After Shisui and Itachi stood up, they went to stand behind Hiruzen.
Seeing their actions, Fugaku, who was seated, showed no dissatisfaction. After all, once Hiruzen announced his arrangements for these two, who were currently the Uchiha clan's strongest combatants, it meant that these two would no longer belong to the Uchiha clan in the future. Their future identity would represent Hiruzen. Fugaku even expressed approval of this.
More than the Uchiha clan's glory, he hoped Itachi could clearly define his own path.
Most importantly... to live.
Hiruzen was very satisfied with Fugaku's reaction and spoke again, "By the way, Fugaku."
Fugaku immediately stood up, nodded, and replied, "Hokage-sama, please give your command."
Hiruzen nodded, speaking to Fugaku, "I hope the Uchiha clan can truly integrate into the village, and as a start, let Sasuke be an example."
Itachi, standing behind Hiruzen, heard this and his pupils involuntarily contracted. He felt a gaze lock onto him from beside him. Itachi turned his head to look and saw that one of Shisui's eyes had transformed into a Mangekyo Sharingan, while the other was a normal Three Tomoe.
He was looking at Itachi very calmly but his lips were silently forming two words: Don't worry.
Fugaku, however, frowned and asked with some uncertainty, "I wonder what Hokage-sama needs Sasuke to do? After all, he is just a child."
Hiruzen naturally knew about the movement behind him, but he didn't pay much attention to it. He tapped on the table with his hand and called out towards the closed door.
"Shinji, come in."
Shinji, who had been waiting outside, pushed open the door and walked in calmly.
He greeted Hiruzen, "Master."
A simple, calm "Master" fell like a clap of thunder on the ears of the three Uchiha.
Itachi and Shisui both had expressions of shock, while Fugaku continued to quietly watch Hiruzen.
"Shinji, come here. Just stand next to me." Hiruzen said with a chuckle, waving to Shinji.
"Yes, master." Shinji, with an obedient expression, came to stand beside Hiruzen.
Shisui and Itachi, who were originally standing behind Hiruzen, simultaneously took a step back. They bowed slightly to Shinji in greeting.
Considering Shinji's status as Hiruzen's disciple, theoretically, both of them should address him as 'Shinji-sama'. Of course, that was only theoretically.
After all, Hiruzen's previous disciples, the renowned Sannin, were respectfully addressed by Konoha ninjas for two reasons. Besides their seniority as Hiruzen's disciples, it was more due to their contributions, abilities, prestige, and achievements. And Shinji, so far, did not yet meet that qualification.
However, Shinji was considered a benefactor to the Uchiha clan, which was why the two of them acted this way.
Seeing Shinji in position, Hiruzen spoke to Fugaku with a chuckle, "Fugaku, Shinji is Sasuke's homeroom teacher. I want Sasuke to become Shinji's disciple."
Fugaku's brows relaxed slightly upon hearing this. It was just about taking a master. Moreover, it was becoming Hiruzen's last disciple's disciple. Even if this disciple's strength was currently ordinary, it didn't matter. What mattered was his identity and the sincerity that identity conveyed.
After Obito, someone from the Uchiha clan could finally stand in a position connected to the Hokage lineage, even if Sasuke was still a child.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama." Fugaku bowed deeply, expressing his gratitude to Hiruzen.
"After this, Uchiha students who graduate from the Academy will be assigned to various teams as before."
Since the Nine-Tails's attack, the Uchiha had been suppressed and cornered. If they truly wanted to integrate, this was the only way to proceed.
"Also, the Uchiha clan's Chunin and Jonin also need to fully participate in Konoha's missions, and the quota originally belonging to the Uchiha clan..."
Hiruzen hadn't finished speaking when Fugaku interrupted him.
"Hokage-sama, rest assured. Regarding the Uchiha clan's missions, I will have someone compile the information and share it with the village to be incorporated once I return to the clan."
Hearing this, Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction.
The mission quotas belonging to the Uchiha clan were all from high-ranking officials and nobles. They recognized the Uchiha brand, and what Hiruzen wanted was to be able to participate.
"That's good. You can rest assured, Fugaku. I approve of Shinji's teaching. Shikaku and Chōza's sons have also become Shinji's disciples."
As Hiruzen spoke, he released a piece of information.
Fugaku was even happier upon hearing this. The sons of the clan heads of the Hokage's direct ninja clans had all become Shinji's disciples.
Although the Uchiha were a major clan, they were only just re-integrating with Konoha, so this opportunity was excellent.
Looking at Shinji beside Hiruzen, he felt even better about him.
— — —
Inside the training ground.
On a flat, large stone, Naruto, drenched in sweat, was lying down resting.
Today, Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino seemed to be busy.
Early in the morning, Shikamaru came over and said that Konoha had some matters today, and their clan elders required them all to wait at home. So, Shikamaru apologized, saying that today's outing would have to be canceled.
He also brought snacks Choji had given him, and a bouquet of flowers Ino had entrusted him to give to Naruto.
At this moment, the bouquet of flowers was being replanted in a corner of the training ground.
Naruto didn't know if the flowers would survive, but he hoped they would continue to bloom like this.
As the breeze blew, Naruto, lying on the stone, seemed to smell the flowers. He closed his eyes, feeling much more relaxed.
"Ah, so comfortable..."
"What? Are you here all by yourself?"
Naruto, who had just closed his eyes, felt a shadow cover him, and then heard a gentle voice speak.
"Sensei!"
Naruto immediately sprang to his feet. He saw Shinji, in a Chunin vest, standing beside the stone with a chuckle.
Shinji bent down, opened Naruto's ninja tool pouch, threw the towel inside to Naruto, and asked, "Didn't I tell you to take a break? Why are you still training by yourself?"
Naruto wiped his sweat, responding with a grin, "Hehe, I was too bored by myself, so I came here."
Shinji asked, "Oh? Where are Shikamaru and the others?"
Shinji looked a bit surprised, as these little brats had been getting along well these past few months. There was no reason they would leave Naruto alone here.
"Shikamaru said it seems their elders required them to be at home today. He came to tell me early this morning."
Naruto scratched his head, it was because of this that he had come out so early.
"I see."
Hearing Naruto's explanation, Shinji realized.
Today could be said to be a happy day for all of Konoha's ninja clans. With Danzo, that cancerous growth's removal, resource allocation would be reshuffled.