Shinji walked out of the academy, his eyes lazily following the overly energetic boy skipping ahead of him.
Might Guy was talking so fast it was almost a challenge to keep up.
"Shinji! You'll see! Youthful training together is the best! We'll push past our limits every single day!" Guy said excitedly.
Shinji kept a calm, polite smile on his face.
'This guy really is easy to manipulate. I just said I wanted to be friends and train together, and he immediately accepted like I handed him a gift from the heavens.'
The two of them soon arrived at the training ground where Guy usually trained. Waiting there was Might Duy, who greeted them with his signature shining smile and thumbs-up. It looks like Guy had learnt his signature teeth flashing jutsu from Duy.
"Ahhh! So this is the friend Guy talked about! Welcome, young Shinji!" Duy's teeth sparkled as the sun reflected off his grin.
Shinji bowed slightly in greeting. "Hello, Uncle. I just came to hang out and train with Guy. He seems like a nice friend, and I thought we could train together every day."
The moment those words left Shinji's mouth, Duy and Guy dramatically burst into tears, hugging each other while shouting,
"SUCH YOUTHFUL SPIRIT!"
Shinji's expression remained innocent, a soft smile plastered on his face. But inside, he was far colder.
'Good. Taijutsu training is now set. These two are so easy to control it's almost too simple.'
Duy clapped his hands together. "You're welcome here anytime, Shinji! Youthful hearts must grow together!"
Guy nodded vigorously beside him. "Yeah! From now on, we'll train like brothers!"
Shinji nodded along with a perfect polite smile.
For the next two hours, Shinji trained alongside Guy. Duy had both of them run around the training ground fifty times, followed by a hundred sit-ups and push-ups.
Guy charged ahead enthusiastically, shouting motivational lines every other second. "One more lap! Let the flames of youth burn brighter!"
Shinji followed closely behind, his breathing slightly ragged but controlled.
'Damn, this is exhausting. But the benefits of training with them outweigh the pain.'
When they finally finished, Shinji asked carefully, "Uncle, what kind of training should I do in the morning before class? And what kind of food would help with stamina?"
Duy's eyes lit up. "Ohhh, an eager heart! You should do stretches right after waking up, followed by light running and bodyweight training! And eat balanced meals with plenty of protein and vegetables!"
Shinji nodded, listening intently.
'Perfect. They trust me already. I can use Duy when the Seven Swordsmen event happens in the future.'
He waved politely when it was time to go. "Thank you for training with me. See you tomorrow."
"Of course, Shinji!" Guy pumped his fist. "We'll polish our Youth together!"
Duy gave him another shiny teeth thumbs up. "Youth awaits tomorrow as well!"
Shinji turned and walked away, the warmth on his face fading into a calm, emotionless expression.
He arrived at the front of his house—a weapons shop on the first floor with the living space above. Pushing the door open, he called out casually, "I'm back."
Toji Hayashi looked up from behind the counter. His short black hair was slick with sweat, and his black eyes softened when he saw his son. His muscular frame was evident even through a plain white t-shirt and khaki shorts. Beneath the counter, his right wooden leg rested against the stool.
"Hey, kiddo," Toji greeted warmly, fanning himself with a fan. "Where were you training today?"
Shinji walked closer with a bright smile. "With my friends."
Toji raised an eyebrow. "Friends, huh?"
Shinji internally chuckled.
'Nothing escapes him. Even retired, he's still a jounin.'
Shinji hopped onto the counter and clung to his father's neck, sitting on his back like a small bear cub.
"Dad~," Shinji drawled, acting every bit the spoiled child. "When are you gonna teach me kenjutsu with real swords?"
Toji laughed heartily, ruffling Shinji's messy black hair. "Wooden swords first, kiddo. If you can't hold a blade steady, the enemy's strike will knock it right out of your hand in real battle."
Shinji pouted, letting out a childish whine. "But daaad…"
Toji only laughed louder, clearly amused.
'This act always works on him,' Shinji thought smugly.
The sound of footsteps on the stairs caught his attention. His mother, Retsu Hayashi, appeared wearing civilian clothes with an apron tied around her waist, a spatula in hand. Her long dark gray hair was tied in a ponytail similar to Itachi's future style, and her amber eyes narrowed slightly when she saw the dirt on Shinji's clothes.
"Toji," she said in a firm voice, "wash your hands and face before dinner."
Then her gaze shifted to Shinji. "And you—bath. Now."
Shinji tried to look as pitiful as possible. "Moooom~ do I have to?"
Retsu's eyebrow twitched as she grabbed his wrist without a word.
Toji raised his hands slightly, pretending to intervene. "Honey—"
Her sharp glare silenced him immediately. He looked away, whistling like he hadn't said anything.
Shinji sighed dramatically as his mother dragged him toward the bathroom.
'Have I ever mentioned to you readers that Dad might win sometimes, but most of the time… Mom's glare wins the war.'