Sakikawa quickly added, "But you can't do that next ti."
Too dangerous!
Shiratori nodded. "I understand."
Chiba's figure appeared at the iron gate.
Wasn't he supposed to be handling post-battle matters with Hanzō?
A flash of doubt passed through Shiratori's eyes.
Chiba's gaze fell on Shiratori. "Co with . Hanzō-sama is looking for you."
Hanzō is looking for ?
Shiratori nodded and walked toward Chiba, his lowered eyes filled with thoughts.
Is it about the cursed spirit?
He glanced at Chiba beside him. He had already returned to his usual emotionless state.
"Why is Hanzō-sama looking for ?" he asked curiously.
Chiba replied, "You'll know when you get there."
"..."
Conversation terminator, Chiba.
---
Hanzō's office was located on the second floor, the top level, of a tower-like building.
Shiratori stood at the door. From inside, Hanzō said, "Co in."
He looked at Chiba, then stepped into the office. The door closed behind him as Chiba shut it.
The spacious office held only Shiratori and the Salamander.
Hanzō stood up and walked toward the window, beckoning to him.
Seeing his gesture, Shiratori figured he was about to recall the glorious days of the past. He walked up beside him.
Hanzō's gaze landed on the empty streets of A.
"Ever since I can rember, this village has constantly been at war."
"..."
So it really is a trip down mory lane.
Shiratori nodded and leaned against the window, looking out. "My parents often left ho, but every now and then, they'd co back. They told they were protecting the village. That when the war was over, we could be together forever..."
His voice caught slightly. "But later... after they left, they never ca back..."
Hanzō's heart trembled. He lowered his eyes to see Shiratori's reddened eyes. He placed a hand on the boy's head.
"Ever since I was little, I decided I would drive all the warring ninjas out of A. To do that, I trained hard and pushed myself. Even when I was shunned by villagers, even when I suffered the agony of poison, I never gave up."
In Shiratori's eyes, Hanzō saw admiration.
He stared at him without blinking, his gaze intense, full of reverence.
"I want to be strong like you, Hanzō-sama!"
"I want to protect the village and its people!"
"I want to bring peace to A!"
"I want to make it strong again!"
Looking at the fire in Shiratori's eyes, Hanzō saw his younger self, making the sa vow years ago.
[Reminiscence detected: Hanzō 5000 points]
[Energy transferred to Choso]
[Developnt progress: 33%]
Shiratori had now figured out the pattern to earning Hanzō's reminiscence points.
"Very well!"
Hanzō patted him on the shoulder.
Looking into his eyes, which seed to burn with fire, he said, "If you want to achieve all of that, you must have great power. Are you willing to beco my student?"
A massive wave of joy crashed down on him.
Shiratori looked at Hanzō in excitent, his breathing rapid, as if he couldn't believe what he'd just heard.
"Really? Can I really beco your student?"
He stared at Hanzō with anticipation.
Seeing how thrilled the boy was, a rare smile appeared in Hanzō's eyes. He nodded firmly. "Of course."
With his talent, there was no one else in A more suitable than him to guide Shiratori. Most importantly, he understood his fear of his own powers better than anyone, because he had felt it too.
"Hanzō-sensei!"
Shiratori rushed forward and hugged Hanzō, whose body stiffened.
Ever since the poison sac of the salamander had been implanted in his body, he hadn't had such close physical contact with anyone. And no one had attempted to get close to him.
The A ninjas revered him, but also feared the toxins in his body.
Only Shiratori, this straightforward child, would express his admiration and affection so freely, without hesitation.
[Affection detected: Hanzō 1000 points]
[Energy transferred to Rika]
[Developnt progress: 58.95%]
Shiratori's lips curved slightly. Getting Hanzō on his side was easier than expected.
"This is great!"
He let go of Hanzō and promised sincerely, "I'll train hard from now on. Once I'm strong enough, I'll be the one protecting you!"
"..."
This was the first ti anyone had ever said they wanted to protect him. And it ca from his one and only student.
Even though he didn't fully take his words to heart, Hanzō couldn't help but feel an inexplicable warmth inside.
"Shiratori, if you want to beco stronger, the first thing you must do is accept your power."
Shiratori guessed it, this was about the cursed spirit. He quickly adjusted his expression. He lowered his head nervously, his fingers fiddling with his clothes. "I... I..."
Hanzō placed both hands on his shoulders. "The cursed spirit is your talent. Don't resist it, learn to control it."
Power must serve its wielder.
He believed that a strong will could conquer anything.
"Do you not rember what I told you?"
"I couldn't control the salamander's poison sac at first either, but I didn't give up. In the end, I mastered it. You're my student now. That ans you can control your power. I believe in you."
Shiratori lifted his head and looked at Hanzō.
He had to admit, Hanzō's resolve at this mont was shockingly strong. Just looking into his eyes, he could feel the sheer intensity of his conviction. It was as if even if Madara were to challenge him now, Hanzō would never abandon his beliefs. He'd stand firm like iron.
How did a man like this later beco such a coward?
Is it true that old age changes your heart?
Shiratori couldn't figure it out.
But he had to keep up the act.
"Yes!"
"I'm your student!"
"I can't be weak!"
"I won't let you down!"
His voice grew stronger with sentence. He stared at Hanzō, eyes blazing.
"I want to beco a powerful ninja, just like you!"
He was praising Hanzō so much, if he didn't give him so emotional feedback, it'd be a cri!
[Affection detected: Hanzō 500 points]
[Energy transferred to Rika]
[Developnt progress: 59%]
Shiratori figured Hanzō was probably grinning so hard under his respirator his face was about to split in half.
"Good."
Hanzō's eyes showed a rare warmth. Looking at Shiratori, he finally began to understand the joy of raising a student. No wonder Hiruzen took on three students.
"Now... show your cursed spirit."
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