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As Sōsuke was interestedly looking at the Scroll of Seals,
Inside the medical ward,
A graceful figure appeared silently behind Sōsuke.
Her delicate face was as perfect and captivating as before, with the years leaving no trace of change on her.
Dressed in a light, cherry-blossom-patterned kimono like in the old days, the only change in her was her expression, which was no longer as cold as before but instead had a hint of lively cuteness.
The girl, delicate as a porcelain doll, pouted slightly, looking somewhat annoyed at Sōsuke, who was closely examining the Scroll of Seals.
She moved silently towards him, her slender hand reaching out.
It seemed like a child's play to startle Sōsuke.
Taking a few light steps and seeing Sōsuke had not noticed her,
Her lips curved slightly, revealing pearly white teeth, and a mischievous smile appeared on her beautiful face.
Just then, Sōsuke, who was observing the scroll, sensed something and slightly curled the corner of his mouth.
"Swoosh!"
Suddenly, Sōsuke shifted slightly to the left.
"Thud!"
The graceful figure fell onto the soft bed, her black hair cascading over the white sheets like ripples.
She turned her head, lying on the bed, unconcerned about the slight exposure of her skin.
Her delicate face turned slightly red, she bit her silver teeth and said crisply,
"Sōsuke, how could you dodge!"
To the girl's words, Sōsuke gave a slight smile, gently ruffled her hair, and said softly,
"This is the 46th time you've tried to attack me, Kyōka Suigetsu. It seems you're getting more perfect at materializing."
He then narrowed his eyes slightly and added softly,
"Try harder next time, and you might catch me off guard."
Despite Kyōka Suigetsu's slight annoyance and pouting, she didn't mind much, as it was just a small game they once bet on.
She tilted her head slightly, lying on the bed but still proudly holding her chin high, as if always maintaining her swan-like pride.
Sōsuke smiled, watching her with a look of amusement, and softly said,
"I know your powers are formidable, Kyōka Suigetsu."
"But, don't underestimate the power of a ninja."
"Take a look, these are the astonishing jutsus created by the predecessors of the ninja world."
Clearly pleased with Sōsuke's first comment, Kyōka Suigetsu's face lit up with joy.
But hearing his subsequent words,
She deflated like a balloon, suddenly lying on Sōsuke, her head resting on his chest, shaking her head in refusal.
"I don't want to, ninja's lifespan is limited, what can they create in just a hundred years."
Kyōka Suigetsu, lying on Sōsuke, swung her slender and pale legs by the bed's edge, speaking in a cold and disdainful tone.
After speaking, she hesitated slightly, then added,
"Even the power of things like the Tailed Beasts pales in comparison to what they control."
Hearing her words, Sōsuke smiled softly and said,
"Although I don't know what your previous world was like, dismissing the power of ninjas so simply is a bit one-sided."
"But it doesn't matter, as long as I'm here, there won't be a day when you'll need to come forward."
Saying this, his eyes sparkled with light, and he spoke softly,
"I will protect you all."
Hearing Sōsuke's words, Kyōka Suigetsu remained silent, not speaking.
She just gently hugged one of his arms, holding it in her arms as if feeling immense comfort.
Her face showed a sweet, naive smile, adding a touch of humanity to her delicate features.
No matter what, being with you is my happiness
I will do everything you wish
If the day comes when you still wish to sit on the throne of the Soul Society, I will bring hell to anything that dares to stand in your way
Thinking this, a cold glint flickered and disappeared in Kyōka Suigetsu's star-like eyes.
Her lips curved in a sweet smile, snuggling up to Sōsuke like a child holding candy.
The previous terrifying gaze seemed as if it had never existed.
The next day, Sōsuke's injuries had almost completely healed.
Even the medical ninja responsible for healing Sōsuke were amazed at his astonishing recovery ability.
After leaving the Leaf Village medical ward,
Sōsuke walked on the bustling streets of the Leaf Village, observing the village he once lived in with a smile, yet his eyes hid complex emotions.
The villagers who came and went greeted him with warm smiles, and he reciprocated with his own.
His gentle and humble nature remained unchanged.
The news of his sacrifice in the Sand Village was known only to a few ninjas, and to avoid panic, it was not widely spread.
At this moment, it also saved him some trouble, as the villagers thought he had just returned to the village during a break from the war.
Just at that moment,
As Sōsuke was walking down the street, he was drawn to a scene unfolding before him.
He saw several children chasing after a little girl with red hair, laughing and playing.
"Ha-ha, her hair is different from ours. She has red hair. Is she a redhead monster?"
"Hey, hey, she looks more like a red chili. What a weirdo."
They chased the girl, laughing, with some bolder ones even reaching out to touch her hair or give a quick tug before letting go.
The little girl remained silent, appearing somewhat reserved.
However, Sōsuke could see the anger in her eyes and was curious about what she would do.
Indeed, when Sōsuke noticed the girl clenching her fist, he knew those children were in for trouble.
"Bang!" "Slap!" "Crack!"
The previously silent girl, like a lit fuse, suddenly exploded, lashing out at the children with punches and kicks. The kids were no match for her and were quickly knocked to the ground, covered in dirt.
"Hmph!"
She dusted off her hands and coldly walked away.
As she passed by Sōsuke, she gave him a wary glance before attempting to walk past.
Seeing the hidden wariness in her eyes, Sōsuke couldn't help but chuckle to himself.
He thought that despite her young age, she had a strong sense of caution, probably used to being ostracized and bullied.
"If I just let it go, won't it be harder for her to get along with others in the future?"
Watching the red-haired girl about to leave, Sōsuke spoke in a gentle tone,
"It's alright, they probably don't want to be friends with me either," the girl hesitated slightly before responding.
Sōsuke showed a gentle smile, as if recalling something, and softly said,
"That's true."
"Friends don't always need to be strong or great. They might even be the laughing stock in the eyes of others."
"But a true friend will always choose to believe and protect this friendship, even if it means using all their meager strength to protect their friend."
Hearing Sōsuke's words, the red-haired girl looked a bit puzzled, clearly wondering what he was talking about.
However, she felt that his words were sincere and politely said,
"Hello, I don't quite understand what you mean, but thank you for your advice. I'm Uzumaki Kushina. May I know your name?"
Sōsuke was slightly taken aback by the girl's words, but he quickly put on a gentle smile and softly replied,
"Hello, Kushina. I'm Sōsuke."
Kushina? Is this a coincidence?
So, she must be the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki, yet there's no hint of the massive chakra of the Tailed Beast.
Although Kushina seemed to find Sōsuke's name familiar, she couldn't recall where she had heard it.
Just then,
A boy with golden hair, panting slightly, ran towards them.
His golden hair shimmered in the sunlight, his face tense as he hurried to Kushina's side.
Kushina rolled her eyes at him.
"Minato, you're late."
The boy named Minato apologized with a smile.
However, upon seeing Sōsuke, he was momentarily stunned and stammered,
"Sōsuke-sama, hello!"
After expressing his excitement, he immediately bowed.
Sōsuke smiled and softly said,
"Hello, Minato, stand up, there's no need to be so formal."
As Minato stood up, his eyes were filled with excitement as he said to Sōsuke,
"You're the 'Child of Konoha.' I admire you."
Hearing his words, Kushina also realized where she had heard the name and respectfully said,
"Hello, Sōsuke-sama!"
Sōsuke gestured for them not to be so formal.
Smiling, he glanced at Minato and Kushina and softly said,
"Minato, keep it up. And Kushina, remember what I said about what true friends are like."
"Well, I must be going now. You two carry on."
After saying this, Sōsuke slowly left.
Minato and Kushina remained, watching his retreating figure with admiration and thoughtful expressions.
As he disappeared, Minato excitedly said,
"I can't believe I got to meet Sōsuke-sama because of Kushina!"
Kushina asked,
"Do you really admire Sōsuke-sama that much?"
Minato nodded earnestly and said,
"Sōsuke-sama is a true hero who silently protects the village. I hope to be like him someday."
Kushina softly murmured,
"A hero."
Elsewhere,
Sōsuke walked down the street, his eyes twinkling with a smile.
Reflecting on the day's events, he chuckled softly to himself,
"Is this the choice of fate? It seems this power is destined to be mine."