Thank you to Isk0, Jet Phan, FearTcb, Maxime Anne Louise, kiddeath1998, Falsic, Tarlock, Viswa Venkat Mounish Vadlapudi, Masterlolop, Malachi Lindsay for their support and becoming a patron on p@treon.
You can read 40+ chapters ahead of everyone on p@treon.
P@TREON - p@treon.com/lessaservantofcosmos
(just replace the "@" with "a")
Check Out My Latest Works: Jujutsu Kaisen: Verdandi
ps: Please support me on P@treon. I can really use your help!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Konoha Royal Capital.
For the people in the city, today was undoubtedly a grand day.
Because today was the engagement day of Shiji Yuko, the daughter of Lord Shiji Yoshino, and Prince Nanosuke, the son of Lord Gotai.
Rumors of their close relationship had been circulating for half a year.
Now, the marriage alliance between the two noble families played a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the Fire Country.
Sosuke and the others walked along the streets of the royal capital, where an air of celebration filled the atmosphere.
Looking at the festive scene, Sosuke wore a smile on his face and said softly, "It seems that the people here are very pleased with the marriage alliance."
Upon hearing Sosuke's words, his companion Saki looked around at the lively scene with a disdainful expression but remained silent.
Shino, on the other hand, had a slightly cold expression and said in a cold voice, "It's nothing more than a group of people being fooled by their rulers. A marriage alliance is just a crude means to them."
Hearing Shino's words, Sosuke's lips curled up with a hint of amusement as he glanced at him playfully and said, "Is it because of Sakuya that you feel this way?"
Shino did not answer, but his mind went back to a certain time a year ago.
At that time, he was still deeply affected by his defeat at the hands of Sosuke, and when he was venting his emotions in the forest, he 'coincidentally' ran into Sosuke.
His face turned cold, and he glared at Sosuke, his voice extremely icy. "Sosuke, what do you want now!?"
Unaffected by Shino's hostile tone, Sosuke stood in front of him with a smile, a smile that seemed hypocritical in Shino's eyes, and said softly, "Uchiha Shino, do you remember what you said before?"
Hearing this, Shino's eyes tightened, and he replied in a low voice, "What do you mean!?"
Sosuke continued to smile, looking at him with amusement in his eyes, and said, "You seem to have forgotten. I thought Sakuya was an important to you, but it seems I was mistaken. Since you've forgotten, then what happens next has nothing to do with you."
With that, Sosuke turned around and walked slowly towards the edge of the forest.
Hearing Sosuke mention Sakuya's name, Shino's pupils couldn't help but contract, and anger replaced the expression on his face as he shouted after Sosuke's back, "What do you want with Sakuya!?"
Hearing Shino's angry roar, Sosuke's eyes flickered with a smile.
Turning slowly, he smiled and said, "Sakuya is a very lovely girl. If possible, I would like to help her improve her abilities. Of course, the methods might cause her some discomfort."
"But considering Sakuya's personality, she should be able to endure such pain."
As Sosuke's words fell, Shino felt an unusual fury rising within him!
"You! Didn't I tell you to stay away from Sakuya! Bastard!"
He roared, and his eyes turned into a three-tomoe Sharingan, resembling blood.
In the next moment, he leaped forward with all his might, a furious whirlwind attack directed at Sosuke!
"Damn you!"
"Taijutsu Secret Technique: Leaf Great Whirlwind!"
Still standing in place, Sosuke continued to wear a light smile.
"Can such a rough move even be called a secret technique... You're really disappointing me..."
Without even moving,
Gently, he withdrew his right hand from his pocket!
"Bang!"
Shino looked at Sosuke with disbelief, his heart filled with shock!
He had just thrown a powerful kick!
But Sosuke had effortlessly caught his attack with a light grip, not even moving an inch.
He caught my attack head-on!? Is this guy's body some kind of monster!? How could he possess such terrifying strength!?
"With such weak power, what can you possibly achieve..."
Sosuke glanced at him lightly, his words cold and indifferent, and then casually flicked his hand.
"Bang!"
"Crack! Crack!"
Shino's body flew sideways at a faster speed than before!
He crashed through several thick and sturdy trees!
"Boom! Crash!"
Shino's body was buried under broken wood and branches!
Standing in place, Sosuke looked at the debris, hands still in his pockets, as if he had done something inconsequential, and continued speaking softly.
"I have a plan that requires some assistance. Originally, I intended for you, Shino, to be a part of it, but today it seems your strength has disappointed me too much... Sakuya's potential is likely to serve me better than you..."
"Let's call it a day for now. I apologize for taking up your time, Shino-kun."
With that, Sosuke turned and left the scene.
A "snap" came from the debris.
"W-Wait... I agree to your request! Just... stay away from... Sakuya..."
The weak and trembling voice of Uchiha Shino came from underneath.
Outside, Sosuke stopped in his tracks and said softly, "Then, if you have the time, come find me. I hope your determination to replace Sakuya won't disappoint me too much."
Then he continued to leave the place.
Under the shade of the trees, Sosuke's lips curved up with a smile, and there was a playful glint in his eyes behind his glasses.
I hope you won't disappoint me too much, Shino-kun...
........
In front of the Gotai family's residence.
Sosuke and the three of them stood at the entrance.
Looking at the continuous stream of guests, each with a joyful expression on their faces!
Uchiha Shino glanced lightly at Sosuke and said, "Are we just going to barge in like this!? Even if I've learned those ninjutsu, you should know that my chakra is not enough to..."
Before he finished speaking, Sosuke turned his head, chuckled, glanced at him, and then took a slow step forward.
Hyūga Saki followed closely behind Sosuke's footsteps.
Uchiha Shino looked at Sosuke's back, his eyes gleaming with determination, and he followed suit.
As they approached the entrance, Sosuke gently drew out his Zanpakutō, Kyōka Suigetsu, from his waist.
The two guards at the entrance frowned and their eyes narrowed when they saw this scene!
At this time, there were actually people daring to cause trouble in the noble's residence! If the Lord found out, it would be disastrous! They must quickly drive away these troublemakers!
The guard, Monta, stepped forward and asked with an angry voice, "Who are you people!?"
However, at this moment!
"Snick!"
The guard next to him, Kazuhiko, suddenly pulled out a katana and thrust it into Monta's abdomen!
Monta turned his head in pain, looking at Kazuhiko with disbelief, trembling as he said, "K-Kazuhiko... you... you are a spy for the Rain Village..."
And in front of him, Kazuhiko looked at Monta and said in a furious voice, "Monta! I can't believe you're conspiring with the Hidden Rain Village! Don't blame me for this!"
Across from them, Sosuke continued to walk forward slowly, paying no attention to this scene.
But Uchiha Shino, who was following closely behind him, had his eyes wide open!
His heart was filled with shock!
What did he do...!!?