Chapter 12

The medical ninja departed with the Senju who had come to assess the wounded. Ryuu remained with the two clan leaders.

Butsuma Senju addressed him, "Your Excellency, you are quite young. May I have your name?"

"I am Ryuu, leader of the Hidden Valley Village," Ryuu replied, bowing respectfully to the Senju and Uzumaki clan leaders.

"You have come a long way, Your Excellency. Please rest in our guest room if you are tired. We can discuss matters further after you've rested," Butsuma offered.

"Thank you. That would be appreciated," Ryuu accepted.

He followed the Senju ninja to the designated guest room.

"Did you see that boy? He was accompanied by two shadow-level ninjas and numerous jonin," Ryuu mused to himself. "For a moment, I thought they were coming to attack the clan. Is that boy truly the leader of the village? He's strong, yes, at the jonin level, but not strong enough to command this many jonin and shadow-level ninjas.

And there are many more ninjas hidden outside, also of jonin and chunin strength.

Let it be for now. We shouldn't make enemies unnecessarily. No point in engaging in a meaningless fight."

Senju Guest House

Ryuu rested in the comfortable guest room. Later, he received word that the treatment of all the injured had been completed.

The Next Morning

A gentle knock on the door roused Ryuu. He was invited to join a meeting regarding the task.

In the Senju clan hall, all the elders, the Senju leader, and the Uzumaki clan leader were seated. Three children were also present: Uzumaki Mito of the Uzumaki clan, and Hashirama and Tobirama of the Senju clan.

The children were visibly surprised when they saw Ryuu enter.

After taking his seat, Ryuu participated in the discussion. A reward of 100,000 taels was agreed upon for the successful completion of the task.

With the mission accomplished, Ryuu prepared to depart.

"Mr. Ryuu, please wait," Butsuma called out.

"We would like you to stay here for a day as our guests."

"No, Senju leader, we would like to depart now. Thank you for your hospitality," Ryuu declined politely.

"Please, consider it our honor to have you as our guests," Butsuma insisted.

Ryuu, realizing it would be impolite to refuse again, acquiesced.

"Very well, we accept your kind invitation," he said.

"Hashirama, please accompany our guest," Butsuma instructed.

"Yes, father," Hashirama replied, leading Ryuu through the clan grounds.

Mito, Tobirama, and Hashirama walked alongside Ryuu.

"Mr. Ryuu, where are you from?" Hashirama inquired, his curiosity piqued. Mito and Tobirama also seemed eager to hear the answer.

"I am from the Hidden Valley Village," Ryuu replied.

"Where is this Hidden Valley Village?"

Hashirama pressed.

"It is a hidden village," Ryuu explained. "I cannot reveal its location."

"Oh, I understand," Hashirama said, though his curiosity remained evident.

"Who founded this village?" Hashirama continued to inquire.

"I did," Ryuu replied.

The three children were stunned.

"What... you founded the village?"

Hashirama exclaimed, his jaw dropping.

To be Continued...