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Inside the palace.
A tall figure appeared unnoticed, the very person who had vanished from Konoha Village - Sōsuke.
He stood lightly outside the partition, a smile on his lips, his deep gaze gently looking through the partition at Yuko.
Inside, Yuko's body trembled violently, trying hard to hold back tears, her voice quivering, "Sōsuke... it's been... a while..."
Hearing Yuko's words, Ghost, standing by the palace, was shocked, thinking to himself, "Is this Sōsuke? His strength... he managed to arrive here silently?!"
Sōsuke, with a smile in his eyes, spoke softly, "Sorry, it took me so long to come and see you."
Hearing Sōsuke's words, Yuko, inside the partition, seemed to let go of all the grievances and complaints she had harbored until then.
Tears flowed like a floodgate opened, yet she smiled through her sobs, "It's... it's okay... that you've come... it means a lot..."
She quickly got up, pulling aside the partition, her eyes red and watery like a small rabbit, gazing lovingly at the figure she had longed for.
"You... you've changed... Sōsuke..."
Yuko's gaze was hazy as she looked at Sōsuke, murmuring softly.
Hearing her, Sōsuke, now dressed in white and with a more defiant hairstyle, smiled slightly, "Change happens to everyone; I'm no exception."
"And this is the real me, pursuing what I believe in by shedding all the constraints of my past."
Despite her cheeks wet with tears, Yuko's smile radiated pure joy.
She fixed her gaze on Sōsuke's face, unwilling to hide her true feelings any longer, softly saying, "No matter what, I've loved you... from the beginning... till now."
Sōsuke didn't respond directly to her declaration, merely smiling lightly as he stepped forward, gently tapping her forehead with his pale finger.
Yuko was taken aback by this sudden gesture, freezing for a moment.
Then, she heard a magnetic voice, "Time is a chasm that humans cannot easily cross, pushing people towards their end."
"In this process, the mix of emotions and desires flavors life. But if one day we can cross this chasm, a new dawn awaits us."
"I hope you too can cross this barrier, free yourself from the shackles of time, and then, give me your answer."
Although Yuko didn't fully grasp his words, she nodded eagerly.
She knew one thing for certain: from now on, Sōsuke wouldn't ignore her anymore.
That meant everything to her.
Sōsuke then turned to Ghost, asking lightly, "Is this your subordinate?"
Yuko, realizing Ghost was still present, remembered Sōsuke's arrival had made her forget everything else but him.
"Yes, Ghost has been a great help to me during this time," Yuko answered softly.
Sōsuke smiled slightly, "A very loyal subordinate, indeed."
Then, he walked towards Ghost, who felt an immense, albeit subtle, pressure as Sōsuke approached.
Sweat soaked through Ghost's back, feeling the formidable aura surrounding Sōsuke.
Since leaving Konoha, Sōsuke had discarded his former guise, emerging unbound and more formidable than ever.
Like a blade that has shed its scabbard, showing its sharp edge, the oppressive aura was overwhelming.
He looked down at Ghost, who knelt before him, with a light smile, softly asking, "What's your name?"
Hearing Sōsuke's question, Ghost answered deeply, "Ghost."
"Oh, then, as a subordinate, to what extent are you willing to go for Yuko?"
Sōsuke's eyes flickered as he spoke softly.
Wearing his mask, Ghost responded with determination, "For Miss Yuko, I would not hesitate to sacrifice my life!"
Hearing this, Sōsuke's eyes sparkled momentarily as he spoke softly, "Is that so... such loyalty. Well, I have an opportunity here... one that could grant you strength beyond your imagination."
"Survive this challenge, and you will gain strength far exceeding your current abilities."
"Fail, and you lose everything."
"Oh, and just so you're aware, the chances of surviving might be less than one percent."
"So... are you willing to accept this gift for Yuko's sake?"
Ghost hesitated for a moment upon hearing Sōsuke's offer, his gaze turning towards Yuko.
Noticing his look, Yuko, slightly taken aback, softly said, "Make the decision for yourself, Ghost. But know that Sōsuke doesn't lie."
Hearing Yuko's response, Ghost looked back at Sōsuke and nodded firmly, "I accept!"
With that answer, Sōsuke's smile broadened slightly as he spoke softly, "Then cherish the time you have, and prepare to welcome the great gift bestowed upon you."
Ghost nodded deeply, preparing to rise and withdraw. But before leaving, he turned back to face Sōsuke, stating earnestly, "Miss Yuko has always cared for you throughout the years."
"I want to know if you truly deserve such regard from Miss Yuko. Also, if I were to die after accepting your offer, would you be able to protect her?"
Hearing his question, Yuko frowned, wanting to rebuke him but found herself at a loss for words, merely calling out, "Ghost!"
Sōsuke, however, simply smiled wider and assured, "Rest assured, if you succeed, Yuko will benefit greatly from your achievement."
"As for your concern,"
As Sōsuke's words ended,
"Whoom..."
The space itself seemed to tremble with a sudden fluctuation.
"Thump!"
Ghost's knees nearly gave way, and he bit down hard on his teeth to barely remain standing.
Beneath his feet, the ground sank deeply, his feet almost stomping into the floor.
Sōsuke, however, appeared amused as if he had done nothing out of the ordinary.
Yuko, puzzled, watched the scene unfold, while Ghost was inwardly shocked, trembling as he acknowledged, "Understood..."
The terrifying pressure vanished from him, allowing him to breathe a little easier.
But his mind was filled with astonishment, "What kind of power is this?!"
Is this man really a rogue ninja? Why would someone with such strength choose to oppose the ninja village?
No one could answer his question, only a statement filled with a hint of amusement reached him.
"I look forward to seeing you survive the ordeal. Should you manage it, you too will possess this power."
With those thought-provoking words, Ghost slowly left the hall, filled with deep contemplation.