Chapter 32

Sorry, having a good dad is truly remarkable.

At first glance, Naruto is a story of passion, but upon closer inspection, it's a very realistic story.

Rock Lee earned his title after over two hundred episodes. Despite having the support of the peak of Might Guy's power, he still ended up disabled, spending the rest of his life in a wheelchair. (T/N: Bullsh*t, Rock Lee peaked at Gaara v/s Rock Lee fight, well, after that he kinda died.)

So, without a good dad, without a good lineage, one really can't make it in this world.

Besides, becoming a ninja also has its thresholds. Secret techniques, forbidden techniques, special skills—need I say more? Who would teach you if you're not related to them?

If Kyomu didn't have the passive skill "King of Nonchalance" at the beginning, even with the many C-rank and D-rank ninjutsu he now masters, considering his age and family background, he might not have been able to master them.

In other words, you have to have a good family background for your talents to come to fruition. Otherwise, it's only when after you waste six years at the ninja school and encounter a good team leader that you'll start to have some competitiveness.

Starting six years later, what kind of "comeback" would it take to make up for the lost time?

Minato Namikaze might be the representative of "comebacks"

However, even though he achieved it, he was the most eye-catching genius among civilians. But if he didn't have the recognition of Jiraiya, his future would have been uncertain.

So, the path for civilians is really narrow, and if you want to bless future generations, you can't do it without the efforts of three generations.

Kakashi also understands this, but there are many things he doesn't understand deeply because he is the son of Sakumo.

But even in the face of Kyomu, Kakashi can still understand him to some extent and comfort him in his own way.

"Call me brother, I'll take you home to meet Dad."

Kakashi's words choked Kyomu a bit. Although it was a good thing, coming from Kakashi's "sarcastic" mouth, it felt different.

"Go away, I feel like calling you uncle is already pretty good." Kyomu pushed Kakashi away. "Remember, once you learn the Shadow Clone Technique, you can't hide it."

"Call me brother."

"Do you want to get beaten up?"

"Little brother, come on, let's fight." Kakashi beckoned to Kyomu. "I happen to be itching for a fight."

~Clang~

The ninja blade on Kyomu's back was unsheathed, and he rushed towards Kakashi in a flash.

The issue of seniority must be clarified. Between him and Kakashi, only one can be the big brother or adoptive father!

~Clang~

The blades of different lengths clashed together as their figures crossed each other, officially beginning their sparring match.

With the shadows of their blades pervading the air and soil flying beneath their feet, not only were they competing in swordsmanship, but their subtle movements during their spare moments didn't stop either.

Shurikens, kunais, unexpectedly appearing from a hidden corner, and simple yet occasionally catching people off guard genjutsu were also occasionally interspersed in their attacking rhythm.

If it were merely a swordsmanship competition, Kyomu and Kakashi would be evenly matched. But when various combat techniques were deployed simultaneously, Kakashi was the one who became flustered.

Kyomu overwhelmed Kakashi with his throwing technique, and even with Kakashi's commonly used C-rank ninjutsu, Kyomu could form seals with one hand, effectively coordinating with his swordsmanship using the "Custom Style." (T/N: I changed the name of his sword art style)

While they were in the midst of their swordplay, a fireball suddenly came at them from behind. Who could withstand that?

Although Kakashi could dodge it, he lost the initiative and could only passively fall into Kyomu's attacking rhythm, gradually falling into a disadvantage.

~Swish~

The sharp tip of the blade pressed against Kakashi's chest, while Kakashi's short knife in his hand, although aimed at Kyomu's neck, was still a short distance away and couldn't reach a vital spot.

Every inch gained makes one stronger, as they say. 

"I concede."

"Who said we were gambling?" Kakashi sheathed his blade. "And do you think you won?"

"Who else?" Kyomu also put away his ninja blade. "If I were a bit more ruthless, I could have pierced you through."

"If I had White Fang in my hand, your head would've rolled already."

"Is that so?" Kyomu raised an eyebrow.

"You understand chakra nature transformation, right? It allows chakra to change its nature, making it gentle while covering any weapon, thereby increasing its power and achieving different tactical objectives."

Kyomu nodded. "That's the principle, but that's just one of the applications of chakra nature transformation."

"But I use it in my Hatake Style Sword Technique, and combined with White Fang, it becomes even more unpredictable." Kakashi gestured at a distance. "Just like a chakra scalpel, although White Fang's blade is short, when infused with chakra... Just now, that slight distance gap could've been filled, even longer than the blade of your ninja blade."

"A chakra blade?" Kyomu immediately understood. "Using the short blade of White Fang to confuse the enemy, and then suddenly using a chakra blade to finish off the enemy? That's pretty sinister!"

"A method that can kill the enemy easily is always a good method. There's no distinction between good or bad methods."

"But you still lost just now."

"I won't lose in the future!" Kakashi gritted his teeth, flushing. "When my father comes back, I'll..."

Kakashi's voice abruptly stopped.

"Is that so?"

At this moment, Kyomu held a kunai covered with a layer of chakra emitting a dazzling yet dangerous white light. It looked magnificent yet perilous.

"How did you do that?!"

"It's nothing, just practice makes perfect." Kyomu dissipated the chakra, looking mysterious and unpredictable. "As long as you practice more and initially grasp chakra nature transformation, it's quite simple."

A sense of frustration suddenly surged in Kakashi's heart as he stared at Kyomu, who was earnestly explaining his insights into practicing chakra nature transformation.

"When did this happen?"

"During the last two days of the month." Aragami Kyomu retracted the kunai and wiped the fine sweat from his forehead. "But it's only a preliminary grasp. It's still quite strenuous to use in combat, and it will take some time before it can be applied in actual combat."

"You're really a monster."

"And aren't you?" Kyomu retorted. "You know quite a few things yourself."

"Just a little less than you." Kakashi grumbled, kicking a twig on the ground away. "I really don't understand how you managed to initially master advanced chakra control in just a month. Don't you ever sleep?!"

Honestly, he hardly sleeps. Training for 23 hours a day. But the passive skill "Rewards of Diligence" has disappeared, so Kyomu naturally denies it.

"How could I not sleep? It's just that people are born different from each other."

"Get lost!"

Kakashi's mood was very bad. He was conflicted, worrying that Kyomu was weaker than him, but also couldn't stand him being stronger than him, and still showing off in front of him.

"You're not worried that I'll surpass you and keep secrets, are you?" Kyomu glanced sideways at Kakashi.

"How could that be! I'm not that kind of person!"

"Then I'm relieved. Don't forget about the Shadow Clone technique, Kakashi-senpai. It's very useful for us."

"I know, I know. Aren't you annoying?" Kakashi rolled his eyes. "You never suffer losses, and you always like to take advantage."

"You can't say that." Kyomu pulled Kakashi to sit down beside a big tree. "Let me tell you about my insights into practicing chakra nature transformation. I guarantee you'll benefit greatly."

"That's about right." Kakashi muttered quietly, then reminded, "No hiding secrets!"

"Hey, buddy, I may not be good at anything else, but I won't hide secrets, especially from friends."

Listening carefully to Kyomu's explanation of his insights into practicing chakra nature transformation, Kakashi gradually calmed down.

Kyomu's intentions, he understand them very well. Of course, he could refuse.

But as Kyomu said, he really doesn't hide secrets, teaching everything with diligence and effort.

At the same time, he didn't hide his selfishness at all, although he put it subtly, his purpose was clear. He wanted to use the lineage of Kakashi and Obito to advance his learning of ninja knowledge and quickly accumulate experience.

But Kakashi didn't dislike it. On the contrary, he found Kyomu to be a very genuine person, couldn't help but want to be friends with him, and was willing to cooperate with his demonstrated intentions.

Obviously, this wasn't just a simple friendship in Kakashi's view, but a deeper bond, like a close friend or confidant.

If combined with the local situation, it could also be called a bond.

But the two of them had only known each other for a little over two months...

Kakashi couldn't help but glance at Kyomu, who was earnestly discussing his insights into practicing chakra nature transformation. "A person who treats others sincerely will inevitably make others treat him sincerely, but if he encounters a villain, the consequences will be serious."

However, immediately after, Kakashi smiled inwardly. "But you've met a good person, Kyomu. As a friend, I won't let you suffer losses."

(End of Chapter)