The streets of Konoha felt different now.
Not louder. Not busier. But… sharper? Eyes lingered longer than usual. Conversations hushed when he passed. The breeze carried tension instead of dust.
Ryosuke adjusted the cloth strap of the manuscript bag over his shoulder, walking steadily toward the publishing office tucked behind the main market square. He didn't change pace. Didn't look over his shoulder.
He'd written books like Dune and now 1984 knowing something like this would happen.
The editor's building was the same: narrow, three stories, with chipped paint and windchimes that hadn't chimed in weeks. He opened the door without knocking, the familiar bell above giving a soft jingle.
"Ah, Ryosuke," the editor said, standing up a little too fast. His glasses slid down his nose as he fumbled with the scattered papers on his desk.
Ryosuke studied him silently. The man was older than he looked—graying hair, ink-stained fingers, a limp in one leg. But today, he looked… smaller. His eyes darted to the window twice before Ryosuke reached the desk.
"I brought the new manuscript," Ryosuke said plainly, not at all mentioning anything about Dune as he placed a scroll on the desk, "Finished it two nights ago."
The editor stared at it as though it were cursed.
"This one's a little heavy...." he murmured.
Ryosuke said nothing.
The editor hesitated, then picked it up and nodded with sweat sliding down his forehead, "I'll need a few days. Maybe more. We are now trying to be more strict with what we send out."
Meaning: They're probably going to block it.
Ryosuke didn't speak, he looked out the window, thanks to his now enhanced senses, he could tell exactly which people were ninjas and which ones were civilian.
The editor swallowed. "Ahem, Mr. Ryosuke?"
Ryosuke turned,"Don't worry, I understand."
He left without another word. The sun was still climbing above the rooftops, casting long shadows across the cobbled street. He had planned to go with Kushina at Training Ground 11, but something in the air told him, it's better to go home and plan for the future.
After all, the watchers weren't exactly being very subtle now, and generally that's a sign of action.
---
The walk back to the Senju estate was quiet. No one followed him openly, but Ryosuke knew better. Shadows moved just a bit too precisely. He neither sped up nor turned back.
When he reached the estate, the paper seals fluttered gently in the breeze. The barrier seal recognized him and parted without resistance.
He slipped off his sandals and stepped inside. The house smelled faintly of old paper and ink—Mito-sama's scent.
She was in the study, seated cross-legged before an ancient scroll. Her eyes didn't leave the kanji etched across the parchment as she spoke.
"You're early."
"I had planned to train with Kushina. Plans changed."
Mito finally looked up. Her sharp, aged eyes looked up at him knowingly,"So? Do you understand now?"
"I always understood, but I know this won't be able to threaten me for long."
She didn't smile, but the corner of her mouth twitched. "Okay, are you here to brag about your talent? Just say what you want."
Ryosuke couldn't help but smirk as he stepped closer and took out a small sheet of chakra-sensitive paper, folding it slowly between his fingers. "I need your help. A seal… for clones. Something that can make a Shadow Clone feel more real. Real chakra signature, emotional feedback if possible. Something that could fool experienced shinobi."
Mito's brows furrowed. "That's dangerous. Chakra resonance is personal. It's how sensor types distinguish a clone from the real thing. If someone realizes it's a seal-enhanced clone, they'll trace it back to you."
"I know, can you do it?"
She snorted,"In this world, There's noone except me that can make this seal kid, you are lucky."
Ryosuke smiled,"Thank you, Mito-sama."
Things got awkward for a few seconds as silence stretched on.
Then she set the scroll aside, slowly. "And I assume you have a plan?"
"Yes. I need you to follow it."
.
.
.
Her lips pressed into a line. "Oh. That's grand, grow up quickly and get power so you don't have to rely on plans like this."
"I am already at the level of a jonin." Ryosuke said, speechless.
"So? Hmph, in my time, Jonins were just fodder."
Ryosuke said nothing but just stared at Mito-sama.
"Ok, ok, I may have exaggerated a little. But it's not too far from the truth." Mito-sama finally couldn't take his accusing gaze anymore.
Ryosuke's face twitched, he never knew such a silly side of Mito-sama.
Mito turned and reached for a fresh scroll and brush. Her movements were slower than before, but still precise, still deadly. "This will take time. Maybe a day or two."
"I'm not in a rush," Ryosuke said, turning toward the door. "Not yet."
He left her in the study as the sun began its descent over Konoha, casting longer shadows.
Soon, one of them would be real enough to fool even Danzo.
---
The sun was dipping low when Ryosuke stepped out into the side courtyard of the Senju estate, the golden light catching on old tiles and new grass. The air was filled with the sharp snap of chakra and the echo of fierce determination.
He paused.
Kushina stood in the training field, barefoot, hair swaying like a flame as she slammed her palm into the ground. A seal burst open beneath her, and with a sound like metal slicing air, chains of chakra—vibrant and golden—erupted upward, twisting and snapping in controlled arcs.
Tsunade stood a few meters away, arms crossed, watching casually,"Again. More control this time, less flare."
Kushina's hands moved quickly. The chains obeyed.
Ryosuke's eyes widened slightly. His lips curved—not quite a smile, but close.' She's getting stronger.'
Kushina noticed him. She beamed.
"Ryo!" she called, and without waiting, she ran toward him. Her face was flushed with effort, eyes sparkling.
He didn't move, hands tucked into his sleeves as always, but his gaze softened.
"Did you see that? I've been practicing for hours! I think… I think I'm finally getting close to your level!"
Ryosuke blinked, then let out a soft chuckle. "Close to me?" He tilted his head. "In your dreams, maybe."
Her face twitched in a weird way, "What was that?". Her acting wasn't very good, anybody could tell she was just eager for a fight.
And just like that—she lunged.
Their spar was impromptu but natural. Kushina was all speed and heart, the chains flashing with purpose. Ryosuke moved fluidly, effortlessly sidestepping, ducking, deflecting.
Meanwhile, Tsunade just sighed and grumbled,"I wanted a drink anyway."
He didn't even draw a weapon. Just movement, just breath, just calm.
Kushina gritted her teeth, forcing her chakra into her limbs. One of her chains came close—closer than expected. But as she shifted for a sweeping kick, Ryosuke stepped into her stance and gently took her wrist, catching her off balance.
Her foot slipped. She stumbled.
He caught her.
For a second, their faces were inches apart.
Kushina blinked. Her cheeks flared red. "Ch–Cheater," she muttered, fists lightly pressing against his chest.
Then—she shoved him.
Hard.
Ryosuke staggered back a step as she sprinted away, her laughter trailing behind her.
He rubbed his chest with a small wince and chuckled softly. "Hmph… stronger than before."
He looked out toward her fading silhouette, his smile now full and honest, his heart a little lighter.