Homura Mitokado seemed genuinely surprised by Shiki Uzumaki's sudden reaction.
Could it be admiration for the Sannin's reputation?
In his mind, Homura gave himself a reasonable explanation.
Kakashi scratched his head and asked a question he found puzzling, "So, has Jiraiya-sama already agreed to become Konoha's Fifth Hokage?"
"Not yet. But I think at a time like this, Jiraiya will definitely take on the burden of leading Konoha."
Koharu Utatane fixed her gaze upon Kakashi. Her silver hair and narrowed eyes revealed the unmistakable authority unique to an elderly woman of her age.
Kakashi could only shrug, wearing a helpless expression. "If you've already decided, then fine. But I think that person won't be easy to convince."
"Still, that's not a problem. During this time, I can do some training with Shiki, Naruto, and the others."
As he spoke, Kakashi turned around, hands placed behind his head, preparing to leave.
"Kakashi!"
Homura suddenly called out, stopping Kakashi just as he was about to walk away.
"What is it? Didn't we finish everything that needed to be said?" Kakashi turned his head slightly, scratching his mask in confusion.
"We did finish. But I only want to remind you of one thing—you don't have time to guide these kids' training. The war dealt Konoha a heavy blow, so even you must go on missions."
"Huh?" Kakashi widened his eyes in surprise.
"Precisely because Konoha's strength has declined, we must double our efforts in missions. We absolutely cannot let other ninja villages detect signs of weakness in us."
Kakashi nodded, glancing toward Shiki Uzumaki.
"If that's the case, it seems like I won't have the chance to train you after all."
"Shiki Uzumaki must also go on missions before officially becoming a Jonin. He can't sit idle before the Fifth Hokage officially assumes office."
Homura unhelpfully added another inconvenient fact.
Shiki himself was somewhat taken aback. Originally, he had planned to make good use of this period to study ninjutsu properly.
But now, it seemed that wouldn't be possible.
He asked, "Will I at least get to pick my own mission?"
"Yes, but consider this part of your training, especially during this transitional phase in the village. You must accumulate a lot of experience during this transitional period in the village; otherwise, you may struggle to support Jiraiya."
"Jiraiya will probably only teach me the [Sexy Technique] anyway."
Shiki muttered inwardly. Still, he understood that the next Hokage wouldn't truly be Jiraiya—it would be Tsunade.
But right now, he hadn't met Jiraiya yet. Most likely, if Jiraiya wanted to find Tsunade, he wouldn't bring him along.
Though a bit disappointed, Shiki still pulled himself together.
"In that case, you two may leave now. Shiki Uzumaki, we place certain hopes in you."
"I hope you don't end up failing to live up to it."
Shiki Uzumaki turned around and waved his hand. "Of course. But, I gotta say, talking to you two feels kinda heavy. Don't you think you're both a little too stuck in your ways? Anyway, I'm heading out now."
With that, Shiki patted Kakashi's arm, signaling him to leave together.
Kakashi, as if already used to it, simply walked out the door with Shiki Uzumaki.
With a clang, the door shut behind them.
The two advisors, who hadn't shown even the slightest smile or relaxed expression, remained silent for a moment.
"Overall, things seem fine for now," one finally said.
"But his personality still carries too much childishness. He falls far short of Itachi."
Koharu Utatane was clearly still dwelling on the words Shiki Uzumaki had spoken upon leaving.
"This is actually better. At least it shows he doesn't harbor ulterior motives. Orochimaru used to be quite composed too, but look at what happened in the end..."
Homura Mitokado stopped himself mid-sentence.
A trace of loneliness filled the room.
When Shiki stepped outside, he only realized then that the rain had already stopped.
The two paused in front of the Hokage Office Building.
"Sorry about this. Looks like I'll have to put off what I promised you."
Kakashi scratched the back of his head.
"It's nothing. After all, it was my request."
"In that case, we'll part ways here."
"Mm."
As the words fell, Kakashi gradually disappeared into the distance, stepping through the puddles left on the road.
Meanwhile, Shiki Uzumaki headed home along a different path.
Although the rain had stopped, under the night sky few shops were still open.
Leisurely walking along, Shiki quietly enjoyed this unique tranquility.
"If Mother were here right now, she'd probably try convincing me to put on a cloak. But time has truly passed... Even Mother's face has become hazy."
Shiki stretched out his hand, watching it with a distant gaze. Unnoticeably, there were calluses now.
So lost in thought was Shiki, wandering aimlessly while fleeting images of how he'd changed over these years flickered through his mind.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of wistfulness from the passing years.
I should keep working on getting stronger.
Thinking thus, Shiki lifted his head—and suddenly spotted a weathered torii gate beneath which he stood.
"Didn't expect myself to have unconsciously reached the East Gate already."
Slightly smiling wryly, Shiki realized instinctively he'd wanted to leave the village again and head toward the forest beyond for training.
"Never mind, never mind. Better hurry back now."
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