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Sosuke looked at Shiji Yuko in front of him, a smile on his lips as he softly said, "Long time no see, Miss Yuko."
"Aizen... So your real name is Sosuke," Shiji Yuko's gaze drifted on Sosuke's handsome and gentle face, seemingly lost in thought as she spoke softly.
The person she had been yearning to see for so long, yet when she finally met him, she found it difficult to put her thoughts into words.
At that moment, Sosuke spoke again in a gentle tone, "If it's not necessary, please keep this secret, Miss Yuko. After all, it's not the right time for Aizen's identity to be exposed in Konoha."
Upon hearing Sosuke's words, Shiji Yuko nodded firmly and said in a determined voice, "Rest assured, Sosuke! I won't tell anyone about your true identity!"
Seeing this, Sosuke's eyes narrowed slightly, and he smiled gently, saying in a soothing voice, "No need to be so serious. It's not something overly grave. I just don't want to add unnecessary trouble..."
Yuko nodded slightly.
However, in a place out of Yuko's sight, a playful smile flashed in Sosuke's eyes.
Yes... Leveraging the Chuunin Exam... His ability had been utilized to its fullest extent...
He believed that Danzo would be satisfied with the results of the exam. Now, it was time to investigate the so-called place where the sages reside...
Yuko gazed up at Sosuke's clean and gentle face, thinking that he was just a child younger than herself... Despite his mature appearance, this gentle feeling made her want to stay by his side forever...
As Yuko was lost in this beautiful daydream, Sosuke smiled softly and said, "It seems that Miss Yuko has been practicing diligently this past year. You've already grasped your own way of the blade. Regardless, this talent is praiseworthy."
Upon hearing Sosuke's words, Yuko remembered her proud swordsmanship in front of Sosuke in the past, feeling a bit ridiculous. Her cheeks blushed slightly, and she spoke softly, "I owe it to your guidance, Sosuke. I used to be like a frog in a well, but you made me realize that this world is full of unimaginable wonders and excitement..."
To this, Sosuke just smiled faintly.
After hesitating for a moment, Shiji Yuko's expression showed some hesitation, but she spoke again with a somewhat downcast voice, "Sosuke... My... My father wants to marry me off to a member of the Mitai Clan, Mitai Nanosuke... as a political alliance..."
Hearing her words, Sosuke's face still wore a gentle smile, but there was a hint of doubt in his emotions.
Facing each other, Sosuke remained silent.
Shiji Yuko's eyes showed some disappointment and a sense of injustice.
Is it just my own illusion... that so-called grasping one's own fate... perhaps it's all just wishful thinking...
What right do I have to bring up these things to him... even though I'm a nobleman's daughter... it's just the identity of a woman... how could it possibly be related to this rising star of Konoha...
The disappointment in her eyes grew heavier, and she said, "I'm sorry, I spoke too much... It's just that this matter... made me feel like I'm a laughingstock..."
Shiji Yuko lowered her head slowly, feeling a bit aggrieved. Her eyes welled up with tears, but she held them back and raised her head again, looking straight at Sosuke!
Her expression was resolute, her eyes flickering with determination!
"I remember what you said! Don't succumb to fate! Seize control of your own destiny! However it turns out, I will...
"I don't want to regret anything! I refuse to become just a marriage pawn blending into the crowd!"
"Even if you, Sosuke, don't want..."
Her words were suddenly interrupted by a gentle voice.
"Such a look suits you very well," Sosuke gazed at her, a gentle smile on his face. He looked into Yuko's determined eyes and spoke with a magnetic voice.
Upon hearing Sosuke's words, Yuko's expression froze for a moment. She looked at the smiling Sosuke, listening as he continued.
"If one lacks the courage to resist fate, no matter how strong their power, they will eventually be crushed by fate and leave no trace behind."
"I'm glad you have this courage, Yuko. So please, continue to hold on to this courage. If you need help, I'll do my best to assist you, but the rest depends on your choices."
Sosuke's magnetic and captivating words gently descended.
These simple words filled Yuko's eyes with a radiant brilliance!
"Sosuke... you're willing to help me?"
She said with a hint of disbelief.
Sosuke smiled at her and asked softly, "Since you've made up your mind, would I refuse if I don't agree? Are you giving up on resisting fate if I don't help?"
To this, Yuko firmly shook her head and replied with determination in her eyes, "I won't give up... I want to control my own destiny!"
"Then continue to follow your heart... Coincidentally, I have some plans that could be of use to you."
Sosuke's eyes flickered with a glimmer of light as he spoke in a gentle tone.
...
When Shiji Yuko returned to the spectator stands, her spirits were uplifted!
In the arena, the battle between Inuzuka and Mizuki was also coming to an end!
Both of them were covered in wounds!
But at the critical moment, with the help of a secret medicine, Inuzuka Fuji and Kakero managed to perform Garouga perfectly once again!
The fierce combination attack ultimately defeated Mizuki, and Inuzuka Fuji won the match!
Their battle brought another exciting spectacle to the villagers of Konoha!
When Inuzuka Fuji emerged victorious, the villagers of Konoha were both happy and proud!
They cheered with excitement!
The daimyos were also pleased with the scene, praising the Hokage for governing the village so well.
During the brief break after the fight, Shiji Yoshino asked Yuko where she had been earlier.
"Yuko, you should have guards with you when going outside. After all, your identity makes you an easy target," Daimyo Shijimi said.
"Father, my strength is enough to protect myself, and I was just casually strolling outside. The atmosphere of Konoha is more appealing to me than the royal city. I think I've already fallen in love with this village."
Yuko replied with a light smile, her eyes flickering, uncertain whether she meant the village or someone in it.
Hearing her words, Shiji Yoshino let out a sigh.
"Yuko... It's a pity... You're a girl. If possible, I wish you... Ah, let's not talk about this anymore. Perhaps the Mitai Clan is where you truly belong."
Hearing the daimyo's words, Yuko, who had already received Sosuke's promise, was not worried in the slightest.
Her expression remained unchanged, but her eyes shimmered with a glimmer of radiance.
Belonging... I'm sorry, Father... I will control my own destiny... Besides, speaking of belonging...
At this moment, Sosuke's gentle smile appeared in her mind.