Chapter 32 - Swordsmanship
"That was incredible! Where did you learn that?" Obito exclaimed, his eyes wide with admiration.
In the shinobi world, where musical talent is rare, their reaction to my simple performance seemed exaggerated.
"I taught myself," I replied casually.
"And when did you arrive?" Uzuki asked, her curiosity evident.
"Just as I started playing," she answered, scratching her cheek with a shy smile.
[Ding!]
[Memory Integration Complete]
A flood of knowledge surged through my mind, forcing me to close my eyes for a moment.
[Ding!]
[New Task]
[Task: Use your newly gained kenjutsu skills to defeat Uzuki Yūgao.]
As the memories settled, I stood up and turned to Uzuki. "Do you want to train in swordsmanship?"
"I do," she replied, her eyes lighting up. "That's why I came to find you."
I drew my ordinary sword, careful not to reveal the Kusanagi. The memories had endowed me with extensive knowledge of various sword techniques, both basic and advanced. In Konoha, I was now arguably the most skilled swordsman, especially with Shakumo deceased and most shinobi favoring ninjutsu over kenjutsu.
I walked to the center of the training ground and assumed a combat stance, gripping the sword's hilt firmly. Uzuki mirrored my stance, then advanced with a swift strike, her blade angled at 60 degrees.
I evaded the attack by tilting back, allowing her blade to pass harmlessly by. She pressed on, her movements swift and precise. I countered by parrying her blade with mine, deflecting it away from my face.
We locked eyes and charged at each other, our swords clashing in a blur of steel. We exchanged blows, each of us pushing our skills to their limits.
"What happened?" Obito asked, tilting his head in confusion.
Kakashi's eyes widened in shock.
Crack! Crack!
Uzuki's mask shattered in the middle, revealing her astonished face. "I… lost," she muttered, her voice a mix of disbelief and defeat. The last kick I landed had unbalanced her, causing her to fall to the ground with a thud.
I didn't bother catching her; as an ANBU, she was used to facing tougher challenges.
[Ding!]
[Rin's Favorability increased to 55.]
[Ding!]
[Kurenai Yuhi's Favorability increased to 44.]
[Ding!]
[Uzuki Yūgao's Favorability increased to 69.]
I approached Uzuki and extended a hand to help her up. She took it, rising to her feet with a sheepish grin.
"You win," she said softly.
Obito, brimming with excitement, jumped in front of me. "Ruki, that was amazing! Can you teach me that? If you do, I'll call you 'big brother'!"
I smiled at him. "Alright, I'll teach you what I can."
How did I manage to defeat her? The memory fragments provided me with advanced kenjutsu knowledge and skills, making me far superior to her at this moment. The fragments weren't just minor memories; they contained the expertise of a seasoned master.
Kakashi watched us with a look of confusion and contemplation. Perhaps he was recalling his father's swordsmanship and noticing similarities with my own style.
To be continued...