bookbashuk Chapter 32 The Teachings of Hatake Sakumo
Chapter 32 The Teachings of Hatake Sakumo
Sakumo Hatake always cared about his son, so he kept a close eye on Kakashi's teammates and classmates.
Kyosuke, in particular, performed exceptionally well in every aspect as Kakashi's classmate and teammate, earning praise from many Jonin. Minato Namikaze, in particular, remarked during a conversation that Kyosuke was a genius on par with Kakashi.
Although Guy was unknown, Sakumo Hatake knew that Guy, like his father Might Guy, had the heart of a strongman and would surely shine brightly in the future.
Sakumo Hatake was very pleased that Kakashi could get along well with them, so he readily agreed to their request.
Thus, Kakashi could only reluctantly fight Guy with his dead fish eyes, while Sakumo Hatake instructed Kyosuke on swordsmanship.
Watching Kakashi lead Gai away into the distance, Kyosuke hesitated for a moment before deciding to confess.
"Uncle, actually, it was Minato-sensei who sent us this time. He was worried that Kakashi might be in a bad mood lately."
Hearing Kyosuke's words, Hatake Sakumo showed no surprise. He had experienced too many ups and downs and had long anticipated this possibility, so he simply nodded.
"Minato Namikaze was a great ninja and a great teacher, and you are a great comrade. Don't think about these trivial matters, just focus on your training."
Sakumo Hatake stood in the courtyard and took out a short sword.
"Let me see your strength first."
Kyosuke nodded, drew his short sword, and observed Sakumo Hatake.
Hatake Sakumo stood ramrod straight, his muscles relaxed, his gaze calm. If it weren't for the sharp short sword in his hand, one would never guess he was an extremely powerful ninja.
After observing for a moment, Kyosuke couldn't find any flaws in his opponent's defenses. He wasn't disappointed, though. He pushed off with his feet and charged forward, raising his sword to slash.
Kyosuke knew that he was far inferior to Hatake Sakumo in terms of swordsmanship, so he abandoned fancy techniques and attacked with the fastest speed and strongest power, hoping it would have some effect.
Sakumo Hatake's lips curled up, clearly seeing through Kyosuke's thoughts. He decided to grant Kyosuke's wish, abandoning many moves that could easily win, and raised his sword with his right hand to take the hit head-on.
The two swords clashed, producing a piercing sound.
"what!"
Kyosuke roared, his muscles tensed, veins bulging on his forehead, and he used all his strength, but the short sword remained suspended in mid-air, unable to advance an inch.
"Good speed, good strength, and good choice of attack method, but the swordsmanship is too poor."
Hatake Shigesaku easily deflected Kyosuke's attack by raising his sword with only his right hand, and then gave an objective evaluation.
This is just the beginning!
Kyosuke's fighting spirit was ignited. He took a step back to catch his breath, and then continued his attack.
This time, Kyosuke's attacks were full of flexibility: downward slashes, upward thrusts, straight stabs, sweeping attacks, and light skimming attacks, like a nimble butterfly dancing around Sakumo Hatake.
However, this is a deadly butterfly; each flap of its wings can easily kill its enemies.
Kyosuke's swordsmanship lacks a systematic approach. He learned samurai swordsmanship from Kiichiro, assassination techniques from Ooka Shin, and some Kirigakure swordsmanship from Yamori. Kyosuke also practiced a few swordsmanship books through Namikaze Minato, resulting in a very diverse and complex style of swordsmanship.
Fortunately, Kyosuke's goal was clear: to kill.
He combined what he had learned with his own experience in killing, eliminating the less practical and unsuitable moves, leaving only the commonly used, sharp, and swift moves that could kill quickly.
Therefore, Kyosuke's swordsmanship is not flashy, but it is deadly, and he has begun to develop his own style.
In just a few dozen seconds, Kyosuke had already swung his sword dozens of times, but Hatake Sakumo did not move his feet or body, and his sword moved left and right with ease. He always appeared in the most appropriate place at the most appropriate time, and blocked Kyosuke's attack with the least amount of force.
This kind of extreme burst of energy put a lot of strain on Kyosuke's body. He quickly felt exhausted, his forehead was covered in sweat, and his muscles were aching, so he stopped.
"As expected, I am no match for you at all."
Sakumo Hatake paused for a moment before speaking, "Our clan was originally samurai, and later became ninjas. I modified the clan's swordsmanship based on my experience as a ninja, which led to the creation of the current White Fang of Konoha."
Instead of directly instructing Kyosuke, Sakumo Hatake recounted the past, seemingly carrying out some kind of inheritance.
"Therefore, my swordsmanship was tailor-made for me. So, after discovering that Kakashi preferred and had more talent in ninjutsu, I didn't force him to practice swordsmanship."
"To be honest, your talent for swordsmanship is rather average, and it would be difficult for you to achieve much by practicing my swordsmanship. However, as a swordsmanship that I have carefully crafted, I still hope that it can be passed down."
"If you think it's suitable, then practice on your own. If you don't practice well, that's okay too. In the future, if you find someone suitable, please teach that person. Consider it tuition for my teaching you."
When Sakumo Hatake spoke, his tone remained calm, but Kyosuke could hear a sense of resolute determination and desolation in his words.
It seems that Sakumo Hatake has already decided to die.
Kyosuke had mixed feelings. Although they had spent a lot of time together, he felt the personal charm of Hatake Sakumo and couldn't help but try to persuade him.
"Uncle, Kakashi needs you very much. Whatever decision you make, please think about him."
Sakumo Hatake paused for a moment, then smiled, walked in front of Kyosuke, squatted down to be at Kyosuke's height, and reached out to pat Kyosuke's head.
"No wonder Minato sent you. You not only have intelligent eyes, but also a warm heart. With a friend like you, Kakashi's last worry has disappeared."
Although Sakumo Hatake didn't say much, his words were filled with deep paternal love, his longing and reluctance to part with Kakashi, and his helplessness in the face of reality.
However, Kyosuke felt no resentment or dissatisfaction. Even in the face of death, Sakumo Hatake's heart remained as warm and pure as jade, without any flaws.
Even after two lifetimes, Kyosuke was deeply moved, his eyes glistening with tears, and he nodded heavily.
When Kakashi and Guy returned, they saw their father still training Kyosuke. The two seemed to have a very harmonious relationship, both wearing happy smiles.
"What just happened?" Kakashi asked, puzzled.
Sakumo Hatake smiled and said, "It's nothing. Kyosuke and I have become friends and we had a great time chatting."
Kyosuke put his arm around Kakashi's shoulder and teased, "Kakashi, according to seniority, you can call me uncle now."
Kakashi was speechless, realizing he had underestimated Kyosuke. He had only bought some fruit, yet Kyosuke had "taken away" his father.
That day, Kyosuke had a hearty meal of meat. In the following days, Kyosuke and Guy often went to see Kakashi. Guy would go to get beaten up, while Kyosuke would learn swordsmanship.
Sakumo Hatake not only taught swordsmanship, but also imparted a lot of combat experience and explained information about the ninja world, wanting to pass on everything to Kyosuke.
Meanwhile, at the Root, Danzo listened to his subordinates' report and snorted in dissatisfaction.
"He can still teach his disciples with peace of mind. It seems the pressure isn't enough. Let's make a bigger splash. By the way, the Uchiha clan has been restless lately. Let's lure them into being the first to stick their necks out and make things bigger!"
The subordinate knelt down and said, "Yes!"