Yosuke explained the pros and cons clearly to Hayate, but Hayate only clenched his fists, unwillingness written across his face.
"I know my strength is my biggest weakness. Because of my body, I might never reach my peak in this lifetime. But… I have a promise I must fulfill. So even if the road ahead is nothing but darkness, I still want to give it everything I have… to keep that promise."
Seeing the unshakable resolve in Hayate's eyes—his unwavering commitment—softened Yosuke's heart.
If, earlier, he had spoken only out of a swordsman's instinct to warn a fellow swordsman, then now… Yosuke genuinely wanted to guide him.
"Use your sword technique and strike me."
Hayate froze for a moment. "What?"
Yosuke repeated, "Use the sword in your hand—and strike at me."
Hayate could tell Yosuke wasn't joking. He also understood that Yosuke wished to instruct him. Excitement welled up in his chest.
"Yes!"
"Shadow Clone Technique!"
"Konoha-Style Kenjutsu: Dance of the Crescent Moon!"
Hayate created two physical shadow clones, drew the katana from his back, and in an instant, he and his clones flickered to Yosuke's front. They attacked simultaneously from the left, above, and right—aiming for vital points.
Faced with the incoming slashes, Yosuke didn't dodge.
His still-sheathed Kusanagi sword tapped lightly in the air several times, producing the crisp sound of steel meeting steel.
Hayate's Dance of the Crescent Moon was effortlessly blocked.
To an ordinary person, the technique might have seemed impressive. But Yosuke's brows furrowed.
Hayate stood expectantly, waiting for Yosuke's evaluation.
"A very flashy method of attack… but that's all it is."
"How… is that possible…" Hayate muttered, stunned.
"This sword technique isn't something you created yourself. You learned it by imitating someone else. That's why it feels awkward coming from you—unnatural, lacking flow."
Hayate was shaken.
Konoha-Style Kenjutsu was created by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama. Yet Yosuke had deduced, from a single attack, that it wasn't Hayate's own style. Hayate couldn't help but admire him.
Yosuke continued mercilessly:
"The one who invented this technique had extraordinary talent. Using two physical shadow clones, combined with enhanced speed, to target the enemy's vital points—there's nothing wrong with that.
But you… your speed is insufficient, your strength is insufficient, and your perception is insufficient."
The three "insufficient"s hit Hayate hard. His confidence faltered, and he couldn't help coughing lightly.
He admitted his lack of strength, but how could his speed be lacking when he enhanced it with the Body Flicker Technique? And what was this about insufficient perception?
Seeing Hayate's confusion, Yosuke explained:
"Let's set strength aside for now.
First—your speed is insufficient.
When you perform this sword technique, you use ninjutsu to boost your speed. That's good.
But you also have a habit: at the moment you initiate the technique, you hold your breath. Then, when you reach your target and strike, you inhale sharply. This slows down your swing."
"Second—your perception is insufficient.
It looks like you're aiming at my vital points, but you never checked whether I had any guard or counter in place. You're just following the prescribed motions of the technique rigidly. In that case, you might as well not use it at all."
His critique was harsh, but only by recognizing one's flaws could one improve.
Hayate reviewed the sequence of his Dance of the Crescent Moon—yes, he did hold his breath at the start, and inhale sharply when attacking.
He had intended the inhalation to sharpen focus and increase power, but he hadn't expected it to reduce his speed.
As for the lack of perception… he felt ashamed.
Since learning the technique created by the Second Hokage, he had simply followed its steps exactly as written—three slashes from left, top, and right. He had never considered modifying it.
"A sword technique enhanced by speed… reminds me of a young man I once knew. He learned only a single sword form, but he improved upon it and created a style that truly belonged to him. Only by building on the crystallized wisdom of your predecessors and forging your own technique will you find a style truly suited to you."
Hayate bowed slightly, sincere and humble.
"Yosuke-sa … please teach me!"
Yosuke nodded with satisfaction.
"Rather than explaining it in words, it's better for you to experience it personally. Hayate—prepare to defend. Assume the defensive stance you have the most confidence in, then observe my breathing and my movements."
Hayate braced himself.
His two shadow clones moved to the front, and his real body stayed behind, eyes locked firmly on Yosuke.
Yosuke inhaled rhythmically.
His right foot shifted—and his entire form vanished, leaving only an afterimage.
"Where—?!"
Hayate frantically scanned his surroundings.
But just as he began to turn—
Yosuke's voice whispered at his ear:
"Your opening has appeared."
Hayate stiffened his neck back toward the front.
Yosuke's sheath was already pressed against his throat.
His breathing hadn't changed at all.
Lowering his sword, Yosuke explained:
"This is the stable speed that comes from steady breathing. And rather than rushing to attack, I waited until the moment you revealed an opening—then a single decisive strike.
Your shadow clones should be used to force the opponent into revealing an opening. Then the real body should finish with a single killing blow. Not attack simultaneously with the clones."
Yosuke's clear explanation made everything click for Hayate. Inspiration bubbled inside him. He bowed deeply.
"Yes. Thank you, Yōsuke-san, for your instruction."
Yosuke waved his hand dismissively.
"No need to call me 'teacher.' Just call me Yosuke-san. We're simply exchanging techniques as swordsmen. I don't understand ninjutsu at all—I don't deserve to be called a teacher by a ninja."
Hayate bowed his head.
"Yes, Yosuke-san."
Though he said that, in his heart, he had already accepted Yosuke as his teacher.
Suddenly, Yosuke's brows knit together.
The insects that monitored him every night… had now appeared even during the day.
"Alright. Stop the high-intensity training for now. Start by training your breathing from the basics. I take walks here every afternoon. If you're interested, you can come again and we'll continue our exchange."
Hayate's head shot up.
He had thought Yosuke instructed him only on a whim today—he never expected Yosuke to offer continued guidance afterward.
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