Naruto from Warring states period

Valley Village

"When I found Ryuu in the forest, he was sleeping peacefully. He was so cute!" Grandma Saya reminisced, a fond smile gracing her lips. "We brought him here and raised him, but he was never like a typical child. He never cried for food but would simply point towards it, then towards his mouth. We were always amazed by how he seemed to understand everything we said."

Two years passed. One day, Ryuu discovered a chakra cultivation scroll used by ninjas. He began cultivating himself and even taught the village children.

Grandma Saya continued, her smile fading slightly. "Everyone was shocked when I mentioned Ryuu. They finally understood why he insisted on becoming allies with the village. He wanted to protect it, not become entangled in the endless clan and family wars."

An hour passed, and Grandma Saya, though tired, still wore a contented smile. "Thank you, Grandma, for sharing this with us," one of the young ninjas said.

"So, Grandma," Hashirama inquired, "does this mean the village has never been involved in a war?"

Tobirama, his expression serious, interjected, "Hashirama, what do you mean by saying that?"

"It's alright," Grandma Saya soothed. "Three years ago, a… an incident occurred. All the ninjas in the village were near death, even the strongest among us."

A hush fell over the room. "Who could have inflicted such severe injuries on the entire village?" Hashirama demanded.

"Where was Ryuu at that time?" Izuna asked.

"He was… fine after the battle," Grandma Saya said, her voice trailing off. "No one spoke of it afterward."

"Hmm, a battle of this magnitude… how many people died?" Tobirama pressed.

"No one actually died," Grandma Saya clarified, "but they were all near death.

Broken limbs, severe injuries… it was a terrifying sight."

"Can you tell us more about that time?" Hashirama insisted.

"I don't know the full details," Grandma Saya admitted, "but I can ask someone who does. If you wish to know more."

"Please, Grandma," they urged in unison.

After Grandma Saya left, a heavy silence descended upon the room. "How big a battle would it take to bring an entire village's ninja to the brink of death?" Hashirama wondered aloud.

Ten minutes later, Grandma Saya returned with a young woman. "Her name is Naomi, a skilled medical ninja," she introduced. "She can answer any questions you have."

Naomi, her face expressionless, nodded.

"What do you wish to know?"

"We want to know about the battle that happened three years ago, the one that left all the ninjas in your village severely injured,"

Hashirama explained.

Naomi's face hardened. "It was Ryuu-sama who fought all the ninjas in the village."

Shock rippled through the group. Even Grandma Saya was stunned. She never imagined Ryuu could have caused such widespread injuries. The four Konoha giants were equally astonished.

"But why did he do it?" Hashirama demanded.

All eyes turned to Naomi, eager for answers.

"Well, you know this village is surrounded by a barrier, right?" Naomi began. "Ryuu-sama was planning to remove it."

"Remove it?" Izuna scoffed. "What do you mean by 'outsiders'?"

"Merchants, travelers, and others," Naomi explained. "He believed the village should interact with the outside world and not remain isolated forever."

"I still don't understand," Hashirama said. "Why would he beat his own village's ninjas if he wanted to open the village to outsiders?"

"Let me explain," Naomi continued. "Three years ago, he summoned us to his office."

THREE YEARS AGO

Valley Village Office

"You all came," Ryuu declared, his voice firm.

"Yes, sir," they responded in unison.

"I have something I want to discuss with you regarding the village," Ryuu announced.

"You all know about the barrier I created. It has kept enemies out, but I believe it's time to consider removing it."

Shockwaves rippled through the room. "Sir, that's not a good idea," one of the ninjas protested. "If we remove it, enemies could infiltrate the village."

The others nodded in agreement.

"I understand your concerns," Ryuu acknowledged. "But we rely on the outside world for many things we cannot produce ourselves. We cannot remain isolated forever."

The ninjas nodded, acknowledging the truth of his words.

"When will you remove the barrier?"

someone asked.

"Not now," Ryuu replied. "But I will do so at the right time. And to prepare for the day when the village may face external threats, I believe it's necessary for all of you to undergo a rigorous test."

Confusion reigned. "Sir, what kind of test?" Daisuke inquired.

"You will all fight me," Ryuu declared.

The room erupted in disbelief. "What? Fight you?"

"Yes, but you must fight with the intent to kill. Imagine I am an enemy intent on destroying the village, and you must defend it with your lives."

"But sir, what if something happens?"

"Do you think you can actually kill me?"

Ryuu countered. "Don't underestimate me. I will fight you seriously. You won't die, but you will be pushed to your limits. Do not hold back, or you will regret it. This is not a game.

Now go and prepare for the battle. Inform all the ninjas and ensure the villagers are sheltered from any harm."

"Yes, sir," they replied, still reeling from the unexpected announcement.

As the ninjas left, Ryuu began his preparations for the upcoming battle.

To be Continued…