After a morning of various exercises, Tsubasa had grown accustomed to his own strength. Now that Sister Mei'er had gone to share the good news and tell the whole family that he had recovered, his grandfather and aunts would surely come to see him soon. So he said to his mother beside him, "Mom, Grandpa and the others will be here soon. I should go wash up and get dressed so I can greet them at the door."
Senju Ga took Tsubasa upstairs to wash up and offered to bathe Ten'i. Tsubasa naturally declined politely. "Mom, I'm completely better now. I can manage on my own. I can wash myself. Please don't worry. Just find me some clothes."
Senju Ga was a little disappointed that her son had refused her help, but she reminded him, "All right, then, but you must be careful. If there's anything you have trouble with or don't know how to do, you can call Mom anytime."
Tsubasa went into the washroom, washed up, and put on the clothes his mother passed in to him. He looked at himself in the mirror. His long hair was glossy black, every strand shining with health. His soft, rosy face was like a freshly carved piece of flawless jade. His large, limpid eyes were like stars twinkling in the night sky, pure and bright, drawing people in. He wore a royal-blue brocade robe, embroidered all over with intricate golden patterns of auspicious beasts. They looked so lifelike that they might take flight at any moment. Delicate white trim adorned the collar and cuffs, as fresh and elegant as snow on green mountains. A rounded jade pendant hung from the bright yellow silk sash at his waist, swaying gently as he walked and making his movements look all the more graceful.
Senju Ga sat on the edge of the bed, idly winding a lock of hair around her finger. From time to time, she looked toward the washroom, her eyes full of anticipation. She was waiting for her son Tsubasa to come out, while images of him lying in bed through the years kept rising in her mind.
Just then, the washroom door shifted slightly and slowly opened. Tsubasa appeared in the doorway, and Senju Ga's gaze was instantly fixed on him. Her fingers tightened unconsciously, and the lock of hair slipped free.
The little boy before her had skin as fair and delicate as mutton-fat jade, with a soft sheen. Beneath his high nose, his lips curved upward ever so slightly. Most striking of all was his long hair, black as silk and falling smoothly over his shoulders. A few loose strands rested casually against his forehead, setting off his picture-perfect features.
Senju Ga's eyes went wide, her lips parted, and her face filled with disbelief. Was this really her son, the one who had called her "Mommy" in a babyish voice from his sickbed since he was little? When had he grown so handsome without her noticing? He even seemed to possess a distinctive air that made it hard to look away.
A powerful urge surged through Senju Ga. She wanted nothing more than to pull her son into a tight embrace and feel his warmth. She simply stared at him, her eyes full of wonder and delight.
"Mom?" Tsubasa's voice sounded softly, tinged with puzzlement.
Senju Ga abruptly came to her senses. A blush rose on her cheeks, and she smiled a little sheepishly. "Oh, Mom's mind wandered." She stood, walked over to Tsubasa, and gently touched his hair. "Come, let me tie your hair up for you."
Senju Ga picked up a golden hair crown from the dressing table nearby. It sparkled brilliantly in the morning light as her fingers moved through Tsubasa's long hair with gentle, practiced ease. Before long, she had tied it up neatly and secured it with the golden crown, giving him a more heroic air.
"You look wonderful." Senju Ga admired her handiwork, a smile on her lips and indulgent affection in her eyes.
Tsubasa lowered his head slightly, a smile appearing on his face. "Thank you, Mom," he said softly.
On Hokage Street, the busiest and liveliest street in Konoha, Senju Ga stood gracefully outside her family's weapons shop in a plain long dress. A gentle breeze stirred the hair by her ears, and the tenderness and anticipation on her face were impossible to hide. Beside her, Tsubasa's delicate little face looked even more translucent in the sunlight, like a piece of finely carved jade, with an air of innate nobility.
Hokage Street was already bustling with people, and the adult and child standing outside the shop instantly drew everyone's attention. Passing villagers slowed their steps, their gazes drawn to the mother and son as if they had been rooted to the spot by a spell. Before long, a crowd had gathered, whispering and murmuring among themselves.
"Whose wife and child are those? They're so good-looking," a young ninja asked his companion in a puzzled whisper.
His companion looked just as bewildered. He shook his head, his gaze fixed on Tsubasa.
Just then, a round-faced middle-aged woman squeezed out of the crowd. She was Yamanaka Yoshiko from the flower shop next door. Beaming, she greeted Senju Ga warmly. "Sister Ga, whose pretty child is this? How come I've never seen such a beautiful boy before?"
Senju Ga's smile was as radiant as the warm spring sun. She gently put an arm around Tsubasa's shoulders and announced in a clear, ringing voice full of pride, "Sister Yamanaka, this is my eldest son! He's completely recovered!"
The crowd instantly erupted. Everyone stared wide-eyed in disbelief, looking back and forth between Senju Ga and Tsubasa.
"What? That's the sickly boy from the Ten family?"
"That's right. I heard the Ten family spent a fortune treating him, emptied their coffers, and even ended up owing a mountain of debt!"
"Exactly! I used to hear people call him the 'Gold-Swallowing Beast.' Who would've thought he'd turn out so handsome once he recovered? He looks just like an immortal descended from heaven!"
The villagers spoke over one another, their eyes full of amazement and curiosity. Tsubasa, however, remained at ease. Wearing a polite smile, he gave each person who looked his way a slight nod of greeting, neither servile nor haughty. His every gesture showed the upbringing of a great family.
Just then, a burly, white-haired elderly man hurried toward them from outside the crowd. When he saw Senju Ga and Tsubasa, he stopped abruptly. Shock flashed across his face before he strode forward and said with a trace of excitement, "Ga, is that our Tsubasa? Has he really recovered?"
The moment Tsubasa saw the burly, white-haired elder, he bowed respectfully. "Hello, Grandpa," he said in a clear voice, with a touch of affection.
The white-haired elder's gaze instantly fastened on Tsubasa, and his eyes grew hot. He took a few steps forward and pulled his beautiful eldest grandson into a tight embrace. His voice trembled slightly, overflowing with irrepressible joy. "Good boy, my darling grandson! Grandpa hardly dared recognize you! You were at death's door on your sickbed, and now you're standing here full of life. You're like two different people! Your recovery is heaven's greatest blessing and greatest reward to our Ten family! Hahaha!" The elder threw back his head and laughed, and the relief and excitement in his laughter spread to everyone watching on the street.
Just then, First Aunt, Second Aunt, Third Aunt, Fourth Aunt, Fifth Aunt, and Sixth Aunt also arrived one after another. They hurried along, their skirts swaying with their eager steps. As soon as they entered the courtyard and saw Tsubasa, who looked like a little immortal from a painting, graceful as jade, every one of their eyes reddened, their faces full of delight and excitement.
Second Aunt was the first to rush forward. She gripped Tsubasa's hands tightly in both of hers, her voice catching slightly. "Child, are you really completely better? Is there anywhere you still feel uncomfortable?"
First Aunt followed close behind and reached out to gently pat Tsubasa's head, her eyes full of concern. "Tell First Aunt what you want to eat, and I'll make it for you!"
Third Aunt smiled as she wiped away her tears. "My darling, what present would you like? Third Aunt will buy it for you!"
Fourth Aunt, Fifth Aunt, and Sixth Aunt crowded around too, taking turns asking about Tsubasa's health. They wanted to examine him from head to toe and make sure he had truly recovered. Over the years, the Ten family had spent three to four billion ryo treating Tsubasa, going from a wealthy and influential family to paupers burdened with debt. But no matter how hard things became, not one member of the family had ever entertained the slightest thought of giving up. During those long six-plus years, Little Tsubasa had long since become a source of emotional support for these women who had lost their husbands and children. Their love for him ran even deeper and stronger than his parents' love for him.
Now, hearing that Tsubasa had fully recovered, they could not control their emotions. Some smiled with tears in the corners of their eyes; others cried with happiness glowing on their faces. They competed to embrace Tsubasa one after another, hugging and kissing him, their joy and excitement leaving them at a loss.
Tsubasa looked at the elders who cherished and loved him, warmth filling his heart. He could feel their love deeply. He smiled and let them give vent to their feelings, his own eyes growing slightly red.