9. Path to Master Smithing

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On a bright morning, Kira was woken up by a system notification and he was shocked by what he was seeing. Its been a while since he saw the system this lively.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION

MISSION BRIEFING

You have been assigned a critical mission to elevate your swordmaking skills to unprecedented heights. Your objective is to reach at least Master Blacksmith level in the art of swordcraft.

MISSION OBJECTIVES

- Achieve Master Blacksmith status through rigorous training and dedication

- Demonstrate exceptional skill and craftsmanship in swordmaking

REWARDS

- Upon successful completion of the mission, you will be rewarded with:

- A legendary Nichirin Blade, forged from the finest materials and imbued with extraordinary properties

- The coveted Formula for Crafting Nichirin Blades, granting you the knowledge to create these esteemed swords in the Shinobi World

MISSION PARAMETERS

- Time Limit: None

- Location: Shinobi World

- Resources: Available at local blacksmithing facilities and materials marketplaces

ACCEPT MISSION

Confirm your acceptance to embark on this prestigious quest and take the first step towards becoming a legendary swordmaker.]

Kira's eyes widened in astonishment as he stared at the mission briefing

"Master Blacksmith?! Nichirin Blade?! This is...this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

He took a deep breath, his mind racing with the possibilities

"I've been breaking swords left and right in the forest, trying to master the Water Breathing Technique...ordinary swords just can't keep up. But Nichirin Blades...they're on a whole different level! I've heard on the Internet that they're not as legendary as the Kusanagi swords, but still, they're the best out there!"

Kira's determination ignited

"If I can learn to craft Nichirin Blades, I can teach my clan...we can finally support ourselves and protect our own. No more relying on others for help. This is our chance to rise up and become a force to be reckoned with!"

_Without hesitation, Kira yelled at the top of his lungs.

"ACCEPT! I accept this mission! I'll do whatever it takes to become a Master Blacksmith and wield the power of the Nichirin Blades!"

The screen flickered, and the mission briefing disappeared, replaced by a single message

[MISSION ACCEPTED. GOOD LUCK, KIRA.]

Six months had passed since Kira had begun his blacksmithing training under Master Tetsuo. The forge had become his second home, the clanging of hammers and the heat of the fire a familiar and comforting presence. Each day was a test of his patience, skill, and determination, but Kira thrived under the pressure. His natural talent, combined with Tetsuo's expert guidance, had brought him to the beginning of the intermediate level in sword-making.

One evening, as Kira was meticulously shaping a blade, he overheard Tetsuo bragging to a group of clansmen who had gathered at the forge.

"Kira will surpass me one day," Tetsuo declared with a broad smile, his eyes twinkling with pride. "He's got the talent and the determination. Just you wait and see!"

Kira couldn't help but chuckle inwardly, cursing in his mind. When did he become the old man's disciple? Did asking to be taught sword-making automatically make him a disciple? He shook his head, deciding not to pay attention to such things. Tetsuo's cockiness was amusing, but it didn't distract Kira from his goal. He was here to learn, and learn he would.

With renewed focus, Kira threw himself into his work, his hands moving with precision and confidence. The months flew by, each day bringing new challenges and new victories. The forge became a place of growth and discovery, where Kira honed his skills and forged his path to mastery.

Another year passed, and Kira found himself at the middle state of the intermediate level in sword-making. Tetsuo's praise grew louder, and the clansmen's interest in Kira's progress increased. But Kira remained humble and dedicated, knowing that there was still much to learn.

One evening, after a particularly challenging day at the forge, Kira sat by the river, practicing his Water Breathing Technique. He moved with fluid grace, his every motion precise and controlled. He knew that his ability in this technique was now strong enough to eliminate even Jonins, as long as his strength allowed it.

As he finished his practice, a decision crystallized in his mind. It was time to graduate early. He had proven himself in the forge and in his training, and he was ready to take the next step.

The next morning, Kira approached his grandfather, Hiroshi, with determination in his eyes. Hiroshi looked up from his work, a hint of surprise in his gaze.

"Grandfather," Kira began, bowing respectfully. "I've come to ask for your permission to graduate early."

Hiroshi's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Graduate early? Kira, you're talented, but the Kozuki no Kagerō is not enough out there."

Kira's eyes shone with confidence. "I have something more powerful. Two years ago, I told you that I had been working on creating a technique, but you laughed it off. How about I prove my strength to you?"

Hiroshi's expression darkened with a mix of concern and frustration. "You're being cocky, Kira. Overestimating your abilities will only get you killed in battle. I won't allow it."

Kira's jaw set in determination. "I'm not overestimating my abilities, Grandfather. I've trained hard and I'm ready. Let me prove it to you."

Hiroshi sighed, his love for his grandson evident in his eyes. He needed to guide Kira well, to teach him the importance of humility and caution. If Kira wanted to prove himself, he would have to do it the hard way.

Turning to his steward, Hiroshi gave a curt nod. "Announce to the clansmen that Kira has challenged me. If he wins, he'll be allowed to graduate early."

The steward's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly nodded and set off to carry out Hiroshi's orders. Within minutes, word spread through the village, and a crowd began to gather in the training grounds, eager to witness the clash between the clan head and his grandson.

Kira stood in the center of the training grounds, his heart pounding with anticipation. The clansmen formed a wide circle around the arena, their murmurs of excitement filling the air. Among them were Master Tetsuo, whose eyes gleamed with pride, and a few of Kira's peers, who watched with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

Hiroshi stepped into the arena, his presence commanding and authoritative. He looked at Kira with a mixture of sternness and affection. "Kira, you're about to learn a valuable lesson. Overconfidence can be deadly. Prepare yourself."

Kira nodded, his eyes unwavering. "I'm ready, Grandfather."

The air grew tense as Hiroshi took a fighting stance, his chakra flaring with power. Kira mirrored his stance, his own chakra radiating a fierce determination. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, the world narrowing down to just the two of them.

With a swift motion, Hiroshi launched the first attack, his movements precise and powerful. Kira met him head-on, their fists and feet clashing with a force that sent shockwaves through the ground. The crowd watched in awe as the two warriors moved with incredible speed and skill, each strike delivered with precision and intent.

Kira's training and determination drove him forward, his movements fluid and controlled. He utilized his Water Breathing Technique to enhance his agility and strength, weaving through Hiroshi's attacks with grace and precision. But Hiroshi was a seasoned fighter, his experience and tactical mind giving him an edge.

As the battle raged on, Hiroshi's strikes grew more powerful and relentless. He aimed to push Kira to his limits, to test his grandson's resolve and strength. Kira fought back with everything he had, his eyes blazing with determination. But despite his best efforts, Hiroshi's superior skill began to wear him down.

With a final, powerful strike, Hiroshi sent Kira sprawling to the ground. The crowd gasped, their murmurs of excitement turning to concern. Kira lay on the ground, panting heavily, his body battered but his spirit unbroken.

Hiroshi stepped forward, his expression stern but filled with pride. "You fought well, Kira. But you're not ready yet. You need more training, more experience."

Kira struggled to his feet, his eyes filled with determination. "I won't give up, Grandfather. I'll keep training, and I'll prove myself to you."

Hiroshi's stern expression softened, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "That's the spirit, Kira. Never give up. But remember, strength alone is not enough. You must also learn wisdom and caution."

Kira nodded, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Grandfather. I'll keep your words in mind."

The crowd began to disperse, their murmurs filled with admiration for Kira's determination and skill. Master Tetsuo approached Kira, clapping him on the back with a broad smile.

"You did well, Kira," Tetsuo said, his voice filled with pride. "Keep working hard, and you'll surpass us all."

Kira chuckled, feeling a surge of confidence. "Thank you, Master Tetsuo. I'll keep training and learning."

The days that followed were filled with even more intense training. Kira threw himself into his blacksmithing work, honing his skills under Tetsuo's watchful eye. He practiced his Water Breathing Technique with renewed determination, pushing himself to his limits. And he spent hours meditating and refining his chakra control, knowing that every bit of progress brought him closer to his goal.

Weeks turned into months, and Kira's skill and strength grew exponentially. He mastered new techniques and honed his existing ones, becoming a formidable force in his own right. The clansmen watched in awe as Kira's determination and dedication paid off, their respect for him growing with each passing day.

One evening, as Kira was practicing his swordsmanship with Senbonzakura, he received another system notification.

**[System Notification: Congratulations on your progress, Kira. Your mastery of Senbonzakura and Blood Field techniques is impressive. Continue to hone your skills, and greater rewards will follow.]**

Kira smiled, feeling a surge of pride. "Thank you, system. I'll keep working hard."

As he swung Senbonzakura in a graceful arc, the blade disintegrated into a thousand cherry blossom petals, each one a deadly weapon. The petals danced around him, their beauty and deadly precision a testament to his growing mastery.

Kira knew that he was ready. It was time to prove himself once more.

The next morning, Kira approached his grandfather, Hiroshi, with determination in his eyes. Hiroshi looked up from his work, a hint of surprise in his gaze.

"Grandfather," Kira began, bowing respectfully. "I've come to ask for your permission to graduate early."

Hiroshi's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Graduate early? Kira, you're talented, but the Kozuki no Kagerō is not enough out there."

Kira's eyes shone with confidence. "I have something more powerful. Two years ago, I told you that I had been working on creating a technique, but you laughed it off. How about I prove my strength to you?"

Hiroshi's expression darkened with a mix of concern and frustration. "You're being cocky, Kira. Overestimating your abilities will only get you killed in battle. I won't allow it."

Kira's jaw set in determination. "I'm not overestimating my abilities, Grandfather. I've trained hard and I'm ready. Let me prove it to