Ryuto emerged from Hashirama's tent. The sky outside was a little overcast.
He returned to his temporary quarters, closed the door, and sat cross-legged on the tatami.
He ran through their conversation in his head.
Release the Tailed Beasts.
Lure the snakes out of their holes.
The idea sounded ruthless enough: throw out the very "bargaining chips" those people lurking in the shadows coveted, and force them to show themselves.
But the risks were obvious, too.
If the mastermind could stir up rumors and make the Five-Tails lose control, a sneak attack at the critical moment when they released the Tailed Beasts was all too likely.
Hashirama had said he knew.
Madara had also said it was feasible.
These two men standing at the pinnacle of the Shinobi World had both decided to take the risk, one for peace, the other for power and their promised battle.
Ryuto let out a breath.
He could have stayed out of it.
This was not his plan, nor was it his war.
But he had been right there when the villagers died.
He had been right there when Rena fell.
Some things, once you saw them, you could not pretend you had not.
Some risks, once you knew about them, you could not simply avoid on your own.
He clenched his fists, feeling the Ki inside him slowly recovering, yet far deeper than before.
The power of a Super Saiyan was like a dormant volcano, quiet, but ready to erupt at any moment.
"An accompanying guard..."
He murmured the words.
Then I'll go.
Let's see what this plan to pull the fuel from the fire actually draws out.
Let's see whether that hand hiding in the shadows dares to reach out.
Meanwhile, inside Hashirama's tent.
Hashirama sat behind a low table, Madara's