Observing Shinji
The man was impeccable, flawless.
This was Konan's conclusion after observing Shinji from her hidden vantage point all morning.
Whether teaching the children to read and write or teaching them to sing and play instruments, everything came naturally to him. He could explain any question the children asked in simple, understandable terms.
Was his real profession a private tutor?
Konan was puzzled but didn't jump to conclusions. She continued to watch Shinji, who was currently teaching the children to sing, hoping to learn more about this man.
This way, she would be more confident when she took action. It wasn't because she couldn't do it but because she wanted to be sure of success.
Konan tried to convince herself of this.
Lunchtime
Watching Shinji and the others enjoying lunch, Konan closed her eyes and sighed inwardly. Was it necessary to be so cheerful and enthusiastic over a meal?
Although the aroma wafting through the air was indeed mouthwatering.
She forced herself to ignore the tantalizing smell of the food and started analyzing the information she had gathered.
First, the name.
The children called him "Sensei" or "Teacher," and the black-haired servant-like man called him "Mr. Anli." His name should be Anli Sha.
Second...there was no second. She had only learned his name so far.
Afternoon Training
In a clearing not far from the cave, under a natural rock ledge that extended forward like a giant umbrella providing shelter from the rain, Shinji was teaching the three kids martial arts and swordsmanship.
"Mr. Anli, please, this time, don't hold back," Minato said with a serious expression.
Shinji raised an eyebrow. "Don't worry, I'm just demonstrating. I won't hurt you."
Minato forced a smile, his heart filled with sarcasm. "Mr. Anli, do you believe your own words? Yesterday, you said the same about swordsmanship, and if I hadn't used the Flying Thunder God technique quickly, I would have been cut into pieces!"
Even though he had escaped instantly, he still lost an arm. Although Shinji had later given him a prosthetic, it still hurt.
Minato thought back to Shinji's swordsmanship, which had reached a godly level. Even though he had only had time for one strike, he managed to execute four.
There was no chakra involved, which meant it was purely skill. Minato dared to bet that no one else in the Shinobi world could achieve such a feat.
In a close-range fight, no one would be a match for him.
Not to mention his incredible physical strength, which Minato felt could rival that of Tsunade, the strongest ninja he knew.
Afternoon Training Continues
After being sent flying 500 meters by a punch and then automatically returning, Minato stared blankly at Shinji.
"You really believed me. I didn't use much force. Just demonstrating technique."
Minato was speechless.
Could you at least heal my caved-in chest before talking to me? I can't even speak right now, Mr. Anli!
Afternoon Training Ends
Shinji spent the entire afternoon guiding the kids in their martial arts practice, correcting mistakes, and demonstrating moves.
Ninja children have an advantage over ordinary people in martial arts. If they have a solid foundation, they can quickly master techniques with chakra enhancement.
Minato, serving as the practice dummy, suffered greatly.
Evening
As dusk fell, Shinji ended the class on time.
He asked Minato to take the kids back, while he, hands in his pockets, headed in the opposite direction.
Konan, who had been observing in the shadows, saw her chance when she saw Shinji walking away with no signs of caution.
But...
She hesitated, knowing the children genuinely respected and adored him. Killing him would...
Konan felt a pang of guilt and finally relaxed her grip on the poisoned kunai in her right hand.
"You think highly of yourself, don't you?"
Shinji's voice suddenly sounded in her ear, startling Konan. She instinctively backed away, creating a large gap between them.
Seeing Shinji standing there with his hands in his pockets, looking as calm and relaxed as always, Konan felt a mix of shame, anger, and surprise. The shame was from remembering what had happened, the anger from wanting to kill him, and the surprise from wondering how he had discovered her.
"What's your business here? Spying on me all day like a stalker."
For some reason, hearing Shinji speak made Konan want to punch him, even though she was surprised he had noticed her from the start.
The words were infuriating.
He called her a stalker?
"In any case, I believe in equivalent exchange. Since we have settled things, let's just leave it at that."
Shinji shrugged, making it clear he wanted to part ways without further entanglement.
Konan gritted her teeth, trying to suppress her anger. "I still owe you one. I can't just leave it like this."
"Hmm?"
Shinji feigned ignorance.
Then he scanned Konan with his eyes, as if assessing her worth. "So, you feel indebted after what happened?"
As he scanned her, Konan felt an indescribable sense of discomfort, unable to look him in the eye.
"No need. I said it was a bonus. We've settled things."
Shinji shrugged again, speaking nonchalantly. For some reason, Konan felt a surge of anger.
"Goodbye," Shinji said, raising a hand before turning to leave again.
Konan couldn't hold back anymore. "Wait! Why do you get to decide when it's settled? I say I still owe you!"
Shinji smirked slightly.
He hadn't expected another chance to spar with Konan, but since she had delivered herself to him, he wouldn't let it go to waste.
Konan's anger had been provoked, making her more defiant. Finally, she snapped, "You stand there! I decide when it's settled!"
Perfect.
In the Familiar Cave
In the familiar cave, Shinji watched Konan, who had unknowingly walked into his trap. He felt no guilt at all.
Keeping up the act, Shinji frowned and asked cautiously, "Are you sure? I already said we're even. Wouldn't it be better to leave it at that?"
"Shut up!"
Konan's voice grew smaller. "I need to clear this debt. I can't focus on anything else if I don't."
"You're a strange woman," Shinji remarked.
"I'm not a frivolous woman!"
"I never said you were. I just said you're a bit strange. Most women would either want to kill me or forget about it."
"I'm different! I have goals! I can't let something like this occupy my mind. I need to feel like we're even to focus on my tasks."
"Uh..."
Shinji didn't know how to respond to Konan. It was like she had a mental block, needing to resolve this to move forward.
He understood, given Konan's history. She forced herself to be cold and ruthless after Yahiko's death. This self-imposed transformation had likely created a psychological block.
Her insistence on feeling even was a way to maintain her focus and resolve.
"Well, if you're sure..."
Before Shinji could finish, Konan removed her Akatsuki cloak and stepped towards him.
Her expression was so serious that even Shinji felt a bit of righteous anger.
Indeed, as the evaluations from his past life suggested, this woman might lack initiative, but to have unwavering trust in those two required immense courage.
Not to mention her strength, willing to do anything to avoid holding Nagato back.
Feeling Konan's stiff and somewhat forceful embrace and kiss, Shinji gently wrapped his arm around her slender waist and whispered in her ear.
"Relax. If this is how it has to be, then as a woman..."
Before he could finish, Konan kissed him again.
It was a forceful, almost vengeful kiss.
Shinji felt an inexplicable surge of competitiveness and determination.
Fine, let's see who comes out on top.
Minato's Dilemma
Minato, on his way to call Shinji for dinner, silently turned back when he reached the cave entrance.
Junior sister, why did you come here?
Are you really so desperate?
Is it true, as Mr. Anli said, that all women fall for him afterward and then want to kill him?
Junior sister, what can I say?
The guilt fills my chest!
"Where's Sensei?"
"He's...busy. He might be late. Let's start eating."
Facing the kids' innocent questions, Minato could only make an excuse for Shinji. It was too early for the kids to know about such things.
Honestly, Minato thought Shinji's actions weren't human at all.
He couldn't have done it himself.