Chapter 12: A Strange Desire to Win

Although those three hours of getting beaten by Takeshi weren't exactly pleasant, at the very least, they allowed him to pick up on the rhythm of Aburame Ryōma's attacks.

At first, he'd be sent flying with the very first punch. But now, he could withstand up to the fourth strike.

Panting heavily while lying on the ground, Takeshi struggled to push himself up.

"Not bad. That's enough taijutsu training for today."

Aburame Ryōma, clearly satisfied after working off some steam, waved his hand. Several Root shinobi appeared instantly and quickly restored the damaged courtyard wall.

Hearing Ryōma call it for the day, Takeshi let out a deep breath and was about to lie back down.

"Who said you could lie down?"

With a harsh shout, something suddenly supported Takeshi's back.

A dense crawling sensation made him realize he wasn't lying on soft grass at all—he was resting on Ryōma's bugs.

Terrified by the disgusting feeling, Takeshi sprang up on the spot, ignoring the pain in his body as he rolled and crawled away from the area in a panic.

"For a ninja, the speed of forming hand seals is also very important. I said taijutsu training was over, but I never said anything about stopping seal training."

The insects circled around Takeshi as Ryōma's sunglasses glinted with a dark gleam.

"You're seriously the devil..."

Takeshi wanted to argue, but Yamanaka Akira on the side had already pulled out a whip.

Every time Takeshi tried to give up, Akira would raise that leather whip and crack it.

Not wanting to be whipped or bug-crawled again, Takeshi suddenly regretted following Sakumo to Konoha.

...

Evening.

By the time Danzō slowly arrived at his new residence, he found Takeshi sprawled out at the entrance, arms and legs flung wide, his chest gently rising and falling. He was clearly fast asleep.

"How was the training?"

Seeing him so defenseless, Danzō frowned slightly and asked softly.

Aburame Ryōma appeared behind him.

"Takeshi-sama has good potential. Though his physical condition holds him back for now and he's weaker than other kids his age, with proper nutrition, he should improve significantly."

"I see. Were the living conditions in Kirigakure that bad?"

Danzō recalled the appearance of the civilians he saw when he visited the village in the past.

"Continue tomorrow. I want every ounce of his energy squeezed out. Understood?"

His expression relaxed, then returned to its usual cold neutrality.

Danzō stepped past the sleeping Takeshi, slid open the glass door, walked through the living room, and headed into the kitchen.

When Takeshi opened his eyes again, the first thing he saw was the darkening sky.

For a brief moment, he thought he was still back in the desolate Kirigakure.

But the soreness all over his body quickly reminded him that what happened today wasn't a dream—it was all too real.

"You're awake."

A low voice startled him, making him jump.

Following the sound, Takeshi saw Danzō sitting cross-legged beside him.

"Since you're awake, wash up and get ready to eat."

Before Takeshi could even figure out what was going on, Danzō had already stood and walked back into the house.

Wash up? But where exactly?

Takeshi hadn't had time to properly explore the house yet. Relying on instinct and dragging his exhausted body, he fumbled around until he actually managed to find the bathroom.

After washing his hands, he followed the scent of food to the dining room and saw Danzō already sitting in the main seat at the table, apparently waiting for him.

Though he was exhausted and starving, Takeshi didn't dare pick up his chopsticks right away. Instead, he looked toward Danzō.

"Go on, eat."

Danzō was clearly pleased with Takeshi's behavior. Though he didn't show it on his face, he was feeling a bit of joy inside.

Yes... my son really does understand etiquette.

Though his eyes show more fear than familial affection.

If Takeshi could read minds, he'd definitely be cursing this old geezer:

You're one of Konoha's most notorious hawks, the orphan killer, the pioneer of human experimentation in the village—

Even if I were a full-blooded Uchiha, I wouldn't dare disobey you.

Seeing Danzō pick up his chopsticks, Takeshi finally followed suit and began shoveling food into his mouth like a member of the Akimichi clan.

In no time, the food vanished from the table and entered Takeshi's starving stomach.

"So, how's the food?"

Danzō had only taken a few bites but still asked.

"It's pretty good."

Takeshi nodded. Though it was a bit salty and nowhere near as good as Sakumo's cooking, after a day of harsh training, anything not served cold or rotten tasted amazing.

"Good."

Danzō nodded, then continued,

"And how does it compare to what Sakumo makes?"

Takeshi: ???

Old man, why are you asking so much? It's not like you cooked it yourself… wait.

You didn't actually make these dishes yourself, did you?

Recalling the expression and tone Danzō used when he asked that question, Takeshi became more convinced of his suspicion.

Time for a test of conscience.

Faced with a choice between his conscience and survival, Takeshi opened his mouth:

"It's tastier than what Sakumo-san makes."

"Is that so."

Danzō nodded again.

"I heard from Ryōma—you've been training hard. Keep it up. I have high hopes for you."

In an unusually generous tone, Danzō even offered some praise.

"In your spare time, you can try interacting more with kids your age."

In Danzō's mind, Takeshi befriending Kakashi was a great thing.

Not only could it strengthen his ties with Hatake Sakumo, but Kakashi's genius could serve as motivation for Takeshi to improve.

And...

Danzō recalled the conversation the four of them had that morning.

A Hokage must have capable subordinates like himself.

Without him, the soft-hearted Hiruzen would've long been overthrown by the entrenched clans.

No way could he sit around every day spouting nonsense like "I'm the Hokage, Danzō" with a straight face.

Just thinking about Hiruzen made Danzō's fists clench.

He wanted so badly to punch that old bastard in the face.

...

Takeshi, sitting across from him, didn't think much of it.

Even though Danzō said he could hang out with kids his age during his free time—

The issue was, what free time?

Waking up every day just to get beaten within an inch of his life—

Even Might Guy would call it excessive!

"Yes, Father."

With a lowered head and obedient demeanor on the surface, Takeshi was already cursing the old geezer in his heart.

He also wanted to punch that wrinkled face!

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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