Weapons training

I woke up the following morning, had a light breakfast and went outside to train. I began heading towards a forested training ground in the Sarutobi compound. I started by warming up with a jog around the perimeter of the training ground. I followed that but alternating between push ups, pull ups, crunches, and throwing punches.

The reason I began punching the air was to allow my muscles to get used the strain. I wanted to avoid using chakra for now to increase my base strength.

After an hour I decided to change it up by climbing the biggest tree in the forest. I did this repeatedly climbing up and down until I was tired.

Taking a break I began to think on what weapon to train with. The trench knife was the iconic weapon that Asuma used but I wasn't sure if I wanted to. I didn't think it needed much training, as it was just taijutsu with the addition of a blade. Maybe some type of short sword would be better.

'Yeah that would be best.' I thought. Adding chakra flow allow me to extend the reach of the blade and I could find a way to throw wind slashes as well. A short sword would also allow me to keep a free hand for ninjutsu, and if I learn the enhanced strength from Tsunade I could also punch anyone who got close.

I stood up, seeing it was 9:45 I still had over two hours before training with Tsunade. I went back to my house to look for a sword. 'There has to be something right?' I thought.

Once I reached my home, I entered looking for Yumi. I found her cleaning in the kitchen before asking her, "Yumi? Do you know if we have swords in the house?"

Yumi turned to look at me confused, "Why do you need a sword Young Master?"

"I want to practice with a sword. Do you know if we having short swords that are double edged?"

She looked relieved, "Oh a practice sword, I'm not sure but I can ask Lady Biwako. What are you looking for exactly?"

I began thinking, "I don't have a specific sword in mind, as long as it is a short sword, double edged, and light I'd like to keep a hand free for ninjutsu."

"Ok I'll ask her if we have any or where to look for one." She then went to ask Biwako.

While she went to ask my mom, I began. Looking through the fridge, I got an apple and served myself water to cool down from my earlier training.

She came back a few minutes later with mom, carrying few different short swords.

Mom came up to and showed me the three swords they brought before saying, "Are you sure you want to take on a weapon now? With all the training your doing now your progress won't be as quick."

"I understand mom, but I still three years until I join the academy, not to mention the years I'll spend there will be plenty of time to get a handle on using a sword."

"Alright I'm just making sure you know what you are getting into. The Sarutobi are not known for their sword skills; we primarily use bow staff. We have only three types of short swords in our armory: the Wakizashi, the Tanto, and the Gladius.."

"What can you tell me about them?" I asked.

"The Wakizashi is a blade between 30-60 cm, they were the secondary sword used by Samurai. It is a single edged blade meant for slashing."

"Then there is the Tanto which can be either single or double edged between 15-30 cm. It is meant for stabbing but can also slash."

Next is the Gladius is a double edged blade around 69-85 cm good for both cutting and stabbing"

Thinking about what to choose, I decided to eliminate the Wakizashi as it is single edged. The tanto had all I needed but looked to be on the short side of a short sword, more like a big knife rather than a sword. That leaves me with the Gladius, double edged, good for cutting and stabbing and just under 3 feet a good length even after I grow up.

"I'll take the Gladius, I think it would fit me best." I said.

I went to reach for the sword but my hand was smacked away by my mother.

"You are too young to get a real sword, I only brought them so you can see the choices available. I'll order you a practice sword for the Gladius so you can learn to handle it without injuring yourself."

"So what am I supposed to train in the mean time?" I still have some free time before I go visit big sis for more training." I replied.

She took a scroll from Yumi before unsealing a bow staff, wooden kunai, and shuriken, "I figured you'd be too excited to wait so I brought you this. As a Sarutobi we ask that all clansman at least learn the basics of bow staff, as for kunai and shuriken it is required of all ninja to learn how to use them."

"Now get back to training, also Yumi will be escorting you to hospital for your training later." She rubbed my head before walking back to her office to continue her duties.

Seeing her leave I sighed before grabbing the scroll of practice weapons. I began walking back to the training ground. I decided to start with the bow staff. I began by getting a feel for the weapon. Taking some practice swings looking for what felt most natural.

What I didn't see was Yumi who had followed me to the training ground. She had kept quiet and watched me train at first before making herself known.

"Do you need help?"

My whole body tensed, in surprise I had not felt or seen anyone on my way here. Turning around I relaxed a bit seeing it was Yumi.

"Hey Yumi, what are you doing here?"

"I'm here to help, I may only be a chunin but I do know how to use a staff well. I thought you may like some guidance with it."

I had no idea she was a ninja. But then again I never asked, not even in my memories did I ask Yumi anything about herself. I felt like an ass, I'll have to get to know her better.

"Sure I've been just going by instinct. I'm not sure how to progress" I said.

"Alright then, let's get started." She said with a smile.