Chapter 5: Getting a Shinobi trainer

Shiva's counterarguments placated some of Tatsuya's worries, but he was still not in the mood to patronize the kid's whims. He could already count Shiva's glaring disadvantages—a civilian background and lack of shinobi genes.

These will hinder his growth in his shinobi career. With his mature mindset, he could reach Chunnin and even Tokubetsu Jonin ranks. But becoming a Jonin or more will be nearly impossible or based on luck. Tatsuya himself was a glaring example of this. He reached the Jonin ranks thanks to his participation and contribution in the two Shinobi World Wars.

But in a conflict, even Jonin-ranked shinobi might become powerless. Only Kage-level shinobi provide enough deterrence on the battlefield and have the confidence to walk out alive. The shinobi path is fraught with danger where a person is just one bad day or a simple mistake away from dying. One must outplay their peers and enemies to survive and have a long career.

While Tatsuya was contemplating all of this, Shiva struck while the iron was hot.

"Come on Tatsuya oji-san, I only need you to help me get in shape for the Academy admission test. Can't you help me for a few months please"

These words broke Tatsuya's hesitance. He realized he was overthinking as Shiva was just asking for help for Academy preparation, not to become his Jonin instructor. It's not as if helping the kid would confirm his chances of becoming a shinobi. Shiva has to overcome many hurdles if he dreams of becoming as strong as he claims.

"Hmph! Ok. I can train you before you join the Academy. If you go there in your current form, clan kids will stomp over you since they have been training since they learned to walk"

Tatsuya decided to help Shiva as he felt the kid was quite bright and mature from his peers. Moreover, he had seen the determination and cunningness in the kid's eyes. He knew Shiva might guilt-trip his parents into directly taking him into the Academy after getting rejected.

By guiding Shiva, Tatsuya will also be helping the Shukufuku family. He owes this much to Marito, who has been loyal and working tirelessly in his shop for nearly a decade. Still, he must give Shiva a harsh reminder to not try and pull this innocent act in front of others.

"From what I can recall, 8 months are still left before the Academy admissions begin. I will grind you to the bone until you can achieve my standards. And no dilly-dallying, if I find your progress to be disappointing at any point, you will regret asking me for this favor"

Hearing this, Shiva was confused.

"Favor?"

"Yes. FAVOR. If you want to survive in the shinobi world, remember these 2 sayings. Firstly, "there is always a hidden meaning beneath the hidden," which means I can easily decipher the innocent act you put up. Secondly, "no one will casually do anything for you for free," which means this will be my favor that you must return in the future. This is how the world works kid"

Shiva did not like the idea of owing a favor. But it could not be helped since he was out of options. Maybe this was a sign showcasing he must be prepared to adapt and compromise to achieve his goals in this world. At least this time, he got a professional trainer for it.

"Ok, I got it. So when do we start, sensei?"

Hearing the change in Shiva's way of speaking, Tatsuya chuckled.

"Not today. I have to arrange my schedule if I want to do this seriously. At least you are not a huge idiot and decided to approach a professional like me. Doing any complicated exercises on your own could have backfired"

"So from tomorrow? When and where do I have to report, sensei"

"Stop calling me sensei. That title can only be earned by people who teach you things genuinely. I am just your temporary trainer so call me Tatsuya-san. Anyway, I will sort out the bookstore work with Marito today to create some free time. You will be reporting tomorrow at the bookstore early in the morning with your father"

Shiva was pleased to hear his plan finally coming to fruition. He decided to ask for more details regarding his training.

"Ok, Tatsuya-san. Where will be training? One of the shinobi training grounds or the forest surrounding the village"

"No. Training grounds can only be booked by active shinobi. Meanwhile, the forest is often used when people want to train secretly. I do not want to endanger us by barging into anyone while they are learning new ninjutsu. As you are a kid, we will be going to the neighborhood park near your home. No one will be present there early in the morning, giving us ample time and space to train you"

Although a little miffed hearing he would not be able to go where shinobi train, Shiva understood Tatsuya's reason. He is a 3-year-old boy after all and training in the park will raise less eyebrows. On the other hand, a child and an adult going into the dark forest secretly will easily catch the wrong kind of attention. After all, Konoha has the Uchiha police force and ANBUs patrolling the village throughout the day.

By this time, Marito had done his arranging work and returned to witness Shiva and Tatsuya engrossed deeply in their conversation.

"What were you guys talking about? Shiva-kun can you tell me now?"

"Tou-san, I want to join the Academy next year. So I asked Tatsuya-san to help me prepare for it. I was able to convince him and we will be starting tomorrow"

"Hmmm. You want to become a shinobi in the future. I will not stop you from following your dreams, but Shiva-kun, you should have talked with me or your kaa-san first. We would have tried to help you"

Shiva was embarrassed hearing this. He had been projecting the image of his previous life parents on his current ones. He should have realized that Marito and Hirata have been a part of Konoha and see shinobi daily. With the Naruto world still having a dominant martial culture, his parents would have understood his goal of becoming a shinobi. After all, this is not the 21st century from his previous earth.

Both Tatsuya and Marito found the embarrassed expression on Shiva's face quite funny. Marito hugged his son gently and whispered.

"There there. It's okay to make mistakes, Shiva-kun. Just remember to discuss this with your family before making such decisions next time. After all, we are your parents and will always worry for you. Now go home and tell your kaa-san about this. Otherwise, you might not get dinner tonight"