Sakumo provided clear instructions to Kakashi, who mirrored his father's movements with remarkable skill.
Kaizen stood at the edge of the training ground, watching silently. He knew better than to interrupt, understanding the importance of focus during such sessions. Instead, he observed, taking mental notes of their techniques and the subtleties of their interactions.
'So that must be Sakumo's kenjutsu style. I don't recall it ever receiving a name unless white light chakra sabre technique is the intended one. Looks like he is just guiding Kakashi through some of the fundamentals. I imagine such a famous style isn't easy to learn.'
'As an assassin, although I tried to avoid the need to use a sword in combat, it was still one of the myriads of weapons that I trained with extensively. Of course, I highly doubt I would measure anywhere near Sakumo when it comes to kenjutsu.'
As Sakumo brought the current drill to a close, he turned his attention to Kaizen, acknowledging his presence with a nod. "Good morning, Kaizen," he called, his voice carrying a hint of a smile.
Returning the nod with a smile, "Good morning Sakumo Sensei. It seems I am late?"
"Not at all, Kakashi just wanted to get a head start on the day's training. So, how was the walk to the estate? I'm sure the village must have been busy around this time of day."
"There were some large crowds, but nothing troublesome."
The two engaged in some light conversation while Kakashi continued to perform drills.
"By the way, I spoke with the principal, and we came to agreement. You are my official student, but Principal Kamiko will also assist me in guiding you. She has been doing this for decades whereas you are technically my first ever student."
"Even though I teach Kakashi the basics and help to hone his foundational skills, I also expect him to learn from those around him as well. I would expect the same from you."
"As my student, I plan to teach you to the best of my abilities without holding back, but I am not arrogant enough to believe I know everything. What is most important to me is that you and Kakashi become shinobi capable of defending yourselves, your comrades, and Konoha."
Kaizen listened intently as Sakumo spoke, praising Sakumo in his heart for his humility.
"I understand Sensei, but wouldn't it be seen as disrespectful if I learn from others?"
When Sakumo heard this, he burst out laughing, as if he heard some funny joke.
"That's not something for you to worry about. Since I said it is okay, then it is okay!"
"I am happy that you are considerate of such things, but my utmost priority is the safety of our village. Something like pride would only hinder you and Kakashi's future growth. Besides, who is to say what area the two of you will have the most talent in? What if it's something that I have little expertise in or only have an average level of knowledge about?"
Kaizen nodded in understanding, "Thank you, Sakumo Sensei. I will follow what you said."
Sakumo placed a hand on Kaizen's shoulder. "That's good. Remember to just focus on improving yourself. Don't worry so much about the little things."
"Now then, have you ever trained with blades? Or only kunai?"
Knowing he had to lie, Kaizen replied, "Only kunai so far, but I haven't really had an opportunity to use anything other than that."
Sakumo nodded, expecting such an answer.
"Alright, we have a variety of weapons for you to try and practice with to see what suits you best. Other than that, I have a couple of different kenjutsu styles that you could choose to learn. The Hatake clan has a generalized style called the 'Silent Moon Blade Style.' This is meant to be a stealth-oriented kenjutsu style meant to kill silently as the name suggests. However, if forced into open combat, it also has strengths in defense and counterattacks."
"The other style I can offer to teach is my personal style which is derived from the Silent Moon Blade Style. I call it the 'Eclipsing Fang Style.' It emphasizes powerful, aggressive attacks designed to overwhelm opponents quickly. At the time when I developed this style, I didn't really think about others learning it. Because of that, it is highly specific and tailored to my strengths and advantages. If you want me to teach you this style, then you would need to understand the weaknesses of it and learn how to incorporate the techniques in a way that supports your individual strengths."
Kaizen's brow furrowed as he adopted a pondering expression, his gaze fixed on Sakumo. "I remember hearing about your fame for the white light chakra sabre and how it flashes in battle," he began. "Is that connected to your style as well?"
Sakumo's grin widened at the question. "No, that has nothing to do with either the Eclipsing Fang Style or my tanto." With a flourish, he produced the infamous weapon and presented it to Kaizen.
Kaizen took hold of the tanto, marveling at its intricate craftsmanship. As he inspected it closely, he could sense a faint connection to it through his own chakra.
"That feeling you're sensing is the only thing truly special about this blade," Sakumo explained. "It was crafted from rare chakra metal, which is both expensive and highly effective in combat situations."
He continued to educate Kaizen on weapons, explaining that most are limited in their ability to handle infused chakra before breaking. However, there are also unique and powerful weapons out there, though Sakumo assured Kaizen that true strength should lie within oneself rather than depending on any outside sources.
"I won't say that you should never use a powerful weapon if the opportunity arises, but you should remember that it is only a tool. Becoming overly dependent on such things can hinder your personal growth and develop into a weakness. Besides, once you become skilled enough, almost anything can become a lethal weapon."
Sakumo explained as he casually picked up a leaf and threw it as if it were a kunai. Surprisingly, it lodged itself into a nearby tree with a thud!
Kaizen's eyes widened. 'What kind of monster is Sakumo Hatake?? I guess his reputation wasn't unwarranted after all!'
"As for my signature white chakra...that was something I developed over many years of training," Sakumo revealed, sheathing the tanto once more. "It's become synonymous with me and often mistaken as a trait of my sword."
Kaizen's mind whirled with new theories as he listened intently. It now seemed clear why Kakashi had never displayed the same white chakra as his father; perhaps it could even be considered a developed kekkei genkai unique only to Sakumo himself.
Kaizen's thoughts were then interrupted by Sakumo. "Now then, let's find a suitable blade for you. It's essential to become familiar with the weight, balance, and feel of the weapon you'll be using."
Kaizen followed Sakumo to the weapon rack, his eyes widening at the impressive array of blades before him.
"The variety here is incredible," he remarked, his voice tinged with awe. "I've never seen such a collection."
Sakumo nodded with a smile. "It's important to have the right tool for the job. Each blade has its own strengths and purposes."
Kaizen examined the weapons closely, taking his time to appreciate the craftsmanship of each one. "Sensei, I would prefer to be well-balanced and versatile rather than rely on a single blade for every situation," he explained. "When I grow taller, I'd like to use a nodachi for the Eclipsing Fang Style, especially in open battlefield scenarios where stealth isn't an option. But for the Silent Moon Blade Style, I think a ninjato would be more appropriate."
Sakumo raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "That's a very mature and strategic approach, Kaizen. It's wise to adapt your weapon choice to the situation."
Kaizen reached for a practice nodachi, feeling its weight and balance. Despite its size, he felt a connection to the weapon, imagining how it would serve him in the chaos of open combat. He then selected a practice ninjato, appreciating its shorter length and lighter weight, perfect for the Silent Moon Blade Style.
Sakumo observed Kaizen's choices with interest. "You seem to know a lot about different types of blades," he commented.
Kaizen nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Yes, Sensei. Part of my studying into shinobi involved learning about samurai as well. I learned about their strengths, tactics, and the various weapons they used. It made me wonder how to combine the strengths of both shinobi and samurai."
Sakumo's surprise was evident. "That's quite insightful, Kaizen. Combining the discipline and techniques of samurai with the versatility and adaptability of shinobi could create a powerful combat style."
Kaizen smiled, feeling encouraged by Sakumo's approval. "That's what I theorized, Sensei. I believe understanding both can help me become a more effective fighter."
Sakumo nodded, clearly impressed by Kaizen's innovative mind.
"In that case, let's start with the basics for both," Sakumo said.
"We'll begin with some fundamental exercises to get you comfortable with each blade. Even though the nodachi shouldn't be used in live combat until you're tall enough to fully utilize its strengths, you can still begin learning to use it in practice and gain an understanding of both the blade and kenjutsu style."
For the next hour, Sakumo guided Kaizen through a series of basic stances and movements with the nodachi. Kaizen focused intently, mimicking Sakumo's movements and absorbing every correction and piece of advice. Though he had lied about his inexperience with weapons, he really didn't have prior training with the nodachi.
As the session progressed, it became clear that the nodachi posed a significant challenge for Kaizen. The blade's length and weight were demanding, and Kaizen's shorter height and less developed physique made it difficult for him to wield it effectively. His swings were slow, and his balance often faltered under the blade's weight.
Sweat poured down Kaizen's face as he struggled to maintain the correct stances and execute the movements with the required strength and control. He clenched his teeth, refusing to give up. Determined to keep up with Sakumo's guidance, he began to circulate chakra through his muscles, enhancing his strength and endurance.
As the chakra coursed through him, Kaizen felt his muscles responding, the weight of the nodachi becoming more manageable. His swings grew steadier, and his movements more fluid. He realized that while the nodachi was challenging now, it would become easier to wield as he grew older and stronger. In his past life, he would never have considered using such a weapon, but given the potential of this world, it would serve as a perfect weapon for him in open field battles.
Kakashi, having finished his own set of drills, watched his father and Kaizen with curiosity. It was rare for him to see his father teach someone other than himself, and he was eager to see how Kaizen would progress. Kakashi noticed the effort Kaizen was putting into compensating for his physical limitations and felt a newfound respect for his determination.
Seeing Kaizen's struggle, Sakumo paused the training. "Kaizen, you're doing well, but remember that using a nodachi requires not just strength but also efficient movement. Don't force it; let the blade's momentum work for you. Circulating chakra to enhance your muscles is a good idea, but make sure not to overstrain yourself."
Kaizen nodded, "Yes, Sensei. I'll try to focus more on the movements."
With his chakra-enhanced strength, Kaizen continued the training, his movements slowly becoming smoother as he became more comfortable with the blade. He was determined to master the nodachi, knowing that it would become a formidable asset as he grew stronger.
After the nodachi practice, they switched to the ninjato. Sakumo demonstrated the subtle, lethal movements characteristic of the Silent Moon Blade Style. Kaizen observed closely, feeling a sense of familiarity with the weapon. The ninjato had been one of the weapons he trained extensively with in his past life, and he found himself instinctively understanding each motion Sakumo demonstrated.
As Sakumo moved through the initial stances and strikes, Kaizen mirrored his movements effortlessly. His hands and body flowed with the blade, executing the techniques with fluidity. Sakumo noticed Kaizen's ease with the ninjato and nodded in approval.
"Excellent, Kaizen," Sakumo said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "Now, let's incorporate some stealth techniques."
Kaizen moved into the shadows of the training ground as Sakumo demonstrated how to blend into the environment, using the ninjato for silent strikes. Kaizen followed, easily replicating the movements, his body moving instinctively.
Sakumo increased the complexity of the drills, adding movement patterns designed to mislead opponents and create openings for decisive strikes.
"Impressive," Sakumo remarked, watching Kaizen execute a series of advanced stealth strikes. "You have a natural affinity for this style."
Kaizen smiled slightly, continuing to practice. He always appreciated the ninjato's lightness and the way it complemented his assassination techniques. Each strike was executed with lethal intent, each step calculated to maintain appropriate balance and minimize sound. The training felt almost nostalgic, as if he were reconnecting with a part of himself that had been dormant.
After several more rounds of intense practice, Sakumo called for a break. "Remember, Kaizen," he advised, "each style has its strengths and weaknesses. The Silent Moon Blade Style is about subtlety and lethal efficiency, making it ideal for infiltration, assassination, and counterattacking. The Eclipsing Fang Style, on the other hand, is about overwhelming power and speed. They are both challenging to learn so it's possible that you may need to determine what style suits you best… Or if you're talented enough, you can continue pursuing both paths to become versatile as you mentioned."
Kaizen nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "I understand, Sensei. I'll do my best to learn both and see where my strengths lie."
"Upon first observations, you clearly have a natural talent for the ninjato, but given your physique and height, it is too early to say whether the nodachi will be a good fit. As you continue to learn, you'll better understand yourself and what works best."
Kaizen bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Sensei. I'll keep practicing and improving."
As the training session concluded, Kaizen's excitement grew. Learning how to properly wield and master the nodachi was a completely new journey for him. Finding new challenges for himself was a rarity in his past life, so an opportunity like this was one he appreciated.
"You've performed well today, Kaizen. After beginning to learn the basics, can you now guess which style Kakashi has chosen to learn?"
Kaizen obviously knew, but he still acted like he needed to think for a moment.
"His movements indicated that he is solely focused on learning the Eclipsing Fang Style. Is that correct?"
"That's correct. Remember to always observe shinobi and their techniques, attempting to analyze them to the best of your ability. If you continue to develop this skill, it will allow you to quickly decipher your opponent's weaknesses. Even in general situations, continuing to practice these observation skills is essential."
Kaizen nodded, agreeing with Sakumo's statement.
"Alright, I believe you've trained enough for today. Go enjoy the rest of the day and continue working on the basics. The academy should have the swords you need to practice in their dojos. We will continue this training schedule as long as I am not on a mission or until your academy allows for individual training. You'll hear more about it soon."
Kaizen thanked Sakumo once again before making his way back to the academy. He decided to shower and eat before training once again!
The only people who became aware of this terrifying work ethic were Principal Kamiko and Hiruzen, who each tasked ninja to observe Kaizen and protect him if the need arises.
One could only imagine their expressions when they received the reports of Kaizen's training regimen.
Hiruzen even began to doubt Kaizen's lineage at that point.
'Did we make a mistake with the DNA test and this kid is somehow part Uzumaki or Senju? How would he be able to train for such long periods of time otherwise? Not to mention, he trains every day without rest!'