A Warrior's Path 77 Chapter 77. Journey

Naruto and Sasuke went around the village helping injured personal. With Sasuke's Sharingan he was able to identify injuries, Naruto would then use his wood chakra to heal them.

Villagers who hated Naruto for being the demon fox had complex emotions. They saw how Naruto was helping everyone, for once they felt ashamed, ashamed for their narrow mindedness.

Finally, everything was over. Ryu returned with Gaara, Temari and Kankuro were also captured. Ryu handed Gaara to Sarutobi, he trusted the old man.

Sarutobi asked " Ryu, why would all these Sand and Sound shinobi suddenly surrender? Don't even think about lying. I know you know the reason. "

Ryu scratched his head " Hahaha, about that..... don't worry. Just know that we have someone in this village who is as strong as you or maybe even stronger. These small fry isn't a problem for him. "

Sarutobi was serious " Can you trust him with your life? "

Ryu chuckled " Yes. He is someone who would give up his life for his loved ones and this village. "

Sarutobi relaxed, he can trust someone like that. He was curious " Who is it? "

Ryu showed a mysterious smile " You know him. "

Sarutobi stared " I know him? Who.... wait brat, get back here!!!. "

Ryu escaped before Sarutobi could ask further. Of course the person Sarutobi was asking about was Shisui.

The moment Konoha was invaded, he moved. With his right eyes powers to strengthen any Genjutsu three times, only someone equal to Sarutobi would be able to remain clear headed, but even then it would be hard.

Shisui put every intruder he came across in a Genjutsu through his right eye. He couldn't battle them as that would reveal his identity.

*********

Few days passed since the attack. Everything was back on track.

** Hyuuga Residence **

Ryu seated before Hiashi, he spoke " Hiashi san, I will be taking Hinata and Neji with me. Those two are special, I believe once their Bloodline is purified something unexpected will happen. "

Hiashi trusted Ryu, so he didn't reject " How long will you be gone? "

Ryu " Don't know. But it won't be more than four years. "

Hiashi pondered for a bit, he smiled at Ryu " Take care of them. "

Ryu " Hahaha, of course. "

Hiashi asked one of the maids to fetch Hinata and Neji. After Chunin exams, Neji's attitude slowly changed, he wasn't that cold towards Hinata.

Few minutes later, both of them entered. Hiashi explained why he called them here. Neji didn't show it outside but he was excited. Hinata was a bit sad, she wouldn't be able to see Naruto for years.

Ryu guesses her thoughts " He will be going for training as well. "

Hinata was startled, she blushed hard. Neji and Hiashi had a tick mark on their heads. They asked Ryu it, but he just ignored the question.

Ryu got up to leave, he said " Pack your things, i will be here in a couple of days. "

With that said, he left. Hiashi looked at Hinata and Neji " Neji, Hinata, do your best. Ryu is someone higher than me in strength. Once you learn everything he has to teach, your strength will far surpass your peers. "

Hinata " Yes, father. "

Neji " Yes.... uncle. "

Hiashi waved them to leave. After they left, his eyes teared up. He was happy that Neji and Hinata were warming up to him, especially Neji. There was a wall between them because of that incident from past.

' Brother, I couldn't save you but I swear, I will do everything I can to make sure your son lives a good life!!. '

After leaving Hyuuga Residence, Ryu went towards Gai. He needed to make preparations. He is crazy strong but he is just one person. He can't protect everyone, so people around him needed to be strong.

His parents Bloodline had already been purified. Shisui will take them to land of waves, where they will train.

As he was walking, he saw Gai and Lee. His mouth twitched when he saw both of them.

Gai " Lee, onwards!!. Don't give up until you do 1000 laps around the village. "

Lee " Yes!!! Gai sensei."

Gai gave his signature thumps up " THIS IS YOUTH!!! "

Both these idiots were walking with their hands. People looked at them like lunatics ' Better get out of here before they notice me. I don't want people to look at me like that. '

But he was too late....

Gai " Oh Ryu! Here to join our youth training!?. "

Ryu looked around, he could see people whisper about him. Inner Ryu cried seeing this. He bitterly raised his hands to them.

" Let's speak somewhere else. You come as well, Lee. "

Gai and Lee nodded. It was an interesting sight to see. A handsome boy walking Infront with two men walking with their hands. Ryu said to himself ' Act like no one's following me. Act like no one's following me... '

They found a place to sit, Ryu spoke " Gai, I will be leaving for training. "

Gai was surprised " How long ? "

Ryu " Maybe 2 or 3 years but not more than 4."

Gai " So what do you want me to do? "

Ryu took out a bracelet, it was the same as Lee's but Ryu added his Hiraishin seal to it.

" This bracelet contains my seal. Once Lee is ready, use this to contact me."

Gai's face was serious, he nodded " Thank you Ryu."

Ryu laughed " Hahaha, no need. Well..... goodbye.... for now "

Everything was almost ready. Naruto and Sasuke will go with Jiraiya, they would first go find Tsunade, so that she could take up the next Hokage position, then start their training. Sarutobi revealed his intent to step down after this incident, he was too old.

Tenten has been arranged to leave with Ryu as well. Now all that remains is Shikamaru.

Nara clans shadow manipulation ability is a very strong Kekkei Genkai but those idiots just use it for some basic techniques and combinations. They are not able to take it to the next level.

Ryu reached Shikaku's house. He gently knocked the door, a women with dark brown hair kept in a low ponytail appeared before him. This was Yoshino Nara, Shikamaru's mother.

Ryu spoke " Sorry for disturbing you, my name is Ryu..

Yoshino " Ah! You are Ryu Uzumaki."

Yoshino took a few seconds to size up Ryu, she said " The rumours are true, you really are a lady killer!!."

Ryu laughed dryly. He had no counter for that.

Yoshino " Are you here for Shikaku? "

Ryu " Yes. "

Yoshino " Then don't just stand there, come in. "

She led Ryu inside, few seconds later they reached were Shikaku was. He wasn't alone, Shikamaru was with him playing shogi. Both of them looked identical in many ways. Seeing her husband and son playing, Yoshino didn't bother and left.

Shikaku looked up when he heard footsteps, he was surprised to find Ryu " Well, what a surprise! "

Shikamaru also saw Ryu but he was still too lazy to bother.

Ryu " Hahaha, there were some things I needed to speak with you. So I came, hope I am not intruding."

Shikaku " It's alright, so what do you want to speak about? "

Ryu " I will be going out for a few years to train, I was wondering if you would allow Shikamaru to come with me."

Before Shikaku could answer, Shikamaru interrupted " No way. It's a drag."

Shikaku ignored Shikamaru, he looked at Ryu and asked " Why the sudden interest to train Shikamaru."

Ryu " Nah, I am just curious how strong he would get if his Bloodline purity were to increase. "

Shikaku was shocked when he heard Ryu. He obviously know of his abilities, his true abilities, not like those false info spread around everywhere. He was delighted to hear that Ryu would increase Shikamaru's Bloodline purity.

Shikaku replied without hesitation " Done!! Take him away for as long as you want."

Shikamaru spoke irritated " Damn you old man! You sold your own son just like that."

Ryu ' Everything's ready '

He didn't care for the son - father duo's word play, he said goodbye to Yoshino before leaving.

*********

Konoha village gates,

Ryu stood along with Neji, Hinata, Shikamaru and Tenten. It was interesting to see the group's expression

Neji was calm but his eyes showed excitement.

Hinata was sad but slowly her expression became firm.

Shikamaru scowled, his cheek had a bright hand print, courtesy of Yoshino.

Tenten was beaming, partly due to the training but largely due to her escape from embarrassing moments with Gai and Lee.

Ryu " Now that everyone here, let's go!!!. "

Chapter end