Hearing Sosuke's words, Nawaki's eyes widened in surprise. "You have a way... for me to gain power like Grandpa's?"
Sosuke smiled softly, ruffling his hair as he replied gently, "I don't have power like the First..."
At that, Nawaki's eyes tightened, and he asked in a trembling voice, "Then... then how can you...?"
Sosuke looked at him and said gently, "I may not have that power... but the First's power might very well blossom within you, Nawaki..."
Nawaki's eyes flew wide. His expression tightened, and he said uncertainly, "Me...? No... that's impossible... I don't have Grandpa's kind of power..."
Sosuke smiled, a glint flashing in his eyes. He gently placed a hand on Nawaki and spoke in a subtly coaxing tone. "Close your eyes. Picture the First. Picture that power. As one of his descendants, that power is already hidden in your blood. Believe in yourself, Nawaki."
Listening to Sosuke, Nawaki slowly closed his eyes, his brow furrowing. Though he wasn't sure of himself, he still firmly followed Sosuke's instructions.
"Rustle, rustle..."
Outside the covered walkway, rain pattered steadily.
Inside, Sosuke sat on the floor, smiling as he watched Nawaki, one hand resting on the boy's head.
With his eyes closed, Nawaki felt the chakra within him, trying to find the Wood Release Power recorded in his family's history amid the thin trickle of chakra flowing through him.
As if sensing his yearning, something stirred faintly within him!
There!
Surrounded by darkness, Nawaki saw a tiny green glimmer wrapped in shadow.
"Crack, crack..."
As if struggling to unfurl, the little green sprout broke free from the darkness, lighting up a small patch around it.
At the sight of that crystalline green, Nawaki's eyes shone with delight.
"Whoosh!"
He suddenly opened his eyes!
He stared beyond the covered walkway, determination filling