Thank You

Saturday morning.

The Nohara Father and Son, carrying gift boxes, walked through several streets to a residential area on the Konohagakure Outskirts.

The Might Household's house wasn't large, even a bit simple. The yard was piled high with all sorts of training equipment.

Hiroshi stood at the door, took a deep breath, and knocked.

"Coming!" A robust voice came from inside, the enthusiasm palpable even through the door.

The door opened, and Might Duy, wearing his eternally unchanging Green Spandex, poked half his body out. He clearly froze for a moment upon seeing Hiroshi.

"Hello, Uncle," Shin-chan peeked out from behind Hiroshi and waved at him.

Hiroshi bowed slightly. "Hello, I am Shin-chan's father, Nohara Hiroshi. Thank you for taking care of Shin-chan during this time. I've come specifically to express my gratitude."

Might Duy's eyes lit up. He grabbed Hiroshi's hand and shook it vigorously. "You are too kind. Shin-chan is a good child, a child of youth!"

Hiroshi was a bit stunned by his enthusiasm. "Uh, thank you..."

"Come in quickly." Duy pulled Hiroshi into the house, shouting inside as he walked, "Kai, we have a guest."

A thumping sound came from inside, and then a small green figure rushed out.

"Shin-chan, you're here."

"Yeah, I brought you a gift." Shin-chan handed over the gift he had prepared.

Inside the house, Hiroshi and Duy sat facing each other.

Might Duy looked at Hiroshi seriously. "Mr. Nohara, Shin-chan is a very talented child, but my training method isn't suitable for him."

Hiroshi was stunned. "Not suitable?"

"Mhm," Duy nodded. "My method is to break through the limit and go further. But I tried to make Shin-chan break through his limit, and it seems this child has no limit."

Duy paused, then continued, "So, him learning Blade Techniques, I think it's the right choice. That child should have a path more suited for him."

Hiroshi was silent for two seconds, then bowed deeply.

"Thank you."

Duy was startled. "What are you doing?"

"Thank you for thinking of Shin-chan," Hiroshi straightened up and looked at him seriously. "You aren't unhappy that he isn't training with you anymore. Instead, you're considering him. I've noted this kindness."

Duy froze, then threw his arms around Hiroshi, hugging him tightly. "Mr. Nohara, you are also a good father of youth!"

Hiroshi couldn't breathe, but he still smiled and patted his back.

At the door, Shin-chan and Might Guy watched this scene, looking at each other in bewilderment.

Emerging from the Might Household, Hiroshi rubbed his sore shoulder.

"This... person is truly enthusiastic."

Shin-chan nodded. "Thick-Eyebrow Uncle is always like this."

"Let's go, next stop," Hiroshi picked up another gift box. "The Hatake Household."

The Hatake Household was located in the central area of Konohagakure. It was much larger than the Might Household. Several bamboo trees were planted at the entrance, rustling in the wind.

Hiroshi stood before the door, took a deep breath, and knocked.

The door was quickly opened.

Kakashi opened the door, wearing casual clothes. His silver hair was a bit messy, as if he had just woken up. He was stunned to see Shin-chan, then nodded upon seeing Hiroshi.

"Please come in."

The father and son followed Kakashi into the house.

The living room was not large but was very tidy. A sword hung on the wall, its scabbard emitting a faint cold light. It was clearly not an ordinary object.

Hatake Sakumo came out from the inner room and nodded slightly upon seeing Hiroshi.

"Mr. Nohara?"

Hiroshi quickly bowed. "Yes, I am Shin-chan's father, Nohara Hiroshi. Thank you for taking care of Shin-chan during this time. I've come specifically to express my gratitude."

Hatake Sakumo waved his hand. "No need to be so polite. Shin-chan is a good child, and it is my honor to teach him."

Hiroshi handed over the gift box. "A small token of my appreciation, please accept it."

Hatake Sakumo looked at it, did not refuse, and placed it aside.

"Sit down," he gestured for Hiroshi to sit, and then sat down opposite him.

Shin-chan and Kakashi stood nearby, exchanging glances, unsure whether they should sit.

"You two sit too."

The two children then sat down.

The adults began to chat.

They talked about Shin-chan's progress, blade techniques, chakra, and ninja matters.

Hiroshi was a little reserved at first, but as they chatted, he relaxed. Although Hatake Sakumo was famous, he was very easygoing and didn't put on airs when he spoke.

"Shin-chan is very talented," Hatake Sakumo said. "He learns quickly and has amazing intuition. Sometimes he doesn't need to think; his body just knows what to do."

As he spoke, his gaze fell on Shin-chan, his eyes filled with admiration.

After chatting for a while longer, Hiroshi got up to leave.

"Shin-chan," Hatake Sakumo called out to him.

Shin-chan turned back. "Hm?"

"Are you coming again tomorrow?"

"Yes."

Hatake Sakumo smiled, his smile very gentle. "Good."

On the way home, Shin-chan held Hiroshi's hand, skipping along.

"Father, thank you."

Hiroshi looked down at him. "Thank you for what?"

"Thank you for bringing me to express my gratitude," Shin-chan tilted his head up. "Uncle and the others were very happy."

Hiroshi smiled and ruffled his hair.

"Shin-chan, remember, if someone is good to you, you must remember it. When you have the chance, you must return the favor. That's how you should be."

Shin-chan thought for a moment, nodded, then tilted his head and asked, "Then if I'm good to Might Guy, and Might Guy is good to me, do we not need to thank each other?"

Hiroshi was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"That's right, you are friends. Friends don't need to be so formal with each other."

A gentle breeze blew past, carrying the warmth of early summer.

A few days later, one morning.

Teacher Ibuki walked into the Classroom, his expression more serious than usual. "Everyone sit properly. I have something to announce."

The children quickly returned to their seats, looking at him curiously.

Teacher Ibuki stood at the Lectern and adjusted his glasses.

"This afternoon, we will hold a grade exam."

The classroom was silent for a second, then exploded.

"An exam?"

"This afternoon!"

"Why didn't you tell us sooner?"

Teacher Ibuki rapped on the blackboard: "Quiet, I told you long ago there would be an exam, and not to slack off. I didn't announce the exam time on purpose, I wanted to see if you've been diligently preparing."

Wails erupted.

Obito slumped onto his desk, despair on his face: "It's over, it's over, it's over. I haven't reviewed anything."

Might Guy forced himself to say: "Youth fears no exams!"

Kakashi's expression was blank, as if this had nothing to do with him.

On the lectern, Teacher Ibuki continued, "The exam format is a one-on-one elimination tournament. The entire grade will participate. Opponents will be decided by drawing lots. Winners advance, losers are eliminated."

"Elimination tournament."

"It's not a written exam, that's good."

Some people screamed, while others sighed in relief.

Teacher Ibuki nodded, "The final three winners will not only receive guidance from Third Hokage, but also additional rewards."

The classroom buzzed again.

Shin-chan yawned.

Elimination tournament?

One-on-one?

He seemed to have been training one-on-one with Kakashi quite a bit recently.