Chapter 112 I'm Not Saying I'm Invincible

Seven or eight dishes were laid out on the table, and white steam rose into the air. Sasuke sat down and watched as Logan moved in and out of the kitchen, preparing the last dish. The slanting light of the setting sun cast long shadows, and Sasuke's cold demeanor gradually melted away as he held a pair of chopsticks.

"Okay, this is the last one." Logan said, finishing the fish bone tofu soup. He was very satisfied, knowing the aroma and color promised a delicious taste. His charming appearance was complemented by his culinary skills, adding to his inner qualities.

After washing his hands, Logan sat down across from Sasuke and cleared his throat, " When I got back, I went to see the Hokage first. I found out today was your graduation exam. Haha, just in time..."

Logan clapped his hands, "Congratulations on becoming a Ninja of Konoha Village!"

Ninja of Konoha Village... the same words but sounded different at this moment.

Hearing the words he had longed to hear, Sasuke felt a heavy weight lifted from his emotions. The reunion with his somewhat irresponsible teacher became lighter because of those words.

Taking a deep breath, Sasuke bowed his head and said, "Thank you, sensei."

"You've grown a lot, even your voice has matured." Logan chuckled. Hearing 'Sensei' after so long brought a warm feeling, "And you've become more handsome too."

As Logan began eating, Sasuke followed suit, "Sensei doesn't need to say more about that."

"Oh?" Logan gave Sasuke an amused look, "I understand, there are many girls in the class who like you, right?"

Sasuke's face instantly returned to its usual coldness, indicating he had no interest in discussing that topic.

Logan was a bit disappointed. Although he knew there wouldn't be any juicy gossip, understanding Sasuke's mindset about being chased by female fans would have been interesting.

"Why did it take you so long to return to the village?" Sasuke asked, his tone seemingly casual but clearly indicating it was an important question.

Logan hesitated for a moment, and decided not to mention about traveling around to relax his mood, "I had things to take care of... I'm quite busy, actually. I'll tell you more about it later."

Frowning slightly, Sasuke didn't press further. He took a sip of the fish bone tofu soup, its fresh taste almost breaking his stoic demeanor, "So, are you free now?"

"It's okay." Logan replied with a smile. The Akatsuki's plans would resume after a delay, following the time of the original work. The mystery of the manga has just begun, but there was no need to make anyone worry about it.

As time went by, they talked about various trivial matters. The once-quiet house felt warmer with the addition of another person, and the large house no longer felt cold and empty.

Logan took a few bites of the dishes and said, "I see you have grown a lot and have become a Genin. Don't tell me your strength hasn't improved." His voice was muffled by the food, "By the way, how's the 'water walking' assignment I left for you?"

In the letter Logan had left behind, aside from a farewell, he had included the 'water walking' training as a Chakra control exercise Sasuke needed to master.

"I'm already very proficient in it." Sasuke said with a confident tone. Before Logan left, in addition to training Sasuke's physical fitness, he only left two things Sasuke needed to master, climbing trees and water walking. Sasuke had practiced diligently, so his skills had naturally improved beyond the original work.

Logan didn't test Sasuke's claim, choosing to believe the other party's words. However, Sasuke seemed to have remembered the dark history of being easily knocked down by Logan during training. After such a long time, his skills had changed, so his eyes showed a hint of eagerness at this moment.

"What?" Logan seemed to sense Sasuke's competitive spirit but remained calm, "Well, I've also been training while I was away. I'm not saying that I'm invincible, but I'm quite strong. Want to give it a try?"

"..."

Sasuke silently took another bite of rice, thinking that Logan was still as boastful as ever. At the same time, he was indeed like the kid who was new to the way of Ninja. He still couldn't see through the man in front of him, so he gave up the idea of avenging his shame.

Under the pale crescent moon, they finished their meal and cleaned up together. At this time, Sasuke felt a sense of unprecedented relaxation. Having an acquaintance who was both a teacher and a friend around eased his mind. He felt that the joy of graduation day must at least be like this.

Sasuke then asked Logan about his plans after returning to the village. Logan mentioned that Hiruzen would make the arrangements, but he didn't disclose his expected role as the 'second teacher' in the soon-to-be-formed Team 7.

He felt it was awkward to explain his 'teaching assistant' status, so he decided to wait until the next day, as the truth would be revealed by then.

Logan still had one very important thing to do today. So after he finished checking on Sasuke, he said goodbye and went home.