When one's perception reached a certain level, they could observe the flow of chakra—and even attempt to replicate other ninjas' techniques.
Clang!
The blades collided once more, their sharp sound echoing through the courtyard.
Kiyoshi twisted his wrist, redirecting the edge of his blade, then surged forward with force, pushing Kakashi back several steps.
There was no special trick—just overwhelming strength.
Kiyoshi activated the cells around his wrist using Cloud Style: Flying Bird.
Thanks to his first green skill trait—Lightning Release Genin, which increased his affinity with lightning by 20%—he could gather more lightning chakra into his wrist and unleash the technique more effectively.
From the outside, it looked simple:
speed driving power—each strike heavier than the last.
Kakashi's short blade let out a sharp crack under the pressure—
Then snapped in two.
The tip fell uselessly to the ground.
"…It broke."
Kakashi still held the broken blade in a defensive stance as sweat slid down his face.
Kiyoshi slowly sheathed his sword, noticing the slight bend in its edge.
Looks like it needs maintenance…
Then, a familiar voice echoed in his mind:
You have obtained the trait: [Bond Through the Sword (White)]
• Requirement: Defeat Hatake Kakashi in swordsmanship
• Status: Completed
• Effect: Reduces chakra consumption by 10% when using sword techniques
Kiyoshi felt a small sense of relief.
At least he had gained something.
The damage to his blade wasn't in vain—he could fix it later.
After all, chances to obtain traits were rare.
"Do I need to compensate for your sword…?"
Kiyoshi asked.
If Kakashi insisted, he'd have to delay the payment somehow.
Kakashi shook his head and sheathed the broken blade.
"No need. It was just a training sword."
"…Alright."
Kiyoshi could only admire his wealth.
Having a father like Sakumo meant Kakashi would never lack money.
Kakashi stared at the broken fragments on the ground, lost in thought.
Kiyoshi stepped closer and gently patted his shoulder.
"Kakashi, do you know why you lost?"
"Because you have the Sharingan… and also, this blade was worn out. It was already close to breaking."
"…."
Kiyoshi realized—before his darker transformation, Kakashi had a bit of a sharp tongue.
"No. It's because your heart was unsettled. They say when Lord Sakumo uses his sword, it shines with white light… but yours—"
"I didn't see it."
Kakashi's eyes flickered slightly, but he said nothing, burying his emotions deep inside.
Kiyoshi looked at him calmly.
"I'm not trying to hurt you. I just mean—it's not your fault. Don't let those rumors control you."
If you sink like this… how am I supposed to farm traits from you?
Kiyoshi simply wanted Kakashi to keep growing stronger.
He still hadn't obtained anything related to the White Fang's swordsmanship.
This new trait—Bond Through the Sword—reduced chakra consumption by 10%, and Kiyoshi was quite satisfied.
Swordsmanship, like taijutsu, sometimes required chakra and sometimes didn't.
But the stronger the technique, the more it relied on chakra—
Like the Eight Gates, which released the body's limits by unleashing massive amounts of chakra to surpass human boundaries.
With this trait, if one strike consumed 10% chakra, others could swing ten times—
Kiyoshi could swing eleven.
And it could still evolve.
Who knew how far the reduction could go at its peak?
"Keep going."
Kiyoshi said.
Kakashi didn't reply—only pressed his lips together and gave a slight nod.
He knew Kiyoshi was right.
But the village's treatment of his father…
It made him question everything—even whether missions mattered more than comrades.
"Let's stop here for today."
Kiyoshi stepped back, raising his sheathed blade.
"Next time, you'd better break my sword too. Fair is fair."
Strictly speaking, this wasn't a true victory.
Kakashi had lost mainly because his blade broke—and his will faltered.
But once Kakashi hardened in the future… things would be different.
Outside the courtyard, Shizune was still watching.
A few strands of her short black hair fell across her face.
"Kiyoshi is… this strong?"
She remembered the first time she accompanied Tsunade to examine him—
Back then, he had been nothing more than an ordinary boy who understood nothing.
Just lucky enough to awaken the Sharingan.
And now?
He could fight Kakashi—and even gain the upper hand.
"As expected… the Uchiha clan produces elites."
Shizune sighed.
Of course, she silently excluded a certain perpetual underachiever.
The next day.
News of Sakumo Hatake had already spread throughout the academy.
"Are you okay, Kakashi?"
Rin Nohara approached him immediately, worried.
"I'm fine."
Kakashi's lifeless eyes looked even duller than usual.
He had clearly heard the villagers' harsh criticism.
"Are you really okay…?"
Rin looked anxious, wanting to help but unsure how.
"What are you guys talking about?"
Obito asked, confused.
If not for recent intense training sessions with Kiyoshi, Rin, and Kakashi, he'd probably still be sleeping at his desk.
"You don't know, Obito?"
Rin looked surprised.
"No idea."
Obito shook his head innocently.
"You guys talk."
Kakashi stood up and walked toward Kiyoshi.
"Kiyoshi, do you have time to spar again today?"
"I do."
Kiyoshi nodded.
"Kakashi! Kiyoshi already promised me!"
From her seat, Kurenai turned around, puffing her cheeks in protest.
She had improved a lot recently and trained hard every day just to defeat Kiyoshi.
"It won't take long."
Kiyoshi said calmly.
Running two "training partners" at once didn't bother him.
Sword sparring didn't take much time—he could just delay Kurenai a little.
"…Kakashi."
Rin bit her lip as she watched him.
I have to do something…
Her gaze shifted to Kiyoshi.
If Kakashi was comfortable approaching him…
Then maybe—
Kiyoshi knew how to help him.
Chapter End