After today's spar with Kakashi Hatake, Shiro Akira had a clear understanding of his current strength.
At the same time, the fight helped him integrate his abilities more smoothly, giving him valuable combat experience.
"You really are strong. Why have you been hiding your abilities at school?"
Kakashi sheathed his short blade and looked at Shiro Akira with confusion.
"I haven't been hiding anything."
Shiro Akira shook his head. "I only recently developed Lightning Mode and mastered Thunder Sphere."
That was the truth.
Before awakening his past-life memories, he really had just been an ordinary—albeit handsome—student.
"Believe what you want."
Kakashi's eye twitched slightly, clearly unconvinced.
How could someone suddenly become so much stronger in such a short time?
At least, normal people couldn't.
"Clap! Clap! Clap!"
At that moment, Sakumo Hatake suddenly appeared beside them, applauding with a smile. "Not bad! Just as Kakashi said, Shiro Akira, you are indeed a genius. I see your swordsmanship has already reached the beginner level, though it's still somewhat rigid and rough. Did you teach yourself? How long have you been training?"
"Father? Why are you here?"
Kakashi looked surprised.
"Haha!"
Sakumo laughed and ruffled Kakashi's hair. "After hearing you talk about Shiro Akira yesterday, I figured you'd come challenge him, so I came to take a look. And it seems Shiro Akira truly is a talent worth noting."
At this point, Shiro Akira stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Greetings, White Fang-sama."
"Haha!"
Sakumo waved his hand dismissively. "Just call me Uncle Sakumo. 'White Fang' is only a title. So, you've heard of me?"
"Yes!"
Shiro Akira nodded with a hint of excitement. "Uncle Sakumo, you're a hero of the village. People often talk about your deeds!"
"As for my swordsmanship—it is indeed self-taught. I've only been practicing for seven or eight days. It's still quite crude. Please forgive my shortcomings."
This was Sakumo.
Shiro Akira genuinely felt excited.
Originally, his plan had been to approach Kakashi, learn some swordsmanship from him, and then use that connection to eventually meet Sakumo and seek guidance.
After all, in Konoha—and even across the entire ninja world—Sakumo's swordsmanship was among the very best.
The Senju Swordsmanship Notes at home were still too advanced for Shiro Akira. He could only understand part of it; much of the deeper theory was beyond him.
He needed a true master.
Moreover, as his talent gradually became more apparent, he also needed a powerful backing to deter certain shady figures—especially those with the surname Shimura.
That would buy him time to grow stronger.
With his cheat ability now activated, he believed that given a year or so, he could gain enough strength to protect himself in the ninja world.
Of course, relying solely on backing wasn't enough—true strength still depended on oneself.
And Sakumo himself… was a mountain that might collapse at any time.
His current fame and achievements were already too great.
What Shiro Akira had said earlier—about villagers frequently talking about his heroic deeds—was entirely true.
Such prominence would inevitably attract the wariness or even hostility of people like Danzo and the Third Hokage.
But Sakumo, lacking political awareness, had not realized this.
That made things dangerous.
"Hehe!"
Sakumo looked at Shiro Akira with surprise. "Only seven or eight days, and you've already reached the beginner level? You really are a swordsmanship prodigy."
"Would you like to train under me?"
He had clearly taken a liking to Shiro Akira's talent.
"Huh?"
Shiro Akira froze for a moment, then his face lit up with joy. "Is that really okay?"
"Of course."
Sakumo smiled and nodded. "As long as you're willing."
"Disciple greets Master!"
Shiro Akira decisively bowed.
"Haha! Good!"
Sakumo quickly helped him up, ruffling his hair into a mess. "From now on, come to my house after school with Kakashi. As long as I'm free, I'll teach you swordsmanship."
Having gained a talented student, he was genuinely pleased.
"Understood, Master!"
Shiro Akira nodded seriously.
Meanwhile, Kakashi pouted slightly, feeling left out as his father focused on Shiro Akira.
Sakumo immediately noticed and placed his other hand on Kakashi's head, rubbing it teasingly. "What's with that expression? Isn't it a good thing to have a junior disciple—a training partner?"
"In terms of swordsmanship talent, you might not even surpass little Shiro Akira. So you'd better work harder. Otherwise, if he overtakes you, even I won't be able to help you. Haha!"
He had already sensed that Kakashi had grown somewhat complacent with his reputation as a prodigy.
His progress had slowed.
Having Shiro Akira around to stimulate him would be beneficial.
"Tch!"
Kakashi snorted, clearly unconvinced. "I won't lose."
He looked at Shiro Akira with renewed fighting spirit.
Shiro Akira smiled, flashing his teeth. "Let's grow stronger together. I look forward to fighting you again."
"Same."
Kakashi clicked his tongue, but inwardly felt that this wasn't so bad after all.
"Haha!"
Sakumo laughed, patting both their heads. "Enough talking. You two haven't had dinner yet, right? Come on—I'll treat you to something good to celebrate."
"Thank you, Master!"
"Father! I want barbecue!"
"Haha! Then barbecue it is!"
As they spoke, Sakumo's gaze briefly flicked toward the Hokage building before quickly returning.
The Third Hokage, huh? Spying isn't exactly a good habit…
The Telescope Technique never should have been created.
It was… an indecent jutsu.
…