184-Path Of Least Resistance

Renjiro stood in the Hokage's office, his mind whirling with thoughts and emotions.

'This again?' he mused.

Normally, he would have had to serve in the force for much longer, but Daichi had allowed him to commit to serving in the force for only one year. After that, it would be up to Renjiro whether he wanted to continue or not.

Based on his experience so far, Renjiro knew he wouldn't want to stay in the force, as it was too restrictive in terms of personal training time and mission opportunities.

The only reason Renjiro had even considered taking up Fujioka's offer to become a squad leader was the access it would grant him to the Uchiha Clan's private collection of jutsus.

Renjiro had heard that this collection contained jutsus the clan had copied from other shinobi, dangerous techniques they kept hidden even from the village, and even forbidden Uchiha jutsus.

The allure of these powerful techniques was enough to make Renjiro want to climb the ranks within the Uchiha Clan leadership, as it afforded privileges he found too tempting to ignore.

'I thought we already agreed on this? Or did something else happen?' Renjiro wondered, sensing the persistence of Daichi's request. It made him want to reconsider some of his decisions.

Currently, Renjiro only saw two paths in front of him. The first involved staying in the police force, sacrificing his much-needed training time. He knew that good work was often rewarded with more work, meaning even less time for his personal growth.

The only silver lining was the access to special jutsus, which would undoubtedly enhance his power and combat options.

'But is it really worth that?' Renjiro wondered.

The second path involved leaving the force after a few months, allowing him more time for missions and training, thus gaining valuable field experience.

'I could also gain merit and ask for jutsus from the Hokage like Minato did.' Renjiro surmised.

"Before you answer," Daichi interrupted Renjiro's thoughts, "since you have yet to fill up your squad, why don't you act as a one-man team?"

This suggestion shocked everyone in the room.

'What?' Renjiro wondered. 'That removes the issue of me involving my squad in risky situations.'

Shiba couldn't help but wonder, 'What is he aiming for?' while Hiruzen thought, 'Is he willing to go that far?'

Renjiro, still a chunin, was being given an unprecedented offer. Even if he was talented, Hiruzen himself would never go that far.

"Daichi-sama," Renjiro began, "we had already agreed that I would only serve in the police force for a year. That is what I based my future plans on, so I will not change my mind," Renjiro said as politely as he could, even adding a tinge of resignation in his voice.

'While access to those other jutsus is tempting, I can't cut down on my training since the third shinobi war is only a few years away. It would be too much of a risk. Besides, I had informed him of this earlier, so this was the path of least resistance,' Renjiro thought.

Daichi took a few moments before he spoke. "That's fine. Then your task will be to train your squad members until your time in the force is done," he said. "This way, you can still contribute significantly without exposing yourself and your squad to undue danger."

Renjiro nodded reluctantly, understanding the logic but feeling a pang of disappointment. 'I guess training them is important too,' he thought.

'Well, I tried my best,' Daichi thought. He was aware of Renjiro's decision but had hoped to change the boy's mind. He even had a conversation with the Hokage some time ago centering around the boy, so he knew Hiruzen had taken an interest in the boy.

That was why Daichi was ready to go as far as offering to make Renjiro's squad a one-man team. That was how valuable Renjiro was to him. Unfortunately, he didn't succeed in changing his mind. While Daichi felt bad about the situation, he also felt a bit annoyed.

'But I can't dwell on this; I have other matters to worry about,' Daichi thought.

Seeing the resigned look on Daichi's face, Renjiro couldn't help but think, 'While my relationship with the Uchiha Clan has been more about taking than giving, this is not something I can easily compromise. I'm planning on intervening in their revolt and Massacre situation, that should be the best thanks I can ever give to them,' Renjiro consoled himself, alleviating some of the guilt he felt.

"I am sure we can come to some sort of compromise on this whole issue," the Hokage remarked, drawing everyone's attention. "Why don't we ensure that the missions Renjiro and his squad undertake are within the Land of Fire or in any of our allied nations? It would be easier for us to reinforce them there in case a situation arises."

Shiba took a moment to think about it before he nodded in agreement. "That makes sense. We can keep a closer watch and respond quickly if needed."

Daichi chimed in as well. "I agree. This way, Renjiro can still lead his squad without being exposed to unnecessary risks."

'This sly fox! Compromise?! He has never tried to compromise whenever our Clan was involved. He clearly knows that this is what the boy wants and he's ready to risk it to give it to him.' Daichi Inwardly scoffed.

While Daichi had promised something similar, his offer only involved risking Renjiro's life, something he couldn't afford to do if other Uchiha clan members in his squad were involved.

Renjiro felt a mix of relief and frustration. The compromise was reasonable, but it still meant sacrificing some of his autonomy.

'Well, at least I can still train and lead my squad,' he thought, trying to focus on the positives.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama, that would be a better way to handle this situation," Renjiro said, bowing slightly. "I appreciate the consideration."

Hiruzen smiled warmly. "We believe in your potential, Renjiro. This arrangement is the best way to ensure your safety and that of your squad."

'Well, that worked out well' Renjiro thought.

With the matter settled, Renjiro left the Hokage's office and found Hiro still outside.

Renjiro could immediately tell that there was something wrong with his friend. Considering the current events in the village, it wasn't hard to conclude what was bothering him.

"Hey, Hiro," Renjiro greeted softly, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. "I heard about the news, how are you?"

Hiro tried to wear a brave face, but Renjiro could clearly tell something was wrong. His eyes, though dry, were filled with sorrow that couldn't be hidden.

"It's... it's been tough, Renjiro. The clanheads' death hit us all hard."

Renjiro nodded, his heart aching for his friend. "I know. It's never easy losing someone you care about. But we have to stay strong, for their sake."

Hiro sighed deeply, the weight of his grief evident in his posture. "I just keep thinking... if there was something more I could have done."

"It was all out of your control, Hiro. We all did," Renjiro said firmly.

'Well, I still don't know what exactly happened, leading to Sakumo's suicide, but now is probably not the time to ask.'

Hiro managed a small, sad smile. "Thanks, Renjiro. That means a lot."

Renjiro patted his friend on the back. "Anytime, Hiro. We're in this together."

With their conversation concluded, the two went their separate ways. Hiro towards the Hatake clan compound while Renjiro made his way to the base. He still had to fill up his squad.

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