Naruto : Konoha Light

Although he wanted to casually say something to trick him and maintain his dignity as a teacher, Shinku, had to sorrowfully admit when he saw Shimizu's bright eyes, "Don't ask me, I'm just an average person!" 

Kurenai, who was nearby, comforted him with a sincere heart, "Father, how could you be just an average person? At most, you're just ordinary in talent!"

Hearing this, Shinku's face darkened even more. 

Rubbing his face, he asked seriously, "Shimizu, are you certain you can succeed in your training?"

Shimizu hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. "Probably not." 

Shinku, felt a little comforted—until Shimizu sighed and continued, "It's like the illusionary technique and medical ninjutsu. What I lack is just inspiration. But as for taijutsu, it's really difficult. I don't have nearly enough time." 

The corners of Shinku's mouth twitched uncontrollably. "Taijutsu, the simplest and most accessible form of training, somehow became the most difficult in Shimizu's mouth?" Was this the difference between true talent and ordinary talent? 

"But," Shimizu continued, "practicing taijutsu has also given me some inspiration. So even if I don't fully master it, it shouldn't be a big issue." 

Shinku pinched the bridge of his nose. "I can't really give you any advice in this area, but you could consult the Hokage. He can use all five chakra natures and is skilled in almost every technique practiced in the village!" 

Shimizu nodded slightly. Even if there was some exaggeration in this statement, the Third Hokage's strength was undeniable. 

"But wouldn't it be a bit inappropriate to disturb the Hokage so rashly?" Shimizu hesitated but quickly brightened up. "Oh, right! I can ask the Hokage to exchange techniques with me! That way, it wouldn't count as disturbing him!" 

Curious, Shinku asked, "What technique do you plan to exchange?" 

Without hesitation, Shimizu replied, "The Eight Gates!" 

Shinku stroked his chin. He wasn't too familiar with taijutsu but knew that it was an A-rank technique. 

"So, do you plan to graduate early and pick this technique as your reward?" 

Shimizu shook his head firmly. "No, I already said I would wait until everyone graduates together." 

Shinku chuckled. "It's not easy to obtain high-level techniques. You should think of another reason!" 

Shimizu tilted his head in confusion. "Didn't they say you can exchange techniques of the same rank if you developed your own?" 

"Well, naturally..." Shinku started to reply, but his smile suddenly froze. He looked at Shimizu in shock. "Wait, you developed an A-rank technique?" 

Shimizu shook his head. "Not yet." 

"Whew, I thought so." 

"But is developing an A-rank technique really that difficult?" 

The corner of Shinku's mouth twitched. He was about to correct Shimizu's thoughts but then remembered the terrifying talent of this disciple. Suddenly, he wasn't so sure. 

Feeling unsure, he asked, "Shimizu, are you seriously planning to develop an A-rank technique?"

Shimizu nodded earnestly. "I have an idea." 

After all, he had already planned out the Rasengan in his mind. 

But even knowing the concept, developing the Rasengan wouldn't be easy. 

Still, he was confident he could do it. 

However, why bother when he could find a "tool person" to help? 

"Coincidentally, Minato is starting to study the Flying Thunder God Technique. With his insight, it won't be difficult for him to notice its weaknesses. If I give him the idea for the Rasengan at the right moment, he'll definitely help me develop it!" 

Shimizu shamelessly plotted in his mind. 

"With Minato's personality, he'd feel too embarrassed to take full credit for the Rasengan. At that point, I'll have a free technique to exchange for the Eight Gates! He might even thank me for it!" 

Meanwhile, Shinku was truly shocked. From the moment Shimizu mentioned exchanging techniques until now, had it even been that long? Yet he had already planned to develop an A-rank technique.

"Haha... I really am just a waste..." 

--- 

In a secluded mansion in the remote mountains. 

"It was really ugly, right?"

"Huh? What?" 

"The way I turned into a monster last time." 

"There are no monsters—only a beautiful heart." 

"I... I don't know what you're talking about." 

"You were very brave. You held yourself back for the sake of others. That's why I think you're beautiful, Kushina!" 

In a dimly lit room, a young boy and girl gazed at each other, their emotions budding. 

The temperature in the room seemed to rise—until an untimely knock on the door shattered the atmosphere. 

"Kushina... are you there?" 

"I-I'll open the door!" 

Seeing Kushina flee, Minato, who had also been a little flustered, couldn't help but smile in relief. "This... is actually kind of nice." 

Outside,Shimizu looked around curiously. "So this is where they arranged for Kushina to stay as an honored guest of the village. But choosing such a remote location... are they not afraid her jinchūriki powers might go out of control?" 

"Or maybe they were worried about her feeling lonely..." 

His thoughts wandered as the door opened, and a cheerful Kushina leaped out. "Shimizu, you finally came to see your big sister!" 

The day after the Kumo incident, Kushina, despite still being weak, had stubbornly insisted on officially recognizing Shimizu as her younger brother. 

Naturally, Shimizu gladly accepted. 

Along the way, Kushina excitedly gave him a tour. 

"This is the pond! I have a few little turtles here. I named them Kameichi, Kameji..." 

"Over here, this is the swing I made! Isn't it great? I loved sitting here when I was a kid!" 

"And also..." 

Shimizu listened attentively, exclaiming in admiration from time to time, making Kushina even more eager to show off. 

Finally, they arrived at the living room. 

As soon as they stepped inside, Shimizu spotted someone sitting there. 

"Huh? Minato, you're here too!" 

Kushina's body instantly stiffened. 

"H-he... he's just here to spar with me!" 

Minato, who had been pointed at, blinked innocently. But under Kushina's murderous gaze, he could only nod helplessly. 

"I heard Kushina also wants to become Hokage, so I challenged her to a match." 

Hearing Minato's explanation, Kushina, who had been a little nervous, finally relaxed. Then, she quickly changed the subject. 

"Right, Shimizu, what did you want to ask Minato?"

Shimizu's expression turned serious. "I want to consult Minato about the Flying Thunder God Technique!"