The Shimura Actually Has Ice Release

"Full marks in physical ability, full marks in Ninjutsu aptitude, full marks in Genjutsu aptitude, and even intelligence..."

Hiruzen leisurely waved Takeshi's assessment sheet in his hand, trying to draw Danzō's attention.

"Hmph, that score was only given because of the name 'Shimura.' It has no real reference value."

Seeing Hiruzen pull out Takeshi's report, Danzō began searching through the stack himself.

Soon, he found the one he was looking for:

"Sarutobi Asuma, perfect scores across the board, plus a three-line-long personal evaluation full of praise."

But Danzō didn't think much of that kid:

"Reality is, that child only inherited your Fire and Wind affinities. Unlike you, he can't use all five chakra natures."

After saying this, Danzō no longer lingered. He stood up, walked to the door, and opened it.

"You're leaving already? Not going to help me weigh my options a little longer?"

The thought of having to eliminate some of these outstanding students left Hiruzen a little pained.

Right now, he desperately wanted Danzō to share some of that burden.

But clearly, Danzō had no intention of shouldering the blame for something so trivial.

He didn't respond and walked straight out of the room.

Watching Danzō leave, Hiruzen shook his head with regret, set his pipe aside, and began selecting students.

...

"That was seriously close—I almost didn't make it in time."

At the academy gate, Obito looked shaken.

"Well, you're never on time anyway, so we're already used to it."

Kakashi replied without even looking up, casually pulling out a book and flipping it open.

"Hey, who's that kid next to Takeshi? Haven't seen him before."

Seeing that Takeshi hadn't joined the conversation, Obito looked over with curiosity.

"You're Takeshi, right? Nice to meet you."

Just before leaving with his father, Might Guy came over specifically to say goodbye to Takeshi.

"Yeah, same here. See you at academy."

Takeshi smiled and returned the farewell.

Wow, he actually remembered my name. That's kinda rare.

"Great! Let's burn our youth together at school!"

Might Guy grabbed Takeshi's hand enthusiastically, his eyes literally shooting flames.

...No thanks.

Just imagining himself with a bowl haircut and tight green jumpsuit sent a chill down Takeshi's spine.

He smiled awkwardly and pulled his hand away.

"Dad! I've been acknowledged! My youth is burning bright!"

As Might Duy walked up, Guy couldn't wait to brag about his success.

"Very good, Guy. Then to celebrate this moment, let's add another five hundred push-ups today!"

Might Duy beamed with pride and gave his son a firm thumbs-up.

"Yosh!"

Their energetic voices instantly drew the attention of every student and parent present.

Whispers began spreading among those nearby, only to die out just as quickly.

"So noisy..."

A cold voice rang out.

Takeshi turned his head and saw a familiar figure.

When he realized who it was, he blinked in surprise, then obediently walked up to the man.

"Father."

"F-Father?"

Hearing the sudden silence around him, Might Duy turned to look, only to see the same adorable boy who had just supported his son now addressing a one-eyed man as "Father."

That one-eyed man... he'd seen him before on a mission.

At the time, while helping Jōnin move supplies, he'd heard people talking about the man's identity...

Hokage's Advisor, Danzō.

"F-Father-sama—I mean, Danzō-sama!"

Caught off guard, Might Duy nearly called Danzō the wrong thing out of nerves.

"Hm."

Noticing the man wasn't even wearing a Chūnin vest, Danzō assumed he was just a regular Genin and didn't even feel like responding.

But thinking that his son might end up in the same class as that little green freak, he reluctantly gave a small nod.

Then, without another word, Danzō led Takeshi over to where Kakashi and the others were gathered.

"Wait, for real? That kid just called Danzō-sama 'Father'?"

"I heard it too. Can't believe Danzō-sama has such a cute kid."

"Who's Danzō?"

"You don't know Danzō-sama? He's the Hokage's advisor—used to serve under the Second Hokage along with the Third."

"Whoa, that's impressive."

"Of course! They say his strength is second only to the Third Hokage. He's even stronger than those two old advisors."

As Takeshi listened to the hushed whispers around him, he realized that Danzō's reputation hadn't yet reached the level of infamy it would during the Shippuden era.

At least for now, Konoha's citizens still spoke of him with some measure of respect.

Or maybe... the awful things Danzō had done just hadn't been exposed yet.

...

"Come on, Kakashi—I told you to wake me up this morning!"

On the other side of the schoolyard, Sakumo rushed in, half complaining.

Not wanting to miss his son's entrance exam, Sakumo had returned to the village overnight right after finishing a standard mission from the Third.

Too exhausted to even change clothes, he'd left a note asking Kakashi to wake him up when he left.

But of course, Kakashi hadn't done that and had come alone.

"This kind of test? Who cares if you come or not."

Kakashi closed his book and looked at his father with a hint of tsundere pride.

In truth, he just didn't want his father to overwork himself, so he let him rest.

"This is still a very meaningful day—ah, Danzō-sama."

Sakumo was about to say more when he noticed Danzō's presence and immediately greeted him politely.

"Sakumo-san."

Takeshi greeted from the side, all sweetness.

"Takeshi, it's been a while."

Sakumo smiled warmly, squatting down and giving Takeshi's head a gentle pat.

Holy crap—a headpat from the White Fang of Konoha!

It had been so long since Sakumo had patted his head that Takeshi actually felt a bit nostalgic.

"Looks like our sons will be in the same year."

Danzō naturally started chatting with Sakumo.

To him, this was a golden opportunity to use their sons' connection to forge a tie with the White Fang.

"Yeah. Takeshi, I'll be counting on you to look out for Kakashi."

"It's me who'll be looking out for him—ow!"

Just as Kakashi was about to argue, Takeshi smacked him on the head.

"Hey! You little punk, how dare you hit me!"

"So what!"

Takeshi stuck out his tongue, made a face, and bolted.

Hilarious—if I don't hit him now, I might not get the chance in the future.

----------------

Pls Drop some Power Stones

+100 chapters and support me on Patreon(.)com/Jixo