With Sosuke back in the village, the villagers who saw him were all smiles.
When they heard that Sosuke had gone to the battlefield, they had all worried about the gentle, humble, and lovable boy.
Now that they saw him return to the village without a scratch, they were genuinely happy for him.
After all!
Sosuke's gentle conduct in the village and his outstanding performance in the Chunin Ninja Exams had shown all of Konoha what hope looked like!
The title "Child of Konoha" had won the unanimous approval of almost every villager!
Everyone had high hopes for Sosuke!
They believed that a boy with so many admirable qualities and such incredible potential would grow into a remarkable ninja the village could depend on.
Sosuke was walking along the streets of Konoha.
Every villager greeted him warmly and asked after him with concern.
Sosuke, as always, smiled and replied kindly to each of them.
"That Sosuke just keeps getting more handsome! And he's got such a good nature, too. What a delightful boy!"
An older woman watched Sosuke's retreating back, beaming.
"Isn't that the truth? Sosuke is our 'Child of Konoha.' That boy's sure to become a great ninja in Konoha's history!"
The man beside her chuckled.
"That Sosuke really is wonderful. I wonder what lucky girl will get to marry him someday?"
A younger woman spoke softly.
Hearing her, the man beside her let out a chuckle and sighed ruefully.
"Too bad I don't have a daughter. Otherwise, I'd encourage her to pursue Sosuke!"
"With a face like yours, any daughter of yours would be plain as a pikestaff. Her chasing after Sosuke would be an insult to him!"
The older woman glanced at the man and laughed.
The man looked embarrassed.
"Don't you know the saying? The uglier