In the headquarters of the Shimura clan, within the training grounds, a girl with a single ponytail was holding a meter-long ninja sword, swinging it towards a wooden stake with standard form.
Carrying a box of octopus balls, munching on them as she walked into the clan headquarters, Kizaru, preparing to go home, looked towards the direction of the training grounds and stopped in her tracks.
"Ohoho! That's some dedication!" She praised, finishing the octopus ball on a stick she was eating, then changed direction and headed towards the training grounds.
The sun had already descended halfway. Kizaru walked up to the edge of the training area and spotted Yuki, who was diligently practicing.
"177, 178, 179..." Engrossed in her sword practice, Yuki didn't notice Kizaru's arrival.
Rubbing his chin, observing Yuki's focused practice, Kizaru stepped into the training grounds.
"That won't do!" He walked towards Yuki, his voice echoing.
"180..." Hearing the voice, Yuki, who was swinging her sword, suddenly stopped.
Breathing heavily, Yuki looked towards Kizaru who approached.
Placing the sword on the ground, Yuki raised her hand to tuck her scattered black hair behind her ears.
"Big Brother Kizaru!" Looking at Kizaru, Yuki smiled.
"Eat this!" Handing the octopus balls to Yuki, Kizaru picked up the ninja sword with one hand.
"Not bad!" He raised the sword, observed it for a moment, and then commented.
"This is the sword my father left me." Lowering her head, looking at the octopus balls in her hand, Yuki said softly.
Nodding, Kizaru extended his left hand into the air and lightly rubbed Yuki's head.
"Do you like using swords?" He smiled at Yuki.
Staring blankly at Kizaru, Yuki nodded without any hesitation.
Understanding Yuki's intentions, Kizaru raised the sword with one hand and struck the air.
A transparent and stylish vacuum slash soared into the sky, dispersing the clouds above.
Seeing this scene, Yuki opened her mouth in surprise, her eyes shining as she looked at the sky.
"Let's go, let's have dinner first, and tomorrow I'll introduce you to a teacher." Knowing that it would be difficult for Yuki to learn his swordsmanship with her physical qualities, Kizaru was prepared to introduce her to a suitable teacher.
"Big Brother Kizaru, I want to learn from you." Admiringly looking at Kizaru, Yuki coquettishly pleaded.
"My swordsmanship isn't suitable for you." Shaking his head, Kizaru refused.
With a hint of disappointment in her eyes, the obedient and sensible Yuki didn't continue to speak.
"Let's go!" Pressing his hand on Yuki's head, Kizaru pushed her along.
"Okay, Big Brother Kizaru!" Lowering her head obediently, Yuki followed Kizaru out of the training grounds.
Walking alongside Kizaru towards the dining area, Yuki held her ninja sword, occasionally glancing up at Kizaru.
"Big Brother Kizaru, Yoshihiko and MinatoĀ have both applied for early graduation. I... I also want to graduate early." Looking up at Kizaru, Yuki expressed her inner thoughts.
Feeling like she was leading the entire clan astray, Kizaru put his hands in his pockets and looked up at the sky.
"Isn't your current progress good enough, Yuki?"
"But Yoshihiko and Minato..."
"There's no need to compare yourself to others. Just do your best." Lowering his head, Kizaru looked at Yuki and smiled.
Biting her lip lightly, Yuki hesitated for a moment, but still insisted, "I've already mastered everything at academy. I want to graduate early, Big Brother Kizaru!"
Finishing her sentence, worried that Kizaru might get angry, Yuki lowered her head.
"Ohoho! You're really amazing, Yuki!" Contrary to Yuki's expectations, Kizaru didn't scold her but instead praised her with a smile.
"Big Brother Kizaru!" Lifting her head again, feeling relaxed, Yuki looked at Kizaru's smiling face and smiled back.
Getting support from Kizaru was the best encouragement for Yuki!
Feeling light-hearted, Yuki placed her hands behind her back with her sword and hopped along beside Kizaru.
Unfortunately, happy times are always short-lived. When Yuki followed Kizaru to his residence, a middle-aged man with a cold face was waiting there.
"Kizaru, come with me." Without beating around the bush, Danzo looked at Kizaru and spoke directly.
"You're really ruining the atmosphere, Uncle!" Laughing and patting the back of his head, Kizaru joked.
"I need to talk to you about something." Maintaining the same expression, Danzo continued.
Lowering his head, Kizaru looked at the disappointed Yuki and said, "Big Sis Keiko is inside the house. You go in and have dinner first. I'll be back in a moment."
Seeing the clan head right in front of her, Yuki, feeling a bit scared, nodded obediently.
Leaving Kizaru's side, Yuki walked up to Danzo and politely bowed, "Good evening, Clan Head!"
Danzo's attitude towards the children of the clan was still acceptable. He smiled and nodded.
"Go on in, Yuki."
"Okay."
After responding, Yuki quickened her pace and ran into Kizaru's courtyard.
Once Yuki went inside, Danzo looked at Kizaru and said, "Follow me."
With that, Danzo turned around and walked towards his own residence.
Following Danzo, Kizaru arrived at his residence, and the two entered the house together.
Entering a separate guest room, Kizaru and Danzo sat facing each other, sitting on the tatami mats.
"Your proposal for the scientific brigade was rejected by Hiruzen." Once they were seated, Danzo spoke.
"Eh! It's really disappointing!" Hearing Danzo's words, Kizaru sighed.
"I expected this outcome for the proposal," seizing every opportunity to criticize Hiruzen, Danzo continued, "As the Shimura clan already has me controlling the ANBU, Hiruzen, as the Hokage, is unwilling to see us control two ninja brigades simultaneously.
I originally thought that with Hiruzen's trust in you, there might be a chance for this proposal to pass."
"But now it seems that Hiruzen doesn't completely trust you!"
Knowing that his uncle had started his usual routine of disparaging his teacher, just like his teacher usually disparaged his uncle, Kizaru smiled.
"They really are two interesting old folks!"
"Uncle, do you think it's possible that Sensei is afraid of you?" Kizaru teased with a grin, looking at Danzo.
A lump formed in Danzo's chest as he looked at Kizaru's smiling face, feeling his blood pressure rise as per usual.
"Hiruzen and I have been good friends for decades," Danzo replied, emphasizing his words.
"How nice!"
"Regarding your assignment, Hiruzen hopes you'll go to the ninja academy and take charge of the reform."
Upon hearing Danzo's news, Kizaru became interested, stroking his chin.
Am I transitioning from being Admiral Kizaru to being a kindergarten principal?
But, going to the ninja academy doesn't seem bad either.
There's not too much work, the pay is decent, and it's more or less a nine-to-five job with weekends off.
With that in mind, Kizaru made a decision.
"What position?" Kizaru asked, looking at Danzo.
"Principal!"
"And the current one?"
"Will be demoted to vice principal."
"Well, I'm flattered!"
Graduating only three years ago, snatching the position of the academy principal, becoming the superior of the former homeroom teacher, Kizaru felt a bit "flattered."
"If things go as I expect, you'll stay in this position for a long time." Danzo was not pleased with sending Kizaru to the ninja academy; he'd prefer his nephew to go to the violent department.
"That's great!" Kizaru clapped his hands in delight.
"Do you think this position is great?" Not satisfied with Kizaru's reaction, Danzo asked.
"Isn't it? Uncle!" Kizaru asked with a grin.
His mouth agape, realizing his nephew's character, Danzo suddenly realized that this was Kizaru's favorite position, wasn't it?
"Damn it, I messed up!"
Danzo had originally planned to persuade Kizaru to discuss the matter with Hiruzen together, but he realized he'd been duped.
"That cunning old fox!"
The smiling face of Hiruzen flashed before his eyes, and Danzo felt like blasting a Rasengan out of frustration.
"I actually support your proposal for the scientific brigade," Danzo said seriously, looking at Kizaru, making one final effort.
"No need, no need! The ninja academy is fine! Hehehe!" Laughing heartily, Kizaru burst into laughter.
Feeling flustered inside, Danzo, realizing he had been tricked, was too angry to speak.