Analysis
"Thank you for your consideration. For now, there's not much I can do to help you, but I recall there's a training ground behind your Emiya residence, correct?" the Third Hokage asked, rolling up the scroll.
"Yes, there is. What about it, Hokage-sama? Does the Village intend to use it?"
"Not exactly. From now on, the Village will take responsibility for maintaining that training ground for you. Let's set the term at ten years. How does that sound? Do you need anything else?"
"Ah, thank you, Hokage-sama. That's already more than enough."
For Shirō, the offer was practically useless. His normal training hardly damaged the grounds, and anything more destructive would never be attempted inside the Village. Still, it might benefit Okita's training later. More importantly, since the Hokage had personally arranged it, he had to show gratitude and play along.
At this, the Third Hokage's lips curled into a faint smile. He had seen through Shirō's thoughts—few things escaped his eyes after decades of experience—but he chose not to comment. For a commoner boy like Shirō to come this far, it wasn't just talent.
It was also his strange abilities… and that shameless persistence.
After all, who else could act pitiful or cute at the right moments without hesitation? For someone with the mind of a grown man, that took a different kind of courage.
So Hiruzen simply smiled and let Shirō and Minato excuse themselves.
---
"What do you think of that child, Sakumo?" the Hokage asked once they were gone.
Konoha's White Fang crossed his arms. "He's not bad. Young, but already mature. More importantly, he knows how to play to his age as an advantage. His performance is still a bit rough, but with training, he'll be exceptional."
"However," Hiruzen said, "if what Elder Mitokado said is true, then letting him focus only on his family's techniques might be a waste of talent."
"Oh? That's high praise," Sakumo replied.
The Hokage nodded. "There's one thing worth noting: while his talent for standard ninjutsu seems limited, his theoretical grasp is remarkable. This child independently repaired and completed fragments of his clan's ninjutsu. They were only fundamentals, yes, but for someone his age, it's extraordinary."
Sakumo raised a brow. "Yet outside his family techniques, his talent is lacking?"
"Precisely. His theory surpasses his practice. At present, he has only barely mastered a few C-rank ninjutsu."
"That's hardly unusual for his age," Sakumo said.
"True. But his understanding of them is astonishing. I once saw him explaining ninjutsu to a neighbor's child—his grasp of chakra molding and hand seal timing was on par with a seasoned Jōnin. In the exams, when he neutralized enemy techniques, I thought it was a sharp combat instinct. Now, I realize it was his comprehension of ninjutsu mechanics."
At that point, Mitokado Homura finally spoke.
"So, it's his family's secret arts that limit his chakra circulation and hinder practical ninjutsu use?"
"Exactly," Hiruzen answered. "When our researchers tried to replicate his technique, the results were poor. His chakra flow is unique. It may be the very reason his control over conventional ninjutsu is so unstable."
The Hokage's gaze returned to Sakumo. "That's why I wanted to ask you—would you consider taking him as your disciple?"
Sakumo blinked. "Me? Surely there are others in the Village more suited to teaching."
Hiruzen chuckled softly. "Perhaps. But as a commoner boy, what Shirō lacks are the insights and perspective of a true shinobi—not just surface-level instruction. And… his kenjutsu is already impressive. Short blade, unorthodox style. There is no one in Konoha better than you to refine it."
The Hokage's voice softened. "Most of all, I trust this boy's potential. I wouldn't feel at ease placing him with anyone else."
Sakumo fell silent, considering. Finally, he said, "I'll need to test him myself before I decide."
"Of course," Hiruzen replied with a smile. "But I doubt he'll disappoint you."
With that, the conversation shifted. "Now then, Homura, tell me your findings from Sunagakure."
Homura frowned. "Their security was too tight. We learned little. However… their movements suggest plans involving the One-Tail."
---
Meanwhile, Shirō was walking back with Minato.
"How about it? Want to drop by and see Kushina with me?" Minato asked with a grin.
"No way! If I interrupt your alone time with Big Sis, I'll be minced meat." Shirō rolled his eyes.
"Ha ha… fair enough. Then I'll go on ahead." Minato gave a sheepish laugh and waved as he left.
"Yeah, I'll come by in a few days."
They parted ways, and Shirō sighed.
"Why don't I know about Fire Release? The glorious FFF brigade cannot rise without flames. Wait… doesn't the Hidden Mist's Blast Sword create explosions that spark fire?" He smirked. "Heh. I'll have to take a look at that someday. Maybe I can become the 'eighth' Swordsman of the Mist, who defects to the light."
Just then—"Ouch!"
A small body slammed into him at the corner of the street. A little girl fell back with a yelp.
"Ah, sorry! I wasn't watching. Are you okay?" Shirō quickly reached out a hand.
"I-I'm fine! I should be the one apologizing—I was running in a hurry." She dusted herself off and bowed politely.
Shirō chuckled, scratching his cheek. "It's my fault, yet you're the one apologizing. That's a bit embarrassing." Then he noticed the fan crest on her clothes. "Oh, you're from the Uchiha clan?"
The girl stiffened and lowered her head. "What, do you hate us too?"
"Eh? Of course not! Just surprised to meet such a polite Uchiha. You seem like you're in a hurry. Something urgent?"
Her eyes widened. "Ah! I'm going to be late for the Academy!"
"You're still in school? Want me to take you there?"
Her expression hardened as she took a wary step back. "What are you planning?"
"…Hah?" Shirō gave a wry smile. "What could I possibly do to you here in the middle of Konoha? One of my teammates is an Uchiha too—Taiichi. You've probably heard of him."
The girl hesitated, then sighed. "…Fine. I'll believe you. But just so you know—I am not letting you carry me on your back!"
Shirō froze, his face darkening with despair.
This world… is not pure at all. How am I supposed to find a girlfriend at this rate?