Chapter 4 : Sensei

I have been too arrogant, as Tsunade put it.

"You have been too arrogant."

That was the opening statement of my sensei, Kagami Uchiha, as soon as we assembled in the uchiha training ground for the first meeting of team 9.

I am still puzzled by why he took Hiruko as a student. Could it be because of my recommendation? As if.

Sure, Hiruko would one day create chimera jutsu that can gain the Kekai Genkai of others.

But, Hiruko of the present is an average civilian orphan who got by in the academy because of luck.

BOOM

What the fuck?

I was sent flying and smashed into a tree. It was the pain radiating from my stomach that made me realize that Kagami Uchiha kicked me, and I didn't even notice it.

"Listen, kid. You look down on people. Usually, it is a tendency of strong, but in your case, it might be because of those Inuzuka instincts. You need to control them or you will keep losing control of them. As for your skill set, I am going to say that I am impressed- A fire nature ninjutsu, acceptable Taijutsu, impressive medical Jutsu and your ninken which is trained in Genjutsu. With such a versatile skill set, the only reason you lost against the Senju brat is because you never fought against equals or those stronger than you. No offense to your clan, but it might be tough to find kids matching you in there."

He then turned to Orochimaru and said, "You have skill in every single shinobi art, which also means you didn't master a single one and, hence, you are mediocre. Still, I must say you have phenomenal talent in Ninjutsu to master wind nature at such a young age."

As expected of Orochimaru, he mastered a chakra nature at such a young age.

However, the thrashing of our egos didn't end. Kagami sensei bluntly said to Hiruko, "I took you as a student based on whim and as a suggestion from Kiri. So, I hope you work hard."

I could see Hiruko clenching his fists in humiliation and anger. Even if it's true, nobody wants to be told to their face that they are useless.

"Alright, now. I am going to make you guys see how pathetic you are and help you as a teacher."

As soon as his words were completed, his pupil turned into Sharingan with three tomoe which looked straight into my eyes.

SHIT

useless

death

Tsukuyomi

WHOOF

NO, Naru SASU

Crack CRACK

The warmth of Sasu's chakra made me come out of the Genjutsu.

BARFFFFF

I vomited the food I ate that day. Frankly speaking, the genjutsu used on me was no Mangekyou Genjutsu; it was a simple B- genjutsu powered by Sharingan, Nightmare glimpse.

'Master,'

I felt myself coming down in a second at this feeling. I looked up to see Sasu staring at me, licking my clenched fists that are bleeding from my claws, digging into my palms.

There is at least one good thing that came out of it. I believe I have grown close to my ninken again. It seems losing my ninken is also one of my greatest Nightmare.

I looked up to see Orochimaru and Hiruko still as a statue, with a sharingan reflected in their pupils.

Meanwhile, I saw that Kagami Uchiha is busy on slurping his noodles.

BURP

After he completed burping, I felt every idea of the cool Uchiha shinobi I built about him die in my brain.

He took out 5 kunai and dipped his fingers into each hole of the kunai. "Hmm, these should do."

With a wave of his hand, all five kunai flew in different direction. One of them hit the stone on the ground and deflected on the path of another Kunai, where it hit the other Kunai.

CLANG CLANG CLANG

In a dizzy array of things, the Kunai made of a network of movements around the clearing. No, the freaky thing is they are gaining speed. How the fuck does that happen?

AI, start combat help.

[Loading.

Processing the data from Host's senses- Sight, smell, Hearing, Temp]

[Mind map created.]

According to the mind map, I found the trajectory of the speeding Kunai increasing until they all hit at the same point and come at me, Orochimaru, Hiruko, Naru and Saru, at the speed and strength of A-rank Jutsu.

Are you kidding me?

I wanted to dodge but the kicks Kagami gave me made me and my ninken sitting ducks.

I immediately took out a set of Kunai and sent an as many as I can on the path of Kagami-sensei's Kunai.

"Ho."

CLANG CLANG CLANG

The deflection worked somewhat with the kunai missing Orochimaru by a foot, Hiruko by a foot, Naru and Sasu by a hairbreadth, and me drawing a slight drop of blood on my neck.

Why do I feel all of this is under Kagami's control? Even my deflection.

I weaved through the signs and used "Fire Style : Smoker ash."

The D-rank fire jutsu, gave out of low flame on the ground in front me, making the half burned grass give out smoke which hide me from his vision.

"Heh! A fire ring that obscures my vision, but a weak Jutsu like this won't last long and disappear."

The answer to his taunt came as a triple fold: Fang Passing Fang [B], heading directly at him.

CRUNCH

BOOM

CRUNCH

The terrain was torn apart by our cooperative Jutsu, following the dodging Kagami.

As he jumped over Sasu's fang, He asked me, "When did you mark me? I have been keeping a track of everything you brought with you, and I am definitely sure I didn't step on your ninken's poop or urine."

It was tough to sense without a stable foothold to disperse the chakra, but it is not for me.

[Inuzuka: Wild sense [B-rank], a supplementary sensing jutsu that enhances the inuzuka senses and also combines with the principles of finger sense by dispersing chakra from the highly conductive inuzuka claws.]

Kagami's sharingan rotated as he ducked under Naru. "I see the waves of Chakra dispersing from your claws on your limbs. Every step and every punch you make will give you an echo of your chakra sensing. But, when combined with a highly rotating jutsu like passing fang, it would eve give you a Hyūga's 360 degree vision. Such a masterful Jutsu."

I don't know which is scary, the part where he dissected the Jutsu that took me an entire year to make with my AI or the fact there is an entire clan filled with people like him.

I crushed the foul smelling capsule stored in my mouth, Signalling Naru and Sasu to 'Ambush'. The moment Naru and Sasu smelled the foul smell, they went for Kagami, both from above and below.

Kagami tucked his arms and legs and made a twirling roll in midair, as if he were a ballet dancer. It was at this moment that I rushed in for the win.

Kagami calmly looked at my incoming attack and blew out his cheeks as if he was making a raspberry.

It was at this moment I noticed that his lungs have expanded beyond physically possible, "Wind Style: Whirlwind [A] "

I felt the experience of victims who got caught up in tornados and whirlwinds.

No matter how much chakra I consume and how much I rotate my body, the wind kept coming on and on until I was sent flying into the sky.

I believe I flew a dozen meters when I saw a familiar kick sending me back to the ground.

"AGH,"

After that, Kagami landed on his seat- my chest.

"Well, Kid. You are strong, but unfortunately you couldn't use all this wonderful Jutsu in that fight with the Senju girl. It means one thing- you are shit at controlling the battle rhythm. Another thing to work on. Don't worry, I will keep attacking you day and night until you get used to battling. Though, I am curious. What the fuck did you do to piss off that girl? I mean, she rather broke her arm than lose to you."

Before, I thought it might do with the Funeral of parents but now I am not so sure. So, I reacted like any kid would. Spit on his face.

I could see the veins on agami's temple bulge from his anger. Good.

Kagami stood up and lift me up by throat, asked me while drowning me in his killing intent, "Kid, do you wanna die?"

I couldn't answer him because his grip was squeezing the air out of my lungs. So, I nodded to show my answer.

My action made confused him, and that was the moment I was waiting for.

"Co-operative Jutsu: Gale + Fire bomb"

Orochimaru's Gale Palm was rushing toward me and Kagami, joined by Hiruko's Fireball Jutsu from behind.

Gritting my teeth and bracing myself for another week of bed rest, I quickly wrapped my arms around Kagami's hand and neck. I placed him in a chokehold, determined to stop him from escaping the approaching attack.

It was at this point that the fire Jutsu contacted the Gale palm and exploded.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM

I was expecting pain or even a complete coma, instead I was a dozen of meters away on a tree, tied up by Kagami.

I turned around to see that Orochimaru, Hiruko, and my Ninken were being crushed into the ground by Kagami's shadow clone.

It didn't even take a minute for the clone to tie them up and bring them towards us.

The original Kagami who again took a seat on me flicked two Kunai that moved through the air like a dancing snake and my shadow clone dispelled.

POOOF

I was hit with the memories of my shadow clone awakening my teammates from the genjutsu and planning the attack.

SIGH

Now, I really have nothing to throw at Kagami. We lost so splendidly that Kakashi's test for team 7 looked better than ours.

Well, not may be team 7.

CLAP CLAP

I turned towards Kagami, who was looking at us like a critic, "To be blunt, you guys might look like a genius to the average shinobi. To me or any other shinobi that is worth its salt, all skills and chakra are just above average."

That was blunt, but the truth. Sakumo and Tsunade need no explanation, but even Jiraiya has 3 times my chakra, almost on the verge of having Jonin reserves.

However, a wide battle maniac grin appeared on Kagami that felt eerily familiar to me. "You guys are genius. I know it with all my heart."

The sudden compliment was surprising.

"My statement might seem like contradicting my previous words, but it is not. You look above average to most of the shinobi, but I can see with my eyes,"

Pointing at his sharingan, he said, "You guys have tons of potential. Everyone single one of you is incredibly talented in Ninjutsu. The fact you could do co-operative jutsu on the fly is incredible, even I took days of training before doing that. Hahaha, Hiruzen is going to regret passing on you. But it is not the only thing that shines on you guys. Before I can proceed, let me give you my suggestions."

"Hiruko, you are good at fire style and even led the co-operative jutsu. You have a lot of talent in that regard. I have one aim for you to keep your Taijutsu acceptable and master 3 Chakra natures in the next 5 years."

"Orochimaru, you mastered wind style, and it proves your ninjutsu talent. But, I see even bigger potential in your taijutsu style. Especially that incredible flexibility, it makes even an uchiha like me envious, If it was anyone else even if it is my teacher, they could at best push your Taijutsu to level that accompany you till Jonin but me, I can guarantee you I can help you make a Taijutsu style that accompany you all your life. Though we might have to make a few ninjutsu to accompany it."

When Kagami Sensei said that, I instantly thought of the Snake Sannin, who could spit out thousands of snakes and shed his skin like one. I always believed Hiruzen was the best teacher of our time, but now it seemed like he had some competition. I looked at Kagami, eager to hear what improvements he had in mind. But when he spoke next, my heart sank. "Kid, you got your work cut out for you. As for as I can see, you are a mess."

Frankly, that was not what I was expecting. I mean, I had been proud of myself for pushing Tsunade to the limits, but this kind of remark made me angry beyond words.

"You are talented in Genjutsu. As an uchiha, I can say this with full confidence. But, you didn't use a single genjutsu, instead relying on your Ninken. Sure, the ninken will fill your defects, but genjutsu is not your defect, instead it is your strength."

I couldn't help but say, "You don't understand, Sasu is really talented in Genjutsu. Both of us focusing on Genjutsu rather than aiming for all- round skill set as team is better."

After all, one's time is limited.

Kagami scoffed at my answer and said, "No. Having a balanced skill set is good, but it doesn't matter if you are weak and pathetic. No matter how well balanced a team of genin is, in front of a Jonin, they are animals being raised for slaughter."

I felt angry, but it cooled down with some thought. The spar with Tsunade was the best example. She focused completely on Taijutsu, complemented by her earth style. She used them to defeat me. The humiliating point is that I couldn't get all of my Skillset, unlike now.

Perhaps seeing my downcast mood, Kagami lifted my mood by complimenting me, " As far as Ninjutsu is concerned, I am happy about your progress. Though you didn't master fire nature, you have made no mistakes in your usage. I must say, it is quite impressive."

I felt even more depressed at this remark. Because the solid foundation in Ninjutsu was because of the help of my AI, which compiled all the data from me in real time and processed it with the knowledge from the clan library.

Just as I felt good about Kagami-sensei, he crushed any good impression on him, "However, you are talent in Taijutsu can be called complete shit."

"Is that a joke? It's not even funny."

GROWL GRRHHHH

Naru and Sasu crouched near me, ready to leap at Kagami for insulting my Taijutsu. Inuzuka Taijutsu is the foundation of the Inuzuka-Ninken teamwork Jutsu. It shows the strong bond I share with my Ninken, Naru and Sasu.

According to my data and AI's prediction, Inuzuka Taijutsu will help the chakra paths of me and my ninken sync, essentially paving the way for Human-beast transformation.

Kagami jumped at me with a very familiar taijutsu form. His finger acting like a claw came at my throat. I instinctively lifted my hand to stop the attack. It felt weak.

His left leg going for a sweep, seeing which I jumped, but it left me vulnerable in mid-air. Kagami used the chance like a true shinobi and threw a Kunai.

SWISH

With each new gash on my face, a realization washed over me.

"In this brief confrontation, I used your taijutsu form and matched my speed, strength and attack habits similar to you. You agree with that, right?"

I nodded .

"Taijutsu is the only field in the world where hard work is the only limit. But even it is not escaped by the word called 'talent'. Talent in Taijutsu determines how fast you progress in it. By progress, I don't mean the physique but the use of taijutsu in battle. In that, you are useless. Your current Taijutsu skills, rather than from talent, come from your hard work. Unfortunately, you never noticed it till now. I am sure if you put the same effort into Ninjutsu, you would have mastered fire nature like Orochimaru."

I wonder if knowing something like this supposed to hurt like this. That all the time and effort you invested over the years is pure stupidity. For what? Because I wasn't lucky enough to choose the right part. How can one even quantify talent? No matter how much knowledge I cram into my AI database, It can't find a to quantify talent.

AI, find my Taijutsu talent.

[Processing the data…..

Error.

Data insufficient.]

AI, find the rate of growth in my body.

[Processing….

Height: 3cm per year

Weight: 4 kg per year]

SNORT

I was initially thankful for not having a family in this life, knowing how volatile this world is, but I am seeing the disadvantages now. If I had been a member of the main family like Kiro or Tsume, the instructors would have noticed my lack of talent in Taijutsu.

"HAHAHA, now that I think about it, the assholes in the clan noticed my lack of talent in Taijutsu. That's why they were so semi-cold with me. For an inuzuka, it might be the biggest insult, second only to rejecting a ninken."

Kagami didn't care about my feelings. He just kept going on about how weak I was. "What about your Ninken? Why don't you teach them Ninjutsu?"

I said, "It's not my fault! When we train the ninken, their chakra changes. If we use the Human Beast transformation, the different chakra might cause issues."

"Hmm, what's with you inuzuka's fixation with combining with your ninken? I don't get it. Looking at your expression, it doesn't seem to be something you can change."

Of course, you can't change. The human beast combination is the centre and base of the inuzuka clan, the path that is laid and closest to S-rank. I am sure, if I and my ninken attain Jonin level and do the combination jutsu, then we will reach S-rank.

"Hmm, I remember a rare few ninken using ninjutsu. What about them?"

I thought back to the few rare instances in which a ninken used ninjutsu of the elemental type. Just like summoning animals.

"They are ninken who lost their partner or those rare ninken whose chakra nature is the same as their partner. In the second case, the Human Beast transformation only occurs when the both of the pair use their mastery at chakra nature to avoid the rejection."

Kagami nodded at that logic and said, "Then train your ninken in their Chakra Nature. Do you know their chakra nature?"

I shook my head and said, "Ninken doesn't have any specific preference in Chakra Nature. Why is it like that, is a mystery to me?"

It is for that reason that Ninken doesn't delve into ninjutsu; they have to put twice the effort for half the result in their nature transformation.

That, coupled with my need to master the same chakra nature, it consumes too much time.

Kagami took out a kunai that immediately made me flinch.

Hey, I am innocent because every time he took out a kunai; he stabbed me.

"Don't worry, I will not stab you."

Asshole.

I watched as he wrote the kanji for fire and an arrow to devour the wind, then lightning, then earth and finally water. Completing the circle of 5 elements and their relations.

"As you are telling me, to perform the human beast transformation with a ninken who uses ninjutsu, you must also master the same chakra nature to balance the chakra nature. It was at this point that me remember the lesson my sensei given me about his research."

Tobirama's research.

Fuck, I believe I have a hard-on at the thought of it.

Even Orochimaru and Hiruko came beside me and shown their full interest in the conversation.

"So, do you wanna know it, kids?"

The teasing expression on Kagami's face made me realize what he wants.

"Yes, Kagami-sensei"

A broad smile grew on his face.

"Good, you see, most of the shinobi can't master over 3 chakra natures because the changes in the chakra network make it impossible to learn the next chakra nature. So, my teacher decided he will do the impossible and found the ideal way. He followed the circle and mastered them all. Using the fire chakra to balance the wind, using the wind to balance the lightning, so on."

"I understand it somewhat. For example, when I learn the wind nature, my chakra network might not bear the strain, so at that point I must stop that training and fall back to Fire nature for some time, to allow my chakra network to adapt."

CLAP CLAP

Kagami murmured, "That's right, at least his training in medical ninjutsu paid off."

I could see his derisive feelings on medic nin. In fact, it was something that is held by most shinobi. Because people who choose this path are people who are afraid of the battle. At least, my inuzuka wildness shows that my case is contrary to that. After all, an inuzuka thrives in battle.

I shook my head out of these thoughts and focused on my future.

I need to learn about wind and lightning. Meanwhile, Naru and Sasu have two choices: Earth and Water. I looked at them, both with their cute eyes, and felt unsure. I scratched my head in confusion. So, I let them choose.

"Naru, Sasu."

"Woof! Woof!"

"What element do you want?"

Sasu thought for a moment and then jumped into the Earth circle. It required the least movement. Naru wagged his tail happily and jumped into the Water, not caring that Sasu took his spot first.

"Okay!"

I'm still puzzled by Naru's choices even now.

I sighed, frustrated by the mess my training plan had become.

Looking around, I noticed that Orochimaru and Hiruko were already busy training with Kagami-sensei, leaving me to my thoughts.

Normally, I would have practiced Taijutsu but I couldn't bother to anymore. I could always go for the route of spamming Ninjutsu, but it wastes the inuzuka physique and instincts.

No, I am face to face, frontline combatant.

So, that leaves only one path. A weapon. Staff or the other kinds are useless. Considering the sheer amount of Kenjutsu styles in availability, I should choose the sword. However, which kind is whole another question?

I have to train in multiple chakra natures, genjutsu and even form a new Kenjutsu style, preferably referencing the inuzuka taijutsu.

"So, what do you want me to do about it? "

I felt my eyebrows twitch at Kagami's cold answer. Sure, Jonin guides their team, but it's just that. They guide the team like Kagami did right now. Teaching and sparring are fine, but they are not under any obligation to teach them all their skills or ninjutsu.

"Sensei, you told me I should find an alternative to my taijutsu. So, I choose Kenjutsu. But, to make use of my advantages, I want to make a new Kenjutsu style based on Inuzuka Taijutsu. So, I need reference materials."

"Like I said, kid, what do you want me to do about it?"

I held back my annoyance at Kagami and said, "The Uchiha has piles of scrolls with all kinds of shinobi techniques. I thought you could help me find some references. You know how the Inuzuka clan is about anything besides their cooperation, jutsu."

"Tough luck, kid. The world is not such a kind place. Even if you are my apprentice, it would be a big if for me to give you such knowledge. Training you is all I can do."

Finally, he got to the point I was aiming for. "That's right, sensei. That's why I am hoping for a trade."

Kagami grew serious for the first time today and said, "Listen, kid. Handing over clan Jutsu is a death crime that not even the Hokage can waive."

I nodded in acceptance and said, "That's why I hope to trade with you myself-created ninjutsu."

I took at the tanto I borrowed from Hiruko and weaved the signs for the 1st ninjutsu I created, "Lighting Style: Piercing Sword"

Reminiscent of Sakumo, the lightening chakra I converted gathered on to the tanto and I waved the piercing tip on the tree, cutting it cleanly.

THUCK

Seeing the fallen tree, Kagami gave a low whistle and asked me, "Why does this feel like that Hatake brat's Kenjutsu?"

I smiled and said, "It's because his Kenjutsu was based on this ninjutsu. He hired me to make it in exchange for the knowledge on Lightning chakra training of the Hatake clan."

Of course, I even got a few basic forms of Hatake Kenjutsu style. But that's all.

"How in the hell did that kid even convince his clan? No, in fact, why did he even believe you can do something like that?"

I could hear them. No, I could feel them. His respect, surprise and curiosity.

My smile grew feral.

"It is a secret."

Kagami grew angry at my teasing, but soon started thinking about my proposal.

He sighed and took out a red scroll, the official documentation of Konoha, and started writing various terms and conditions.

"Considering you already did this with the Sakumo kid, you must have an idea about this agreement, right?"

I nodded and said, "The offense of breaking this agreement is only below the offense of slashing one's headband."

"Good."

"Hear my conditions as the elder of the Uchiha clan.

1. You will be given access to the Uchiha clan's reserves of Kenjutsu styles, but make note they are not to be shared with anyone, including your children.

2. Henceforth, a copy of all the Kenjutsu knowledge you salvage on the battlefield will be given to the Uchiha clan.

3. You will take an Uchiha apprentice.

4. You must give the Uchiha clan 1 A-rank or 3 B-rank Ninjutsu, not found in its reserves."

There was a glaring thing I noticed in his words. It was not even about the price. In fact, the price is cheap when compared to the large reserves of Kenjutsu styles the Uchiha collected over the years with their Sharingan. I wouldn't be surprised if I even find Kenjutsu styles of Kirigakure or Kumo in them.

"What are you thinking about, kid? This is the best I could do as an elder. If you want more, marry into my clan."

I shook my head and said, "The condition number 4, I will fulfil it through the apprentice. Only through him. My apprentice will be held back by the same condition as 1, meaning he will be the only one who can learn it."

I could see Kagami thinking for a while and nodding, "Sure, but the number of apprentices should be changed to 3."

This was the glaring thing I noticed. Kagami uchiha is an elder with power in the vast Uchiha clan. It means only one thing; he has already awoken the Mangekyou sharingan.

"So, Kid shall we get to the signing?"

I nodded.

"Yes, Kagami-sensei."

He hummed and said, "Kid, there is another suggestion from my side. Please change your tells. You address me as sensei when you like me or my decisions. If you don't, I am sure you are spitting out my name directly. It is far too noticeable to my eyes."

AI, did I call out his name directly in this conversation?

[Processing….

Negative.]

Then, how the fuck did this guy know what I thought in the safety of my mind?