Su Bai's words visibly stunned Sasuke, and a flash of surprise crossed his eyes.
Noticing the subtle change, Su Bai continued, "Even if it came from an outside source, Orochimaru gave it to you, so it's yours now. Try accepting it instead of suppressing it."
Su Bai's tone remained calm, but a faint, imperceptible gleam flashed in his eyes.
He watched Sasuke's every reaction, making sure his words had the intended effect.
Sasuke lowered his head and looked at his left shoulder, where Orochimaru's curse mark was hidden.
His expression grew complicated, filled with both a desire for power and fear of the unknown.
"But... that power..." Sasuke murmured, uncertainty thick in his voice.
Seeing Sasuke's hesitant expression, Su Bai knew it was time for one final push.
He sighed softly, his voice carrying a rare hint of gentleness. "You're strong, Sasuke. I've always considered you a worthy rival."
Though brief, those words were filled with sincerity.
Su Bai rarely expressed his approval of others so directly, making the weight of those words all the heavier.
Sasuke raised his head and looked straight into Su Bai's eyes.
In those usually indifferent eyes, he saw a rare sincerity.
It reminded him of all the trials and hardships they had endured together.
Slowly, Sasuke's gaze began to firm.
He seemed to understand something, and the scales in his heart began to tip.
Su Bai nodded and said nothing more.
He knew the seed had been planted. All that remained was to wait for it to take root and sprout.
As the sun set, the two walked out of the training ground side by side.
Though neither spoke again, a subtle understanding lingered in the air.
Perhaps that afternoon's conversation would become the beginning of a change that altered everything.
Several days