Request

The next day, Shiro and the other two came to Nakamura's room, ready to conduct a post-battle review. This was something most teams did: through discussion with their teammates, they could identify their shortcomings, reflect on themselves, continuously improve, and grow stronger.

Nakamura's team was no exception, but today, he had called them here to discuss another matter.

As soon as Shiro and the others entered, Nakamura bowed and apologized.

"Everyone, I'm sorry. I have a selfish request, and I hope you can agree to it."

"Teacher Nakamura, there's no need to be so serious. Just tell us what you need. Since when does a teacher ask his students for favors, right, Shikaki?"

"Indeed, Teacher Nakamura, there's no need to be so formal with us. But Shiro, what do you think?"

After all, Shiro had only just joined them. It was not that they distrusted him, but they were not yet very familiar with him. They had only known each other for a few days, so they still had to consider his feelings.

"It's fine. We're all on the same team. Captain, if there's anything you need, just say the word. If I can do it, I'll definitely help."

"I want us to report this mission as a failure. I've already investigated. There were no village intelligence agents near yesterday's battlefield, so I want this mission to be counted as a failure!"

"...!"

After a moment of silence, Shikaki and Taichi looked at Shiro. Both of them had clans behind them, and they had already been Chunin for some time. To them, the failure of one or two missions was nothing.

But for Shiro, it meant something different. This was his first mission after becoming a Chunin. If it failed, it would undoubtedly leave a stain on his record.

Given the potential Shiro had displayed so far, he was bound to enter the village's upper ranks someday. Leaving aside everything else, being a contractor of Ryūchi Cave was already enough. Not to mention that Shiro had also performed quite well with his family's secret techniques.

Therefore, as long as he did not die young, Shiro was highly likely to become one of the village's higher-ups in the future. By then, this stain might have a major impact.

That was why they were mainly asking for Shiro's opinion this time.

But Shiro did not care much about it. He did not want to become Hokage anyway, so what use was a spotless record to him? In the Shinobi World, strength was what mattered most.

Moreover, Shiro more or less understood Nakamura's thoughts. He simply did not want the corpse of his close friend Shimizu to fall into the village's hands. After all, Shimizu was a rogue ninja, and the village needed to know why he had defected.

For some shinobi, a corpse could hide no secrets. But if that happened, Shimizu's body could no longer be kept intact, and that was clearly unacceptable to Nakamura.

Shiro understood that as well, so he had no reason to refuse Nakamura. Of course, what truly made Shiro decide was Nakamura's statement: "I've already investigated. There were no village intelligence agents near yesterday's battlefield."

Otherwise, Shiro would have to be out of his mind to agree. There was a huge difference between mission failure and falsifying military reports!

"I have no objections. But Captain Nakamura, I'll be relying on your guidance for my ninjutsu training from now on, so don't play favorites!" Shiro did not refuse Nakamura's request, while also trying to lighten the mood.

Seeing Shiro agree, Nakamura's face showed obvious relief. He relaxed considerably as he said to Shiro, "Don't worry, I won't leave you out. But you already have your clan's secret techniques. Do you really think so highly of what little I have to offer?"

"That's right, Shiro. Speaking of which, your secret technique is incredibly powerful. Isn't that enough?" After Shiro agreed, Shikaki's tone became noticeably warmer.

Even the way Taichi looked at Shiro was no longer as cold as it had been a few days ago.

That was only natural. No one could expect to join a small group without giving anything in return. The difference was that most people gave things that could not be seen, such as time and sincerity, while what Shiro offered was visible. Of course, it also expressed Shiro's sincerity.

"No, the secret technique consumes too much. For now, it can only be used as a trump card. Besides, you can never have too many skills."

"That makes sense. If Shikaki were even half as hardworking as you, I wouldn't have to worry so much. Sigh..."

"Hey, hey, talk about yourselves. Why drag me into this?"

"Because you're lazy. I'm gradually getting used to the Sharingan's power now. Before long, you'll be at the bottom."

"Well, well, being at the bottom is fine. Training is such a pain. As long as I'm strong enough, that's all that matters. I'll never work myself to death training in this lifetime!"

"You really are... sigh." Nakamura had no choice but to smile bitterly.

After all, the Nara clan's laziness stood as high as their intelligence. Not even the law of true fragrance could save them!

After that, Nakamura discussed things with Shiro and the others for a while, answered their questions, and then dismissed them.

As Shiro and the others reached the door, Nakamura said, "Thank you."

"Hah, isn't it only natural for students to help their teacher?"

"That's right, Teacher Nakamura. It's just one mission. We Uchiha aren't short on that little bit of money!"

"It's fine, but I'll have to trouble Captain with my meals for a while. I come from a small household, after all. I can't afford to take the hit!"

"In any case, please take care of me from now on, Captain."

"Heh, no problem. I'll make sure you're fed."

"Haha, there's still some time. I'm going to buy a few things, or Big Sis Kushina will tear me apart!"

"Hah, go on, then. No need to rush too much. We can take our time heading back this time, and I can guide your training along the way. After all, only a few days after we return to the village, we'll be heading out on another mission. I'll submit the mission report to Lord Hokage."

"Alright, see you later!"

Shiro wandered the streets for half the day and bought many things before suddenly realizing that this habit of his did not seem very good in this world. Although he never bought much each time, the frequency was too high!

The expenses would become terrifying. In his previous life, Shiro had been a shut-in who rarely left home, so he could afford to buy gifts once in a while. But at this rate, after giving a few more gifts, Shiro would be reduced to eating dirt!

Shiro decided that he needed to change things up next time and find another method. Since he had already bought everything this time, he would just make do. He had bought gifts so many times already; one more would not make much difference.

By the time Shiro finished shopping, it was only noon. Since he had no habit of browsing stores, he usually found the shop, picked up what he wanted, paid, and left.

He never browsed around. Before entering a shop, he had already decided what he wanted to buy. He never looked at anything else. He would grab it and pay immediately. Of course, when he was short on money, he still had to be selective. His strength simply did not allow otherwise.

Therefore, with everything bought, Shiro prepared to return and train.

This was Shiro's first time releasing a Noble Phantasm in battle, so he had discovered many shortcomings of his own that needed careful consideration.

Only then could he ensure that nothing went wrong in future battles. The way Shiro had dealt with Cannon Fodder Snake last time had been very immature. Looking at it now, he had many other ways to pass the test without taking any risks at all.

But that was only hindsight. What had happened was already over. Shiro could not change the past; he could only make himself stronger and prevent regrets from happening again!