Shimura Kazumi glanced briefly at Sosuke, her heart full of emotion.
He'd grown so tall... He'd become a towering tree, strong enough to protect Konoha...
At the thought, her eyes lingered on the gentle smile at the corner of Sosuke's mouth, and she found herself staring.
It was as if she were remembering the boy she'd first met all those years ago.
He'd often worn that smile ever since. He was less a ninja than a refined young nobleman.
It seemed that, to him, everything in life was beautiful.
His smile expressed admiration and appreciation for everything in the world.
Noticing Kazumi staring at him, Sosuke's smile grew even warmer. He asked softly, "What is it, Kazumi? Why are you looking at me like that?"
Kazumi had been gazing at Sosuke, lost in thought. At his words, her cool, lovely face flushed slightly, but she deliberately put on a stern expression and said coldly, "It's nothing. I was just thinking about something."
"Since you're here, I'll tell you what Danzo-sama has assigned you to do."
Sosuke smiled and listened attentively.
"Danzo-sama did everything he could to secure you a place in the negotiations with Amegakure on behalf of the Third Hokage."
"This concerns Root Base's standing in Konoha, and it will have a major impact on your future."
Kazumi glanced at him and parted her lips. Her voice was as refreshing as thin ice cracking softly.
Sosuke's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of surprise passing through them.
He hadn't expected to be the one sent to negotiate with Amegakure. But... this was for the best.
Konoha probably didn't know about his connection to Amegakure. The corner of his mouth lifted in a faint smile as he replied, "Sounds good... I couldn't ask for a better opportunity."
Hearing his cheerful response,