Throwing Weapon Training
After the intense sword duel with Renji, the training grounds returned to their usual bustling activity. The instructors began leading their students back to their designated training areas, preparing for the morning lessons.
Ayane gently called her students, guiding them into formation. Shisui, Tekka, Izumo, Kotetsu, and the others quickly lined up obediently, following Ayane-sensei with discipline.
But before leaving, Ayane glanced briefly at Satoru, a hint of hesitation flickering in her eyes.
"Should I really make him a new outfit?" she pondered.
She sighed softly, shaking her head. *Maybe I'm overthinking things.*
Meanwhile, Satoru was slipping back into his shirt, handed to him by Obito.
As he buttoned up, his relaxed expression still carried a sense of quiet strength.
"Alright, focus up. Today, we'll be practicing throwing weapon techniques, specifically shuriken, senbon, and other concealed weapons."
His eyes scanned the class before flashing a mischievous grin.
"Who here can tell me the differences between these weapons and their strengths and weaknesses? Whoever gives the best answer gets free ice cream after class."
The moment he finished speaking—
Mitarashi Anko immediately shot her hand up, bouncing on her feet.
"Sensei! Sensei! I know!"
Satoru chuckled and nodded for her to speak.
Anko cleared her throat and rattled off her answer:
"Shuriken spin fast and are easy to control, but their damage isn't high! Senbon can target weak points in the body and paralyze enemies if they hit pressure points! Kunai can be thrown or used in close combat, but they're heavier than other weapons, making them harder to control!"
Satoru raised an eyebrow, impressed.
"Not bad. But you forgot something important."
Anko blinked. "What is it?"
Satoru smirked, twirling a kunai in his hand before tossing it up, catching it effortlessly, and spinning it around his finger.
"Throwing weapons aren't just for throwing. They're versatile tools in battle. A skilled ninja can use a kunai to parry attacks, a shuriken to distract opponents, or a senbon to silently eliminate a target without a trace."
The entire class gasped in admiration, their eyes shining with excitement as they looked at him.
Satoru chuckled inwardly. *Being a teacher isn't so bad after all.*
---
**A Secret Meeting of the Powerful**
Elsewhere—
Inside the Hokage's office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, sat behind his desk, his sharp eyes filled with deep thought.
Across from him sat Danzo Shimura, the leader of Root, sipping his tea in silence, his expression unreadable as always.
The room was heavy with an unspoken tension, until—
*Knock, knock, knock.*
"Come in."
The door swung open, and Renji stepped inside, bowing formally before both Hiruzen and Danzo.
"Hokage-sama, Danzo-sama."
Hiruzen gazed at Renji for a moment before nodding.
"You're here about Satoru, aren't you?"
Renji smiled slightly, his eyes filled with admiration.
"You guessed correctly. I'm here to report on our duel."
He recounted everything—the way Satoru fought, his swordsmanship, and… his pitiful financial situation as a struggling teacher.
After hearing it all, Hiruzen chuckled softly.
"So, a swordsman of such caliber, yet so poor that he worries about his clothes?"
Renji nodded firmly. "Exactly."
Hiruzen's smile faded as his expression turned serious.
"If what you say is true, then I trust your judgment, Renji. I will fast-track Satoru's evaluation, officially making him a full-fledged instructor at the Ninja Academy."
Renji smiled in satisfaction and bowed gratefully.
But throughout the entire discussion, Danzo remained silent, deep in thought.
When Renji left, Danzo finally stood up.
Hiruzen glanced at him but said nothing.
Danzo stepped out of the Hokage's office, walking down a dimly lit corridor before—
*Snap.*
A shadow emerged from the darkness, kneeling before him.
The figure was clad in Root's uniform, short black hair, and cold, calculating eyes.
Tairo Mizuiro.
Captain of Root.
Danzo didn't turn around, his voice low and commanding.
"Tairo, investigate Satoru."
Tairo bowed his head, his tone devoid of emotion.
"What should I focus on, Danzo-sama?"
Danzo narrowed his eyes, his sharp gaze like that of a hawk.
"Assess his potential. See if he is worthy of joining Root."
Tairo remained silent for a moment before nodding.
"Understood."
With that, he vanished into the shadows, without a trace.
Danzo stood still, watching the empty corridor ahead, his expression unreadable.
He had many plans in motion, and one of them… was starting to take shape.
"I am working with Orochimaru… but to counterbalance a dangerous man like him, I need a suitable weapon."
"Could Satoru… become the sharp blade I require?"
A subtle, almost imperceptible smirk formed on Danzo's face before he turned away, disappearing into the darkness.
*(To be continued in Chapter 26 – No More Poverty!?)*