest that could have dire consequences for his future.

Both girls, in their own subtle way, had just revealed a treacherous undercurrent within the clan dynamics that targeted him. It was a significant gesture, speaking volumes of their trust and the bond they shared with Ryomaru. His heart held a special place for these companions of his childhood, their shared experiences binding them with threads unseen but as strong as steel.

As they exited the house and the door closed softly behind them, the trio exchanged looks that carried a silent promise to support Ryomaru, no matter what the dawn might bring.

Outside, the night had wrapped Kumogakure in its embrace, and the stars began to peek through the veil of twilight. The air was cool, and the path that led away from Miori's home was bathed in the soft glow of the village lanterns.

"Do you think he'll be alright?" Karui asked, her voice laced with a rare thread of concern as they descended the steps.

"He's strong," Tsubaki replied with quiet confidence, "but he's not alone. We'll stand by him."

Shiromi nodded, her thoughts drifting like the clouds she so often studied, high and distant. "The sky has many stars tonight," she observed, her voice soft but carrying an unspoken hope that, perhaps, it was an auspicious sign for Ryomaru's trials ahead.

They walked in silence, each lost in their thoughts. The evening breeze was cool, and it played gently with their hair as if nature itself was offering a silent comfort for the worry that knit their brows.

Their path took them past familiar landmarks, the village bathed in the silver sheen of moonlight. They moved with the grace of shadows, their ninja training evident in the quietude of their steps, even amidst the turmoil in their hearts.