Currently, Namikaze Minato was speaking with one of his teammates from the Sixth Squad, Dekai.
Based on the timeline of The Tale of Minato, Shimizu deduced that Minato had not yet mastered the Rasengan. Minato would learn the technique at the Third Training Ground during his time in the Sixth Squad.
There were still over two years before the establishment of Minato's own squad. Within this period, Minato would likely master the Rasengan.
After glancing at Minato briefly, Shimizu continued on his way to Konoha Hospital.
A nice guy to this extent... that's just plain weakness.
His wife was killed by Obito, yet Minato could still forgive him. Truly incomprehensible.
Does Uzumaki Kushina know how magnanimous Minato is?
Ten minutes later, at Konoha Hospital.
"Shimizu, here again?"
Yakushi Nono put down the documents in her hands and turned to see Shimizu.
"Yes, Nono-nee."
Shimizu placed the freshly washed apple on the table and began browsing through the materials Nono had prepared for him.
To become a medical ninja, one needed extensive professional knowledge. Most of the time, Nono assigned Shimizu to study these materials, while the rest of the time was dedicated to perfecting the D-rank medical ninjutsu he had already learned.
"You don't need to bring me gifts every time. I haven't done much—I just prepare some materials for you while I'm busy with my own work."
Nono placed the apple in front of Shimizu.
"Nono-nee always takes the time to organize these resources for me. Without you, I wouldn't know how long it'd take me to figure things out on my own. Besides, I live alone, so I don't eat much. Don't worry about it."
Shimizu's response was sincere and thoughtful.
Nono's gaze softened as she looked at Shimizu.
Shimizu was an orphan, yet he possessed a kind heart and a deep sense of gratitude—a rarity. What began as simple appreciation for his talent gradually evolved into a desire to nurture him into an exceptional medical ninja.
"The Root..."
A fleeting shadow crossed Nono's eyes. She had grown weary of her life as a ninja and longed for a peaceful existence. She had planned to leave in the near future, but Shimizu's presence complicated things, leaving her uncertain about her next steps.
While Shimizu focused on studying the materials, Nono's thoughts wandered.
Suddenly, her eyes sharpened, locking onto a shadowy figure in the corridor outside.
Root.
Nono furrowed her brows slightly.
"Shimizu, I have something to attend to today. Take these books home, and if there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me tomorrow."
"Got it."
Shimizu hadn't forgotten that Nono was affiliated with Root. He assumed that Danzō had sent someone to meet her.
As Shimizu's figure faded into the distance, another person appeared in Nono's office.
"Have you forgotten Lord Danzō's orders? He demands your immediate presence," the masked Root operative stated bluntly, devoid of emotion.
"Of course not," Nono replied coldly, glancing disdainfully at the masked figure.
To her, Root's methods were overly extreme, completely at odds with peace. If given the chance, she would never have joined Root in the first place.
"Hmph. Stay away from that brat. Lord Danzō despises the Uchiha. Remember, as one of The Root, you have no name, no emotions, no past, and no future. Your only purpose is the mission. We, The Root, are the unseen foundation that supports Konoha's tree."
With a final warning, the operative disappeared, leaving behind no trace of his presence.
Ten minutes later, at the Root base.
"You've been interacting with the Uchiha brat?"
Shimura Danzō sat in his chair, gazing calmly at the recently arrived Nono.
"Yes, Lord Danzō. The child has remarkable talent in medical ninjutsu."
"Medical talent? An Uchiha?"
Danzō was taken aback.
The Uchiha were typically combative and arrogant—someone learning medical ninjutsu seemed out of character.
Initially, when he heard this information from his subordinates, he had been skeptical. But now, hearing it confirmed by Nono herself, he couldn't help but feel intrigued.
The Uchiha clan was inherently dangerous, prone to succumbing to destructive paths.
While Danzō muttered to himself, Nono remained silent, not finding anything unusual about his remarks.
In her eyes, Shimizu was just a child, untainted by the corruption of adulthood. His pure and kind heart still shone brightly.
"Very well. Continue interacting with the boy and earn his trust. You may leave."
Danzō's thoughts briefly wandered to a companion from his past, Uchiha Kagami.
Perhaps Shimizu was someone akin to Kagami—a rarity among the Uchiha. If so, he could be integral to the embryonic stages of a certain plan.
"Yes, Lord Danzō."
Nono sighed in relief. It seemed Danzō had no immediate plans to harm Shimizu. She quickly departed from the Root base.
"Hoo hoo... so you've taken an interest in the Uchiha brat, Danzō."
From the shadows behind Danzō, a pale-skinned man stepped forward.
"All I require are your research results. Stay out of other matters."
Danzō's tone toward Orochimaru was as cold as ever. Their relationship was one of mutual cooperation, but Danzō kept a firm grip on the snake, wary of potential betrayal.
"Judging by his abilities, he's about as strong as Kakashi, perhaps even more gifted. After all, mastering D-rank medical ninjutsu at this stage is no small feat."
"Hmph. D-rank ninjutsu? Mere tricks," Danzō scoffed.
"So what if he knows medical ninjutsu? Aside from Sarutobi's disciple—the Senju princess—what other medical ninja possess significant combat prowess?"
"Perhaps he's destined to be another 'Professor' like Sarutobi-sensei. Hoo hoo... the mysteries of life are endlessly fascinating. To witness such an Uchiha—it seems only those who live long enough see everything."
Orochimaru handed Danzō a sealing scroll, extracted from his mouth.
Danzō's expression briefly showed disgust as he wiped off the slimy scroll, unsure whether it was coated in saliva or stomach acid. Despite his distaste, he opened the scroll, knowing it contained half a year's worth of Orochimaru's research.
With a puff of smoke, the scroll unfurled into a rectangular strip, revealing an array of micro surveillance devices.
"Are you certain these can escape the Sharingan's detection?"
"I've run numerous experiments. These devices use a combination of sealing techniques to minimize chakra and electrical activity. Even the Sharingan won't detect them," Orochimaru assured.
"Remember, Orochimaru, we are tied together. Do not disappoint me."
Danzō stored the scroll, already formulating a way to convince Hiruzen to allow these surveillance devices into certain areas.