After making up his mind, Su Bai turned to face Naruto and Jiraiya.
His expression remained calm, but his eyes held an unquestionable resolve.
"Sasuke is my companion."
Su Bai spoke slowly, his voice calm yet powerful. "If you're going to find Lady Tsunade, take me with you."
Jiraiya frowned and fell into brief thought.
Just as Jiraiya hesitated, Naruto suddenly spoke up.
"Pervy Sage, let Su Bai come with us!"
The blond boy pleaded, sincerity shining in his blue eyes. "We're a team. We should face difficulties together!"
Jiraiya looked at the resolute Su Bai, then at the eager Naruto, and finally sighed.
"Fine."
He shook his head helplessly.
Su Bai gave an almost imperceptible nod, a hint of satisfaction flashing through his eyes.
Naruto, meanwhile, jumped up excitedly. "Great! We're going to find Granny Tsunade together!"
Watching the two utterly different boys, Jiraiya could not help but smile.
"What an interesting pair. This journey will probably be quite exciting."
Before they set off, Might Guy suddenly pulled two neatly folded green garments from his ninja tool pouch and strode enthusiastically toward Su Bai and Naruto.
"Yoo-hoo! Young ninjas!"
Guy's booming voice nearly shattered their eardrums. "I've prepared a special gift for you!"
He dramatically unfolded the clothes in his hands, revealing two bright green bodysuits.
Under the sunlight, the outfits seemed to glow, almost too dazzling to look at.
"Look! This is the symbol of youth!"
Guy said excitedly, his grin more radiant than the sun.
He gave a thumbs-up and struck his favorite "nice guy" pose. "Put these on, and you'll feel the power of youth bursting forth!"
Su Bai stared expressionlessly at the green bodysuit, while internally roasting it like mad.
He truly could not imagine what he would look like wearing such a thing.
After