Application
"Hm? Why didn't I think of that? That's brilliant!"
Might Guy's eyes lit up with enthusiasm after hearing Shiro's suggestion. "I'll definitely let Kakashi feel the power of youth!"
Watching Guy burn with passion, Might Dai shook his head helplessly before turning to Shiro.
"Shiro, what about you? Do you have any plans for your training?"
"I have a rough idea, but nothing concrete yet," Shiro replied. "Uncle Dai, do you have any recommendations?"
"Haha, I've been a genin for decades. How could I possibly advise you?" Dai laughed heartily. "You should ask Senior Nakamura instead. He knows far more than I do."
"Tsk… alright." Shiro glanced at the grill. "The barbecue's done. Let's eat."
"Okay."
After the meal, Shiro and Dai stayed only a short while before heading home. Shiro didn't join Dai's training session—he'd been tied up all week handling Sakumo's affairs, and several things he needed for his own training still weren't prepared.
---
The next day.
Inside the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage sat quietly behind his desk, pipe in hand, his gaze fixed on the application scroll laid before him.
Shiro stood silently in front of the desk, posture straight and respectful, waiting for an answer.
He didn't dare behave as casually as Kushina or the others. He was merely a civilian-born shinobi. Even though his relationship with the Hokage had improved somewhat due to Sakumo, there was still a clear distance.
After all, Sakumo had only been his superior. His close bond with Kushina had nothing to do with the Third Hokage himself.
So Hiruzen Sarutobi continued to smoke in silence, eyes scanning the contents of the scroll, while Shiro waited patiently.
After a long moment, the Third Hokage finally set his pipe down.
"Hm… I approve," he said slowly. "This is a good decision. It should minimize the impact of the rumors. But do you have any concrete arrangements for your training?"
"Not yet," Shiro replied honestly. "For now, I plan to cultivate myself outside the village and relax. It will also reduce the time I appear in the villagers' sight."
Naturally, that wasn't his true intention—but it was the most reasonable explanation he could offer.
"I see," the Third Hokage said thoughtfully. "Then I'll assign you a mission. Consider it an assessment for your training. How does that sound?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
At Hiruzen's signal, Shiro accepted the scroll and opened it.
> Anma Chie
Jōnin of the Kurama Clan
Proficient in swordsmanship and genjutsu
Earned the title Phantom Blade during the Second Shinobi World War
Defected for unknown reasons—status: not yet confirmed deceased
Currently active in the Land of Earth. Exact location unknown.
That was all.
The intelligence was sparse—aside from a photograph, there was nothing more.
From this alone, Shiro could infer that Anma Chie's defection had likely been premeditated. Otherwise, the village wouldn't be so lacking in information—not even a clear record of his ninjutsu specialties.
"The reason for his defection is still unclear," the Third Hokage continued. "But once a shinobi defects, there's no need to question it. Bring back his body."
He paused, his gaze sharpening.
"Anma Chie is strong. You are not his match yet. Be cautious. And do not rely on that… strange secret technique of yours. Overconfidence will cost you dearly."
"Understood," Shiro said solemnly.
Projection Magic was powerful, and the authority of a Noble Phantasm was nearly absolute—but its flaws were obvious. The white light accompanying activation was impossible to conceal.
To a first-rate shinobi, any abnormality was worth scrutiny. Shiro's methods were too conspicuous, and Noble Phantasms required time to deploy—time that could easily be exploited.
Of course, the Third Hokage wasn't expecting the current Shiro to complete the mission immediately.
Whether Shiro would win or lose in a direct confrontation was uncertain—but only if he could even locate the target.
That was the true test.
When Shiro could independently track down and assassinate a jōnin, only then would he truly possess jōnin-level ability.
Because a jōnin's strength wasn't merely combat prowess.
They were shinobi—not warriors.
"Oh," Hiruzen added, "the back of the scroll contains the locations of the village's intelligence points. Memorize them, then destroy the scroll. If you discover anything or need assistance, contact them."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
"Hm. Go. Be careful during your training."
Shiro bowed slightly, secured the scroll, and left the Hokage Tower.
---
"Tsk… hmph."
The Third Hokage exhaled smoke as he watched Shiro's retreating figure through the window.
"Keep watching him. If he shows any sign of defecting—kill him immediately."
---
Shiro, unaware of Hiruzen's lingering suspicion, wouldn't have overthought it even if he knew.
Such vigilance was only natural.
His master had been driven to death by the village, and now he was leaving its borders. Only a fool wouldn't be cautious.
If not for the Third Hokage's trust in Sakumo—and the persona Shiro had carefully built over the years—his application might never have been approved.
He'd already prepared himself to be monitored by ANBU.
Two months.
After that, he would shake them off and begin his real hunt.
Before leaving, however, he still needed to meet his friends—both to strengthen their bonds and to inform Nakamura and the others.
With Shiro and Taiyi departing, Nakamura's team was effectively dissolved. Yet Shiro wasn't saddened. This outcome had always been inevitable.
Shikamaru lacked the heart for combat. His strength was already falling behind Shiro and Taiyi, and it was only a matter of time before he transitioned into a civilian or support role.
Taiyi, too, had begun leaning toward his family responsibilities.
Even if Shiro stayed, the team couldn't last. Nakamura would eventually take on new students—something tied closely to his own dream.
That was why Shiro's decision to leave had been made so swiftly.
---
"I'm home."
"Why are you back so late?" a woman's voice called out. "Come eat—it's still warm."
"Work ran long," Takuto replied. "Oh—did you send Shiro his meal?"
"Of course. I sent it ages ago." Keiko sighed. "I just don't know when all this will finally settle down."
"Keiko, trust him," Takuto said gently, wrapping his arms around her. "Didn't he say he's fine?"
"…Alright. I know." She exhaled. "Give me the bag. Go eat."
She took the bag from his hand and turned toward the study.
"Oh, by the way," Takuto added, "you don't need to send meals to Shiro starting tomorrow."
"What? Why not?!"
Keiko spun around instantly, not even setting the bag down. She jabbed a finger at Takuto's forehead, eyes blazing.
"He's having such a hard time already! If you're worried about money, use mine! I won't spend a single penny of yours!"
Takuto shrank back instinctively at her fury.
"C-Calm down! Just sit first and listen, alright?"
"…Fine," Keiko said coldly, crossing her arms. "Let's hear it. But you'd better choose your words very carefully."
---
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