Here we go again—Kiryō!
In the world of Naruto, everything always comes back to "kiryō"—a person's strength, aptitude, and, most importantly, their will.
Especially that last part. A ninja's path, their nindō, is held in the highest regard. And for someone like Kakashi, who's been through so much, it's no surprise he would value that deeply.
Natsuki didn't back down. "Kakashi-senpai, however you wish to test me, bring it on!"
"Good eyes." Kakashi nodded slightly. "Then let me first see your talent with the blade."
Satisfied for now, Kakashi silently pulled out two short swords, tossing one to Natsuki and holding onto the other himself.
Natsuki caught the blade, spun it once in his hand, then formed the sign of confrontation. He took a deep breath, eyes locked onto Kakashi, and began slowly closing the distance, seeking the perfect timing to strike.
Kakashi also formed the seal of confrontation but remained motionless, calmly waiting with his blade at the ready.
Guy and Tenten stood off to the side, quietly watching. The field was silent, yet the tension steadily rose.
Natsuki didn't rush. Step by step, he inched forward, eyes always fixed on Kakashi. Meanwhile, Kakashi stood there with ease, like he had nothing to worry about.
"Now!"
Natsuki suddenly shouted—and vanished.
Kakashi was surprised by his speed, but still calmly raised his blade to block the strike aimed at his side.
Natsuki twisted his wrist, knocking Kakashi's sword aside and lunged straight for his chest. But Kakashi's blade swung horizontally, once again stopping the tip. Natsuki quickly withdrew and stabbed toward his shoulder, only to be parried yet again.
Back and forth they exchanged strikes—within just three seconds, they had traded several moves.
Natsuki's attacks were fast and fierce, but Kakashi's defense was smooth and effortless. It was clear to any observer that Kakashi's swordsmanship far surpassed Natsuki's.
Of course, Kakashi was testing Natsuki, so he held back—if he went full power, the fight would have ended long ago.
Natsuki understood this, but he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he poured everything he had into each strike. Every slash, thrust, and block—polished over the years—was a testament to his hard work. There were no flashy moves, just complete focus and sincerity.
Kakashi observed closely and couldn't help but nod in approval.
A lot could be learned just by watching someone's swordplay.
Natsuki's techniques weren't sophisticated—in fact, they were a little stiff—but Kakashi could clearly see his sincerity and dedication. Without any formal guidance, he had pieced together what he could from scattered knowledge, creating a style of his own. Perhaps he lacked genius, or maybe just proper instruction, but his devotion to the blade was unmistakable.
Someone like this… might just be a good fit to inherit the Hatake sword style.
But that alone wasn't enough. Talent-wise, he was still lacking. After all, the Hatake kenjutsu wasn't ordinary—it was a technique born from ancient samurai arts and refined through chakra control.
As Natsuki was launching yet another strike, something changed—lightning surged around his blade.
Chidori-like chakra crackled down the steel, instantly boosting his speed and power, slicing through Kakashi's guard, aimed straight at his throat.
"Oh? You're not just swinging blindly anymore."
Kakashi's eye flashed with surprise—but only for a moment. He let the lightning blade strike.
Poof!
A burst of smoke. It hit a log.
Kawarimi no Jutsu (Substitution Technique).
Before Natsuki could react, he felt cold steel brush his neck. Kakashi's short sword was already resting there.
"You lost," Kakashi said calmly, withdrawing the blade.
"I lost," Natsuki nodded without complaint.
"You don't seem disappointed. You do realize failing this might mean you won't learn the Hatake kenjutsu?"
"My swordsmanship is inferior to yours, Kakashi-senpai. It's only natural I lost. Besides, if I beat you… would I even need to learn the Hatake style anymore? As for whether you teach me or not—that's entirely up to you. Even if I can't learn this, I'll find other ways to grow stronger."
"…I've heard what you told Guy," Kakashi said, voice low. "You said you want to become stronger to protect your girlfriend and your friends."
"That's absolutely true."
Natsuki wasn't worried about this part of the test. He really did care deeply for Tenten, Shino, and the others. It was all genuine, no bluffing.
Kakashi observed him carefully—no hesitation in the boy's eyes. That alone earned him a few more points.
Then, unexpectedly, Kakashi asked, "Guy also told me you want to master both the Eight Gates and the Hatake sword style. So… do you want to become Hokage?"
Natsuki froze. He didn't understand how Kakashi had arrived at that conclusion.
He shook his head firmly. "No. I don't want to be Hokage."
Kakashi blinked in surprise. "You want to be the strongest… but not the Hokage?"
"Exactly. Being Hokage sounds exhausting. Just look at the Third—he's always working overtime, buried in paperwork, can't even spend time with his grandson. If I became Hokage, I'd have no time for Tenten… and if I had kids in the future, I couldn't be a good father. No thanks. And besides, being the strongest doesn't mean you have to be Hokage. I believe that no matter your role or title, anyone can protect what's important to them and defend the village. That's what truly matters, right?"
"…Heh. Well said. Very well said."
Kakashi actually smiled—a rare, genuine one. "So then, what's your dream?"
Natsuki scratched his head, thinking. "Honestly, I've never thought too deeply about that. Back then, I just wanted to survive—live well, even for my parents who passed away. Later, after meeting Shino, Shikamaru, and Chōji… and after winning Tenten's heart, I just wanted to protect them. So… I want to get stronger. That's all."
It was a simple dream. But the simpler the words, the more sincere they felt.
Kakashi nodded approvingly. "Not bad. You've passed."
"Passed?! Does that mean… Kakashi-senpai is willing to teach me the Hatake sword style?!"
"That's right," Kakashi said with a rare warmth. "Your answer was honest. I'm satisfied. If you're the one inheriting the Hatake style… then I approve. Once you've mastered it, make sure to protect your loved ones and your comrades."
"Yes! Thank you so much, Kakashi-senpai!"
Natsuki bowed deeply, voice strong and resolute.
Just then, Guy suddenly burst into tears. "Ohhhh! Such a youthful moment! I'm so moved!!"
Tenten was instantly thrown off. "Guy-sensei! Don't ruin such a beautiful scene!"
Natsuki and Kakashi couldn't help but laugh.
With Might Guy around, there was never a lack of laughter—especially now that they had a girl who could deliver solid punchlines. Things were about to get much more fun.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's Office…
Hiruzen gently covered the crystal ball on his desk, a smile of satisfaction on his weathered face.
"This boy Natsuki… is worth cultivating."
(End of Chapter)
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