Training

Fire, Wind, Water, Earth and Lightning these were the five basic elements the chakra can be transformed into and utilised.

Aside from the basic five there were two other nature transformations that are the source of all non-elemental techniques called yin and yang.

Yin release is based on the imagination and spiritual energy of a shinobi and Yang release is based on the vitality and physical energy of a shinobi.

Depending on their affinity with an element the shinobi would choose to learn and specialise in techniques on said element since learning techniques of that element would be faster and more effective for them.

All the techniques related to genjutsu fell under the chakra transformation of Yin release that the members of the Kurama clan were born with, especially Rei who had the Kekkei Genkai of his clan. Rei thought that since his Kekkei Genkai affected the physical world he might even have the affinity for Yang release.

Genjutsu was a highly advanced mental jutsu and learning and mastering it was particularly difficult, it not only required a high intelligence it also needed the user to be proficient in chakra control. The user needed to be very good with different types of chakra shape manipulation in addition to the nature transformation.

Although Rei was very good at chakra control compared to the kids his age he was nowhere ready to start using genjutsu since he hadn't even begun learning chakra shape manipulation.

Although Rei had a pretty good amount of chakra he couldn't utilise all of it due to his bloodline limit, it was a little funny to Rei because his Kekkei Genkai was the only reason for that large amount of chakra.

It was very frustrating for Rei seeing all that chakra just sitting there and going to waste.

What he needed right now was time and a good amount of practice.

Rei laughed drily as he closed his eyes and began manipulating his chakra.

.....

A few months passed in the blink of an eye.

In these few months shinobi of Konoha got busy as the amount of missions the ninja had to do increased. Many shinobi would return to the village injured from their mission, there were rumours going around the village that they were about to go to a war.

The atmosphere of the village also started turning a bit serious and solemn as they knew the consequences of a war, deaths and more deaths.

It hadn't been long since the second shinobi war had come to a conclusion and many had lost their lives.

Only the kids could be seen laughing and playing around the village, free from the worries of life.

...

Hatake residence

In the garden behind the residence of Kakashi Hatake sounds of sword striking could be heard.

*Swoosh*

Kakashi tilted his head sideways as a sword zoomed past his chin. Before he could relax a small cut appeared on his mask surprising and confusing Kakashi.

'Did I not dodge it completely?'

The sword continued moving as it changed its direction towards his head.

Kakashi brought his sword in time to block the incoming attack.

*tang*

He slid a few steps back due to the power behind the strike.

"Don't be distracted by the sword Kakashi and focus on your opponent as well."

Kakashi nodded as he jumped back increasing the distance between them with sweat dripping down his face, he needed to catch his breath since he was too tired after the exchange.

As Sakumo Hatake tried to chase after him a sword cut through the air as it made its way towards his neck.

"Nice try."

Sakumo commented as he easily deflected the sword making the owner lose balance and falter in his steps.

"But remember kid, Never lose your balance."

*Swoosh* *tang* *tang*

Sakumo continued to attack the owner of sword from different angles, his strikes connected with each other smoothly like flowing water and his speed was fast like lightning strikes.

'Shit! he is too strong.'

Black hair and red eyes this kid was none other than Rei Kurama.

Rei blocked another swing from Sakumo, his hand trembled under the strength of that strike and his body flew like a kite cut off from its string.

*thud*

He fell to the ground on his back and his body slid a few meters before he finally came to a halt.

Sweat dripped down his face and his hands trembled nonstop.

"Keep in mind kids although strength and technique are important, never forget the importance of balance and focus in a fight, especially when you are fighting with your sword in a melle battle." Sakumo sheathed his sword as he lectured the kids in a strict but gentle tone.

He was quite happy with how fast they learnt, although he had known that his son Kakashi was quite a genius, this boy Rei Kurama was just as good as him if not better, he was more than happy to train him from time to time along with Kakashi.

Sakumo Hatake, known throughout the shinobi world with the nickname of The White Fang. He was not a short sighted man, he was not someone that would keep his teachings only to his son, he had dedicated his life to his village and its people and for the future of Konoha he would happily spread his knowledge and techniques, it was just that not many people could handle his teaching methods.

But these two kids were different, they had the drive to learn and improve no matter how harsh his training was. He couldn't help but smile with pride as looked at the two boys.

"Kakashi and Rei, the village is going through some tough times right now and it needs every capable shinobi they have, you two need to train hard for the future of our village."

He smiled as he patted their heads.

The two kids nodded their head at his gentle tone.

After giving the two kids some advice on how to improve he got ready as he left the house for a long mission.

Rei looked at the sturdy back of the White fang who had given his everything to the village with an unknown emotion in his eyes.

Although Rei agreed that they had to protect the village, because without it life would be too harsh, such level of dedication could end up becoming poison for such a man.

"Are you okay."

Kakashi asked as he walked towards Rei.

Rei had a few injuries and his entire body was numb after the fight but mostly he was just tired as he lay there for a while not moving an inch.

Kakashi wasn't in any better condition but at least he was able to walk.

"I would like to think so." Rei joked in a low voice but he was too tired to laugh right now.

Kakashi nodded and smiled lightly under his mask.

Kakashi had always trained alone or with his father but when he saw how bad Rei the academy genius was with his sword he couldn't help but feel pity and he invited Rei to train with him and his father, although he did that for Rei he was starting to have fun after having sparring partner as well. His techniques also improved much more quickly than before as he sparred with Rei.

He thought that Rei really was a genius as in just a few months he had almost caught up to him.

Although Kakashi was being very generous with his thoughts Rei really had improved alot in these past few months as he trained with Sakumo and Kakashi with Kenjutsu.

When Rei started training his genjutsu he also trained his body and other skills simultaneously. In addition to genjutsu he had also started learning fuinjutsu from Minato whenever he was available. He was pretty happy with his progress in both genjutsu and fuinjutsu but he was really bad with the sword since he had never properly used a sword before.

When Kakashi invited him to train 3 months ago he joyfully accepted his offer and he was really glad that he did.

With his constant sparring with Kakashi and the guidance of the White Fang he had improved tremendously in his Kenjutsu.

"Wait didn't you say you were going to graduate from the academy Kakashi." Rei looked at Kakashi as he suddenly remembered something.

"Yes tomorrow" Kakashi nodded his head with a plain look, it didn't seem like he was nervous at all from his expression.

It had almost been a year since Kakashi started the academy, he would have been the youngest kid to graduate if not for the appearance of Rei.

"Hehe Congratulations in advance then." Rei laughed lightly as patted him on his back.

"Hmm thanks" Kakashi smiled his eyes steady as looked forward to getting his ninja headband tomorrow.