Late-Night Talk: Injured Arms and Youth

Haotian frowned as he carefully examined Might Duy's badly injured arm.

The wound was deep enough to expose the bone, and blood covered it. He had clearly been gravely injured in a recent battle.

Haotian's brow furrowed even more, and his tone grew serious and concerned. "Might Duy, why did you have to go that far? Don't do anything so dangerous again."

Might Duy, however, laughed heartily, as if he didn't have a care in the world. His voice was warm and resolute. "Haotian, I can't agree with you there!" He pointed at his arm and grinned. "The outcome was good, and that's what matters! What's a little injury if it means protecting someone important?"

Might Guy knelt beside them, tears shimmering in his eyes as he gazed at his father, deeply moved.

His broad frame trembled slightly, and his voice choked with emotion. "Father, you're always like this. You'll do anything to protect others. I... I don't even know what to say."

Watching the father and son, Haotian couldn't help feeling conflicted.

He sighed softly, his tone gentler now. "The bond between you two really is touching, but you still need to be more careful about your safety. After all, your body is the foundation of everything."

Might Duy grinned, flashing a set of pearly white teeth, as if no pain could ever break his fighting spirit. "Haotian, you really are a good person. But you know what? This is how youth is meant to burn!"

Might Guy stood up too, excitedly slapping his father on the back. "Father, let's race around the village on our hands! It's not just for training—it's so we won't have any regrets about our youth!"

Haotian watched the father and son, brimming with passion and fighting spirit. He felt a little awkward, but their enthusiasm was infectious.

He smiled faintly and said softly, "All right, but be careful."

Just then, Haotian suddenly sensed the Anbu watching them. A discreet presence was quietly enveloping the area.

His brow lifted, and he grew wary.

Might Guy and Might Duy hadn't noticed a thing. They were still immersed in their passionate world.

They high-fived and, full of enthusiasm, began their race.

Haotian's gaze lingered on the father and son for a moment. Then he shook his head gently, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Youth... It really does bring back memories..." he murmured, a profound gleam passing through his eyes.

Might Duy and Might Guy clung to each other and wept, their wails so loud that birds flapped up from the trees.

Duy's tears and snot smeared all over Guy's face, but Guy didn't mind. Instead, he hugged his father even tighter and cried like a child.

"Guy, my youth! My Guy! You've finally grown up enough to understand your father's youth!" Duy choked out, his words halting and broken, his voice brimming with relief and emotion.

"Father! I... I... I was so immature before! I even questioned your youth! I... I... I'm sorry!" Guy sobbed so hard he could barely breathe, tears of regret streaming down his face.

After crying for a while, Guy wiped his eyes and asked between sobs, "Father, how did you know Senior Haotian was so powerful? He looks... looks... just like an ordinary Anbu Ninja!"

Duy stopped crying, and his gaze grew distant, as if he had fallen into memory.

"Guy, do you remember that night three years ago? You had a high fever, and I carried you to Lady Tsunade, but she wasn't in the village. I... I... I was almost ready to despair..."

Duy's voice trembled, as if he had returned to that desperate night.

"Just then, Haotian showed up! He... he... he only took one look at you before saying... saying... that you were fine and just had a common cold! He even... even... gave me a bottle of medicine he'd made himself and told me to give it to you..."

Duy grew more and more excited, as if he could see that miraculous night all over again.

"I... I... I was really doubtful at the time, but... but... I gave it to you anyway. I never expected... never expected... that your fever would be gone the next day! And... and... you were even stronger than before!"

"After that, I started paying attention to Haotian. I found out that every night, he went to the depths of the Death Forest to train, and trained all night long! He... he... silently endured everything, never complaining and never showing off! He... he... is what true youth looks like! A true strong man!"

Duy spoke with passionate fervor, his eyes shining with admiration.

"Guy, remember this: a true strong man doesn't prove himself with words, but with actions! Haotian is that kind of strong man! He... he..."

Duy suddenly stopped, his gaze falling on the teacup in Haotian's hand.

It was an ordinary wooden teacup with a simple pattern carved into it. Sunlight fell on it, and a faint woody fragrance seemed to rise from its surface.

"This cup..." Duy murmured, a flicker of confusion in his eyes. "Why does it feel a little different...?"

Haotian set down his teacup. His expression turned serious, and he fixed his gaze on the Might father and son.

"YOUTH isn't just reckless impulse and blind passion." His voice was low and powerful, and every word seemed to carry tremendous weight. "True youth means having a clear goal and working tirelessly toward it! It means never giving up, even when faced with setbacks and hardships! It means holding on to an optimistic outlook, even when you're in dire straits!"