After speaking, Shirō left the backyard and left Kakashi to his thoughts. He didn't press the matter further — he trusted Kakashi to make the right choice.
As school drew near, Kakashi found Shirō in the grounds. "I've thought it through. For your mission, I won't graduate — not for now."
Shirō wasn't surprised; it was Kakashi, after all. He guessed Kakashi had found a reason to tell himself he was staying.
The mission Shirō had suggested was mostly a pretense. Keeping Kakashi at the academy would make their encounters inevitable — Kakashi's genius made him stand out, and geniuses always drew attention. Young girls noticed geniuses first, which, as Obito liked to point out, was his own Achilles' heel. It did make things harder for Might Guy, though; the man had his hands full enough as it was.
"Then let's go. It's been a while since I've been back to the Ninja Academy. I'll go with you." Shirō stretched and led the way.
"Okay. We don't have much time," Kakashi replied.
"Right. Who's your teacher?" Shirō asked as they walked.
"Dongcun-sensei."
"Oh — him. I remember he taught a few of our classes. He's good."
"Were you his student too?"
"No, only a handful of classes. But he taught well, and I remember him for some other reasons too."
"Hmm. Father mentioned that as well."
"Is that so?" Kakashi's voice softened.
They talked all the way to the academy before parting: Shirō to find Dongcun-sensei and Kakashi to his classroom.
Shirō followed the trail of old memories to the staff office. He knew the place well — he'd spent more than one afternoon here skipping class — so he pushed open the door without hesitation.
"Oh — isn't this Shirō? What brings you here?" The only teacher in the office looked up in surprise.
"It's a mission break. I came to take care of something. Hello, sensei." Shirō bowed politely.
The teacher was Caichuan — Shirō's former homeroom instructor. A civilian-ninja, she had always treated Shirō kindly; after all, he'd been a bit of a prodigy who preferred skipping to studying.
"Handling things? Senior students are on the third floor, you know — this office is usually for the younger ones."
"I'm not here about Chong Jie's matter. I came for Dongcun-sensei. It's about Kakashi."
"Sakumo's son? Oh — right. You became Sakumo's disciple. I don't recall him being in any trouble, though."
"No. It's not that. This is about his graduation application — it's too early."
"If you're worried about his strength, there's no need. We tested him; his ability meets the Genin standard."
"I know. I'm clear on his strength — it's his age that worries me. He's only five." Shirō's voice was steady. "I only just started school at that age."
"Geniuses are extraordinary, but five years old is still very young. Let him train a few more years."
At that moment, a familiar voice came from outside the door. "I've been thinking about this the past two days," said Dongcun-sensei as he entered. "Sakumo seemed agreeable at first, but personally I don't recommend graduating him so early."
"So I haven't submitted the application yet," Shirō said. "I wanted to speak to Sakumo, but he's been busy."
"I'll talk to him tonight," Dongcun replied. "Postponing would be best."
"Teacher Sakumo should agree." Caichuan nodded.
"You two finished?" Caichuan asked, glancing between them. Then she turned to Shirō. "Shirō, I actually have something for you to do. Are you free?"
"Me? Sure — I have time." Shirō tilted his head.
"Good. Come with me. We'll talk as we walk. Class is about to start." She led him toward the training grounds. "I want you to humble my elite students a little."
"You're teaching the elite class now?" Shirō asked.
"Yes. Sigh — they're arrogant and hard to manage. And they have an annoying habit of skipping." Her eyes flicked to Shirō with a teasing, reproachful look.
Shirō gave a sheepish laugh. "Guilty as charged."
"But I can't use chakra properly at the moment," he warned. "It might limit what I can show them."
"Are you injured?" Caichuan's tone turned serious. "Anything to do with the chakra pathways shouldn't be taken lightly."
"It's temporary," Shirō assured her. "I only trained taijutsu this morning. No major damage. But I'll be careful."
"Rest when you can. Your body matters more than a display." Caichuan smiled. "Still — can you demonstrate some taijutsu for them later?"
"Yes. That's my strong suit, after all." Shirō bowed lightly. "Teacher, give me some face."
They reached the training field. Thirty-odd students snapped to attention and fell into ranks at Caichuan's approach; despite her complaints, they clearly respected her.
"Your posture's not bad, but you're too lax," Caichuan called out. "You all treat the basics like they're beneath you. Today I brought you a senior. Let him show you how it's done."
Shirō stepped forward and smiled at Rin and the others. "My name's Emiya Shirō. Do you find the training boring?"
A few students shifted, confused. "Don't be afraid — I used to be Teacher Caichuan's student too. I skipped classes all the time."
Caichuan inwardly cursed at his blasé attitude — if the students hadn't been present she swore she would have scolded him on the spot — but she kept her composure and watched to see how Shirō would handle the crowd.
Shirō straightened and prepared to demonstrate.
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