A few minutes later—
Koushirou returned to the dojo.
As soon as he arrived, Dragon and his group were already waiting.
"Master, sorry to trouble you," Dragon greeted politely.
"You're here. My memory must be getting worse… I nearly forgot our agreed date. My apologies for making you wait."
Koushirou scratched his head, looking genuinely apologetic.
"We haven't waited long," Dragon replied with a small smile.
"Come with me to the backyard—we'll talk there."
Koushirou led Dragon and the others through the dojo and into the back courtyard, then gave strict orders: no disciples were allowed to step foot inside.
Negotiations with the Revolutionary Army could not be overheard.
Meanwhile…
"Senior brother! Senior brother!"
A crowd of disciples rushed over to surround Ryukawa as soon as Koushirou left.
"Enough—get back to training. Don't even think about slacking."
Ryukawa waved them away with a smile.
He could roughly guess the Revolutionary Army's purpose.
Supplies.
Even though the Revolutionaries had people across the world, their funds were constantly strained. Overthrowing kingdoms rarely meant profit—after all, the ones that could be overthrown were usually poor to begin with.
"Senior brother, who are they?"
Kuina quietly asked.
"Kids shouldn't be so curious."
Ryukawa reached out and ruined her neatly kept bob-cut, ruffling it into a messy bird's nest.
Kuina: "(╬▔皿▔) …!!"
She gave up and returned to training.
"Zoro. Spar with me."
"Right!"
Five seconds later—
Zoro was kneeling on the floor, stunned.
Huh?
What?????
What just happened??
How did he lose before he even realized what was going on?
He stared at his dropped wooden sword, mind blank.
"Hello… my name is Sabo."
Sabo approached Ryukawa with visible nervousness—and more than a little admiration.
He truly couldn't understand…
How could someone his age be this terrifying?!
"Ryukawa. Senior brother of Isshin Dojo."
Ryukawa greeted him with a light smile.
Backyard – Secret Meeting
Sitting on the wooden floor, Koushirou, Dragon, Ivankov, and Hack began their discussion.
Dragon's Observation Haki quietly spread through the entire dojo—every movement was under his surveillance.
"I've already instructed the villagers to move the supplies to the harbor. Your people can load them onto the ship later. The villagers shouldn't be involved further," Koushirou said.
"We are deeply grateful," Dragon answered sincerely.
"It's nothing. Just helping you during difficult times. These supplies will probably only relieve temporary pressure anyway."
Koushirou smiled gently. His aid was purely altruistic, with no intention to gain anything.
"These supplies are a great kindness to us."
Hack bowed his head respectfully.
"How are things on your end lately?" Koushirou asked.
"Same as always," Dragon replied, sipping tea. "Though we were lucky—some kingdoms plunged into internal chaos. That gave us the chance to infiltrate and ignite a revolution."
"When I see those displaced civilians… I can't help imagining a world without war. A world where people live in peace."
He exhaled.
"But sadly, the current World Government is rotten to the bone. Expecting them to keep the seas stable is impossible. Their only priority is protecting their own privilege."
"So long as nobles require 'commoners' beneath them to maintain their sense of superiority… this world will never change."
These words carried the core of the Revolutionary Army's purpose.
Overthrow the corrupt rule.
Bring peace to the world.
"Your mission won't be easy," Koushirou murmured.
"For the sake of our ideals, we will gladly risk our lives," Dragon said steadily.
"But the future truly belongs to the new generation."
"Even the Revolutionary Army needs new blood—young talents with potential. Without them, we cannot last."
Koushirou nodded.
"Is the Revolutionary Army short on new recruits?"
Dragon sighed. "Yes. The older generation is fine, but among the youth… few possess ability and conviction. Without that, sheer numbers are useless."
Koushirou's eyes softened.
"If there's anything I can do—just say it."
"We could never trouble you further. Your support is already more than enough," Dragon waved off…
But then—
His tone suddenly changed:
"However… there is a certain young man in your dojo with extraordinary talent."
Koushirou froze.
Here it comes.
"He seems to be… your dojo's senior brother?"
Dragon asked casually.
Koushirou's heart tightened.
So that's what this is about?!
"May I ask his name?" Dragon continued.
"Ryukawa…"
Koushirou answered instinctively—then immediately regretted it.
Dragon's eyes lit up.
"I must admit—even I recognize that boy as a terrifying genius.
If he joined the Revolutionary Army, he would accomplish great things.
He could become a commander who shapes the very flow of this era."
Koushirou:
"..."
一(⊙﹏⊙)一
HOLD ON.
WAIT A SECOND.
How did the topic suddenly jump to—
"Ryukawa should join the Revolutionary Army"?
Horrible!
Koushirou felt a cold sweat forming.
Revolutionaries… these people are truly dangerous!
While smiling politely, they were already plotting to steal his most gifted disciple!
And not just any disciple—
THE most talented disciple in dojo history!
No way!
Absolutely not!
Ryukawa cannot be taken away!
Koushirou's mind screamed internally:
"These Revolutionaries… BAD!
Very BAD!!!"
◇ I'll drop one bonus chapter for every 10 reviews (leave a review/comment!)
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 60 chapters ahead on P@treon: patreon.com/KageNaruto