Naruto: The Age of Ninja Swords Begins in Kumogakure

Chapter 123 Clash with White Fang

Leaving aside the conversation in the Hokage's office, Tamura Hao, after sensing the disappearance of that chakra, finally got down to business.

"Is that Sakumo-senpai's Hokage short sleeve? The Third Hokage really valued him."

My gaze fell on Sakumo Hatake's Hokage short sleeves, the style of which was similar to Minato Namikaze's Hokage robes in the future.

Hatake Sakumo glanced at his short-sleeved shirt, remaining silent as he pondered the true purpose of this man's visit.

He wouldn't treat him like a twelve-year-old boy; the boy had previously gone to the Uchiha clan's territory alone and even stayed at the Uchiha clan head's residence.

Who knows what kind of agreement the other party made with the Uchiha clan leader? And this time, their purpose in coming to my house is definitely not as simple as asking for advice on swordsmanship.

"Does the senior believe you can become the Fourth Hokage?"

Tamura Hao asked again, wanting to try and change this person's fate, which should be a good outcome.

Sakumo Hatake remained silent. One had to be careful with every word when communicating with someone like that; it was best to keep quiet if possible.

The main problem is that he's not good at verbal sparring; what he's good at is wielding weapons.

"I suppose Sakumo-senpai also understands that he has no chance of becoming the Fourth Hokage. Not only the Senju and Uchiha factions, but even the Third Hokage faction would not agree to it."

Because you are not one of them, nor is the Hatake family, so we cannot guarantee their current interests.

Considering how many times Hiruzen Sarutobi and his group have fought openly and covertly against the Senju faction over the years, it's likely that Hiruzen Sarutobi and his group are worried about becoming the next Senju faction to be targeted by newcomers.

But it's dangerous that a senior who isn't qualified to become Hokage received the Hokage's half-sleeve.

Senior, you'd better be careful in the future, lest you become a sacrifice one day and break your reputation as the number one sword in the ninja world.

For those in positions of power, it doesn't matter whether those below them covet the position; what matters is whether they have the ability to hold it.

Sometimes, having too much strength and ability is an unforgivable sin.

Regardless of whether Hatake Sakumo could understand, Tamura Hiroshi began to talk about swordsmanship training after he finished speaking.

Sakumo Hatake found it difficult to address the boy's earlier words, but he could offer advice on swordsmanship.

After all, that knife was really good, a whole level better than his own white teeth.

Regardless of this person's intentions, their sincerity is truly remarkable.

Not long after, Hatake Sakurako brought over the dishes she had prepared. Fortunately, it was grilled meat, not the kind of dishes that Uchiha Mikoto made. Tamura Hao was quite satisfied with the meal.

After eating and resting for a while, Hatake Sakumo took Tamura Hiroshi to a nearby training ground for practical training.

The Hokage had ordered me to find an opportunity to test this young man, and this was a good chance to take a look.

At the same time, Hiruzen Sarutobi once again used his telescope technique to spy, and Tsunade and Jiraiya also came to watch from nearby.

Tamura Hao unleashed his full power to counter Hatake Sakumo's fierce attacks, but he was almost unable to launch an offensive and could only passively defend. He even had to dodge in a sorry state several times. His mastery of rhythm control was completely countered and he couldn't use it at all because Hatake Sakumo had a stronger control over the rhythm of the battle.

Compared to a Kage-level ninja like Sakumo Hatake, who specialized in ninja swordsmanship, Fugaku Uchiha's swordsmanship was far inferior, not even in the same league.

However, Sakumo Hatake was also surprised by Tamura's tenacious performance. Although he did not use his full strength or any killing moves, but only ordinary sword strikes, it was enough to defeat a Jonin.

But the boy managed to withstand it, and although he looked quite disheveled, he managed to block it after all.

His speed, reaction speed, and dynamic vision are all excellent; it's hard to believe he's only twelve years old.

Tsunade and Jiraiya, who were watching from the shadows, were also quite surprised.

"Wow, that's impressive!"

Jiraiya's expression turned serious. The boy was very strong, and even if he were to simply compete with him in physical combat, he would find it difficult to win.

Of course, in a simple taijutsu contest, using ninjutsu would still make it easy to win.

But this is enough to prove the boy's strength, which is no less than Minato's.

I never expected that there would be such a talented young man in the Hidden Cloud Village.

"Can Minato defeat him?"

Tsunade crossed her arms and asked a question. She knew about Jiraiya's disciple, mainly from what her younger brother Nawaki had told her. He was a genius in the ninja academy, but she didn't know his specific strength.

"We need to keep our distance."

Jiraiya was well aware of that disciple's strength and advantages; in a simple contest of taijutsu and swordsmanship, that is, close combat, he would definitely not be a match for that boy.

If he can create distance, Minato can defeat his opponent using ninjutsu.

He was very confident about this. The two were roughly equal in strength, only their main focus was different. Not to mention, Wind Release could counter Lightning Release.

"I also need a good ninja tool!"

Looking at the gleaming blades flashing over there, Jiraiya added a sentence.

The boy's ninja sword was clearly no ordinary weapon; a direct confrontation would put him at a significant disadvantage.

I need to remind Minato afterwards, and then go to the teacher's place to see if there are any good ninja tools I can find.

At the same time, on the other side of the training field, someone else was secretly watching the game.

He was short in stature, but carried a disassembled double-headed razor on his back; he was none other than Izumi Shimura, who had been keeping an eye on someone.

Izumi Shimura silently watched the battle ahead. Although he was slightly surprised by someone's strength, he still had absolute confidence in himself.

Last time, I suffered a great loss because I didn't know enough about the other party. Next time, I will never give that bastard a chance.

Just thinking about how she was stripped naked last time and forced to cooperate with that bastard to take so many obscene photos made Shimura Izumi almost go crazy, her teeth nearly grinding to powder.

That bastard has to pay the price, and we need to get those photos back. Not a single one of them can be leaked.

Meanwhile, there was another person secretly watching the battle – Ye Cang, who had been keeping a close eye on someone.

Despite the earlier panic, Yecang did not leave but secretly followed, eventually arriving here.

"He has actually grown to this level."

Ye Cang was quite surprised to see the figure struggling to cope.

Although that lecherous brat was in a sorry state, one must remember that he was facing Konoha's White Fang, a powerhouse comparable to a Kage.

Not long ago, he even killed Elder Chiyo's son and daughter-in-law on the front lines. He himself would have had a hard time surviving against such an existence, yet now that lecherous brat can actually hold out against Konoha's White Fang.

Compared to two years ago, that lecherous brat has improved so much that I might not even be his match if we faced him head-on.

"fraud!"

Realizing this, Yekura felt terrible and even more like she had been deceived.

You still say you don't have ninja qualifications? You little liar!

Thus, under the watchful eyes of many, Tamura Hao exhausted the chakra within the Yang Seal before retreating and admitting defeat.

"Your swordsmanship is truly worthy of being the best in the ninja world."

Panting heavily, Tamura Hao had a clear understanding of this person's strength.

The White Fang of Konoha is truly strong, worthy of being Hiruzen Sarutobi's trump card.

Sakumo Hatake did not refute the boy's praise; he still possessed that much confidence and pride.

Although he may not be the strongest in the ninja world, when it comes to ninja swordsmanship, if Hatake Sakumo says he's second, no one can say they're first.

He had even fought against that demigod from the Land of Rain.

"Your swordsmanship will definitely surpass mine in the future."

Looking at the young man before him, Hatake Sakumo gave him high praise.

I hadn't achieved this much in swordsmanship when I was twelve. As long as this boy doesn't die young, he will definitely surpass me in swordsmanship in the future.

Because he has reached his limit in all aspects, and there is no way he can improve further. At most, he can only maintain his current peak state.

"Thank you for your praise, senior. I will work even harder and will definitely take the title of the number one swordsman in the ninja world from your hands next time we fight. I hope you will live to see that day and not die on the battlefield."

Tamura Hiroshi responded earnestly, expressing his confidence in his future.

With two powerful advantages, his limits are beyond the imagination of ordinary people.

Given enough time, he could even chop up the Sage of Six Paths.

The current number one swordsman in the ninja world is Hatake Sakumo, but the number one swordsman in the future will definitely be Tamura Hiten!

Sensing the underlying meaning in the boy's words, Hatake Sakumo fell silent.

Although he wasn't good at that kind of thing, he wasn't stupid. He understood that the boy's words were correct, and it was always a good idea to pay more attention.

"I have other things to do."

After saying this, Hatake Sakumo used the Body Flicker Technique to leave, preparing to return to the Hokage Building to report the results of this test of the boy's strength to the Hokage.

Before leaving, he glanced at the slightly shorter longsword in the boy's right hand and noticed a flaw in it, based on the collision just now.

Meanwhile, Tamura Hao remained in the training ground and used the Chakra Absorption Technique to recover the chakra within his body.

His chakra is different from the chakra passed down by the Sage of Six Paths; it can be recovered, just like the chakra returned after the Shadow Clone Technique is dispelled. Naruto Uzumaki even uses it to help maintain Sage Mode.

Furthermore, both Chidori Speed ​​and Chidori Blade are enhancement-type ninjutsu, where chakra only flows within the blade and the body and is not released outwards.

The chakra is still there; a portion of it can be absorbed back using the Chakra Absorption Technique.

As for the rest, it is integrated into the body. Like the Lightning Release Armor, Chidori Speed ​​also has the effect of tempering the body. Each time it is used, a portion of the chakra is integrated into the body's flesh and blood.

This is similar to the Truth-Seeking Balls that Obito Uchiha made after achieving the Six Paths during the Future Fourth Shinobi World War. After the explosion, the Truth-Seeking Balls could be restored and returned to him, giving him even greater control over chakra.

Tamura Hao's chakra is incredibly pure, without any imprint of other people's will. It's hard to say about the chakra outside his body, but the chakra inside his body is still his own.

In just a short while, he recovered 60% of his chakra. 10% was absorbed by his body, while 30% was lost in the clash with Hatake Sakumo's sword, along with the chakra Sakumo had imbued into his blade.

That was annihilated and disintegrated, reduced to life force and spiritual power, which cannot be taken back, at least not at this stage.

He immediately turned around to look at the blonde woman who appeared behind him. It was Tsunade, and she looked very unfriendly.

"Tsunade-senpai, is there something you need?"

"Don't call me 'senior' so casually. We're not that close."

Tsunade snorted coldly, quite annoyed by this wretched brat.

I was completely fooled by this brat, who did so many things right under my nose.

"So, Tsunade, what are you planning to do?"

Tamura Hiroshi readily complied, retracting the title of "senior" and addressing him by his first name.

This way of addressing him made Tsunade even more annoyed with the brat.

"I'm itching to practice with you."

Tsunade loosened her wrists, wanting to personally assess the brat's strength and vent her frustrations.

"Understood!"

Tamura Hao understood, and put the big and small cats into his arm armor, preparing to deal with Tsunade unarmed.

He had long coveted Tsunade's superhuman strength techniques, whose skill level far surpassed what he had yet to develop.

If one could learn Tsunade's super strength technique, one's own super strength would definitely improve significantly. This perfect opportunity to learn from her should not be missed.

"Want to challenge me to a hand-to-hand combat contest?"

Raising an eyebrow, Tsunade thought this kid would run away or fight with swordsmanship, but she didn't expect him to plan to fight with taijutsu.

This brat should have heard of his own name.

"My sword can't break through your Earth Release ninjutsu defense yet, so my attack is useless; I can only dodge."

Tamura Hao frankly admitted that he wasn't thinking about attacking, but only wanted to practice dodging.

Tsunade's fighting style may seem to consist only of taijutsu and superhuman strength, but she also uses earth-style ninjutsu to harden her skin and bones so that she can withstand the bursts of power and fight against her opponents.

Otherwise, one could not create such a devastating effect using only flesh and blood, let alone break through the enemy's ninjutsu attack.

If you can't break through the defense, attacking is useless; you might as well abandon attacking and focus on dodging.

"Let's see how long you can hide."

Without another word, Tsunade stood still and threw a punch.

The chakra bursts forth and merges with the air in front of him to unleash a violent gust of wind; this is the outward application of the Super Strength Technique.

Although it was just a fusion of air, the impact was extremely strong. Even Tamura Hao did not dare to confront it head-on, and his body crackled with electricity as he dodged to the side.

Before he could even regain his footing, another punch came flying at him, the resulting airflow so powerful it scraped off a layer of the ground.

Tamura Hao continued to dodge, accelerating with both hands and feet, not daring to stop for a moment.

The combined effect of Chidori's speed and Mifune's Shunpo allows him to reach his current maximum speed.

He even occasionally used chakra threads to pierce the ground to assist in moving and dodging.

Of course, learning from others was essential. He used Kaguya's Byakugan Sharingan to observe the flow of chakra within Tsunade's body and made detailed notes.

"Quite flexible."

After throwing dozens of punches without landing a hit, Tsunade stopped holding back, raising her leg high and then slashing down hard.

"Painful Heavenly Kick!"

"Bang!"

With a muffled bang, the ground within a radius of more than twenty meters shattered instantly, greatly affecting Tamura Hiroshi's ability to dodge.

After all, the ground is shattered, so the foothold is naturally unstable, which will greatly affect movement speed.

Tamura Hiroshi remained calm and continued to dodge Tsunade's next barrage of punches.

Although it was a bit of a mess, I was still able to manage to dodge it.

Even if he was occasionally grazed by the force of that punch, the light armor and leather clothing he wore provided sufficient defense, and the chakra that enhanced his body and his physical attributes prevented him from getting hurt.

Of course, pain is unavoidable.

Tsunade remained motionless, unleashing a barrage of powerful punches, thoroughly enjoying herself.

She just wanted to vent her anger; she didn't really want to defeat the brat. Making the brat suffer a little would be enough.

Another point is that I'm not as fast as that kid, which is my weakness.

Tamura Hiroshi was also enjoying learning from her, and would even occasionally move his position to lure Tsunade out so that she could use the Painful Heaven Kick to destroy the ground again, thereby observing the secrets of the Painful Heaven Kick's chakra flow multiple times.

At the same time, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi was observing the whack-a-mole-like battle through his telescope while listening to Sakumo Hatake's report.

Although he had watched the battle between Hatake Sakumo and the boy through the telescope technique, watching from a distance was not as good as experiencing it firsthand. Some of the finer details still needed Hatake Sakumo to explain.

Will they surpass you in the future?

Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a sense of unease; this young man's potential was even greater than he had imagined.

He knew Sakumo Hatake's strength very well. If Enma were still around, they could suppress Sakumo Hatake together. But now that Enma was gone, he wasn't even confident that he could suppress him.

Even if Sakumo Hatake gets close, he'll get hurt.

This shows how formidable Sakumo Hatake's strength is, yet now they say that the child has even greater potential.

In other words, it would be very dangerous if that child were to reach my level in the future.

"When I was that age, I had only just begun to grasp the level of sword Zen, far inferior to him. In a few years, he will definitely reach the state of oneness with the sword."

Sakumo Hatake recounted the story truthfully, inwardly marveling at the boy's swordsmanship skills.

Only pure sword practitioners like them can understand the power of sword Zen cultivation, and even more so, the terrifying power of man and sword becoming one.

It can be said that as long as one comprehends the state of man and sword as one, one can enter the Kage level. That's how I broke through.

"Man and sword as one?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was surprised. He had heard of this claim before, but he didn't know the specifics.

"The Hokage can be seen as a kind of genjutsu training that targets one's own mental will. Achieving the unity of man and sword can lead to a transformation of the mental will, which in turn drives the transformation of chakra, reaching a level that surpasses that of a Jonin."

At the same time, the unity of man and sword allows chakra to be more closely integrated with the ninja sword, making the chakra blades unleashed even sharper. As long as the will remains unbroken, combat power can be maintained indefinitely.

He gave a simple explanation of the unity of man and sword, but that state is very mysterious, and even he could hardly explain it clearly in words, so he could only explain it from the side.

The Hatake clan evolved from a samurai family into a ninja clan, and they still practice the samurai's swordsmanship, which is the foundation of their strength.

"Belief?"

With a sudden thought, Hiruzen Sarutobi memorized this key point.

"After the Chunin Exams are over, go to the Sand Village front and work with Orochimaru and Danzo Shimura to push the front back. The Daimyo is already very dissatisfied with this."

Speaking of another matter, Hiruzen Sarutobi has been having a headache over the situation on that front. The daimyo has sent envoys several times to condemn the matter, urging them to push the front back as soon as possible and even drive the Sand Village army out of the Land of Rivers.

It is difficult to achieve this, mainly because the losses in the Land of Whirlpools were too heavy. The elite troops of both clans who had reached the level of Special Jonin were all wiped out, and Danzo's Root elite troops were also lost there.

It's already quite an achievement that Danzo and Orochimaru were able to keep the battle lines from collapsing.

It's almost impossible to push the battle lines back, but the daimyo's orders cannot be ignored. For now, we can only use White Fang as our trump card.

However, I must remind Danzo not to let Sakumo discover the experimental research.

After all, these were just his subordinates, not his confidants. The Hatake family was also a neutral party in the village, so it was hard to say what their final stance would be.

"Yes, Hokage-sama!"

Hatake Sakumo accepted the order without much thought, as he had previously been ordered to go to the front lines and had even killed the leader of the Sunagakure puppet army.

"You may leave!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi gestured for Sakumo Hatake to leave, his eyes still fixed on the battle scene displayed in the crystal ball, his gaze deep and unfathomable, as if he were deep in thought.

"The Cloud Ninja were indeed the best choice. After the plan was completed, they could be dealt with legitimately. The death of his only son was enough to enrage the Third Raikage and make him lose his mind."

He thought to himself, "Hiruzen Sarutobi has been holding back against Kumogakure for a long time. We must drag Kumogakure into the war and start fighting there. This will also weaken the Uchiha clan."

With that thought, Hiruzen Sarutobi formed hand seals to guide the crystal image to change, appearing in another training ground. The image showed a blond boy and his disciple Jiraiya.

(End of this chapter)