The perfected Peacock Method had more than doubled Ryan's flight speed. In no time, he had flown past the toxic mists of Hell Valley and reached the outskirts of the Star Shinobi encampment.
But his modified Peacock Wings were so different in appearance from the standard that they drew immediate attention—and suspicion. Two shinobi skilled in the original technique quickly intercepted him.
"Who goes there?" the two guards shouted.
They were Night Hawk and Death Burial, the long-time partners of Akahoshi.
Within Star Village, there weren't many who could still use the Peacock Method. Especially now that the "Star" had been fully drained of chakra, the technique might very well become lost to time in a few years.
Night Hawk and Death Burial flanked Ryan from both sides in the air, assuming a pincer formation. Their eyes narrowed beneath their masks as they watched the mysterious figure. That lifelike pair of purple wings alone was enough to set off alarms—no ordinary user could manifest something like that.
They weren't confident they could defeat him, but this was Star Village territory. Letting a stranger fly in freely was not an option.
"Ugh… Uncle Night Hawk, Uncle Death Burial—it's me, Ryan!"
With a sigh, Ryan lightly flapped his wings and descended to the ground under their suspicious glares. He pulled off his mask and gave a helpless smile.
He had forgotten to wear his forehead protector when he left earlier. If he had, they probably wouldn't have treated him like a potential threat.
"What? You're Ryan?" The two men landed beside him, stunned by the sight of the teenage boy who had once been just a kid.
"Mmhm." Ryan reached into his ninja pouch and pulled out his Star Village forehead protector, tying it neatly to his right arm.
Death Burial squinted, still trying to reconcile the familiar face with the boy from years ago. "Where have you been all these years? Lord Hoshikage completely sealed off all information about you…"
Ryan gave a relaxed smile. "Grandpa Hoshikage took me somewhere peaceful and isolated so I could train. I've just returned."
"I see... but that pair of purple wings earlier—was that... the Peacock Method?" Night Hawk asked, recalling the surreal sight.
"Yeah," Ryan nodded. "It's my refined version of the Peacock Method."
His version had vastly superior offensive and defensive capabilities. According to his own calculations, even Natsuhoshi might not be able to replicate it.
"You actually managed to improve the Peacock Method… to that extent?" The two veteran shinobi stared at Ryan in disbelief, eyes filled with awe.
They had always known Ryan was gifted—but this was beyond anything they could've imagined. The level of control required to shape chakra into such detailed constructs… was mind-blowing.
They couldn't name anyone else in the village who could manipulate chakra with that level of precision.
Star Shinobi Encampment
As Ryan walked through the familiar wooden structures that hadn't changed in the last four years, a strange mix of emotions welled up in his heart.
It had already been six years since he arrived in this world.
"Night Hawk, Death Burial—who's that kid with you?" asked some passing shinobi, eyes full of curiosity.
Ryan had always kept to himself, interacting mostly with Natsuhoshi, Akahoshi, and the Third Hoshikage. To the rest of the village, he was just a polite, quiet kid. After four years away, it wasn't surprising that many didn't recognize him.
"Uncle, Auntie—I'm Ryan! I've just returned from years of training outside the village. On my way to report to Grandpa Hoshikage!" Ryan said with a warm smile, waving at them.
That was enough to jog a few memories. "Ah! The kid who used to follow Lady Natsuhoshi around..."
Star Village had a relatively warm and welcoming atmosphere. Within a short time, Ryan was already mingling comfortably with many of the village's shinobi. After all, in a small village like this, everyone knew everyone.
Hoshikage's Office
The Third Hoshikage sat behind his desk, reviewing a modest stack of mission reports. Unlike the towering workload of the Five Great Nations, Star Village had far fewer issues to manage.
Standing in front of him was the graceful kunoichi Natsuhoshi.
She silently watched the aging Third Hoshikage, his back now more hunched than ever. The years hadn't been kind. She, too, was deteriorating—side effects from prolonged use of the Peacock Method. Though not severe yet, she could feel her body beginning to weaken. She didn't know how much longer she had before she ended up like Firefly Star, dying in agony from the same chakra poisoning.
But for now, she was grateful. At least she could watch her son Smyle grow up—that was enough for her.
"Sigh… Time flies," the Third murmured, setting the last file aside. "It's already been four years since Ryan left to train in the valley…"
As he slowly stood up, his back curved noticeably more than it had years ago. Old age had truly caught up with him.
Natsuhoshi smiled softly and said, "Yes, Hoshikage-sama. Honestly, I think Ryan's power now has even surpassed mine. I doubt I could beat him in a duel."
Though she'd never directly fought Ryan, she had observed his training. His speed alone was enough to make her question whether her Peacock Method could even land a hit on him.
"Is that so?" The old man gave a satisfied nod, though he wasn't all that surprised. Over the years, Ryan had given him more than enough reasons to expect the extraordinary.
"Then it's time he returned," he said with a gentle smile. "A fledgling eagle must learn to fly before it can soar. With the strength he has now… he's ready."
His words startled Natsuhoshi slightly. She turned to him in surprise. "You mean…"
"Yes," the Hoshikage said, exhaling smoke as he looked out at the sky. "Star Village is too small. If he stays here, it will only hinder his growth. Let him go—let him explore the world. When he returns, he can lead this village into a new era. I'll hold on for a few more years."
Natsuhoshi nodded quietly. She agreed in part… but worry lingered. "You're sending him out into the world? Aren't you afraid something might happen to him?"
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't," the old man replied calmly. "But tell me, which shinobi who made their name across the world didn't first bathe in blood and steel? We are not civilians. We are ninja. All we can do is support him from the shadows…"
"Understood," Natsuhoshi whispered.
From the moment they were born, ninja were destined to walk among bloodshed and darkness. Peace and security were always fleeting dreams.
-----------------------------------------
T/N:
Access 30 chapters in advance on my
P@treon: p@treon.com/Naruz