Ryu

**Ryu** (リュウ, *Ryu*) is a rogue zetsu clone created by Akumo Ōtsutsuki and later a member of the Akatsuki. Ryū is the one responsible for the manipulation of Orochimaru planning and invading of Konohagakure during the Chūnin Exams.

## Background

In the shadows of ancient history, before the era of shinobi villages, a clandestine experiment unfolded under the watchful gaze of the enigmatic Akumo Ōtsutsuki. Within the depths of her secret lair, hidden away from the prying eyes of the world, Akumo embarked upon an audacious endeavor: the creation of a perfect rogue clone, a being that would serve as her instrument of chaos and manipulation.

Thus, Ryu was brought into existence, a unique Zetsu clone crafted with utmost precision and infused with a complex amalgamation of chakra. Born from the genetic properties of Hashirama Senju, Ryu's cells contained the very essence of the future First Hokage's potent abilities. Akumo, driven by a thirst for power and supremacy, ingeniously melded these ancestral attributes into Ryu's genetic makeup, giving birth to an extraordinary being.

However, Ryu's uniqueness didn't stop there. In his formative years, he exhibited uncanny proficiency in chakra manipulation, unlocking the ability to wield the Sharingan – a testament to Akumo's mastery of genetic engineering. As Ryu's potential grew, so did his connection to the dark and manipulative undercurrents that flowed within him. Akumo saw in Ryu a perfect tool for her grand designs, an agent capable of sowing discord and chaos in the shinobi world.

With meticulous care, Akumo infused Ryu with the coveted Mangekyo Sharingan, granting him unparalleled visual prowess and bestowing upon him an array of formidable techniques that bordered on the realm of myth. Yet, as Ryu matured and embraced the darkness within, a spark of individuality flickered.

During the Chūnin Exams, the stage was set for Ryu's grand gambit. Manipulating events behind the scenes, he orchestrated a calculated invasion of Konohagakure, throwing the village into chaos. Ryu's mastery of both Senju and Sharingan abilities, coupled with his newly acquired Mangekyo Sharingan techniques, made him a formidable adversary. His presence left the village's defenders reeling, struggling to counter the intricate web of illusions and destruction he weaved.

As Ryu's malevolent plot unfolded, the legendary organization known as the Akatsuki took note of his actions. Recognizing his potential as a valuable asset, they extended an offer of membership, promising him the freedom and power he so desperately sought. In this alliance of rogues and misfits, Ryu found a new purpose and a chance to reshape his destiny.

## Appearance

Ryu's attire reflects both his enigmatic nature and the depths of his power, a visual testament to his identity as a rogue Zetsu clone created by the enigmatic Akumo Ōtsutsuki. His chosen garb serves as a striking blend of elegance and foreboding, capturing the essence of his mystique and the darkness that courses through his veins.

The centerpiece of Ryu's attire is his white kitsune mask, an intricate creation that conceals his features behind an ethereal visage. Crafted with meticulous detail, the mask embodies the cunning and trickery of the kitsune – a mythical creature known for its shape-shifting abilities and cunning nature.

The mask's milky-white surface is adorned with delicate silver filigree, swirling patterns that dance across the mask's surface like wisps of smoke. Two piercing red eyes, reminiscent of his Mangekyo Sharingan, peer out from the mask's eye slits, exuding an aura of unearthly power and intelligence. The kitsune mask serves as both a disguise and a symbol of Ryu's ability to manipulate and deceive, a constant reminder of the duplicity that lies beneath his exterior.

Draped over his lithe form is a dark blue-grey robe, its fabric whispering of both elegance and danger. The robe's somber hue is offset by intricate grey lining that traces the edges, each stitch a testament to craftsmanship of the highest order. The robe's silhouette is tailored to enhance Ryu's lithe and agile physique, allowing for fluid movement and concealed weaponry. At the collar, a fur lining adds a touch of opulence, a stark contrast to the malevolent aura that surrounds him.

A tattered grey-blue cape flows from Ryu's shoulders, its edges frayed and ragged, hinting at battles and struggles endured. But it is the cape's central feature that captures attention – a mesmerizing emblem embroidered onto the fabric with painstaking precision. This emblem is a mandala, a complex symbol of spiritual significance and cosmic harmony.

Comprising nine reddish-brown circles, each varying in size, they radiate outwards from a larger central circle of green-grey. The mandala's arrangement hints at the layers of Ryu's power and influence, the intricate circles representing the many facets of his being and his connection to the intricate web of manipulation he weaves.

In Ryu's attire, every element serves a purpose – a mask to conceal intentions, a robe to blend into shadows, and a cape to carry the weight of his legacy. Together, they create an image that resonates with power, mystery, and the indomitable will of a being caught between his creation and his own desires. With every step he takes, Ryu's presence is felt as a symphony of enigma and danger, a silent reminder that behind the mask lies a force that can shape the very fabric of the shinobi world.