Sarutobi Ryo spoke with absolute confidence.
A collective gasp filled the room.
Quickly, the others connected his bold statement with the fact that Young Master Ryo was the Honorable Hokage's son.
Those seated below the stage exchanged glances, quietly observing, curious how this situation would unfold.
They weren't sure if this was a planned performance by the higher-ups, or something else entirely.
"Hehe… Koharu, don't you think this is a good idea?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen offered a small smile, attempting to ease the tension.
He had been closely watching his eldest son's progress lately.
As any proud father would be, he was incredibly happy with his son's growing strength and understanding.
"The Hyuga Clan's Byakugan is indeed very useful for reconnaissance…"
It was even more effective than the Yamanaka Clan's reconnaissance abilities.
"Why not start by arranging for Hyuga Ruri to join Anbu Squad Six first…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen planned to begin there.
"Honorable Hokage." Hyuga Hiashi could no longer remain silent and immediately stood to politely decline the offer.
Just like Hatake Sakumo, he didn't want to become entangled in political affairs.
The Hyuga Clan... was bound by destiny.
Protecting the Byakugan was the Hyuga Clan's primary mission; everything else was less important.
"Brother, I think it's a good idea."
Suddenly, Hyuga Hizashi joined the conversation.
"Honorable Hokage, Ruri has been feeling down lately; perhaps a change of scenery will do her good…"
The higher-ups were well aware of the tensions between the Hyuga Clan's Main and Branch families, and they all understood Hyuga Hizashi's implication.
His words were also a subtle dig at his brother.
Hyuga Hiashi's forehead veins bulged as he glared at his younger brother.
He hadn't expected his brother to cause problems at such a critical moment.
"Then it's settled."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded in agreement.
Ruri's childhood friend… if Hizashi thought it was alright, then it must be.
With that, Sarutobi Ryo activated his main quest reward system.
--Within the scope of the Anbu Squad Six Captain's authority, fulfill one request.
----
After the meeting adjourned.
Hyuga Hizashi stopped Sarutobi Ryo: "Young Master Ryo, please wait."
He approached him and glanced around.
His brother, Hyuga Hiashi, wore a dark expression as he stormed off. He knew his brother would likely vent his anger on him later.
Hyuga Hizashi braced himself to face his brother's wrath.
However, if it was for Ruri…
"Young Master Ryo, I'm curious about the types of missions Ruri will be involved in after joining Anbu Squad Six."
Hyuga Hizashi cautiously tested the waters.
He couldn't understand the reason behind Sarutobi Ryo's actions.
"…"
Sarutobi Ryo placed his hands behind his back and gazed into the distance.
"Hizashi, I don't need to explain the situation within the Hyuga Clan; everyone is aware…"
Hyuga Hizashi: "…"
"Nor do I need to offer empty promises. Simply put… Ruri is my teammate, and I want her to find genuine happiness…"
"True happiness?" Hyuga Hizashi blinked, considering the meaning.
"Indeed."
Sarutobi Ryo's eyes shone as he looked at Ruri's childhood friend.
"Do you have the courage and ability to give Ruri happiness?"
Hyuga Hizashi: "I…"
"I don't need a yes or no answer from you, because I will work hard to accomplish what I want to do."
Sarutobi Ryo stated his intentions with unwavering determination.
Transferring Ruri to his Anbu Squad was only the initial step.
Next, he would gradually influence her mindset and beliefs.
He even planned to change the tragedy of the Branch Family and, ultimately, the entire Hyuga Clan.
After all, the Hyuga Clan was part of Konoha, a clan within the Ninja World.
And Ruri was his close comrade.
The true meaning of the Will of Fire was to protect those who are important.
Ruri's life was constantly at risk due to the Caged Bird Curse Mark, and he couldn't simply stand by and do nothing.
"I… understand…"
After Hyuga Hizashi spoke, Sarutobi Ryo had already departed.
He stood there for a long moment.
Hyuga Hizashi contemplated everything before finally leaving.
"Ruri's… true happiness…"
----
Soon after, Konoha began to mobilize.
The entire Village was taking action.
Many ninja had been sent to the Border to prepare for a potential Great War.
As time passed, more and more ninja hurried through the streets.
The residents of Konoha noticed the shift in the Village's atmosphere.
Some seasoned elders couldn't help but feel that war was on the horizon.
Meanwhile, the Sand Village's diplomatic statements also changed as the Third Kazekage remained missing.
From initially searching for him, they shifted to giving up and began accusing Konoha and Iwagakure.
They claimed… that the people of Konoha and Iwagakure had killed the Third Kazekage.
Under this increasingly heated public opinion, various nations also formally acknowledged the Third Kazekage's disappearance.
Ambitionists and warmongers began to rise to power.
Tensions escalated.
A Great War… was about to erupt!
----
Early one morning.
Sarutobi Ryo stood in the courtyard with his hands clasped behind his back.
Soon, the Umino couple arrived with a small figure.
"Young Master Ryo," they greeted him, then stood guard at the door.
Sarutobi's old house had been transformed into a fortified Manor.
The current members of Anbu Squad Six were…
Sarutobi Ryo himself, Yamanaka Hui, and the Umino couple.
Unofficial members included Guren, Ringo Ameyuri, and others.
"Ruri, you've come."
Sarutobi Ryo turned to face the girl with a kind expression.
Time had flown by.
The girl had blossomed into a graceful young woman, though she remained petite.
Her chest was still as flat as ever, well... there was a hint of a curve.
Her delicate, emotionless face and yellow headband emphasized her emotionless doll-like appearance.
"From today onwards, you are a member of Anbu Squad Six."
Sarutobi Ryo announced.
Hyuga Hizashi and Hyuga Hiashi had already informed her of this decision.
"Do I need to change clothes and wear a mask?"
Hyuga Ruri slowly looked up, her blank white eyes giving her the appearance of a doll.
Or the kind that could leave this world at any moment and ascend to the realm of gods.
"No need."
Sarutobi Ryo shook his head.
"Wear whatever you like, anything is fine."
It was Anbu, yet unconventional.
No Anbu uniform, no mask.
In broad daylight, under the clear sky, showing their true faces… This was the Anbu Squad Six led by Sarutobi Ryo.
It was also this unconventional approach.
That helped Anbu Squad Six greatly contribute to Sarutobi Ryo's growing fame.
Everyone in the Ninja World knew the name Sarutobi Ryo.
"If you're ready, let's go."
Sarutobi Ryo extended his right hand toward Hyuga Ruri.
It was an invitation, and also… a symbol.
Hyuga Ruri hesitated briefly. Thump. She reached out and placed her small, delicate hand in Sarutobi Ryo's palm.
At that moment, something began to stir within her…
[Inject the Will of Fire into Hyuga Ruri]
[Current progress: 5%! ]
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[T/N:
Latest Chapter translated on Patreon - Chapter Access up to Ch 219 (Vol 2 Ch 161)
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 95 PS
Goal : Reach +50 Total PS = +2 Bonus Chapters next day! 🚀
Here are the novels I'm currently translating:
-> Naruto Paradise: An Evil Uchiha's Rise
-> One Piece: I'm Destined to Be the Son-in-Law King!
-> Young Master, Please Become Hokage!
Want to support my work and get early access to chapters? Check out my Patreon! 👇
➡️ patreon.com/Boundless_Beacon
]