Preparations Before the Mission

Chapter 7: Preparations Before the Mission

Once, the Will of Fire meant protecting and valuing the people and things you cared about most. But now, it seemed to mean sacrificing even those closest to you--friends and family--for the sake of the village.

Was this forgetting what the Will of Fire was truly about? Or was it a case of the dragon slayer turning into a dragon himself?

Those caught up in it couldn't see the truth, but those on the outside had a clear view.

Having lived through two lives, Sarutobi Ryo felt like his heart was a clear mirror, showing him everything as it truly was.

"Young Master Ryo..."

When Sarutobi Ryo spoke in his defense, Hatake Sakumo's eyes showed nothing but relief.

He had seen many talented young ninja, but those with a strong will and good character were rare.

Sarutobi Ryo called Hatake Sakumo "Teacher" because he was learning swordsmanship from him.

Just like Konohamaru, who would later have Ebisu as his tutor.

Sarutobi Ryo had also chosen Hatake Sakumo as his teacher to guide him in his swordsmanship training.

Many knew Seven Chakra Attributes Ninjutsu and Summoning Techniques.

But powerful swordsmanship… in all of Konoha, only Hatake Sakumo truly possessed it.

It was his fierce swordsmanship that earned Hatake Sakumo the name "Konoha White Fang."

"Yes, Sarutobi Ryo, you've made a good point."

Mitokado Homura nodded in agreement.

That was enough from him, Ryo thought.

"Then it's decided. Once Kakashi graduates, Minato will be his Jonin squad leader."

Mitokado Homura looked at his colleagues. After some discussion, they finalized their plans for the future.

But Sarutobi Ryo's advice was ignored.

This scene further showed him the importance of power.

Having strength alone, without any real authority, meant having no say in your own future.

Seeing the Main Quest notification appear before his eyes, Sarutobi Ryo made a silent promise to himself.

He would find a way to become the Captain of Anbu Squad Six.

"Homura, Koharu, Danzo, perhaps we should listen to Sakumo's opinion…"

Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned slightly at his colleagues, then looked at Hatake Sakumo, his expression softening.

"Sakumo, don't hesitate to speak your mind…"

"Honorable Hokage…"

Hatake Sakumo raised his head, looking at the faces of the high-ranking officials.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's kind face stood out against the coldness in the eyes of the other officials.

The Elders' cold stares seemed to be warning him: Hatake Sakumo, watch what you say. If you don't think about yourself, at least think about your son.

As the saying goes, it was easier to see the King of Hell than to deal with his servants. Despite Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen's goodwill, Hatake Sakumo still had to consider the expressions on the faces of the high-ranking officials beside him.

Feeling helpless, Hatake Sakumo had no choice but to reluctantly agree: "Honorable Hokage… I… have no objections…"

----

Not long after.

The group walked out of the Hokage Building.

The Jonin examination mission was scheduled for the next day.

Those participating included Sarutobi Ryo, Yamanaka Hui, Hyuga Ruri, Namikaze Minato, Uzumaki Kushina, Hakumo Hayama… and a group of other Konoha Ninja.

Their destination was the Land of Whirlpools Ruins.

Years ago, the Land of Whirlpools was destroyed during the Ninja World War.

The Konoha Upper Echelon's mistake in not providing enough support was also why Kato Dan died.

These green hills were the final resting place of the loyal.

Princess Tsunade's lover had died during that support mission.

Because back then, it wasn't just a few scattered powerful individuals who invaded the Land of Whirlpools, but a combined force from Kumogakure and Kirigakure!

Countless enemy Ninja poured in like a flood, and in just a few days, the entire country was destroyed.

Of course, the fight over the spoils led to Kumogakure and Kirigakure continuing to battle in those ruins, but that was another matter.

Since then, conspiracy theories had quietly started to spread…

Some said that the Konoha Upper Echelon had intentionally abandoned the Land of Whirlpools…

After several years, these conspiracy theories had become more and more popular among the people.

To silence the public and put an end to these rumors.

The village leaders decided to send a Team to the Land of Whirlpools Ruins to drive out the remaining enemy Ninja who were hiding there.

Now that the war was over, they had entered the "post-war" period.

Although the fighting wasn't as intense as during the war, those who had survived were the best of the best.

This also meant that many post-war missions could be more dangerous than those during the war.

On the surface, this was just a regular Jonin examination.

But in reality, it was a way for the Konoha Upper Echelon to show their resolve.

Sarutobi Ryo was at the center of this mission.

As the eldest son of Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, Sarutobi Ryo's actions were always being watched.

Sending his son to the dangerous Land of Whirlpools Ruins would be enough to calm the public's anger and put an end to the conspiracy theories.

After all, even the Hokage's son was being sent to the most dangerous place.

What reason did anyone have to keep blaming the Upper Echelon?

"Young Master Ryo, your examination mission is extremely dangerous, you must survive…"

Hatake Sakumo and Sarutobi Ryo walked side by side down the road.

If Sarutobi Ryo died in the Land of Whirlpools Ruins, it would only strengthen the loyalty of more Konoha Ninja and ordinary people to the village, and it would also reduce the number of people competing to become the next Hokage. This was all part of their plan.

Just like what had happened with Senju Nawaki's death.

"Teacher Sakumo, I'm not too worried about myself, but you're heading for a world of trouble…"

Sarutobi Ryo looked at the gentle man.

Although Hatake Sakumo had incredible talent and strength that surpassed even the Sannin.

But his personality wasn't suited to being a cold-blooded killer. He was meant to live a peaceful life.

With Kakashi about to graduate and be placed under Namikaze Minato's leadership.

Hatake Sakumo's life of being controlled and used by the Konoha Upper Echelon was about to begin.

As the Konoha Upper Echelon slowly destroyed him, this gentle man, like the friendly neighbor, would inevitably fall into despair.

"Well…"

Hatake Sakumo scratched his silver hair.

"I don't think there should be much of a problem."

His eyes narrowed into crescent moons as he smiled. At this moment, Hatake Sakumo hadn't yet realized what the future might hold for him.

----

That night, the bright moon hung in the sky.

After dinner, Sarutobi Ryo stood in his courtyard, taking a fighting stance.

As a Chunin about to take the Jonin examination.

Sarutobi Ryo's actual strength was already at that level. He could easily be considered a Jonin.

However, because he hadn't officially become a Jonin, he only had access to Chunin-level resources.

For example, the five basic attribute techniques. The techniques Sarutobi Ryo had mastered ranged from E-rank to D-rank, and then to C-rank.

The same was true for Body Art, Illusionary Technique, Yin Release, and Yang Release.

C-rank represented Chunin difficulty.

Once he truly became a Jonin and passed the qualification assessment, he would naturally be able to master B-rank… which meant Jonin-level resources.

The rank of a technique didn't always determine its power.

But usually, a technique's rank was related to its power, and it would be equal to or greater than that rank.

For example, a C-rank Fire Release: Great Flame Technique.

Its power would start at C-rank.

If Sarutobi Hiruzen used it, he could unleash B-rank or even higher-rank power.

However, if a child or a beginner used it, they might only spit out a small fireball, and the power might only be D-rank or even E-rank.

Sarutobi Ryo went over everything he had learned, preparing for the next day's "Jonin Examination."

After reviewing all the techniques, Sarutobi Ryo took a stance and began to practice Body Art.

But Body Art skills quickly faded without practice.

So… daily exercise had become a necessary part of Sarutobi Ryo's routine.

D-rank Body Art included Konoha Whirlwind, Konoha Gale… and other techniques.

C-rank Body Art included Konoha Great Whirlwind, Konoha Rising Wind, Shadow of the Dancing Leaf… and other techniques.

As Sarutobi Ryo practiced them, the courtyard was filled with gusts of wind, stirring everything up.

The Sarutobi Clan, with their natural Divine Power and unique advantages, weren't as bulky as the Akimichi Clan.

Therefore, they were well-suited for practicing various Body Art.

Combining powerful strength with the right moves could maximize the power of their family's name.

"Konoha Whirlwind!"

Sarutobi Ryo twisted his body, spinning like a whirlwind, and his left leg kicked out, stirring the air.

Next came his right leg.

Every movement was incredibly smooth.

In less than two minutes, Sarutobi Ryo had performed all the Body Art he had learned at the D-rank and C-rank levels.

After finishing a set of Body Art, Sarutobi Ryo felt warm all over, and waves of heat flowed through his body.

Generally, when he didn't have missions, Sarutobi Ryo would practice Body Art and the swordsmanship Hatake Sakumo had taught him for at least 4 hours every day.

Then he would practice Ninjutsu and Illusionary Technique for several hours.

He would also read books and study, constantly adding to his knowledge.

Because he had inherited the Ninjutsu Doctor talent from his father, the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Sarutobi Ryo had a terrifying memory and learning ability.

In fact, Sarutobi Ryo's talent was on par with Orochimaru, one of the Sannin.

But Sarutobi Ryo was very low-key and never showed off his abilities, so even Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't realized how truly talented his eldest son was.

"Young Master, the examination is tomorrow, shouldn't you rest well tonight?"

Yamanaka Hui, resting her cheeks on her hands, with her elbows on the stone table in the courtyard, watched Sarutobi Ryo train.

"Ah Hui, I've told you many times, the Ninja World is full of dangers, and you can only control your own fate if you have power… or…"

Sarutobi Ryo turned his head, his eyes shining like stars.

"How about a little sparring?"

Hearing Sarutobi Ryo's suggestion, Yamanaka Hui shuddered, clearly remembering some terrible experience.

Sparring with Young Master in Body Art? She would be crazy to do that!

People could actually die!

Because Young Master could kill a cow with a single punch!

"I, I'll go practice…" The girl immediately stood up and obediently went to practice the Yamanaka Clan's Secret Technique.

"Konoha Whirlwind!"

Sarutobi Ryo turned his head and continued to practice Body Art.

The stars filled the sky, and the figure sweating in the darkness was hard to miss…