Reaching Heaven and Earth (IV): Exclusively sponsored by "Sage Art: Thickening Technique"

Boom!!

Chidori and Rasengan collided violently in midair, whipping up a storm of opposing currents!!

At first, they were evenly matched, but Hitomi had the edge in the burst of power that followed!!

Bang...!!!

Chidori dispersed, and the aftershock of the Rasengan sent Sarada flying!

"Sarada!!"

With a heart-wrenching cry, Karin leaped down from the stands!

But another figure was faster, reaching Sarada before she hit the ground and catching her small body securely in both arms!

Through Sarada's unfocused eyes, she saw a face she had never seen before!

That cold, handsome face bore undisguised concern!

An unfamiliar emotion welled up in Sarada's heart. Almost instinctively, she called out that name born of a bond thicker than water!

"Papa...?"

Drip! It was as though a soft droplet had landed on the tip of his heart. Sasuke's eyes flickered as he answered, "Yes."

A tangle of emotions filled Sarada's heart. Her little hands clutched Sasuke's collar as she asked shakily, "Why didn't you want Mama anymore? Why didn't you want me...?"

How could the petty, absurd history between adults ever be explained in a few words?

His absence as a father was an undeniable fact. All he could do now was make every effort to make up for it.

He could not let this innocent child be hurt again.

Sasuke gazed gently at the girl before him and said solemnly, "I'm back by your side now. From now on, I'll always be here..."

Sarada asked, "Did you see how I did?"

Sasuke said, "I did."

Sarada asked, "Then am I... a daughter you can be proud of?"

Sasuke said, "To use the Sharingan and Chidori so skillfully at your age, you're far better than I was back then. That's my daughter!"

"Hehe, that's... so great..."

With her father's promise and