CHAPTER 153: CHAPTER 153: A DISTINGUISHED GUEST HAS ARRIVED

Chapter 153: A Distinguished Guest Has Arrived

As the saying goes, "A true scholar understands the world without leaving his home." Ryosuke wasn’t a scholar by trade, but in terms of insight and awareness, he was anything but lacking.

At present, the ninja world was unusually stable. With the newly formed alliance, the commercial nations led by the Land of Fire were still enjoying their newfound prosperity. Sarutobi Hiruzen’s death had yet to shake them—ambition, for now, lay dormant beneath the surface.

Outside the alliance, Hidden Rock and Hidden Cloud had only recently suffered major defeats. Their respective nations had paid heavy reparations—resources, land, even people. The Fourth Raikage of Hidden Cloud had perished, leaving both villages weakened and unlikely to stir conflict again anytime soon.

The only outlier among the Five Great Nations was the Land of Water. News from their side had been scarce, and the Mist Village remained in isolation. But Ryosuke understood why.

The village was steeped in civil strife, a storm ignited by Uchiha Obito’s machinations. Until Mei Terumi rose to power as the Fifth Mizukage, peace was a distant dream.

So when Ryosuke told Hiashi and Hinata that the Akatsuki’s movements were under control, they believed him. He wasn’t exaggerating. Not only the Akatsuki—Ryosuke had eyes on the entire ninja world.

His insight had once come from solitary training, but the battlefield had become his real teacher. Though he hadn’t fought directly in every clash, he’d orchestrated or contributed to multiple major conflicts. The growth he experienced through battle had outpaced his training tenfold.

Now, both the state of the world and his personal strength were well ahead of schedule. There was no need for him to hide so cautiously anymore. Still, unless an opponent appeared who could truly challenge him—someone who could shake his worldview—he had no desire to step into the light.

Hiashi and Hinata hadn’t pressed him for details. They trusted him. Ryosuke had earned that trust through action, foresight, and quiet strength.

That morning, the house was unusually quiet. After breakfast, Hiashi and the others had gone about their business, leaving Ryosuke alone in the large Hyuga estate.

Normally, he would review clan scrolls in the morning and train in the afternoon, nurturing both knowledge and skill. But today felt different. He had a strong premonition: someone important was coming.

He didn’t have to wait long.

"Master Ryosuke," his housekeeper called out. "A message from the clan gates—a high-ranking visitor from the village is here to see you."

Ryosuke had just opened his first scroll. With a faint smile, he set it aside and rose.

Outside, a Hyuga clansman stood at attention, visibly anxious. Ryosuke recognized him—it was one of the few who knew the truth about his strength.

"Master Ryosuke, Jiraiya-sama is here. He’s waiting at the gate."

Ryosuke nodded, appreciating the respectful tone. Most still called him "Young Master." Only those aware of his true abilities used the title "Master."

"Thank you," he said. "I’ll go meet him."

Turning to Kesha, he instructed her to prepare tea and snacks. Then, he made his way quickly toward the gate.

The buildings of the Hyuga compound blurred past him. Despite its size—like a village within a village—Ryosuke could cross it in under a minute if he moved freely.

From a distance, he saw the familiar figure of a tall, broad-shouldered man with spiky white hair, standing under the sun and chatting with passing Hyuga members.

"Jiraiya-senpai," Ryosuke greeted with a courteous smile. "Welcome to the Hyuga clan."

"Ryosuke," Jiraiya responded, clearly amused. It was their first meeting, yet he spoke his name with ease. Several Hyuga women bowed politely and began to take their leave.

But Jiraiya, being Jiraiya, called after them, "Ladies, if you think of any characters for my next novel, don’t hesitate to let me know!"

Ryosuke chuckled softly. "It seems you get along well with our clan. Are you here scouting talent for an apprentice, perhaps?"

Jiraiya blinked, then smirked. "No, no. My best techniques are written in ink, not suited for young ninjas."

He eyed Ryosuke with curiosity. "You really are a striking young man. I can see why the old man spoke so highly of you."

"It’s an honor to have earned the Third Hokage’s attention," Ryosuke replied, calm and composed.

He had never believed he could hide from Sarutobi Hiruzen—not completely. The Third had likely been watching him quietly, perhaps even through indirect channels. Ryosuke had always anticipated the potential for internal betrayal.

"But actually," Jiraiya said, leaning in slightly, "I’m not here on the old man’s orders."

Ryosuke raised a brow. "Shall we continue this inside, then?"

He stepped aside and gestured politely. "Please, Jiraiya-senpai."

Jiraiya nodded, impressed by Ryosuke’s poise, and followed him inside.

As they walked, Ryosuke offered brief commentary on the clan’s notable buildings and traditions, leading the way with the ease of a seasoned host.

By the time they reached the reception room, the scent of fresh tea and warm pastries filled the air.

Kesha had done well. The room was ready for a proper guest.

"Actually," he began, turning his sharp gaze toward Ryosuke, "the real reason I came here today... is because of Naruto."

He didn’t bother with pretense. The question came straight and clean.

"I heard you have a good relationship with him?"

Ryosuke nodded without hesitation, completely unconcerned with Naruto’s identity.

"Yeah," he replied casually, pouring tea for Jiraiya again. "Naruto’s someone with conviction. He knows how to think for himself. I respect that—and I like making friends with people like him."

He no longer felt the need to hide the connection. At first, Naruto had approached him out of curiosity. But over time, Ryosuke had grown to appreciate both the boy’s temperament and his story. Of course, a tiny part of it had to do with the mysterious concept of "protagonist’s luck"—a metaphysical force some believed clung to certain people like fate’s blessing.

Some people make friends because of personality. Others, for values, or conversation, or even background. Ryosuke considered himself somewhere in between. A mix of instinct and principle.

Jiraiya, satisfied by the honesty, gave a heavy nod.

"If you already consider Naruto a friend, and he feels the same way... then I won’t waste time with formalities." He grinned and gave the table a firm pat. "You probably already know who I am. The ninja world calls me one of the Sannin—but personally, I prefer ’Toad Sage’."

He chuckled, but then his expression shifted slightly.

"More importantly... I’m a powerful ninja. You don’t doubt that, do you?"

Ryosuke smiled politely. "Of course not. Even my father speaks highly of Senior Jiraiya’s strength."

There was something genuine in the flattery—childlike, even—and Jiraiya was visibly pleased.

"Then I’ll get straight to the point. I need a favor."

Ryosuke raised an eyebrow, intrigued but silent.

Jiraiya scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish for the first time. "Aside from being a mighty ninja, I’m also Naruto’s teacher. Or... I’m supposed to be."

He let out a small sigh.

"You probably know Naruto’s true heritage. He’s the son of the Fourth Hokage. And I—well, I was his master."

He paused, lowering his gaze.

"As his teacher... I have a duty to guide him. But due to some mistakes—ones made by both myself and the Third Hokage—Naruto... refuses to accept me."

He looked up again, a little embarrassed to be saying all this to a child.

"So I came here to ask: Ryosuke, as one of the few friends Naruto trusts... could you talk to him? Try to convince him to give me a chance. Let me make up for what I failed to do."

For a moment, the room was quiet.

Ryosuke looked at him with a tinge of admiration. A grown man willing to humble himself like this—for a student no less—was rare.

But still...

"I’m sorry," Ryosuke said softly, shaking his head. "I can’t do that."

Jiraiya blinked, taken aback.

"I said before, Naruto is someone with a strong will. If you’re trying to change his heart through me... it’s not only difficult—it’s wrong. And frankly, I’m not willing to help."

Jiraiya frowned. "Why not? As his friend, shouldn’t you want him to grow stronger under my guidance?"

He looked genuinely puzzled. Desperate, even. After all, Naruto didn’t have many friends. In fact, Hyuga Ryosuke was perhaps the only one he consistently talked to.

Ryosuke remained calm.

"Rather than becoming a powerful ninja, I want Naruto to have a ’family’ he can count on."

His tone was firm but not confrontational.

"And personally, I believe Naruto doesn’t need you to become strong. He’s already working hard—finding his own path and covering his weaknesses. The potential is already there. His growth is just a matter of time."

Those words struck deeper than Jiraiya expected.

He had always admired Ryosuke’s maturity, but in this moment, he regretted it. A more naive child would’ve been easier to sway.

But this one saw everything clearly. And he couldn’t deny anything he’d just heard.

The room grew quiet again.

Ryosuke calmly sipped his tea, cup after cup.

Jiraiya, on the other hand, sat still, watching his own grow cold.

Finally, Ryosuke moved to pick up Jiraiya’s teacup.

"Let me pour you a fresh cup—"

But Jiraiya raised a hand, stopping him.

"No need. It’s about time I leave." He stood up with a polite, but clearly disappointed smile.

Ryosuke stood as well and silently escorted him to the compound gate. Neither spoke.

There was nothing more to say—and too much that couldn’t be said.

At the gate, Jiraiya paused. He looked at Ryosuke, then unexpectedly gave him a low bow.

"Thank you... for staying by Naruto’s side all these years," he said, voice tinged with emotion. "Without you, his life could’ve turned much darker."

He didn’t mention the final thought in his mind—that Naruto might’ve abandoned the village altogether.

But Ryosuke could read between the lines. He subtly shifted to help Jiraiya up.

"Senior Jiraiya... you’re too old to be bowing to a junior like me. It’s a bit embarrassing, honestly."

Jiraiya chuckled.

Then Ryosuke added one last thing, eyes glinting with meaning.

"One piece of advice—Naruto still cares deeply about his parents. If you tell him about them... especially their strength, or how they developed their techniques... I think he’ll listen."

Jiraiya froze, eyes slowly widening as the pieces clicked into place.

He understood.

Ryosuke smiled faintly.

That was all he needed to say.

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