Chapter 14: Training Makito

(Hijiri): "First thing for our training I will show you a demonstration. That's to prove to you that it is possible to use one's hands like a sword. Watch: this is the first step of the technique: the Chakra Scalpel"

Hijiri activated without hand-seals the Chakra Scalpel technique. His hands were surrounded by a blue film of chakra.

(Hijiri): "And if you add more chakra and have enough control you can complete the second step: the Chakra Blades ."

The chakra around his hands elongated and formed two 50 cm blue blades.

(Hijiri): "There is a third step but for today's demonstration this is enough. As for effectiveness…"

Hijiri swung his Chakra Blade to one of the scarecrows and it cut it in half like it wasn't even there.

(Makito): "Wow. It's as sharp as Father's White Light Chakra Sabre! I want to learn"

(Hijiri): "Good first thing tree climbing."

(Makito): ???

(Hijiri): "Watch"

Hijiri proceeded by walking up a tree like it was flat ground. 

(Makito): "Cool. How do you do it? Isn't it a ninja skill? And how does it help me with the chakra blade?"

(Hijiri): "You concentrate chakra to the sole of your feet to climb. It is a normal chakra skill. And it will help with your chakra control: too little you slip, too much and the bark explodes. Now, go!"

The training proceeded for two weeks, where Makito learned to climb on trees and to stand on water like it was solid ground. Humi was always a little away, observing the training.

Hijiri thought: 'This kid has talent.'

(Hijiri): "Ok. I have decided. I won't teach you the Chakra Scalpel."

(Makito): " But… Why? I am not good enough?"

(Hijiri): "Nothing of the sort. I have decided to instead teach you a way to cover short distances instantly: it's called Body Flicker."

(Makito): "Yay!"

(Hijiri): "This technique requires the Tiger hand-seal to perform, but if you are proficient enough you will be able to omit it."

It took a week for Makito to be able to barely use it. And another to sometimes be able to adjust the distance. On the final day of the second week, Makito's father returned.

Makito and Hijiri were on the training field. On the ground, were drawn various circles and Makito's objective was to successfully start his movement from one circle and finish it in another. They were in the midst of the training when Hijiri sensed an unfamiliar presence making his way over.

After a while the figure appeared: it was a man with long, spiky, white hair tied with a red string. He wore samurai armor, a katana to his waist, and a tanto on his back.

(Makito): "Dad!"

Makito's father acknowledged him with a nod and then put himself between him and Hijiri.

"My name is Karakesh Hatake. Thanks for taking care of my son. But now that I am here there is no longer a need for your teachings, you can go."

(Makito): "Dad, you're being rude."

(Karakesh): "Silence Makito, the adults are talking."

(Hijiri): "I think that he makes a good point though. Why the obvious hostility?"

(Karakesh): "I simply don't trust you, ninja. Whatever the objective of your intrusion in my home is I won't allow my son to be part of your machinations."

(Hijiri): "Well you found out I am a ninja. Nothing strange since I didn't really hide it much. But I assure you that there are no machinations. This was my first time outside my clan and, when I heard about a samurai clan, I decided to come over to see it. About your son, I gave him simple exercises to train his chakra control and I found out that he is quite talented. Now I am teaching him the body flicker technique which should easily function well together with swordsmanship. Even with two swords if he learns to do it without hand signs."

Karakesh gave his son a look to which he responded with a nod.

Karakesh put anyway his hand on the hilt of his sword and asked: "How is it possible that this is the first time exiting the clan given your age?"

Hijiri, remembering that he still had his transformation on to disguise himself, undid his transformation except for the eyes: "This is my true body."

Karakesh's expression eased a bit seeing a 12-year-old boy and then said: "I will give you the benefit of the doubt. Now that I really see you my instincts tell me that you are very strong. I don't think someone like you has to resort to trickery in a small clan like mine. Though I am afraid I still have to ask you to leave."

(Hijiri): "Fine. It's time that I continue my journey anyway. Makito, don't forget to continue practicing. We will meet again."

(Makito): "Bye, teacher!"