Chapter 19
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"Has your mouth been injured by Lady Tsunade?" Kakashi deadpanned upon seeing Yoichi approach wearing a metal mask.
"Why does this feel like you're imitating me? And isn't it uncomfortable to wear a metal mask on your face? How do you handle breathing?" Kakashi remarked, puzzled.
Yoichi rolled his eyes, indicating annoyance, but unable to speak, he refrained from further response.
"It's not uncomfortable at all. Breathing has been taken care of. It's not early anymore, let's start training!" Yoichi conveyed through a written note.
Kakashi, after reading the note, felt like he had figured out everything Yoichi was thinking. He glanced at him with some suspicion, but since the employer had requested it, he had no choice but to comply.
Subsequently, Kakashi drew a ninja sword from his back. As the blade emerged, it emitted a sharp sound and a white light.
"I'm using the swordsmanship my father taught me, primarily based on Wind Release chakra. Please be careful," Kakashi warned.
The essence of the Hatake Swordsmanship lay in the cutting power of Wind Release and the speed of Lightning Release.
Kakashi had trained with his father since childhood, attaining genin-level strength by the age of five. It was impossible for him not to have learned his father's swordsmanship.
However, now facing an employer rather than an enemy, Kakashi had to adjust his approach. Even if he employed the Hatake Swordsmanship, it was primarily for sparring, and the cutting power of Wind Release chakra couldn't be too intense.
Approaching Yoichi swiftly, Kakashi made a slight lunge with his sword. The sharp cutting aura resembled a strong wind as Yoichi promptly raised his sword to block.
With a clang, the two ninja swords clashed, sparking.
Kakashi remained composed, retracting his sword. Despite Yoichi's youth and possession of only a single tomoe Sharingan, his insight surpassed Kakashi's. As they clashed again, a faint lightning glow surrounded Yoichi's blade as he blocked once more.
One strike, one block.
The speed of their exchanges increased, almost reaching a point where it was difficult to discern their swinging arms.
Yoichi also became more proficient in swordsmanship, while Kakashi's attack angles became more cunning. Sometimes Yoichi could anticipate Kakashi's sword swings, but blocking them was challenging due to the angle.
After more than an hour of intense training, they finally paused to rest.
Reflecting on the training session, Yoichi felt that his swordsmanship had improved. If he continued to train in this manner, his progress would undoubtedly be rapid.
"Training like this alone is insufficient. When my father trained me in swordsmanship, he employed various styles and techniques, including ninjutsu," Kakashi remarked.
After hydrating and donning his mask, Kakashi turned to Yoichi. "In a while, I'll undertake some missions outside the village. Ninjas gain the most experience in battle."
Upon hearing Kakashi's proposal, Yoichi considered for a moment. Kakashi's prowess was commendable, much stronger than his previous genin teammates.
"If we team up, I must be the leader, and you must obey me during the mission," Yoichi stipulated.
Kakashi nodded in agreement. "Naturally, I have no experience leading a team."
---
"Hiruzen, why didn't you inform me that someone from the Uchiha clan obtained the secret ninjutsu of the Cloud Village?" Danzo questioned Hiruzen in the Hokage's office.
"Danzo, it was merely Tsunade's speculation before. It was only confirmed a few days ago," Hiruzen explained calmly. Tsunade had inquired about it, but he only received confirmation two days later. Moreover, this was something Yoichi had acquired independently.
Danzo comprehended Hiruzen's concerns. Despite the absence of a customary practice in Konoha for ninjas to hand over their ninjutsu, there were several clans with secret techniques. Setting this precedent might lead other ninja clans to have differing opinions.
"That's the secret ninjutsu of the Cloud Village. Hiruzen, acquiring it could train a group of Konoha's sharpest blades. It could potentially resolve many enemies for Konoha!" Danzo emphasized.
Danzo understood Hiruzen's apprehensions. However, the individual in question was merely an Uchiha youth, and his reputation in the village wasn't favorable.
Moreover, the Lightning Release chakra mode was truly precious, symbolizing the Raikage's signature ninjutsu. Even in the Cloud Village, practitioners of this ninjutsu were scarce, likely not exceeding thirty.
"If you're unwilling to speak up, then allow me to try. After all, it's just an Uchiha; Hiruzen, Konoha has many Lightning Release ninjas, but what's lacking is ninjutsu!" Danzo asserted.
After hearing Danzo's proposal, Hiruzen fell silent momentarily. Eventually, he relit his pipe, took a puff, and advised Danzo, "Danzo, exercise caution in your methods. The Uchiha clan has been quiet lately. Don't overstep."
"Hmph, Hiruzen, have you forgotten why sensei confined the Uchiha clan to the guard team? Fugaku's aspirations are not agreeable even to Homura and Koharu!" Tanzo retorted sharply before departing from the Hokage's office.
'I am the one most capable of inheriting the sensei's will. Initially, you were merely ahead of me, which led the sensei to mistakenly appoint you as Hokage!'
Back at the Root Base, Danzo promptly instructed his subordinate, "Summon Ryuma to see me."
Shortly after, a Root ninja appeared before Danzo. Observing Aburame Ryuma, Danzo issued a directive, "Ryuma, someone from the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Yoichi, has acquired the Lightning Release chakra mode. Inquire whether he is willing to contribute this ninjutsu."
"My lord, what if he refuses?" Ryuma inquired.
"If he refuses, then he will have to face the harsh reality of the ninja world!" Danzo declared firmly.
(End of Chapter)