Only a few days had passed since the incident at Chaotic Rock Valley.
Ryuto had followed Hashirama back to the Senju Clan Compound and barely settled in before an uproar broke out outside.
Not the kind caused by war.
It was a rumor that had exploded.
Starting in some unknown corner of the Shinobi World, a rumor spread like wildfire, complete with convincing details.
It said the Hagoromo Clan and the Hyuga Clan had joined forces.
When Ryuto heard the news, he was in his room regulating his breathing.
Outside, two young Senju ninja were muttering as they walked. Their voices were low, but he heard every word.
"Have you heard? The Hagoromo and Hyūga have gotten in bed together!"
"More than that. Apparently, they've formed an alliance! Neither clan was weak to begin with. Together? Damn, who could stand up to them besides us and the Uchiha?"
"That's not all! I heard... they've gathered all Nine Tailed Beasts!"
"Holy shit! Seriously? How many days has it been? We only just released four, and they've already collected all nine? Are they cheating?"
"Who knows? There's something even crazier. They say they found ancient ruins left by the Sage of Six Paths, full of treasures that can grant his power! But opening the ruins takes an enormous amount of chakra. That's why they've been desperately snatching Tailed Beasts."
"Now they have all the Tailed Beasts, and the ruins' location... seems to have leaked."
"Leaked?"
"Yeah. Nobody knows who spread it, but the whole Shinobi World knows now. Clans large and small have all gone crazy, asking around about where the ruins are, hoping to grab a share."
Ryuto opened his eyes.
He walked to the window and pushed it open a crack.
The two Senju ninja outside had already gone some