Chapter 319

"Children are like blank sheets of paper, colored by the world around them. They feel gratitude for kindness and resentment for malice."

Though Minato admitted Shinji's point, he still believed that entrusting Naruto to the Third Hokage and Lady Tsunade was the right decision.

"I think... it should be fine, right?"

Shinji glanced at Minato, his tone casual but cutting. "How naive are you? A child's development depends on their environment, education, and how others treat them. It's not about your unconditional trust when they are just born."

"I believe the Third Hokage and Lady Tsunade will guide Naruto correctly! Even if he faces prejudice because he's a Jinchuriki, I believe Naruto will still strive for the light!"

"Good grief," Shinji shook his head, sighing. "You're a dreamer, ignoring reality. But dream on. One day, you'll wake up."

Despite Shinji's sarcasm, Minato remained confident that with the Third Hokage and Lady Tsunade's guidance, Naruto would grow up well.

Shinji, seeing Minato's unwavering belief, added silently to himself, "Naruto didn't grow crooked... he grew fat."

From that day on, Gaara started participating in the lessons and training with the other three kids, although it was all voluntary. In all subjects, whether academic, artistic, or martial, Shinji treated Gaara as invisible since he was not his student. Gaara was instructed to call him Mr. Anli, not the same as the others who called him 'Koro-sensei.'

Only Minato looked after Gaara, ensuring he had meals and helping with ninjutsu training. Shinji's stance was clear: the kid Minato brought back was his responsibility.

Minato understood that saving Gaara meant he owed Shinji another favor. Essentially, Gaara's rescue was due to Minato's debt or the price he paid.

Gaara, being young, didn't grasp this. Seeing Gaara's subtle emotions due to Shinji's indifference, Minato couldn't help but feel slightly resentful.

Why does he keep gravitating towards Mr. Anli? Shouldn't he be sticking closer to me? I'm the one who saved him and paid the price!

Of course, Gaara was unaware of this, and Minato had no plans to tell him. The goal wasn't to make the child repay the favor someday.

By the way, the three other kids were very friendly towards Gaara.

...

About a week later, after moving again, Shinji and his group were now at the border of the Land of Demons, Land of Bears, and Land of Earth.

Late at night, the three kids gathered in a tent, whispering about something.

"I think we should give up. Koro-sensei is way too strong. We can't beat him," Karin said, lying on the soft bedding, her feet swinging.

"Don't you think so too, Haku? The task of killing Koro-sensei is impossible for us, and it's too weird that he wants us to kill him..."

"I will follow Sensei's orders no matter what. If I can't do it, I'll work harder," Haku replied, his voice soft and gentle as always.

"I think there might be some hidden reason," Kimimaro analyzed calmly, recalling Shinji's words: "From now on, you're my students. And your only task is to kill me." And the phrase, "Even I don't know how to make myself die..."

"Though I don't know what the hidden reason might be, if it's something Sensei wishes for, I'll do it even if I'm alone," Haku said.

"You two..." Karin sighed. "Let's say we manage to do it. Do you think you could actually go through with it?"

Haku and Kimimaro fell silent.

"See?" Karin sat up. "I don't think I could do it, even if it's what Sensei wants."

"Maybe..." Haku began, recalling Shinji's words when they first met: "Avenge your father by killing me. That's your purpose in life."

Haku continued, "Maybe Sensei took us in for this reason. If it's what he wishes, I'll do it even if it hurts."

"Me too," Kimimaro nodded.

Seeing the two united, Karin knew her words were pointless. They were determined to fulfill the task.

"Do what you want. I doubt we'll ever be able to beat Koro-sensei. He's too strong. Even Minato-sensei often says Sensei might be the strongest being in this world."

As Karin finished, she sensed something and turned to see a figure slightly shorter than herself standing at the tent entrance.

"Let's pause this discussion," she whispered, unzipping the tent to find Gaara looking dejected. "Gaara, you're not asleep yet?"

"What were you talking about?" Gaara asked.

"Nothing important. Why aren't you sleeping?"

Gaara shook his head and remained silent.

Seeing Gaara's somber expression, the three kids were puzzled. What was bothering their new friend?

Before they could ask, Gaara, as if making a decision, spoke up. "Why... why won't Mr. Anli let me call him Sensei?"

"Isn't it obvious? Koro-sensei didn't plan to take you as a student," Karin replied without thinking.

"I see..."

Gaara looked down, clearly upset. At his age, he couldn't fully understand why he was treated differently.

Compared to Karin's bluntness, Haku was more gentle. "Sensei has his reasons. Becoming his student is also a heavy burden. I think he did it for your own good."

"Is it because he doesn't like me?" Gaara asked, his voice small and hurt. "Back in my village, everyone hated me..."

"With your weak personality and frequent crying, of course people would dislike..."

Before Karin could finish, Haku covered her mouth. Karin's insensitivity was reaching new heights.

"Don't overthink it. No one here hates you."

Kimimaro, the designated team leader, said calmly, "If Sensei disliked you, he wouldn't have saved you. You're different from us; you have a place you belong."

"A place I belong?"

"Yes, I think so," Kimimaro nodded, not saying more.

Even though he overheard Shinji and Minato's discussion about sending Gaara back, he didn't tell Gaara to avoid unnecessary trouble.

"Oh..."

"Anyway, it's late. Let's sleep."

"Good night..."

...

The next morning.

Shinji, unusually, gave the kids a day off, handing them some money and letting them explore the nearby town.

Despite it being an ordinary town, the increasingly motherly Minato still worried about the kids' safety.

"Don't worry, there won't be any danger," Shinji waved off his concerns. "The only thing that might happen is the raccoon being taken back by its owner."

Realizing what Shinji meant, Minato's heart sank.

"Mr. Anli, are you saying Gaara..."

"Since you've been hesitant, I decided to help you out. You were going to send him back anyway, right?"

"Even so..."

Minato felt conflicted. He hadn't expected to part with Gaara this way.

"Now, let me see..."

Shinji raised his hand, conjuring a large, somewhat ethereal screen. After a few minutes of adjustments, a clear image appeared.

Minato's complex feelings about Gaara vanished when he saw the screen. It showed the Ninja Academy in Konoha!

"Wait, let me adjust the angle..."

Three minutes later, the view was perfect, capturing the whole entrance ceremony.

Seeing the scene, Minato wiped his eyes.

His sincerity had finally paid off!

Shinji had noticed and remembered all his efforts! Otherwise, why would he set this up?

"Still as grand..."

"The Academy isn't that grand," Minato smiled.

"No, I meant that woman on stage..."

Minato: ...

Okay, he got ahead of himself.

"Oh, oh! What's that woman's name?"

Shinji pointed to a kunoichi standing to the side, maintaining order.

Seeing who Shinji meant, the elegant Kurenai Yuhi, Minato hesitated, unsure if he should answer.

"She... she has a boyfriend, Mr. Anli. That bearded man next to her is her boyfriend, named..."

"What do you take me for?"

Shinji interrupted, seemingly annoyed.

Relieved, Minato thought.

It made sense. Despite everything, Mr. Anli never engaged in anything like that.

"I'm not interested in men! I'm only interested in her. What's her name?"

Minato: ...

Spoke too soon!

"Minato, I have a favor to ask. You can help if you want, or refuse if you don't..."

"No," Minato immediately refused.

"Don't you want to hear it first?"

Do I need to? Isn't it just another one of those unscrupulous tasks like before?

Minato was determined.

I won't do it! Even if it kills me, I won't do it!

Can you at least not discuss this in front of me?

Knowing but being unable to stop it is the worst feeling!

"Fine, don't help then. I just wanted you to bring me a bowl of Ichiraku Ramen from Konoha."

Minato: !!!

"Mr. Anli, can I take back my hasty decision?"

"No, scram."

Minato: ...