Yuu thought about it and unconsciously pictured that scene in his mind. It was honestly a little funny.
However, Hatake Swordsmanship did not seem to think it was a joke, and responded very seriously:
[Hatake Swordsmanship: So-called "Susanoo" is nothing more than a condensation of ocular power. Among the martial arts of this world, there is nothing that cannot be cut, and only speed is unbreakable. As long as one's swordsmanship is refined enough, even a god can be severed with a single slash!]
"…Seriously?"
Yuu was half-convinced, half-skeptical.
To be honest…
his own evaluation of Hatake Swordsmanship was not that high.
After all, Hatake Sakumo had already been a grandmaster-level figure in this field back then, but his strength was still only specialized Kage-level. In other words, he specialized in assassination and could kill people as easily as cutting melons, but when facing wide-area AoE attacks, tailed beasts, or giant summon beasts, he lacked countermeasures.
Minato was actually in a similar position.
The difference was that Minato had trained in sealing techniques, signed a contract with the toads of Mount Myōboku, and was developing the Rasengan, so he still had the power to fight in high-level matches filled with monsters. At worst, he could force a mutual death, as he did against the Nine-Tails.
Therefore,
Yuu had assumed that the limit of Hatake Swordsmanship was probably a plus version of White Fang.
It would be enough for ordinary situations, but if he encountered Susanoo or Tailed Beast Bombs, then the game would be unplayable. He couldn't exactly use a sword to duel a Gundam.
But now, from the sound of it…
if Hatake Swordsmanship was trained to its peak, it might actually be able to clash with Susanoo?
It was also possible it was bragging.
After all, if it was the skeletal form of Susanoo, that was one thing. Shimura Danzō had once damaged it with Wind Release, and the Five Kage had also managed to shatter Madara Uchiha's Susanoo when he was not being particularly serious.
But if it was facing a Susanoo above the third form, or even a complete-body Susanoo, then the situation would be completely different. It was hard to imagine a single blade cutting through that thing. Even if "swordsmanship" itself could achieve it, the material of the White Fang short blade probably could not withstand it.
Mm… speaking of which, the blade Yuu currently used was still borrowed from Kakashi. He would probably have to wait a while until he had enough money to forge a ninja blade of his own and return the White Fang short blade.
Or maybe he could grab a blade from somewhere. For example, the Seven Ninja Swords of Kirigakure were pretty good. The Land of Iron might also have some fine blades. He could get a few as spares…
For now,
Hatake Swordsmanship did not seem willing to say more about Susanoo.
Yuu did not continue asking either. He simply walked back while chatting with several other techniques and farming his daily affection.
At this point, Yuu already had six ninjutsu at max affection.
Two Fire Release techniques, one Water Release technique, plus the Three Basic Techniques.
Healing Technique was almost there too, but because it was stuck on a "special event," the final bit had not been reached. However, Healing Technique at the "Attachment" stage was already completely sufficient. As long as he did not encounter a situation like Katō Dan or Senju Nawaki, ordinary injuries could be healed.
"Next, I'll first raise Dragon Fire Technique and Water Formation Wall's affection. Let's see if I can unlock a 'bond' after gathering three max-affection Fire Release techniques…"
"Cell Activation Technique can't be rushed. I have to wait for Orochimaru's progress…"
"And there are sealing techniques and Summoning Technique too…"
Yuu thought about going to Tsunade later to see if he could get the Shikkotsu Forest contract first. After all, unlike the Strength of a Hundred Seal and Ninja Art: Creation Rebirth, it did not have a high threshold. As long as one knew Summoning Technique, one could use it. It would also add another layer of insurance for the upcoming second phase of the war.
As for the Senju clan's inheritance and such, that would have to wait. There were so many things to learn. He couldn't become fat in one bite.
…
Over the next few days, the atmosphere in Konoha gradually grew tense.
The news that the Ninja World War had entered its second phase, and that Sunagakure and Kumogakure were attacking the Land of Fire together, spread through every street and alley.
Many Konoha villagers cursed Sunagakure and Kumogakure furiously, muttering about how awful the Third Raikage and Kazekage were.
Mm, the Third Kazekage should already have become one of Sasori of the Red Sand's human puppets by now. It was just that since Sasori had sealed off the news, most people did not know this yet. They would only learn the truth more than ten years later, when Sasori appeared again and used the Third Kazekage puppet.
Along with the news came draft orders, flying like snowflakes toward the major ninja clans and civilian ninja families. Squad after squad of ninja packed their things, said goodbye to their families, and headed to the gathering points, preparing to rush to the suddenly tense southwestern and northeastern borders.
The atmosphere in the Nohara household was also somewhat heavy.
There was no other reason.
Nohara Hiroshi's name had appeared on the reinforcement list for the southwestern battlefield.
This was normal.
Nohara Hiroshi's strength was quite good among chūnin, and his previous mission record was fairly rich. Against the backdrop of Konoha beginning war mobilization, it was only natural that he would be selected to carry out this kind of mission.
Rin was worried about this.
However, Nohara Hiroshi himself acted much more carefree. He repeatedly comforted his daughter. Even when it was time to depart, he still gently reached out and rubbed Rin's hair with a warm expression.
"Don't worry, Rin. Your dad is a chūnin. I've been through plenty of storms."
"And thanks to you and Yuu-kun, I'm not the same as I was before. I know quite a few more ninjutsu now."
That was right.
Yuu had previously taught Water Formation Wall and Water Dragon Bullet to Rin. Of course, they were the regular versions of the ninjutsu, and traits could not be taught.
After that, with Yuu's permission, Rin had taught those two techniques to her father.
So the current Nohara Hiroshi had far more ninjutsu reserves than before. His strength had also taken another step upward, reaching the level of an elite chūnin. As long as he did not encounter an overly powerful enemy, he should generally be able to protect himself.
Of course, he could not compare with Mikami Tajima, who had retired directly. But Tajima's situation involved some luck. Most people probably could not replicate that experience. The majority would die midway and never wait long enough for fate to change.
At this moment,
Nohara Hiroshi said goodbye to his daughter at the entrance of his home. Then he turned his gaze to Yuu beside her, his expression becoming solemn.
"Yuu."
"Yes, Uncle Hiroshi."
Yuu stood up straight.
"I'll leave Rin in your care."
Nohara Hiroshi took a deep breath. His voice became low and sincere, carrying the deepest trust of a father.
"While I'm not here, please… do your best to protect her. This isn't a demand, only a request."
~~~
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