No matter what the enemy thinks or does, one's life must go on.
Shinsei began his busy Tenten, developing various Ninjutsu and improving himself, so that he could adapt to any situation with unwavering resolve.
Although progress in the Young Adult Technique was slow, it was still steadily advancing. After a few days, he was able to reduce the weight of a fist-sized stone by half.
And now, the opportunity has finally arisen to study Yin-Yang Release, a subject I've always wanted to research.
Holding the appointment letter in his hand, Shinsei walked towards a corridor.
Knock, knock, knock.
A steady, middle-aged voice came from inside. "Please come in."
Shinsei pushed open the door, Shikaku Nara was sitting behind the desk, sitting upright and nodding at Shinsei.
"Oh, it's Shinsei. Please have a seat. What kind of tea would you like?"
As a senior Jonin, Shikaku Nara didn't address Jonin as " Shinsei " like other ninjas. This was partly because he felt awkward being so overly respectful to a child, and partly because Shinsei was his child's classmate. However, his tone was still polite, and he warmly invited Shinsei to sit down.
"Anything is fine. Congratulations, Shikaku Nara Jonin."
Shikaku Nara's brow twitched, but he quickly suppressed it. He had heard rumors about it recently, but hearing Shinsei actually say congratulations still made his heart race.
Opening the appointment letter, sure enough, I saw a line of large characters. "Shikaku Nara appointed as Jonin Commander Leader." --Fifth Hokage Tsunade
Shikaku Nara straightened up, faced the direction of the Hokage's office, and bowed slightly. "I will certainly live up to the Lord Hokage's expectations."
He felt a little embarrassed after speaking, as he had displayed an adult's obsequiousness in front of a junior. But he couldn't care less; the young man before him was the Lord Hokage's confidant, and more likely, the future Hokage. He wanted to convey his loyalty to Tsunade through Shinsei's words.
The Ino-Shika-Cho trio have always been staunch supporters of the Hokage lineage. The Third Hokage's unexpected death and the lack of a pre-selected Hokage meant the three families didn't have time to pledge their loyalty to Tsunade.
Now that he has been promoted to the Jonin Commander, this news means that the probationary period for the three clans is over, and he is once again standing by the Hokage's side.
Seeing Shikaku Nara's overjoyed expression, Shinsei offered his congratulations again.
Shikaku forced down her joy and said to Shinsei, " Shinsei too, Shinsei. I heard you said a lot of good things about me."
"It's because Shikaku is so outstanding; otherwise, even with my recommendation, the teacher wouldn't have accepted him."
" Shinsei is too modest. Everyone in the Shinobi World knows how powerful you are, and how close you are to the Lord Hokage Shinsei." Shikaku shook his head slightly, then smiled and continued, "You and my Shikamaru are classmates, yet you never visit us. Does Shinsei think our family is too poor?"
Shinsei quickly waved his hand. " Shikaku kind. I've always wanted to visit, but haven't had the chance."
Upon hearing this, Shikaku Nara sensed a glimmer of hope and quickly extended an invitation. "I've long wanted to invite Shinsei to Shinsei home, but as the Lord Hokage's assistant, I've hesitated. Shinsei, do you have time tonight? I'd like to invite you to grace my humble abode with your Shinsei."
"Since Shikaku has invited me, I will make time to come even if I don't have the time."
Shinsei was quite happy, as this increased his chances of acquiring knowledge of Yin-Yang Release.
Shikaku was quite happy. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Shinsei was practically the only candidate to become the next Hokage. While his peers were excellent, none had reached Shinsei's level.
Even though they had heard that Sasuke Uchiha, another disciple of the Lord Hokage, had awakened the Mangekyō, well, isn't it ridiculous for Uchiha to become Hokage? Being able to establish a good relationship with the future Hokage in advance is something that ninja clans like theirs would be more than happy to do.
Both harbored their own thoughts, yet wore genuine smiles, losing themselves in mutual flattery.
That evening, Shinsei told his parents he wouldn't be home for dinner. He then bought some fruit at a fruit shop and headed towards Shikamaru Nara's house.
From afar, Shinsei saw Ino, Shikamaru, Choji standing at the main gate.
Ino rushed up and took Shinsei's arm. "Oh my, I heard you were visiting. Shikamaru's mom has been busy in the kitchen all afternoon."
Shinsei was also somewhat surprised. Ninjas visiting each other's territories didn't usually need to be so formal. The other person's respect made him feel a little awkward in front of his classmates, but Shinsei was also secretly pleased.
After all this time, I've finally achieved some standing. Who doesn't want to be respected more?
Shikamaru stepped forward again, took the fruit from Shinsei's hand, and complained, "What a hassle. Why do I have to buy gifts? I can't even be lazy for a moment."
Choji nodded in greeting to Shinsei, then handed him the bag of potato chips. "Want some?"
If it were anyone else, Shinsei would politely refuse, but Choji... he reached out and grabbed a huge handful of chips from Choji's bag.
Choji stared wide-eyed, his gaze fixed on the handful of potato chips in Shinsei's hand, a slightly aggrieved look on his face. But as he shook the bag, he heard there was still one chip inside, so he quickly shoved the remaining chip into his mouth and laughed happily again.
Shikaku Nara stood smiling at the door, "Welcome, Shinsei, please come in."
"I'm sorry to bother you."
As the group entered the room, Shikamaru's mother, wiping her apron, poked her head out from the kitchen. " Shinsei, welcome, welcome! The food will be ready soon. Dad, pour Shinsei some tea!"
Shinsei said "No need to be polite," but he didn't move from the sofa. He had heard that Shikaku's tea ceremony was good and was quite eager to try it.
After Shikaku Nara brewed the tea, Shinsei took a sip and found the aroma truly delightful.
Before long, the food was ready. Shikamaru's mother brought out a table full of dishes. It was clear that this family was very hospitable. You know, it's rare for anyone in the Shinobi World to host such a lavish meal, not because they were stingy, but mainly because of different customs.
Ino sat next to Shinsei, constantly putting food on Shinsei plate. Given the relationship between the three families, Shikaku was considered Ino's elder, which made Shinsei feel a little embarrassed.
Shikaku didn't comment on this, but occasionally when he and his wife exchanged glances, they both saw a knowing smile in each other's eyes.
Shikamaru subtly nudged Ino with his elbow, only to be met with a glare from her. Seriously? Ino dared to throw herself into Shinsei's arms in public; why would she be afraid of this?
The meal, though awkward, was still friendly, and it finally came to an end.
Shikaku Nara tactfully left; he had long noticed that the boys felt somewhat uncomfortable with him around.
Shikamaru, with his hands behind his head, reclined on the sofa, looked at Shinsei, and asked lazily, " Shinsei, is something wrong?"
"You figured it out? No wonder you have an IQ of 200."