"Wait a second—something's not right."
Hashirama's eyes sharpened, scanning Ryuuto from head to toe. "You… you have chakra. But you're not from the shinobi world. What's going on here, young man?"
The First Hokage's confusion was understandable. One second he was pulled from death, and the next he was staring down a strange world filled with skyscrapers and alien energy.
Then he turned—and saw Ten Thousand Snakes towering nearby. His eyes widened.
"Ten Thousand Snakes? Don't tell me—you're Orochimaru with a new body again!?"
"Stop! Just—stop right there!" Ryuuto groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "I'll explain later! For now, that big green dude over there is my friend. He's kinda… lost control. Please don't kill him, okay? Just restrain him!"
Ryuuto's chakra was nearly spent—he'd burned through everything summoning Hashirama, even chugging several vials of life potion just to stay upright. But the idea of Hulk dying because of his mistake? Not happening.
Hashirama's gaze softened. Then he smiled. "Understood."
Without another word, the God of Shinobi stepped forward. Chakra flared from his body like a wildfire, shaking the ruined city. Hulk met him head-on with a roar that shattered windows. The impact of their clash tore the street apart—shockwaves rolling through the air like thunder.
Both fighters were sent skidding backward, gouging trenches in the ground. Hashirama steadied himself, feet digging deep into the asphalt. Hulk roared louder, veins glowing as his strength surged even further.
"What incredible power," Hashirama murmured, almost admiringly. "That brute strength—it's like my granddaughter Tsunade's monster strength… only wilder!"
"Master Hokage! Restrain him—don't hurt him! I'll take it from there!" Ryuuto shouted, already forming hand seals.
Hashirama nodded once. "Got it."
His hands blurred into motion. Chakra erupted like roots beneath the earth.
"Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence!"
The ground exploded.
From shattered concrete, countless saplings burst forth, twisting upward into towering trees. Within seconds, an entire forest swallowed Manhattan's ruins—branches coiling, trunks tightening, the scent of earth and power filling the air.
Natasha and Gwen backed away instinctively, eyes wide. "What… the hell is this?" Natasha breathed.
Gwen could only whisper, "He just grew a forest in seconds…"
The two women turned toward Ryuuto—their disbelief replaced by something else entirely. Awe. Curiosity. Maybe even something softer.
Meanwhile, Hulk bellowed, tearing through branches, smashing trunks, but the forest just kept regrowing—snaring him tighter each time. Soon, the monster was trapped in a prison of wood and chakra, muscles bulging as he strained against the bindings.
"Young man!" Hashirama called, hands pressed together. "Now's your chance!"
"Right!"
Ryuuto grinned, darting forward like a blur, zigzagging between the living trees.
"Sorry, Banner. Take a nap for a bit—you'll thank me later!"
Earth Style: Light and Heavy Rock Technique!
His arm hardened, coated in dense chakra-infused stone. He slammed a controlled punch straight into Hulk's temple—precise, not lethal.
WHAM!
The impact echoed through the forest. Hulk's pupils contracted, the rage fading from his eyes. He exhaled, trembling, before collapsing—finally at peace.
"Thank you, Ryuuto… you saved me again."
Bruce Banner's voice was hoarse but calm. He gripped Ryuuto's forearm tightly.
Ryuuto smiled faintly. "Heh, come on. Friends help friends. Now rest, big guy."
[Ding! Mission complete!]
[Reward: 20× Life Potions, 1× Konoha Combat Uniform!]
Shion's lazy voice rang in his mind.
"Congrats, Host~ Finally got some fashion sense, huh?"
"Ha! Finally—clothes that don't smell like burnt asphalt!" Ryuuto laughed, equipping the reward on the spot.
In a shimmer of light, his outfit changed—black-and-red shinobi garb with the Leaf insignia etched across his shoulder. His bangs fell perfectly across his forehead protector, and the faint glow of chakra made him look every bit the battle-hardened hero.
"Now this—this feels right." Ryuuto stretched, flexing his hands. "Comfy, stylish, and kinda intimidating. Just how I like it."
Gwen's eyes lit up. "Ryuuto, you look… amazing! Seriously, that outfit was made for you!"
Natasha crossed her arms, smirking. "Didn't think you could pull off 'war god chic,' but… I stand corrected."
"Heh, get used to it." Ryuuto smirked. "From now on, this is my official battle gear. Every enemy falls beneath this uniform."
He looked up at the sky—determined, a little cocky, completely alive.
"Good work, Red Mirage."
The voice came from above. Tony Stark descended in his Iron Man armor, visor lifted, eyes wide in shock. Behind him hovered Thor, Vision, and Captain America—each looking between the unconscious Hulk and the dense forest in disbelief.
"You actually did it," Tony said slowly. "You tamed the Hulk."
Ryuuto shrugged. "What can I say? Just another Tuesday."