As night fell, a peaceful silence enveloped the village of Konoha. The lanterns hanging from the houses cast a soft light, and the sound of crickets accompanied the cool breeze. Shikai walked alongside Shikaku, who had a relaxed posture with his hands in his pockets.
"So, Shikai, what do you think of your training so far?" Shikaku asked, breaking the silence.
Shikai took a few seconds to respond, his gaze fixed on the ground in front of him.
"It's productive. Between Minato-sama's techniques, Tsunade's teachings, and your guidance, I'm progressing quickly. I have a good level in ninjutsu, taijutsu, and fuinjutsu. But it's not enough. I feel like I still have a long way to go to reach my goals."
Shikaku smiled slightly.
"You're too hard on yourself. You're already the disciple of the Yondaime, an exceptional ninja. Your future is promising, but that also means you'll be a target. Obstacles will come from everywhere, Shikai. Not just from the outside, but also from within the village."
Shikai slowly nodded, taking in Shikaku's words. He knew what it meant—Danzo of Root.
"I expected as much. That's why I want to focus on medicine. With the greatest medical ninja, Tsunade-sama, absent, there's a void. If I can master this field, I might be able to replace her and..."
He paused for a moment, searching for the right words.
"And protect those I want to keep alive."
Shikaku raised an eyebrow, impressed by the child's maturity.
"You're ambitious, and that's a good thing. But be careful, Shikai. Focusing solely on others can make you forget to protect yourself."
They continued walking in silence for a while, the stars sparkling above them. Then, Shikaku suddenly stopped, rummaging through one of his pockets. He took out two sealed scrolls, which he handed to Shikai.
"Here. These two techniques are among the most powerful and most secret of the Nara clan. But they are also forbidden."
Shikai furrowed his eyebrows, intrigued.
"Why give them to me now?"
Shikaku looked him straight in the eyes, his expression grave.
"Because I believe you're mature enough now. These techniques are known only to a few elder patriarchs of the clan who have wanted to test them. But they come with a price. If you choose to use them, know that you'll carry a burden."
Shikai took the scrolls with a certain solemnity.
"Thank you, Shikaku-san. I'll only use them if it's absolutely necessary."
Shikaku smiled, satisfied.
"Good. These techniques could be the key to your survival in this world. But remember: strength alone doesn't make a ninja. It's how you use it that matters."
Shikai bowed slightly, carefully placing the scrolls in his bag.
"Thank you, my uncle."
Shikaku observed him for a moment, his gaze penetrating, as if weighing each word he was about to speak.
"These techniques, Shikai, are forbidden for a reason. They're not only powerful, they're dangerous. I hope you'll make good use of them."
Shikai nodded seriously, but Shikaku continued, his tone becoming more grave.
"You have a lot of potential, but I also sense something strange surrounding you. Since your birth, everything seems... too aligned. Your senseis, your talent, even your future place in the shinobi world will likely not be limited to the village. As if someone or something in the shadows is manipulating your existence."
Shikai remained silent, but his dark eyes never left Shikaku's.
"That's why I gave you these techniques," Shikaku resumed. "I don't know exactly what they entail, I wasn't very curious about them. But they could become essential tools to protect the next generation. If troubles arise—and I have a feeling they will—you'll need to be ready."
Shikai inclined his head slightly, his tone respectful.
"I understand. And I promise to only use them if necessary."
A thin smile appeared on Shikaku's face.
"Well, I'm sure you'll make the right choices, but remember: trust no one. Even those who seem closest to you may have their own motivations. Be cautious."
The silence between them was broken only by the rustling of leaves under their feet. Then, Shikaku, as if to lighten the atmosphere, suddenly changed the subject.
"You know, I met Yoshino, my wife, in a rather peculiar way."
Shikai raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Oh? How so?"
Shikaku smiled, reminiscing about the past.
"It was during a clan training battle. She literally threw me to the ground, and not just once. I knew at that moment that it was her."
Shikai let out a soft laugh.
"She knocked you down, huh? That doesn't surprise me about Aunt Yoshino."
Shikaku chuckled softly.
"Oh, believe me, it hasn't changed since. Yoshino is still as stubborn as ever. But that's also what I love about her."
Shikai nodded, amused.
"And you, Shikai, how is Izumi doing?" Shikaku asked, a mischievous smile on his face.
Shikai, slightly taken aback, averted his gaze.
"She's fine, I suppose. But why the sudden question?"
Shikaku laughed softly.
"Let's just say I've noticed how she looks at you sometimes. And you, you're the type to hide your feelings."
Shikai, a bit embarrassed, shrugged.
"What are you talking about, uncle? She's always sticking to Itachi. And I'm quite busy with my training. These kinds of things aren't my priority."
Shikaku, amused, placed a hand on Shikai's shoulder.
"It's never a priority... until it becomes one."
Shikaku slowed his pace, his gaze lost in the darkness that enveloped their path.
"You know, Shikai, being a Nara is more than being a strategic genius or a master of shadows. It's also carrying a burden. We're often the first to understand the dangers, the first to anticipate conflicts... and sometimes, the last to be understood by others."
Shikaku smiled, almost sadly.
"But you're young, and you still have time to learn. You know, Shikamaru will likely be as intelligent as his father, and maybe even as lazy. But you, on the other hand, are motivated... perhaps a little too much."
Shikai slightly furrowed his eyebrows.
"Too motivated?"
"It's not a criticism," Shikaku replied. "It's just that ambition, as noble as it may be, can lead you to dangerous places. You must learn to balance your goals and the sacrifices you're willing to make to achieve them."
Shikai remained silent for a moment before responding.
"I understand, uncle. But I also know that without ambition, it's impossible to shape this world. And this world needs change. Too many wars for pointless reasons."
Shikaku nodded.
"That's true. But remember, even the greatest strategists have limits. Learn to surround yourself with the right people."
They soon arrived near Shikaku's house. The latter stopped and turned his gaze towards Shikai one last time.
"And don't forget, Shikai. No matter the obstacles or machinations, you're a Nara. And a Nara never bows down to adversity."
Shikai bowed respectfully.
"Thank you, uncle. I'll remember your words."
...
As he returned home, Shikai felt fatigue wash over him. He placed the scrolls on his desk, gazing at them for a moment with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
"Most techniques are forbidden because of their enormous chakra demand, I suppose Shikaku gave them to me because I'm an exception," he murmured to himself.
He ran a hand over his face, undressed, and lay down on his bed. As his head touched the pillow,
"I must become stronger, faster, smarter... I must be ready for anything, but will I be capable of taking a human life?" he thought before sleep took him.
However, in the shadows, at a safe distance, a masked figure observed Shikai's house. The Root member, concealed by a camouflage jutsu, fixed his gaze on the young boy's window.
"The forbidden techniques of the Nara clan? Danzo must be informed immediately," the figure murmured before disappearing into the darkness of the night.