Naruto:Ten Skill Bar

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Konoha-style swordsmanship, while revered, did not include Gekkō Hayate's signature Dance of the Crescent Moon, a finishing move unique to his mastery of Konoha-style techniques. This advanced move required the use of the Shadow Clone Technique, a jutsu far too dangerous to teach to someone who had yet to graduate from the Ninja Academy.

However, the foundational ten forms of Konoha-ryu swordsmanship were within Ishisaki's grasp. Hayate intended to teach them all to his cousin, both as a way to train him and to confirm Ishisaki's talent—or lack thereof—in swordsmanship.

---

The ten styles of Konoha-ryu were not overly complex, but they required precision, fluidity, and discipline. Hayate slowed his movements deliberately, explaining every detail of each form: the grip, stance, angle of attack, and transitions between techniques.

It took him about ten minutes to complete the demonstration. Once finished, Hayate turned to Ishisaki.

"Now you try," he said.

Ishisaki grinned confidently. The moment Hayate demonstrated the final move, the system chimed in his mind:

[Analysis complete.]

[Congratulations to Host for acquiring a new skill: Konoha-ryu Swordsmanship.]

Suddenly, every detail of the swordsmanship flashed through Ishisaki's mind. It was as if the forms had been etched into his memory, every motion and transition as familiar as breathing. His body felt ready, as though it had been practicing these techniques for years.

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Ishisaki stepped forward and raised his wooden sword. His first swing was so precise, so perfectly executed, that Hayate froze in place, his jaw dropping slightly.

The power behind the strike, the balance, the control—everything was flawless.

"Perfect…" Hayate muttered under his breath. "That was… perfect."

Hayate could hardly believe his eyes. Each subsequent form Ishisaki performed was just as extraordinary. The boy's movements were smooth, sharp, and efficient, with not a single wasted motion. Despite wielding only a wooden sword, Ishisaki's strikes carried enough force to create faint whistling sounds in the air.

Konoha-ryu swordsmanship is rare in Konoha, Hayate thought, his eyes narrowing. There are only a handful of practitioners, all officially recorded. There's no way Ishisaki could have learned this elsewhere.

And yet, as Ishisaki moved through the ten forms, it was as though he had been practicing Konoha-ryu for decades. His execution wasn't just competent—it was masterful. The young boy wielding the wooden sword displayed a level of proficiency that surpassed even Hayate himself.

"Impossible…" Hayate whispered, watching as Ishisaki completed the final move with a flourish that sent a sharp gust of air across the training ground.

---

Ishisaki lowered his sword and turned to face Hayate, his expression calm and composed.

"Brother Hayate?" he asked, curious about the stunned expression on his cousin's face.

Hayate didn't respond immediately. He was still processing what he had just witnessed. When he finally spoke, his voice was filled with awe.

"Ishisaki… you… you will be the second Konoha's White Fang."

Ishisaki blinked, momentarily taken aback. The second White Fang?

The legendary Hatake Sakumo, also known as Konoha's White Fang, was one of the most revered swordsmen in Konoha's history. The very mention of his name carried weight and respect throughout the ninja world. To be compared to such a figure was no small honor.

Hayate's face lit up with excitement. "With your talent, our Gekkō Clan will rise, just like the Hatake Clan did under Sakumo! Ishisaki, your swordsmanship is beyond genius—it's unprecedented!"

---

Ishisaki felt a swell of pride at Hayate's words, but he quickly tempered his emotions. No need to get carried away, he thought.

Hayate's praise, though well-meaning, reminded Ishisaki of the potential dangers of standing out too much. Konoha, despite its outward appearance of peace, was rife with political intrigue. Figures like Danzo would not hesitate to exploit or eliminate a young talent if they saw it as a threat.

I have to be careful, Ishisaki realized. It's fine to show exceptional talent in swordsmanship. But I can't reveal everything—especially not my system.

To Hayate, however, Ishisaki offered a bright smile. "Really, Brother? Do you truly think I could be like Konoha's White Fang?"

"I don't just think it—I know it!" Hayate declared, his voice filled with conviction. "Your talent in swordsmanship surpasses all the ninjas in Konoha today!"

Hayate paused, then grinned. "From now on, don't call me 'Brother Hayate.' Just call me 'Big Brother.'"

Ishisaki chuckled. "Alright, Big Brother."

Hayate nodded, visibly pleased. His mind, however, was already racing. I have to report this to the Third Hokage. A genius like Ishisaki must not go unnoticed. If the Hokage supports him, it will benefit both Ishisaki and the Gekkō Clan.

---

Hayate turned back to Ishisaki, his expression serious. "Konoha-ryu swordsmanship has stronger techniques, but I can't teach you those yet. You still need to train more. After you graduate from the Academy, I'll teach you everything I know."

Ishisaki immediately understood. The stronger technique Hayate referred to was likely the Dance of the Crescent Moon, but Ishisaki wasn't particularly eager to learn it. While useful, it wasn't a game-changer.

"I understand, Big Brother," Ishisaki said with a respectful nod.

Hayate seemed satisfied with the response. "Do you want to keep practicing? If you'd like, I can stay and train with you."

Ishisaki hesitated. He appreciated the offer, but his curiosity about Active Skill 3: Unknown burned brighter than ever.

Rubbing the back of his neck, Ishisaki offered an apologetic smile. "Not today, Big Brother. I promised a classmate I'd meet them later."

Hayate waved a hand dismissively. "That's fine. It's important to maintain good relationships with your peers. Just don't neglect your training."

"Of course!" Ishisaki said, his smile widening.

Hayate reached into his pouch and pulled out a small scroll. "When you graduate, I'll give you a proper ninja sword. With your talent, you'll be one of the strongest Genin of your class. For now, take this wooden sword and keep practicing."

"I will," Ishisaki promised, securing the wooden sword behind him. "Thank you, Big Brother."

Hayate watched as Ishisaki walked away, disappearing down the path. A determined look crossed his face. This can't wait. The Hokage needs to know about him.

End of the Chapter.

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