The members of Root, though young, had taken on all kinds of bizarre missions. However, attending a wedding as a mission was a first.
Natsuhane led the group into the wedding hall.
As they stood by, expressionless, watching the beautiful brides, they resembled a group of bodyguards more than guests.
"You guys, feel free to eat and drink whatever you like. There's no need to be so stiff. I'm off to accompany my wives," Natsuhane said, leaving the Root members standing awkwardly before the feast.
At the back of the Root members stood four younger recruits. Having joined recently, they hadn't undergone Danzo's final brutal training and still retained some of their original innocence and emotions.
Looking at the delicious food on the tables and the fragrant atmosphere around them, they were genuinely tempted. However, seeing their seniors standing motionless, they didn't dare to move, despite their mouths watering uncontrollably.
Suddenly, a young voice came from beside the four brats:
"Hey, you look a lot like my classmate Shino Aburame. Are you from the Aburame clan?"
It was Sasuke, munching on a tomato rice ball.
"Yes, I am," replied the Root member wearing glasses.
Sasuke examined the four of them and smiled happily.
"Natsuhane told me about you. You're part of a powerful unit assigned to him by the Third Hokage. You all look just a bit older than me. It's great to have companions in the compound. I'm Sasuke, eight years old. Nice to meet you."
"I'm Aburame Torune, eleven."
"I'm Yamanaka Fu, also eleven."
"I'm Shin, ten."
"I'm Sai. I... I'm nine."
"So I'm the youngest, huh? Working in such a strong unit, you must be really powerful. Will you train with me? It's so boring training alone. Don't be fooled by my age; I'm quite strong!"
Sasuke scratched his head, speaking as he handed over four tomato rice balls.
Unable to resist the delicious food offered to them, the four boys devoured the rice balls voraciously.
"Since you ate my rice balls, that means you agree, right? Let's go train now! This wedding is full of women and is so boring! With your help, I'll get stronger faster."
"Sorry, we can't move without orders from our superior," Torune replied after finishing his rice ball, expressionless.
"Superior? You mean Natsuhane? No problem, I'll call him over!"
Sasuke ran to Natsuhane, shouting, "Make way, sisters-in-law! Natsuhane, stop kissing! I need your help!"
"Sasuke, you always interrupt at the worst times..." Natsuhane wiped his mouth and took a tissue to clean off the lipstick marks on his face. "What's so urgent? I'm in the middle of something important!"
"I want those four kids to train with me! They look really strong. Natsuhane, they listen to you, right? Can you tell them it's okay?"
Natsuhane squinted at the four young faces and smirked. "Sasuke, you really know how to pick them. Each of them has unique skills and is quite formidable."
"Really?" Sasuke's eyes sparkled with anticipation and a hint of defiance.
At the Ninja Academy, Sasuke was the top student and prided himself on being the strongest among his peers. Seeing the four boys, he sensed they were special. Now, hearing Natsuhane's confirmation, he was even more eager to challenge them.
Seeing Sasuke's expression, Natsuhane shook his head. He knew that if he didn't agree, Sasuke would keep bothering him and disrupt his plans. So, he nodded in agreement.
"Alright, just make sure they go easy on you. Otherwise, you might get hurt."
"Hmph, Natsuhane! You're underestimating me! I'm a genius!"
With Natsuhane's approval, Sasuke didn't linger in the hall filled with women any longer. He pulled the four boys outside to begin their training.
...
Rain Village, Highest Point
Pain sat alone, elegantly perched on the tongue of a giant demon face, admiring the perpetually rainy nation.
Before long, Konan approached from behind, her expression tense. Biting her lip, she whispered, "Nagato, I... I have something to tell you."
"What is it?"
"I don't know how to say this... I... I think I'm pregnant..."
Pain: "..."
"????"
"What did you say???"
"Whose child is it??"
Konan stammered, "I... I don't know!"