Sakumo Hatake had always cared deeply for his son, so he had been silently keeping an eye on Kakashi's teammates and classmates for a long time.
Kyosuke, in particular, performed exceptionally well in all aspects and received high praise from many Jonin. Whenever Minato Namikaze chatted with Sakumo, he would boast that Kyosuke was a genius on par with Kakashi.
As for Guy, while he was currently obscure, Sakumo knew that the boy possessed the heart of a true strongman—just like his father, Might Duy. He would surely shine brightly in the future.
Sakumo was deeply gratified that Kakashi had managed to make such good friends, so he readily agreed to the boys' requests.
Thus, Kakashi could only droop his dead-fish eyes and reluctantly engage Guy in a spar, while Sakumo stepped aside to guide Kyosuke in swordsmanship.
Watching Kakashi and Guy walk to the other side of the courtyard, Kyosuke hesitated for a moment before deciding to be completely honest.
"Uncle... actually, Minato-sensei asked us to come today. He was worried that Kakashi would be in a bad mood during this period."
Hearing Kyosuke's words, Sakumo didn't show any surprise. Having weathered countless storms in his life, he had already anticipated this. He simply nodded gently.
"Minato Namikaze is a great ninja and a very good teacher, and you two are wonderful companions. Don't worry about these trivial matters; focus wholeheartedly on your own cultivation."
Sakumo stood in the center of the courtyard and drew the short sword from his back.
"First, let me see your strength."
Kyosuke nodded. He drew his own short sword and carefully observed Sakumo.
The legendary White Fang stood perfectly straight. His muscles were relaxed, and his gaze was entirely peaceful. If it weren't for the gleaming blade in his hand, one wouldn't be able to tell he was a lethal ninja at all.
After observing for a moment, Kyosuke couldn't spot a single opening. He wasn't discouraged, though. Kicking off hard, his body lunged forward as he raised his blade for a heavy slash.
Kyosuke knew that in terms of sheer technique, he was lightyears behind Sakumo. So, he abandoned any fancy tricks and attacked with his absolute maximum speed and power, hoping sheer force might have some effect.
The corner of Sakumo's mouth curled up. He easily saw through Kyosuke's straightforward thoughts and decided to accommodate him. Passing up several opportunities for an instant counterattack, Sakumo chose to meet the strike head-on with just his right hand.
Clang!
The two blades clashed, emitting a piercing screech of metal.
"Ha!" Kyosuke shouted. His muscles tensed, and veins bulged on his forehead as he pushed with all his might.
However, his short sword remained frozen in mid-air, unable to advance a single inch.
"Your speed is good, your power is good, and your chosen method of attack is also good. But your foundational swordsmanship is too poor."
Sakumo used only his right hand to hold the blade, effortlessly parrying Kyosuke's all-out attack before giving his objective evaluation.
"This is just the beginning!"
Kyosuke's fighting spirit ignited. He took a quick step back to catch his breath, and then unleashed a flurry of attacks.
This time, Kyosuke's assault was full of flexibility—downward slashes, upward parries, straight thrusts, and horizontal sweeps. He moved like a nimble butterfly dancing around Sakumo.
However, this was a deadly butterfly; every flap of its wings was a killing technique.
Kyosuke's swordsmanship lacked a unified system. He had learned samurai techniques from Kiichiro, brutal killing strikes from Ooka Shin, and a bit of Kirigakure lethality from Mishu. He had also scavenged a few basic manuals through Minato. His style was an absolute mutt.
Fortunately, Kyosuke's purpose was very clear: to kill.
He had blended everything he learned, eliminated the impractical or flashy moves, and kept only the sharp, swift, and lethal strikes. Therefore, while his swordsmanship wasn't pretty, it was deadly. He had begun to establish his own unique style.
In just dozens of seconds, Kyosuke swung his blade dozens of times.
Yet, Sakumo's feet didn't shift once. His body barely moved. The blade in his hand danced left and right with casual ease, always appearing in the exact right place at the exact right time, using the absolute minimum amount of force to deflect Kyosuke's violent strikes.
This kind of extreme, bursting combat was a massive burden on Kyosuke's young body. He soon felt exhausted. With his forehead covered in sweat and his muscles stinging, he finally stopped.
"As expected, I am completely no match for you," Kyosuke panted.
Sakumo was silent for a moment before speaking. "Our clan was originally comprised of samurai, and only later became ninjas. I modified the clan's traditional swordsmanship based on my experiences on the battlefield. That is what created the 'White Fang of Konoha'."
Sakumo didn't guide Kyosuke directly, but rather spoke of the past, as if performing some kind of inheritance.
"Therefore, my swordsmanship is tailor-made specifically for me. When I discovered that Kakashi preferred and had more talent for Ninjutsu, I didn't force him to practice the blade."
He looked at Kyosuke kindly. "To be honest, your natural talent for swordsmanship is quite average. It will be difficult for you to achieve great success simply by copying my style. However... as an art I meticulously crafted over a lifetime, I still hope it can be passed down."
Sakumo sheathed his sword. "If you find it suitable, practice it. If you can't master it, it's no big deal. If you find a fitting person in the future, please teach it to them. Consider it your tuition for me guiding you today."
While Sakumo's tone remained peaceful, Kyosuke could hear a profound sense of resolution and desolation in his words.
It was clear that Sakumo Hatake had already made up his mind to die.
Kyosuke's heart filled with complex emotions. Although they hadn't spent much time together, he deeply felt Sakumo's personal charisma. He couldn't help but speak up to persuade him.
"Uncle... Kakashi needs you very much. Whatever decision you make, please think of him."
Sakumo was stunned for a moment, then smiled softly. He walked up to Kyosuke, crouched down to meet his eye level, and reached out to gently pat his head.
"No wonder Minato sent you. You not only have clever eyes, but also a warm heart. With a friend like you watching over Kakashi, my last bit of worry has finally dissipated."
Sakumo's words were few, but they were filled with profound fatherly love, a deep reluctance to leave his son, and the crushing helplessness of facing his reality.
Kyosuke didn't feel any resentment or dissatisfaction toward the man. Even facing death, Sakumo's heart remained as soft and warm as jade, without a single flaw.
Even with two lifetimes of experience, Kyosuke was deeply moved. With tears shimmering in his eyes, he nodded heavily.
When Kakashi and Guy returned, they saw Sakumo still seemingly training Kyosuke. The two looked to be on very harmonious terms, both wearing happy smiles.
"What just happened?" Kakashi asked, puzzled.
Sakumo smiled. "Nothing. Kyosuke and I have become good friends. We had a very pleasant chat."
Kyosuke threw an arm around Kakashi's shoulder and joked, "Kakashi, according to seniority, you can call me Uncle now."
A dark line appeared on Kakashi's forehead. He felt he had still underestimated Kyosuke's sheer shamelessness; the guy had only bought some fruit, yet he had actually managed to 'steal' his father.
That day, Kyosuke ate a hearty meal of premium meat. In the following days, Kyosuke and Guy often went to find Kakashi. Guy went to get beaten up in spars, while Kyosuke studied swordsmanship.
Sakumo not only taught him swordplay, but also passed on decades of combat experience and valuable intelligence about the Ninja World. It was as if he wanted to pass everything he had to Kyosuke.
Meanwhile, deep underground in the Root headquarters, Danzo listened to his subordinate's report and snorted in dissatisfaction.
"He can actually still teach a disciple in peace? It seems the pressure isn't enough," Danzo sneered. "Make the momentum even greater. By the way, the Uchiha Clan has been restless lately. Entice someone from the Uchiha to act as the front-runner and blow this matter completely out of proportion for me!"
The subordinate knelt on one knee. "Yes, Lord Danzo!"