Chapter 76

The next day,

Facing the Chunin Exams in two days, Sakura was still a little worried. So she went to Kazuki and asked him to give her special training.

At the waterfall in the back mountain, Sakura, dressed in fancy clothes, jumped and danced among the stones, holding the long sword given to her by Kazuki. Amid the noisy sound of the waterfall, the flash of swords filled the air. If you ignored her long hair, wet and twisted together by the waterfall, anyone who saw her would probably say: What a heroic female swordsman!

"Secret Technique: Moon Shadow!"

As Sakura suddenly appeared on the other side of the waterfall and cut off a splash of water, her swordsmanship practice officially ended.

"Kazuki-kun, how did I do?"

With excitement and nervousness, Sakura looked at Kazuki, who was observing her practice.

"It's not bad without a hand, but your swordsmanship is still lacking compared to Sasuke's. You haven't practiced the Dance of the Crescent Moon yet, have you?" Kazuki pointed out Sakura's strengths and weaknesses while helping arrange her messy hair.

"Go back and tie your hair up. Long hair hanging over your shoulders will affect your fighting. In high-action battles, it might block your view."

Sakura nodded obediently, a little embarrassed. "I understand, Kazuki-kun."

"Good. Have you practiced the Shadow Clone Technique?"

"Yes, I have!"

"Alright, now use the Shadow Clones to practice your swordsmanship. Try to cooperate with the two Shadow Clones."

The Dance of the Dance of the Crescent Moon technique isn't too difficult; it relies on excellent swordsmanship, skilled use of Shadow Clones, and coordination with the clones to achieve a 1+1+1 > 3 effect. Combining the sun and moon aspects is the most basic part of this swordsmanship, and it's achievable with the above three conditions.

"I understand, Kazuki-kun!"

Sakura nodded, then separated into two Shadow Clones and began practicing sword skills. However, without a clear understanding of coordination, the three Sakuras looked clumsy as they performed their swordsmanship at the waterfall. Facing an equal-level opponent, Sakura would rely on familiar sword skills, but they were still unpolished.

Seeing this, Kazuki created a Shadow Clone and stepped in between the three Sakuras. "You three, separate first, then attack me from different angles."

Kazuki planned to use this method of guiding attacks to help Sakura and her clones master the coordination skills. Of course, the main focus was Sakura's true body. Once she learned to coordinate her sword skills with the three entities, her future Shadow Clones would naturally adapt.

However, mastering three-person swordsmanship wasn't easy. Furthermore, Sakura's talent with the sword was average, and little progress had been seen in the last two days.

"Take a rest; we'll test your Rasengan training later."

With some time left, Kazuki planned to check on Sakura's Rasengan progress. It was unrealistic to master the Dance of the Three Suns and Moons in just a few days.

Exhausted, Sakura dispelled her two Shadow Clones, put down her sword, and took a deep breath of fresh air. Her sweat and the waterfall's water had soaked her clothes, making them cling to her and highlighting her figure. Compared to the last two days, Sakura had tied up her hair and her expression had grown more determined. The pink hairband held her long hair in place, and even with the water splashing, she maintained a heroic appearance.

In just two days, while Sakura's strength hadn't drastically improved, her temperament had changed significantly. Anyone familiar with Sakura would be surprised by her transformation.

Two minutes later, Sakura, feeling rested, stood up with determination. "I'm ready, Kazuki-kun!"

"Use the Rasengan to attack the rocks in front of you," Kazuki instructed.

Sakura nodded, focusing chakra into her hand while her other hand moved skillfully. After a moment, a spinning chakra ball formed in her palm.

"Ha!"

Sakura shouted, slamming the Rasengan into a large stone. In the next instant, a perfectly circular hole appeared, and a light tap caused the stone to crumble. Although Sakura's sword talent was average, her non-elemental ninjutsu aptitude was promising. Despite the short training time, her Rasengan was improving steadily.

For the upcoming Chunin Exam, Sakura would likely hold her own, provided she avoided ninjas like Gaara, Neji, and Rock Lee, whose abilities far surpassed her own.

Gaara, with his Jonin-level strength, Shukaku's chakra, and healing, would be a daunting challenge. Neji's techniques could easily counter Sakura's Rasengan if she couldn't get close. As for Rock Lee, his reluctance to fight women might give Sakura a chance, but his speed and strength in the Sixth Gate were overwhelming.

"Keep pushing forward. This Chunin Exam shouldn't be too tough for you."

Kazuki adjusted Sakura's outfit and patted her shoulder encouragingly. Although her five elemental talents were average, her Rasengan showed promise. However, without learning senjutsu, further breakthroughs would be challenging.

"Thank you for helping me these past three days, Kazuki-kun."

Kazuki smiled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Think of it as my thanks for always being by my side."

Sakura smiled playfully. "In that case, three days won't be enough!"

"Oh? How long do you want?"

"At least a month!"

"A month? You're trying to kill me!" Kazuki joked.

"If you're tired after just a month, Kazuki-kun, you're too lazy! I don't know how you've trained all these years, being lazier than anyone but stronger than everyone! Even Kakashi-sensei can't beat you!"

"Well, geniuses are just different!"

"Yes, yes. Now, can my genius carry me back to the village? My legs are sore!"

"Fine… just this once. Don't get used to it!"

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+65 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg

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