"Let's just use some simple jutsu."
Kiyoshi said, pulling a ninja blade from the sealing scroll.
High-powered jutsu could easily damage the nearby buildings. This area was bustling, and any compensation would be astronomical.
Kakashi nodded and slowly drew the short blade on his back.
Since they were using simple jutsu, it was best to stick to supportive techniques—like Body Flicker Technique or Substitution Jutsu.
Kakashi nodded slowly. Instantly, he concentrated chakra at his feet and shot toward Kiyoshi like an arrow released from a bow.
Bang!
The two blades clashed violently in midair. The metallic clash echoed across the rooftop, sparks flying.
"Your blade is too long."
Kakashi said calmly.
Kiyoshi's sword was more than twice the length of Kakashi's short blade.
"I like using longer weapons."
Kiyoshi smiled slightly, twisting his wrist forcefully; the blade transformed into a gleaming arc sweeping across.
He didn't use Chakra Flow: Fire Release—he simply relied on the blade.
The advantage of a long blade was its coverage. Though more exhausting, Kiyoshi's physical talent and constant training allowed him to maintain the swings.
Other ninjas of his peer group would tire quickly after a few swings.
Perhaps because Kakashi focused heavily on Lightning Release, he neglected sword training, gradually falling behind.
Even with normal vision, Kiyoshi could clearly read Kakashi's movements.
"He's growing so fast."
Kakashi thought, eyes widening slightly.
They had discussed sword techniques before, but Kiyoshi had never been this strong.
Kakashi noticed his speed and reaction had improved considerably; Kiyoshi could now see through his actions almost instantly.
Crackle!
A small electric arc appeared—but not from Kiyoshi, from Kakashi himself.
While developing the new jutsu, Kakashi had also learned some basics of Lightning Release to activate his body.
Their blades continuously crossed, sparks flying, sword light flowing like water.
Namikaze Minato, Yuhi Kurenai, Rin Nohara, Asuma Sarutobi, Obito, and others arrived just in time to witness the rapid exchange.
"No wonder he's Shikamaru's son."
Minato remarked, then focused his gaze on Kiyoshi.
Both his athletic ability and reflexes clearly showed great talent.
Rin and Kurenai watched Kakashi and Kiyoshi closely.
Obito and Asuma thought about how they'd fare against Kiyoshi's speed.
Soon, Kiyoshi caught a flaw and flicked Kakashi's short blade into the air.
"Kakashi, seems you've gotten rusty on what Shikamaru taught you."
Kiyoshi paused his swings.
Kakashi had only activated some body parts with Lightning Release; he hadn't used techniques like Chakra Flow.
White Fang's short blade even emitted a faint white glow.
Whether Kakashi could keep up now was another matter.
"I'm a bit rusty."
Kakashi shook his head, realizing he had indeed focused too much on Lightning Release, neglecting sword training.
He bent to pick up the short blade, showing no disappointment.
Winning and losing was normal; even in previous sword practice, he had victories and defeats.
This wasn't a life-or-death duel, and both restricted their usual jutsu.
"You've unlocked the entry: Art at Your Fingertips (White)."
[Entry: Art at Your Fingertips (White)]
[Requirement: Faster hand-sealing speed than current Kakashi.]
[Progress: Completed.]
[Effect: Your hand seals become artistic, visually impressive, and increase hand speed by 10%.]
[Note: Further upgrades possible.]
Hearing the system's prompt, Kiyoshi closed it.
The entry likely dropped because of his talent in hand seals.
Increasing seal speed was useful.
For example, in Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique with 44 seals, this entry could let Kiyoshi form one or two seals faster than the opponent—time that could be life-or-death.
It was a percentage-based boost; Kiyoshi was already fast, now even faster—among the quickest in the Chunin ranks.
"Minato-sensei, why did you all come up here?"
Kakashi asked, noticing them.
"Nothing, just came to watch."
Minato replied.
Kakashi nodded, moving to leave.
Kiyoshi followed. As he passed Rin, his right eye twitched.
Kakashi was on the wrong path; Kiyoshi was here to help correct him.
Rin, however, would pay a small price in this process—a fair exchange in essence.
...
The next day.
The group assembled at the village gate, checked supplies, and set off toward the Land of Demons.
Most ninjas traveled on foot; outside Konoha, the terrain was rugged, and only ninjas could move efficiently along tree trunks.
The Land of Demons was extremely remote; many ninjas didn't even know its location.
Being their first long-range mission, Minato and Yukitsuki were very cautious.
This wasn't just within the Fire Country; reaching the Land of Demons required crossing multiple borders.
In the increasingly tense ninja world, ambushes from rogue or wandering ninjas—or attacks from other villages—were possible.
Villages often had lists of other villages' geniuses. Encountering one might lead to attempts to eliminate them.
Or, they could capture bloodline limit holders unprotected by their village to strengthen their own forces.
Fortunately, Kiyoshi's group encountered no real dangers on the journey.
Only Rin seemed uneasy, constantly trying to talk to Kakashi.
Kakashi, stimulated by Kiyoshi, barely responded to Rin, continuing to practice Lightning Release and swordsmanship.
Aside from traveling, he spent all his time training.
The result: Kakashi became even busier.
"The sky's getting dark. Let's rest here for now."
Minato noted the golden evening light.
After a day's travel, moving at night could be dangerous.
"Obito, put down your pot."
Minato said, glancing at him.
During missions, ninjas carry ration pills and basic dry food.
Without enemies around, they could cook, prepare instant food, and relieve mental fatigue, which accumulated during continuous missions.
(End of Chapter)