Naruto: Limit Breaker

Chapter 89: The World is Gray

When Ryosuke arrived in this world as a member of the Hyuga clan—a major family in Konoha—his presence was bound to impact the timeline. Instead of letting events spiral out of control, it was better to guide them, to keep things within a manageable range.

Three days later, they returned to the village.

Carrying crucial information, their pace unconsciously quickened. Before they left, Ryosuke had warned Gato not to mistreat the civilians of the Land of Waves or reduce them to a slave-like existence again. Even though the people had been promised immigration to the Land of Fire, such a move still required the daimyo's approval.

As soon as they arrived back in Konoha, Hyuga Hizashi accompanied Ryosuke straight home. Under the puzzled gaze of Hiashi, Ryosuke explained the situation in a few concise sentences. The two brothers then hurried to the Hokage Building to report to the village's top brass.

Ryosuke, however, chose not to appear before the higher-ups. He preferred to wait quietly at home for the outcome.

---

In the courtyard, Ryosuke lay lazily on a wooden bench, occasionally calling out in a lazy tone:

"Raise your hands higher. And stop shaking your legs."

Before him stood little Hanabi, a serious expression on her face as she held a horse stance under the afternoon sun.

Of course, "horse stance" was Ryosuke's own term. Among ninjas, the training didn't really have a name, but it was common. The goal was to stabilize the lower body—to prevent it from becoming a weak point in close combat.

When they returned to the village, Hinata hadn't finished school yet. But Hanabi, already three years old, was now at the age where basic ninja training should begin. With Hiashi busy meeting the Hokage with Hizashi, the task of training naturally fell to Ryosuke.

"Don't look at me. Focus and endurance are key for a ninja," Ryosuke said as Hanabi kept sneaking glances at him.

"Look straight ahead. Don't let yourself be distracted, even if I'm talking. Your eyes should stay locked on your target."

A small smile tugged at his lips. It was warm and genuine—not like the fake smiles he wore outside. Here, at home, around his family, he could finally lower his guard a little.

"Brother Ryosuke… I'm tired…" Hanabi mumbled with a pout, her voice dull and full of grievance. "I've been standing here all afternoon..."

"Still not good enough," Ryosuke replied calmly.

Her pitiful expression made his heart soften a bit, but unfortunately for her, he wasn't the type to spoil someone just because they looked pitiful.

"When your sister was your age, she could stand there for an entire day with her lips bitten, not making a sound."

He waved his hand lightly, "Now turn around and keep your eyes on the target."

"...Okay."

Hanabi spun back angrily, already planning how to complain to her sister when she got home. But her little thoughts were written all over her face—Ryosuke could tell with just one glance. Not that he minded. Even if she did complain, Hinata wouldn't side with her.

What he said was true, after all. Hinata had always been hardworking. Back then, when she was still timid and quiet, she never spoke up, even when she was tired or in pain. She always endured until someone finally told her to stop.

Speak of the devil.

Just as Ryosuke was about to close his eyes and enjoy a short rest, someone walked through the gate.

"Big sis!" Hanabi exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with joy. She opened her mouth, ready to pour out her complaints...

But then, her sister, who had just come home from school after being gone for hours, completely ignored her and ran straight past—heading for the corridor.

Straight to Ryosuke.

"Ryosuke! You're back!"

Hanabi, who was already drained and irritated, felt like her whole world went gray.

Meanwhile, Ryosuke's side was all pink and warm.

Sitting up from his reclined position, Ryosuke caught Hinata in his arms as she practically leaped at him.

"Why are you so emotional? I've only been gone for a few days. What, like just over a week?" he said with a chuckle. "I went to the Land of Fire for a month before and you didn't act like this."

"It's because of what happened when you left this time," Hinata said, holding him tightly, clinging to him like a little cat. "The mission must've been dangerous, right? I was worried every day you were gone..."

"Actually, it wasn't dangerous at all. We didn't even fight anyone this time," Ryosuke said, looking slightly helpless. "Now get off. I've got something to tell you about the mission."

Mainly, it was because his current position was incredibly uncomfortable. After sitting up cross-legged, Hinata had practically jumped on him, putting her knees right on his calves. Even with his strong frame, having her full weight pressing on that spot wasn't pleasant.

"Ah—sorry!" Hinata quickly stood up and settled beside him instead.

Just then, her eyes drifted toward the yard. "Oh! Hanabi's still training? It's already this late?"

She only now seemed to notice someone had been standing there the entire time.

Hearing her words, Hanabi's mood, already foul from being ignored, took a turn for the worse. She seriously considered just walking away from training—but at the thought of her father's stern face, she held back.

So she said nothing, turned her back to them, and continued her horse stance with full concentration.

"She's really dedicated, huh? Hanabi's so impressive," Hinata praised warmly.

Unfortunately, she had no idea what was really going on and assumed her little sister was simply too absorbed in her practice to talk.

Ryosuke just chuckled and chose not to get involved in their sisterly drama. Instead, he began explaining, "This time, our mission was supposed to be a diplomatic one. We were heading to the Land of Waves to take over some negotiations..."

Compared to their trip to Land of Fire, this mission was smooth—almost suspiciously so. Back then, although he'd arranged a challenge for himself, they'd still encountered real conflict.

But this time, even though they had expected battles—maybe even against several Jonin—they hadn't fought at all. In the end, they had even formed a temporary alliance.

It was strange, but the complexity of what Ryosuke had done far surpassed simple combat.

And Hinata, who would eventually take over as the head of the Hyuga clan, needed to understand these kinds of challenges. That's why Ryosuke didn't hide anything. He told her everything, in detail, and explained the logic behind each choice he made.

Like why alliances based on shared interests were more reliable than those sealed by treaties alone.

Or how this new alliance might affect the balance of power in the ninja world going forward.

Hinata listened intently, occasionally asking questions about things she didn't quite understand. She did her best to commit every word to memory, taking it all in like a diligent student.

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