Asuma looked at Shikamaru, pausing for a moment before his slightly hesitant expression turned determined, as if making a decision.
"Shikamaru," Asuma said slowly, "When we return to Konoha, take the Executioner's Blade, the sword of Zabuza Momochi, back to your home."
"That...," Shikamaru said, raising his head in surprise, furrowing his brows and speaking hesitantly, "Is that alright?" The Executioner's Blade was considered the spoils of this mission. Although Ino and Choji didn't play a significant role in the battle with Zabuza, Team 10 as a whole wasn't the deciding factor in the sword's acquisition. Moreover, Asuma had contributed the most to the fight, not Shikamaru. It wouldn't be fair if the Executioner's Blade were to be given to Shikamaru alone, as it might create ill feelings in Ino and Choji.
"I understand what you're concerned about," Asuma patted Shikamaru on the shoulder and smiled slightly. "I'll explain things to Choji and Ino. They're your good friends, and they'll understand." With Asuma, the jonin instructor, intervening, there should be no lingering resentment. After all, Asuma, the one who contributed the most, had already voluntarily stepped back. If there were still dissatisfaction or jealousy, it would mean that their bond had weakened.
"The Executioner's Blade, as one of the Seven Ninja Swords of the Mist, holds great significance in the hearts of the Mist Ninja," Asuma said, pulling out a cigarette from his ninja tools pouch, lighting it, and taking a deep drag. "If it falls into the hands of Konoha's ninja, it carries great meaning. Whether it's used to spread the reputation of Konoha or returned to the Mist Village as a symbol of friendship, it can serve both purposes."
"You won't be able to keep the blade, it will have to be handed over," Asuma observed Shikamaru's expression. When he saw that Shikamaru showed no unusual emotions after hearing this and maintained his calm demeanor, Asuma silently nodded. "However, the village will compensate you. That technique you used in the battle against Zabuza, the 'Flying Swallow,' requires chakra metal that can store chakra. This material is rare, but you can request it from the higher-ups, and it can be used to make a weapon."
Shikamaru's heart skipped a beat. This was the benefit of having a mentor—especially one like Asuma, who was not only his superior but also looked after him in many ways. Compared to his father, Nara Shikaku, although a jonin, Shikamaru's father couldn't offer the same kind of guidance in real-world situations.
"As we finish this mission, take some time to think about your strengths and your combat style," Asuma said, watching Shikamaru carefully. "But to truly understand your combat style, you need a lot of experience. If you have any questions, come challenge me anytime."
Shikamaru nodded seriously in response.
Over the next few days, aside from his usual training, Shikamaru spent time in quiet reflection, mentally cataloging the ninja techniques and taijutsu he had learned, and imagining hypothetical enemies to practice against.
A week later, Shikamaru asked Tazuna to help him find a cricket bat. He planned to use this long, wide piece of wood as a template to refine and adjust his strategies.
"In close combat, I have the powerful Rasengan, which few techniques can counter," Shikamaru sat cross-legged in a forest, gazing thoughtfully at the cricket bat on his lap. "But it's limited in quantity, and most importantly, I don't have the Sharingan. Unless I have a significant speed advantage, an enemy can easily dodge it."
"For mid-range combat, I have secret techniques to use. So, this weapon should primarily focus on close combat and long-range attacks," he continued, his brows furrowing.
"The techniques of the Nara clan are useful at mid-range, but they are too slow when used directly, and the movements are too obvious. Anyone with a bit of experience could easily counter them," Shikamaru thought. He suddenly stood up, grabbed the cricket bat, and leapt through the trees, eventually hiding in a patch of grass. "I need to catch my enemy off guard. Stealth is crucial!"
When he stood up from the grass, holding the bat in his hand, he murmured, "It's too big and cumbersome. Not easy to carry."
"At long range, I only have the 'Shadow Imitation Jutsu Shuriken,' which requires a weapon to complement it," Shikamaru sat under a tree, still in the same forest. The bat had been completely transformed, cut down to half a meter in length and reshaped like a large kunai. "This technique needs a weapon that can be thrown."
He kept the circular ring at the end of the kunai, which could be used to wrap wire for retrieval after throwing, and in the future, with his mastery of the Shadow Sewing technique, he could also use it for a second throw.
"While the kunai's shape isn't ideal for close combat, I can gradually refine it after sparring with Asuma," Shikamaru thought.
"For now, I need a weapon that's both throwable and easy to carry, so I can remain stealthy. What's missing is how to use it in close combat in tandem with taijutsu."
The next day, Shikamaru approached Asuma, asking to spar with him to test his theory. Asuma agreed, and they gathered the wooden ninja tools that had been prepared beforehand and headed to a nearby grove near Tazuna's house.
"Are you ready?" Asuma asked, holding a wooden sword. Shikamaru nodded, and Asuma immediately advanced with a downward slash.
The purpose of this exchange was to help Shikamaru refine his combat style and gain insights into his techniques. Asuma was holding back, controlling his strength, knowing that if he went all out, Shikamaru would have no chance of fighting back.
Clang!
Shikamaru held the wooden kunai in a reverse grip, close to his forearm for defense. He blocked Asuma's strike and then swung his arm downward, attempting to deflect Asuma's wooden sword. Asuma countered by flicking his blade upwards, aiming for Shikamaru's fingers. Forced to retreat, Shikamaru gave up his offensive.
"It needs a guard, but the length should match the forearm," Shikamaru noted to himself. He adjusted his stance and moved forward, launching a counterattack at Asuma.