Mifune, facing such an onslaught, still had time to jest, proving his ease.
He held his breath and concentrated, releasing an astonishing aura from his body.
Between him and Kakashi, a strange hissing sound arose.
This was Mifune's katana being unsheathed at an extraordinary speed, slicing through the invisible air and colliding with Kakashi's sword light.
It was like a white dragon being decapitated.
In front of Mifune, the imposing pillar of light immediately halted its forward momentum.
Because the subsequent chakra could not continue.
Kakashi's sword technique thus dissipated due to the lack of support.
From an onlooker's perspective, it seemed Mifune effortlessly severed Kakashi's sword light with one stroke.
But accompanied by a series of cracking sounds, the specially made wooden planks beneath Mifune's feet split open, sending countless wood chips and fragments flying.
He took a deep breath and slowly sheathed his sword, recalling something.
When he returned to the Land of Iron, he had witnessed amazing sword energy at sea.
It seemed to be the same source as Kakashi's.
Although much weaker, it was undoubtedly the same feeling.
"You are excellent."
Mifune looked at Kakashi, who was using a wooden sword to support his body, and offered his highest praise.
"Thank you, Lord Mifune."
Kakashi replied with effort.
Over the past month, Mifune had undoubtedly been his teacher, diligently instructing him.
Mifune understood Niten Ichi-ryu, and Kakashi had also learned Iaido.
Haruki quickly approached and used healing techniques to restore Kakashi's body.
"Kakashi, I want to ask, a month ago, did your teacher use the same sword technique at sea?"
"Huh? How did you know?"
Kakashi was somewhat surprised by this question.
When Haruki demonstrated Niten Ichi-ryu, Mifune should not have been present.
"The sword energy was condensed but did not dissipate. I was fortunate enough to witness its lingering power."
Mifune's face showed a look of longing as he said, "Your teacher must have reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship to achieve such a level."
Kakashi instinctively glanced at Haruki, but Mifune did not notice.
Regaining his composure, Mifune continued to ask:
"I wonder who your teacher is? Such a great swordsman, it is strange that I know nothing about him. Could it be your father, Sakumo Hatake, also known as Konoha's White Fang?"
"No."
Kakashi quickly shook his head, and just as he hesitated to reveal Haruki's name, Haruki spoke up.
"His teacher is indifferent to fame and fortune. It's normal that Lord Mifune doesn't know him."
If it were only Mifune, telling him wouldn't matter.
But with so many people in the dojo, it would soon become widely known, creating unnecessary trouble.
Haruki chose to keep it a secret.
"That's a pity."
Mifune wasn't surprised, as he indeed agreed with Haruki's explanation.
With such swordsmanship, even a little publicity would make one famous worldwide.
Afterward, Mifune invited Haruki and the others to dine at the Iron Country Palace.
Although he and Kakashi had no official teacher-student relationship, it was a practical one.
Knowing they would soon leave, he felt reluctant to part with Kakashi.
But if Kakashi could help him popularize Iaido in the future, the month of teaching would be worthwhile.
No, with Kakashi's talent, he would surely shine brightly in the ninja world.
Haruki called Tsunade and Kakuzu over to join them for a lavish meal at the Daimyo's mansion.
As Mifune guessed, Kakashi's swordsmanship had improved significantly.
There was no need to stay any longer.
But Haruki didn't expect to receive a letter from Mikoto Uchiha the next day.
It mentioned three things.
First, an Uchiha traitor had been found.
Originally a pro-Hokage faction member, naturally close to the Hokage lineage.
Last week, it was discovered he was in contact with Danzo Shimura.
Mikoto, without hesitation, captured him and used her Mangekyo Sharingan to interrogate him, uncovering a shocking plan.
Danzo wanted him to assassinate Haruki.
The reason was that earlier, Root elites encountered Kakuzu and none survived.
Enraged, Danzo turned his attention to the Uchiha clan.
Because the Uchiha were rumored to be invincible one-on-one and possessed the Sharingan, they surely could defeat Kakuzu.
But unfortunately, Mikoto had already purged the Uchiha.
Upon reading this, Haruki finally understood why Danzo hadn't sent anyone for a whole month—it was a doomed mission from the start.
The second matter was a continuation of the first.
Mikoto's decisive actions raised Danzo's suspicions.
Combined with the Uchiha's changing attitude, Hiruzen Sarutobi also had doubts.
So, the Anbu and Root began deeper surveillance and monitoring of the Uchiha.
The third matter was Mikoto's personal feeling.
Only once or twice.
She sensed someone secretly watching her.
But she couldn't find them.
The level of concealment made Mikoto suspicious, so she wasn't entirely sure.
But Haruki knew who it was.
Madara Uchiha or Black Zetsu.
Judging from the original work, they had long been monitoring the Uchiha clan.
Although they ultimately chose Obito Uchiha, Mikoto's changes had undoubtedly caught their attention.
After pondering for a moment, Haruki wrote a reply to Mikoto.
Regarding the first matter, he advised her not to intervene in the future, as he was curious to see what Danzo might come up with.
As for the other two matters, he suggested she remain calm, assuring her that without solid evidence, neither Sarutobi nor Danzo would act.
Similarly, Madara and Black Zetsu wouldn't make a move without confirming Mikoto's Mangekyo Sharingan.
A new day began.
Haruki prepared to leave the Iron Country metropolis.
However, upon opening the door, he saw Kakashi fighting Obito.
After a month of guidance from Mifune and Haruki, Kakashi's skills far surpassed Obito's.
Though Obito also had Kakuzu as a teacher, Kakuzu's ninjutsu expertise couldn't be taught or applied to Obito.
In fact, Obito's strength had greatly improved, at least enough to be called a genius of his class at the ninja academy.
"You lost."
Kakashi sheathed his dual blades, speaking coolly.
"Damn it!"
Obito looked frustrated.
His greatest wish was to surpass Kakashi, but recent events had only widened the gap between them.
"Teacher."
Obito noticed Haruki nearby and, feeling aggrieved, said, "Why can't I learn swordsmanship?"
"Naturally, because you have other things to learn."
Haruki thought for a moment. Obito's chakra reserves now far exceeded those of his peers, perhaps already having the physical aptitude to awaken the Sharingan.
"How about this, tomorrow, I'll help you increase your strength."
"Really?!"
Obito was overjoyed by Haruki's promise.
"Go call Rin and the others for breakfast."
After sending Obito off, Haruki whispered a few words to Kakashi.
"...?"
Kakashi looked at Haruki in shock, doubting his words.
"Just do as I say tomorrow."
Haruki patted his shoulder, smiling, "This is a necessary step for Obito to become stronger."