Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 93: Walking One's Own Path

Thanks to their ramen diplomacy, Sakumo Hatake invited Tonari to his home.

The Hatake clan, though once prominent in Konoha, had dwindled in numbers over the years. While clans like the Sarutobi, Akimichi, Nara, and Yamanaka thrived with large families, the Hatake clan was down to just Sakumo and his family. His marriage to a civilian woman and the birth of their son, Kakashi, ensured the clan's legacy would survive—barely.

Despite their reduced numbers, the Hatake estate was spacious, a testament to the clan's contributions during the founding of Konoha.

Upon arriving, Tonari saw a modestly beautiful woman playing with a two- to three-year-old boy in the garden. The boy had silver-gray hair, much like Sakumo's, and immediately caught Tonari's attention.

When the woman noticed Sakumo, she hurried over with a smile.

"Father!" the boy called out, his clear, confident voice ringing out.

It was Kakashi, the future "Copy Ninja" and Sixth Hokage.

Tonari's eyes gleamed with curiosity. This was Kakashi as a child—far removed from the legendary figure he would one day become.

Noticing Tonari's gaze, young Kakashi shrank back into his father's arms, clearly wary of the stranger. Despite his future prowess, for now, he was just a timid child.

"Haha! This is my son, Kakashi Hatake," Sakumo said with pride, lifting the boy up.

Tonari grinned. "This kid has immense potential. His talent is extraordinary. He's going to accomplish great things one day."

"Oh?" Sakumo raised an eyebrow. "So, you're good at reading faces too?"

"Just a bit… haha…" Tonari laughed awkwardly, realizing he might have been a bit too enthusiastic.

After playing with Kakashi for a while, Sakumo handed him off to his wife and motioned for Tonari to follow him to the courtyard.

"Alright," Sakumo said, "let's see what this so-called 'Summer Chicken Chop' swordsmanship is all about."

Tonari blushed. Even though he knew Sakumo was joking, hearing his clumsy swordsmanship described like that was still embarrassing.

This was his chance to learn from Konoha's legendary White Fang. He wouldn't waste it.

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The courtyard was spacious, perfect for training. Tonari unsheathed his short blade, channeling his chakra into it.

Whoosh!

Red flames engulfed the blade, heating it until it glowed. With careful movements, he began demonstrating the sword techniques he had been refining over the past weeks. These were based on the style he had stolen from the Cloud ninja, modified to suit his physique and weapon.

Though his movements were fluid and deliberate, Sakumo could immediately see through the cracks.

"Too much focus on form," Sakumo said after a moment. "Your grip is too rigid. Loosen it up. Focus on speed and precision—your blade should feel like an extension of your arm."

Taking the advice to heart, Tonari adjusted his stance and movements. He repeated the routine, gradually integrating Sakumo's corrections.

As he practiced, Tonari felt his strikes becoming smoother, more natural.

Unbeknownst to the two of them, young Kakashi had sneaked back out and was peeking through a window, watching the training with wide-eyed curiosity.

With each repetition, Tonari's blade became less of a tool and more of a natural part of him. The once-clumsy movements evolved into something fluid and alive.

Sakumo, who had started with mild amusement, now watched with growing surprise. He hadn't expected Tonari to adapt so quickly to his guidance.

Finally, Tonari completed the routine one last time and stopped, closing his eyes to savor the new understanding that had taken root.

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When Tonari opened his eyes, the sky had begun to brighten with the dawn.

He turned to Sakumo and bowed deeply. Though he said nothing, the gesture conveyed his immense gratitude.

Sakumo smiled, stepping forward to pat him on the shoulder.

"You've got a talent for this," he said. "But don't let it stop here. Keep exploring. There's a path for you to carve, one that suits you best. Remember, you're not destined to be the 'Little White Fang.' You can go much further."

Sakumo's words were genuine. He had walked his own path, rejecting the rigid traditions of his clan to develop a unique style centered on speed and precision.

Tonari, on the other hand, was a blank slate—free to forge his own style without the constraints of tradition.

If only Sakumo knew Tonari's obsession with swordsmanship was driven primarily by his desire to look cool.

"Alright," Sakumo said, stretching. "You'd better get ready. Didn't Tsunade mention you'd be heading out on a mission today? You've been up all night; can you handle it?"

Tonari blinked, realizing he'd lost track of time. "Crap! Thanks, Sakumo-san! I'll come back to thank you properly later!"

With that, he dashed off, leaving Sakumo chuckling in his wake.

As Sakumo turned back toward his house, he noticed the curtain by the window fluttering. Kakashi had returned to spying on the training session.

"Kakashi…" Sakumo murmured, his smile tinged with a mix of pride and wonder. "You'll have your own path to walk, won't you? I wonder if you'll share Tonari's passion for swordsmanship—or if you'll aim for something even greater..."

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(Chapter End)

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