Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Sakumo said: "Not bad. Any blade technique or swordsmanship, once practiced to a certain level, becomes quite similar. What really matters more is the will of the person wielding it."

"If you ever visit the Land of Iron, you'd understand that the will behind the sword is far more important than technique."

"In fact, Uchiha-style swordsmanship is much more technical than the Hatake blade style."

"If you're not planning to specialize in blade techniques, I'd recommend learning Uchiha-style swordsmanship, especially now that you've unlocked the Sharingan."

Noticing Haneda's interest, Sakumo added, "Of course, if you really want to learn, I can teach you. Kakashi is already learning, so one more student won't be a problem."

"Really? Is that okay, Uncle Sakumo?" Haneda looked up excitedly.

Sakumo nodded slightly and smiled, "If you're willing, of course."

"But before that, I need to test your swordsmanship level."

"Let's go to the training ground. We'll test it quickly and then have dinner."

As he spoke, Sakumo casually glanced at the tree canopy outside the window before returning his gaze to Haneda.

Outside, the four Root operatives spying on Haneda and Sakumo broke into a cold sweat as Sakumo's gaze landed on them.

Watching the three of them leave, they remained motionless, hidden in the trees. Even the captain, Muramasa, hesitated to give an order to follow immediately.

He couldn't be sure if Sakumo would kill them, especially in the isolated training ground...

"Captain, they're moving further away. What should we do?" The masked man with a fox mask whispered.

"Follow them from a distance."

"For the sake of Konoha and Lord Danzo, even if we die, we must gather intel on the relationship between the Uchiha and Sakumo!"

Muramasa gritted his teeth as he spoke.

...

At the Hatake clan training ground, Haneda and the others slowly entered an open area.

"Catch this, Haneda."

Sakumo grabbed two wooden short swords from a wooden rack along the edge and tossed one to Haneda.

The wooden short sword was dark brown, slightly heavy in hand, even heavier than iron swords.

Haneda swung it a few times, twirling it stylishly before sheathing it. The weight felt a bit burdensome, but he guessed it was a training sword specifically designed for the Hatake clan.

Still, it was manageable and wouldn't affect his performance much.

Sakumo observed Haneda's casual movements and quickly noticed the hidden technique behind them.

The technique felt familiar to Sakumo, almost like it came from the same lineage as his own.

He couldn't help but feel that he and Haneda shared a certain connection.

"Kakashi, just watch from the side," Sakumo said softly.

Once Kakashi moved to the edge of the training area, Sakumo focused his gaze on Haneda.

"We'll begin when the coin drops. How about it, Haneda?" Sakumo held up a coin.

Seeing Haneda nod, Sakumo tossed the coin into the air and, at the same time, gripped the short sword at his waist, ready for combat.

"Be careful, Haneda. Even though the short sword is wooden, it will still hurt if it hits," Sakumo reminded him.

"Bring it on, Uncle Sakumo."

Haneda activated his Sharingan, gripping the short sword tightly.

He felt Sakumo's presence rapidly shift, like a beast's aura closing in.

The pressure from this aura made Haneda tense up.

But along with the tension came a surge of excitement. Haneda licked his lips and rushed forward just as the coin hit the ground.

Clang!

The short swords clashed with a heavy sound.

The moment the blades connected, Haneda realized that Sakumo's strength was far greater than his own.

He needed to avoid a direct confrontation and make use of his Sharingan!

Quickly, Haneda pulled back his short sword, jumping back to release the pressure from Sakumo's attack.

While in midair, he didn't waste any time.

Gathering chakra in his short sword, he spun 360 degrees and used the momentum to launch himself at Sakumo again.

The added force from gravity and his spin increased his speed, and in just half a second, Haneda was back in front of Sakumo.

Swish!

The blade sliced through the air, but Sakumo dodged with a quick sidestep.

Haneda had anticipated Sakumo's movement using his Sharingan.

As he landed, Haneda used his smaller size to duck under Sakumo and reappear behind him.

Clang!

This time, Sakumo couldn't dodge as easily and had to turn and block Haneda's attack with the flat side of his short sword.

"Not bad at all, Haneda," Sakumo praised.

But Haneda didn't pay attention to the words. He continued his assault, swinging his sword repeatedly, only to have Sakumo sidestep each attack with ease.

'His speed is too fast. Even though I can see his movements, my body can't keep up…'

Narrowing his eyes, Haneda was thinking of a new strategy when Sakumo moved.

In an instant, Sakumo was at Haneda's right side, swinging his short sword.

Just as the blade touched Haneda's shirt, Sakumo shifted the blade to its dull side.

Sssss...

The wooden sword brushed against Haneda's shirt, making a soft scraping sound.

If Haneda hadn't reacted at the last moment, the sword would've hit him squarely.

He raised his sword and jumped back twice, putting some distance between them.

Breathing heavily, sweat dripped from his chin onto the ground.

'That was close...No, if Uncle Sakumo hadn't switched to the dull side, I'd already be defeated!'

Haneda stared at Sakumo, gripping the sword in his sweaty hands.

Sakumo's strength was overwhelming, and Haneda didn't dare relax for a second.

"Your reactions are quick—perhaps that's the power of the Sharingan," Sakumo said, twirling his short sword before sheathing it.

He lifted his right leg and slowly began to approach Haneda.

With every step, his speed increased, and his aura became sharper and more intimidating.

The intense and terrifying aura made the surroundings eerily quiet; even the sparrows in the trees fell silent.

Gulp

Haneda stared at Sakumo as he approached, unable to stop himself from swallowing nervously.

In that moment, Haneda felt the crushing helplessness that other villages must have felt when facing the infamous "White Fang" of the Leaf.

Sweat trickled down from his forehead, tracing his cheek and falling from his chin.

Haneda watched Sakumo get closer and closer, gripping his short sword, wanting to strike back, but his body wouldn't move—he felt as though he were caught in a genjutsu.

"Face me with the resolve to kill," Sakumo said coldly, raising his sword.

Time seemed to slow down by a factor of ten.

Haneda watched as Sakumo's blade rose from his waist and swung down toward him...

"Ahhh!!"

At that moment, Haneda screamed, raising his short sword to block the incoming strike.

Using the force from the impact, Haneda quickly retreated backward.

Only after putting more than ten meters between them did Haneda stop, raising his short sword as he stared at Sakumo, gasping for breath.

"Let's end it here."

"Being able to face me and raise your weapon shows that you possess a quality most shinobi don't."

Sakumo sheathed his short sword, and his oppressive aura vanished.

***

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