The Girl in the Kimono

Sosuke woke up to find the sun already high in the sky, which was simply inconceivable for a young man who had always maintained such a disciplined routine.

Oh no, I'm late! Sosuke thought with concern, immediately throwing on his clothes and sprinting toward the school.

At that moment, inside the Ninja Academy.

The ninja instructor, Onoki Kimura, was in the middle of a lecture on ninjutsu.

Below the podium, the young girl Tsunade was looking toward Sosuke's empty seat with a worried expression.

That's strange. Where is that guy Sosuke? He's famous for being a stickler for the rules; I never imagined he would skip class! Could he have gone to the Nogi Family bathhouse? It's everyone's bathing time right now, and he didn't even call me!

Jiraiya lay slumped over his desk, looking bored, and curled his lip while staring at Sosuke's empty seat.

"Bang!"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than his head was struck hard by a punch from Tsunade.

"Do you think everyone is like you, you idiot!"

An indignant Tsunade gave Jiraiya a harsh lecture, while Orochimaru, sitting to the side, simply watched Sosuke's empty seat, lost in thought.

"Clap."

The classroom door was pushed open with force.

"I'm sorry, I'm late!" Sosuke said, slightly out of breath.

"Ah, Sosuke, it's quite alright. Just try not to be late next time. Today's lesson covers the practical application of basic ninjutsu, which is a very important course for you brats who are about to graduate."

Onoki Kimura looked at Sosuke and said with a kindly expression.

He was very fond of this outstanding child; after all, every teacher loves a student who is both talented and humble.

"Understood. I apologize for the interruption, Kimura-sensei."

Sosuke replied politely before returning to his seat.

As soon as he sat down, he received a note passed over by Tsunade.

"Did something happen?"

He turned his head to meet Tsunade's concerned expression, couldn't help but shake his head gently, and gave her a smile to indicate he was fine.

Jiraiya, however, had no such reservations and pulled him close to whisper in his ear.

"Sosuke, how could a guy like you possibly be late? Be honest, did you go to the Nogi Family bathhouse to peek, too?"

Hearing Jiraiya's question, Sosuke naturally wouldn't admit it, shaking his head with a laugh.

"How could that be? Your imagination is truly too rich, Jiraiya. You have the potential to be a writer."

Upon hearing this, Jiraiya's eyes lit up, and he shouted excitedly.

"Really!? You think so? Let me tell you, every time I pass by the Nogi Family bathhouse, my inspiration flows like a fountain. I, Jiraiya, am destined to be a man who becomes a writer!"

"Jiraiya! This is a ninja classroom! If you want to be a writer, then turn left and head out the door!"

"If you don't want to, then sit there and listen to the lecture properly!"

On the podium, Onoki Kimura glared at Jiraiya and shouted angrily!

This troublesome kid was always causing chaos; it was simply outrageous!

"Yes, Kimura-sensei."

Jiraiya said, looking dejected.

A burst of laughter erupted from the children in the classroom.

Sosuke listened to Onoki Kimura's lecture with peace of mind.

Suddenly!

His pupils contracted sharply!

Sosuke saw a girl standing all alone right beside Kimura-sensei.

He rubbed his eyes and looked again!

He confirmed he hadn't seen wrong; there was indeed a girl wearing a floral kimono standing next to Kimura-sensei.

With a "bang," he stood up.

"Kimura-sensei! Beside you!"

He pointed at the kimono-clad girl next to Onoki Kimura and shouted.

"Beside me? Is there a problem here, student Sosuke?"

Onoki Kimura looked at the empty space on the podium where Sosuke was pointing, looking puzzled.

"N-nothing at all. I am very sorry for interrupting your lecture, Kimura-sensei."

After saying this, Sosuke sat back down, his heart filled with shock!

They couldn't see her! Could none of them see that girl!?

In Sosuke's eyes, the girl's profile was incredibly exquisite! One could even say it was perfect!

Her expression, however, was incredibly cold.

She tilted her head slightly, cast a fleeting glance at him, and then slowly vanished as if she were made of mist.

This sight caused Sosuke's breathing to quicken.

Could it be... is this the person that Hogyoku mentioned? Yes, that must be it! The changes started last night!

That's why I've been encountering such strange things!

Who on earth is she!?

Sosuke felt deeply unsettled; these unknown variables had completely disrupted the rhythm of his life.

He began to ponder deeply over what exactly had appeared last night.

When class ended.

Tsunade walked over to his side.

Her brown eyes looked at him with concern as she parted her lips to speak.

"Sosuke, are you alright? You don't look very well. Did something happen?"

Tsunade asked with genuine care.

"It's nothing, Tsunade. I just didn't sleep well last night. Thank you for your concern."

Sosuke said softly.

He did not want others to know about these matters, nor did he want them to worry about him.

At that moment, Orochimaru walked over, his voice sounding slightly raspy as he spoke.

"That doesn't sound like you, Sosuke. If something has truly happened, it would be better to tell us."

With that, he left those words behind and walked out of the classroom.

Upon hearing his words, a faint smile appeared on Sosuke's face.

They really are a group of companions worth trusting in a pinch!

However, I'm sorry—I truly cannot tell you about these things.

If what that Hogyoku fellow said is true... using the power of souls? Just thinking about it feels evil!

This is a secret that must absolutely never be told to anyone in the village!

Sosuke secretly buried these matters deep within his heart.

After the day's ninja academy lessons concluded, Sosuke declined Jiraiya's kind invitation to go eat barbecue and returned home.

The strange incident he witnessed today weighed heavily on his mind, leading him to vent his frustration during the taijutsu lesson.

His calloused knuckles were now slightly bloodied, a testament to how much inner turmoil this matter had caused him.

One had to understand that Sosuke was a young man with immense self-control.

Lying in bed, physically and mentally exhausted, he couldn't help but recall the events of last night.

Thinking of this, he suddenly opened his eyes and sat up.

Looking at his own chest, he called out softly.

"Hogyoku? Are you there? If you are, come out and let's talk!"

There was no response, which left him somewhat disappointed.

As I thought, has that fellow called Hogyoku run out of energy? Sosuke wondered.

Just as he gave up on calling out to the Hogyoku and prepared to rest.

"Lord Aizen! Are you calling for me?"

A faint blue light suddenly ignited on his chest.

Sosuke stared in surprise at the somewhat brilliant blue glow on his chest and hurriedly asked.

"Why are you inside my body? And! Who was that person? Was she a girl?"