Faced with Shimizu's inquiry, Minato Namikaze did not provide a direct answer.
Instead, he used the opportunity of practicing ninjutsu in the courtyard as a starting point, saying:
"Actually, I've been practicing similar ninjutsu myself. Maybe the two of us could discuss it together."
Minato's blue eyes fixed on Shimizu, his lips curved in a sincere smile.
The best way to close the distance with someone is to find common ground.
Previously, his focus had been more on Uchiha Obito, and he had some understanding of him.
But Shimizu had been suddenly assigned to him by the Third Hokage, and he had no prior plans for this.
Thus, he decided to use this approach to shorten the gap between himself and Shimizu.
"I appreciate your kindness, Namikaze Jonin, but I've almost mastered this technique," Shimizu replied.
Looking at Minato's warm and comforting smile, Shimizu thought to himself that it was no wonder Orochimaru had lost to him—Minato's superiority was obvious.
First and foremost, a leader's demeanor must be approachable.
One constantly smiling, exuding warmth, while the other always wore a stern expression, spouting cryptic remarks—who would the ninja vote for? The choice was clear.
"I see," Minato nodded.
He refrained from saying something like, "Let me see your technique."
In the world of ninjas, intelligence was paramount. Since his relationship with Shimizu was still developing, making such a request might come across as tactless and could sour their budding connection.
"I'll be brief," Minato said, explaining the reason for his visit. "The Third Hokage has assigned you to my team, and I will be your squad leader."
"Understood," Shimizu replied calmly.
It seemed that, just like in the simulator, he had joined Minato's team. He wondered if Uchiha Obito would form a bond with Kakashi, just as the simulator had predicted for the future.
"You're not surprised?" Minato asked, a bit taken aback.
He had delivered the news so abruptly, yet Shimizu didn't seem the least bit shocked, as if he had already known the outcome.
"My squad has been short-handed for some time now. My squad leader has been taking on new ninjas. Given my talent, it was only a matter of time before I'd be reassigned to a new team," Shimizu explained methodically.
Minato nodded repeatedly as he listened.
Even after losing his teammates, Shimizu maintained the critical composure essential for a ninja. Instead of panicking, he analyzed the situation and arrived at a reasonable conclusion.
If another ninja were in his place, it might take them considerable time to recover from the shadow of losing their teammates. Let alone their squad leader taking on other trainees—such a scenario might lead others to question their abilities as a ninja, spiraling into self-pity or even despair and retreating from the ninja world altogether.
"Who are my other teammates?" Shimizu asked.
"Ahaha, well... the Third Hokage hasn't finalized that yet," Minato admitted sheepishly.
It seemed another person would be assigned to the team, but Minato had no idea who it might be.
"Hopefully, they'll be easy to get along with," Minato thought to himself.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Shimizu, Minato took his leave.
"Coo, coo."
A white dove flew out from under the bed, landing on Shimizu's hand as if it had just woken up.
Shimizu silently watched Minato leave, gently stroking the dove's smooth feathers.
His early graduation had placed him in Minato's team months ahead of schedule.
Now that the team was starting to take shape, it also meant that Uzumaki Kushina's crisis was drawing closer.
Shimizu sat in a chair, seemingly engrossed in the text on a scroll.
Meanwhile, Nohara Rin bit her lower lip. She had been standing there for an hour since her arrival.
Shimizu had been reading the scroll the entire time, ignoring her presence.
The reason for this cold treatment was that Shimizu had made further demands that had crossed Rin's bottom line, leading her to flatly refuse.
Perhaps another minute passed, or maybe another hour. Rin's calves began to ache, but she didn't dare leave.
She was determined to gain the knowledge she needed. She was just one step away from completing today's tutoring session. Afterward, she would no longer have to deal with Shimizu, and her investment would not go to waste!
Knock, knock!
Suddenly, a knock on the door broke the silence.
"Shimizu!"
A familiar voice called from outside. Rin's eyes widened in surprise—it was Kakashi's voice.
She rushed to open the door, and when she saw who it was, the gloom in her eyes vanished.
"Kakashi! Have you been on a mission these past few days? Why haven't I seen you?" Rin asked, firing off a series of questions.
She often sought out Kakashi, hoping to comfort him, but he was either away or unresponsive to her knocks, as if he were busy training. Not wanting to disturb him, she would always return home.
Kakashi, with his ever-present deadpan expression, ignored her questions and asked instead, "Rin, why are you at Shimizu's house?"
Rin's previously joyful expression stiffened and turned awkward.
She hadn't seen Kakashi in a long time and had been so excited that she forgot she was still at Shimizu's house.
"Well... I'm here learning about medical ninjutsu," Rin stammered, biting her lip so hard it almost bled.
"Is that so," Kakashi said flatly.
He had heard rumors before about Rin visiting Shimizu's place, and now it was confirmed.
"Of course! What else could it be?" Rin said urgently, leading Kakashi into the house and looking at Shimizu with pleading eyes, silently begging him to back her up.
If Kakashi misunderstood, all her efforts would have been in vain.
"Rin's telling the truth," Shimizu said.
Seeing Rin's flustered demeanor, Shimizu's eyes glinted with something sinister, as if an evil thought had crossed his mind.
"I see," Kakashi said.
"By the way, congratulations on passing the Chunin Exam. Shimizu, have your teammates been assigned yet?" Kakashi asked.
"Not yet," Shimizu replied, shaking his head.
"Why don't you ask Rin if she has any teammates?" Shimizu suggested, glancing at Rin.
Kakashi, as if suddenly realizing something, turned to Rin.
"Rin, your..."
"Not yet, not yet!" Rin interrupted, waving her hand.
Though Kakashi's demeanor seemed indifferent, Rin had grown used to this way of interacting with him.
Kakashi was just like that—cold on the outside, warm on the inside.
Thinking this, Rin couldn't help but smile.
Seeing Kakashi today washed away the frustration of being ignored for an hour.
"Alright," Kakashi said, nodding.
After chatting briefly with Rin, Kakashi turned to Shimizu.
"Shimizu, there's another reason I came here—I'd like to practice swordsmanship with you."
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