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The children were momentarily stunned upon seeing Sōsuke at that moment!
It took them a moment to realize that the person standing before them, with distinct facial features and a hint of a smile, was indeed Sōsuke!
After all, their memory of Brother Sōsuke was of him wearing dark glasses, with a gentle complexion, often wearing a mild smile.
However, the Sōsuke standing before them now, although smiling, instilled a sense of awe in them, preventing them from acting freely in his presence.
Then, Sōsuke turned his gaze towards them, his lips slightly curving, and softly said, "It's been a long time, Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato."
Upon hearing Sōsuke's words, each of the children had a different expression.
Konan's face lit up with joy, her cheeks tinged with a blush as she softly hummed in acknowledgment.
Yahiko, who usually had a carefree smile, now appeared somewhat awkward and restrained.
As for Nagato, his gaze was slightly firm as he looked at Sōsuke, a hint of respect flashing through his peculiar Rinnegan eyes.
Sōsuke slowly walked towards the pavilion where they were gathered, while Ghost quietly stepped aside and stood at a distance, not daring to overstep in front of this esteemed figure.
Sōsuke glanced at the tea brewing on the table inside the pavilion, his lips curling up slightly, and turned to look at Yuko, who was kneeling inside, with a light laugh, "Your tea-making skills have improved quite a bit, Yuko."
Hearing Sōsuke's praise, Yuko's fair face slightly reddened. She had lost the commanding aura of unmatched wisdom that she usually carried, now resembling a gentle and docile woman, her cheeks blushing as she respectfully made room for Sōsuke to sit.
Sōsuke walked over and took his place. Yuko then skillfully served him tea, each movement graceful and pleasing to the eye.
Sōsuke, accustomed to such treatment, casually picked up the delicate teacup and savored the tea.
Seeming to really enjoy the flavor, a satisfied smile appeared on his lips.
Observing his expressions closely, Yuko too showed a deeply content smile upon seeing this.
This interaction caused the children present to exchange knowing looks.
Konan, particularly, recalled what Yuko had once said: "A girl... when she meets the man who makes her heart flutter, will strive to better herself, to be worthy of him..."
Could it be... that Brother Sōsuke is the man Sister Yuko has always strived to match up with...
They really... make a perfect match...
After savoring the tea, Sōsuke gently complimented Yuko and slowly set down his teacup.
He then looked at the people present and asked softly, "Where are Saki and the boy Nawaki?"
Upon hearing his question, Yuko quickly leaned forward, her voice melodious, "To prevent Nawaki from being discovered by others in the Land of Fire, Saki has been keeping him in the underground black market near the Land of Fire."
"If you need to find him, I can immediately send someone to look for him."
After hearing Yuko's explanation, Sōsuke showed an understanding expression and gently shook his head, "No need to trouble yourself, Yuko, I will contact him myself."
After finishing his words, he fixed his gaze on the three children kneeling before him, his lips smiling, and softly said, "You three, has your strength improved over this past year?"
Hearing his question, the children looked at each other for a moment, and Yahiko, gathering some courage, said with a firm expression, "We are now very different from before!"
"Believe me, you will be surprised!"
At this, Sōsuke's smile remained unchanged as he lightly laughed, "Surprised? Yahiko, casually making claims that don't match one's strength is a very foolish act."
At his words, Yahiko's face turned slightly red.
Nagato stood behind with a somewhat defiant expression, clearly not agreeing with Sōsuke's words. Konan looked on hesitantly and worriedly at the two, fearing they might act out of frustration and upset Sōsuke.
It was evident that Yahiko could feel the subtle authority emanating from Sōsuke and didn't dare to offend him lightly. Instead, he muttered discontentedly, "If you don't believe us, perhaps you could test us."
Hearing this, Sōsuke gave a slight smile and nodded gently, "That's actually a good idea."
His comment took even Yuko, who was kneeling behind him and watching the scene with interest, by surprise. Being always observant of Sōsuke, she was well aware that the three children didn't stand a chance against the current Sōsuke, let alone the Sōsuke who participated in the Chūnin Exams years ago.
Hearing Sōsuke's agreement, Yahiko and Nagato were also startled, then their faces showed eager expressions. Despite knowing they were outmatched, they believed that their extensive training might have brought them somewhat closer to Sōsuke's level.
Yuko, observing the children's expressions, gently shook her head. It seemed these children had never seen Sōsuke in action before...
They didn't understand the level of despair and unattainable strength that Sōsuke represented...
Seeing the children's eagerness, Sōsuke's lips curved into a light smile. He glanced at Ghost, who was standing aside, and said softly, "Ghost, spar with them for a while, let's see what level these little ones have reached over this past year."
As soon as Sōsuke finished speaking, disappointment flashed across Yahiko and Nagato's faces, and they looked at each other helplessly. They deeply regretted not being able to witness Sōsuke's power at that moment. They had hoped to impress Sōsuke, but it seemed they would have to demonstrate their progress through a fight with Ghost instead.
Although they had seen Ghost around Yuko throughout the year, they did not consider him to be particularly strong, so they were somewhat dismissive.
Konan also breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to herself, "As long as it's not a direct confrontation with Brother Sōsuke, anything is fine. Under no circumstances would Konan direct her fighting spirit towards Brother Sōsuke..."
Hearing Sōsuke's instruction, Yuko's lips curled into a slight smile.
Meanwhile, Ghost, standing at a distance, slowly raised his head. Through his mask, his cool eyes glanced at the three children and he said softly, "As you wish, my lord."