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Sousuke woke up, and it was already bright outside, which was unbelievable for a young boy like him who always maintained a good sleep schedule.
"Oh no, I'm late!" Sousuke worried and immediately got dressed, rushing towards school.
At the ninja school:
Ninja teacher Onoki Kimura was delivering a ninja arts class.
Underneath the podium, a worried Tsunade, a young girl, looked at Sousuke's empty seat.
"What's strange? Where is Sousuke? He's known for following the rules. I can't believe he skipped class! Did he go to the Yamaki bathhouse? It's the time when everyone takes a bath, and he didn't even invite me!"
Jiraiya, who was bored and resting his head on the desk, looked at Sousuke's empty seat and smirked, saying, "Bang!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Tsunade punched him hard on the head.
"Do you think everyone is like you, you idiot?"
An angry Tsunade scolded Jiraiya, while Orochimaru, who was next to them, looked at Sousuke's empty seat, pondering something.
"Smack!"
The teacher's door was forcefully opened.
"I'm sorry, I'm late!" Sousuke said, slightly out of breath.
"Sousuke, it's fine, but don't be late again. This lesson is about the practical usage of basic ninja arts, which is important for you graduating brats," said Onoki Kimura, looking at Sousuke with a friendly expression. He liked this excellent child because every teacher loves students who are talented and obedient.
"I understand, excuse my tardiness, Teacher Kimura," Sousuke politely replied, and then returned to his seat.
As soon as he sat down, he received a note passed to him by Tsunade.
"What happened?" he turned his head and met Tsunade's concerned expression. He gently shook his head and smiled, indicating that everything was fine.
Jiraiya, who was nearby, no longer held back and whispered to Sousuke, "Sousuke, how could you be late? Honestly, did you go to the Yamaki bathhouse to peep?"
Sousuke naturally wouldn't admit to Jiraiya's question and shook his head while smiling.
"How could that be? Jiraiya, your imagination is truly rich. You have the potential to become a writer."
Upon hearing his words, Jiraiya's eyes brightened, and he exclaimed excitedly, "Really?! You think so? Let me tell you, every time I pass by the Yamaki bathhouse, my thoughts gush like a spring. I, Jiraiya, am destined to be a writer!"
"Jiraiya!! This is a ninja classroom! If you want to become a writer, take a left turn at the exit! Now, pay attention in class!" Onoki Kimura shouted from the podium, looking furious at Jiraiya. This mischievous brat was always causing trouble for him, and it was simply unreasonable!
"Yes, Teacher Kimura," Jiraiya obediently replied, with a downcast and dejected tone.
Laughter filled the classroom.
Sousuke listened attentively to Onoki Kimura's lecture, feeling at ease.
Suddenly!
His pupils contracted.
Sousuke saw a girl standing alone next to Teacher Kimura.
He rubbed his eyes and looked again, confirming that he wasn't mistaken. There was indeed.
He rubbed his eyes and looked again, confirming that he wasn't mistaken. There was indeed a girl wearing a floral-patterned kimono standing next to Teacher Kimura.
With a loud bang, he stood up.
"Teacher Kimura! Next to you!"
He pointed loudly at the girl in the kimono standing beside Daichi Onoki Kimura.
"Next to me? Is there a problem here, Sousuke?" Daichi Onoki Kimura looked at the empty space Sousuke was pointing at, puzzled.
"N-Nothing, I'm terribly sorry for interrupting your class, Teacher Kimura."
Sousuke sat back down after saying those words, but he was extremely shocked. They couldn't see her! No one could see that girl!
In his eyes, he only saw the girl suddenly turn her head. She was exceptionally beautiful with an icy expression. She glanced at him briefly before slowly dissipating like mist.
This scene caused Sousuke's breath to quicken involuntarily.
Could it be... the person that Hogyoku had mentioned? Yes, it must be. The changes started last night, and now he encountered these strange things again. Who is she!?
Sousuke felt deeply unsettled in his heart. These unknowns disrupted the rhythm of his life, and he began to ponder what exactly it could be.
After class, Tsunade approached him.
Her brown eyes looked at him with concern, and she gently opened her lips to ask, "Sousuke, are you okay? You don't look well. What happened?"
"It's nothing, Tsunade. I just didn't sleep well last night. Thank you for your concern."
Sousuke softly replied, not wanting others to know about these things or worry about him.
At that moment, Orochimaru walked over, his voice slightly hoarse.
"This doesn't seem like your style, Sousuke. It would be better if you told us if something really happened."
After saying those words, Orochimaru turned and walked out of the classroom.
Hearing his words, a faint smile appeared on Sousuke's face.
They truly were reliable companions in crucial times. But I'm sorry, I really can't tell you about these things.
If what Hogyoku said is true, using the power of the soul? Just thinking about it feels evil. It's an absolute secret that can't be revealed to the villagers!
Sousuke buried these thoughts deep within his heart.
After the day's ninja school classes ended, he declined Jiraiya's invitation to have barbecue, expressing his gratitude, and returned home.
The strange things he witnessed today left him greatly concerned, and he couldn't help but release his pent-up emotions during the taijutsu class.
His fists, covered in calluses, now had traces of blood, indicating the heavy unease caused by this incident.
It's important to note that Sousuke was a young man with exceptional self-control.
Lying in bed, feeling physically and mentally exhausted, he couldn't help but recall the events from last night.
With that in mind, he suddenly opened his eyes and sat up.
Looking at his chest, he softly called out, "Hogyoku? Are you there? If you are, let's talk!"
There was no response, which disappointed him.
So, that person called Hogyoku must have depleted their energy. Sousuke thought to himself.
Just as he was giving up on calling Hogyoku and preparing to rest...
"Aizen-sama! Did you call for me?"