"I see." He paused for a moment, then nodded.
"I understand your distrust. Very well. I will make sure Shikai is watched. If what you say is true, I cannot take any risks. But... does Shikai know? Does he know his true identity?"
"He doesn't know everything, and it's better that way. I don't want him to bear the weight of this truth, or hate the village because of certain power-hungry individuals. But he must remain safe. He already shows signs of his Senju heritage, such as his vitality, and I don't want him to draw the attention of Root."
"Very well, Tsunade-sama. I will order two Anbu to discreetly keep an eye on him. They will ensure he stays out of Danzo's reach."
Minato stood up from his desk, his gaze serious.
"Thank you, Minato. I knew I could rely on you."
"Tsunade-sama, as long as I am Hokage, Shikai will be protected."
Tsunade finally left the Hokage's office, her heart a little lighter, even though she knew the threat of Danzo would never completely disappear. But for now, there was a semblance of peace. She trusted in the promises of the Yellow Flash.
...
Four weeks later
Shikai, determined to strengthen his body and develop his physical abilities, had embarked on an intense and rigorous training regimen. He had established a demanding daily routine, pushing his limits and forging an unyielding strength.
Each morning, before the sun even rose, Shikai woke up from his bed, his muscles still sore from the previous day's efforts. He headed to the forest, in a rather isolated area, where he had set up some basic but effective equipment.
He started with a series of dynamic stretches, ensuring every muscle in his body was awake and ready for the upcoming challenge. Then, he proceeded to do push-ups, gradually increasing the number of repetitions until his arms shook with fatigue. Shikai pushed his body to the extreme, feeling his muscles burn and his lungs fill with air with each breath.
After the push-ups, he moved on to pull-ups, pulling himself up on a branch with determination until his hands went numb and his shoulders begged for mercy. Shikai didn't stop, his iron will driving him forward, even when his body seemed to reach its limits.
Squats followed, strengthening his legs and glutes. Shikai lowered himself slowly, his muscles screaming in pain, then pushed back up with power, feeling adrenaline course through him. He repeated the movement, pushing his body to exhaustion, until his legs felt as heavy as lead.
Despite the fatigue that engulfed him, Shikai didn't stop. He knew it was in these moments of suffering that true strength was born.
"Luckily, I have great vitality, or else I'd be bedridden for weeks."
He continued to train, his muscles trembling, his veins bulging, until he could no longer bear the pain.
After his physical training, under a large tree with thick branches, he sat in lotus position. Closing his eyes, he breathed deeply, focusing on his body and chakra.
Shikai began a deep meditation, connecting his mind with his body. He felt energy flow through him, moving along his meridians, nourishing every cell of his being. He visualized his muscles repairing, strengthening, becoming more powerful with each breath.
For hours, he remained still, his mind calm and concentrated. The forest around him seemed alive, with birds singing and the wind whispering through the leaves. Shikai felt in harmony with nature, his vitality recharging, his determination growing stronger.
*Growl*
"Looks like I need to refuel." He said, hearing the rumble of his hungry stomach.
As usual, he had brought along some ninja tools that his late father had once used. Despite being only three years old, with his Senju genetics and rigorous training, he had experienced a growth spurt, and his underdeveloped muscles were now more prominent.
Shikai, bare-chested, took his kunai and ventured into the forest. The orange glow of the sun bathed the leaves, and Shikai had been tracking a wild boar for about twenty minutes now.
"This is so annoying. I need to learn ninjutsu." Shikai murmured to himself, hiding behind a tree.
Shikai had indeed received divine wisdom, but it was related to Shinjutsu, not ninjutsu. He would have to learn it, and the learning process would undoubtedly be faster than normal. Additionally, he would need to know a wide range of jutsu, as this shinobi world had Jiraiya, the most despicable pervert, as one of its most powerful figures.
Shikai carefully observed his surroundings and spotted a low-hanging branch from a sturdy tree. An idea formed in his mind. He moved back silently and climbed onto the branch. Once up high, he gauged the distance between him and the boar.
The young Nara-Senju took out a second kunai from its sheath.
He threw the first kunai not far from the animal, intentionally aiming for a rock to create a loud noise. Startled, the boar lifted its head, its small eyes scanning the source of the sound, its ears alert.
Seizing the moment, Shikai leaped from the branch. Gravity took over, and he landed heavily on the boar's back. The animal, furious and panicked, struggled violently, trying to throw off its attacker.
"Not so fast!" Shikai growled, gripping the beast's mane tightly with one hand while brandishing his kunai with the other.
The boar let out angry grunts, shaking its massive shoulders to throw him off. But Shikai didn't let go. With fierce determination, he stabbed his kunai into one of the animal's eyes, once, then again. Blood spurted, splattering his arms. The boar roared in pain and weakened slightly, but Shikai continued.
"Stay down!" he shouted, driving the blade in three more times until the skull was pierced, and the animal collapsed in a final death rattle.
Shikai, panting, dropped to his knees beside the corpse, his arms trembling from the effort. "And there... my first murder, in both my lives... I hope I'll have the same detached feeling when killing humans." He murmured to himself, looking at the blood on his hands.