Chapter 33 – Exchanging Knowledge: Team Training Session

Next door, Yūhi Kurenai couldn't see their expressions.

After a while, she noticed it had become unusually quiet.

Have they finished their bath?

She quickly washed herself, stepped outside, and sure enough—Kyōen and Kakashi were already there.

That was fast!

Kurenai arrived in the courtyard and saw the two resting instead of training.

Now that's rare...

Then again—

She knew that their earlier conversation in the hot spring had likely left a strong impression on both of them.

That must’ve been the most heartfelt conversation their team has ever had...

It’s just a shame she hadn’t been able to contribute much.

“Back to training. I need to improve my medical ninjutsu and knowledge.”

Mastering medical ninjutsu was the best way to support her teammates.

Kurenai silently made a firm resolve—

Before returning, she was determined to spend more time at the Konoha Hospital—learning, observing, and absorbing as much medical knowledge as possible.

Meanwhile, Kakashi was still practicing the Rasengan.

As for Kyōen—

He was sitting down, lost in thought as he stared at his system panel and notifications.

[Name: Ryōmine Kyōen]

[Age: 7]

[Kekkei Genkai]: None

[Skills]:
Transformation Jutsu (Mastered), Clone Jutsu (Mastered), Substitution Jutsu (Mastered), Body Flicker Technique (Expert), Water Style: Wild Water Wave (Mastered), Water Style: Water Wall (Mastered), Shadow Clone (Proficient), Monstrous Strength Technique (Proficient), White Fang Kenjutsu (Beginner)

He hadn’t expected this outcome.

He had earned a reward—but not the Rasengan he’d been aiming for.

[Through guidance, you have earned complete trust from your target.]

[You have gained a loyal companion.]

[Reward: White Fang Kenjutsu (Beginner)]

Right now, Kakashi’s strongest and most refined technique was, unsurprisingly, the swordsmanship he had inherited from his father.

Beginner-level White Fang Kenjutsu.

Kyōen sat quietly, reflecting on the memories the system had provided.

The sword style was surprisingly straightforward—

Slashing, thrusting, chopping...

Basic moves comprised its core, but the memories also contained many supplementary insights—

Which body parts were most lethal to target...

How to swing more efficiently, more quickly...

This was swordsmanship designed to kill.

Even if he didn’t plan to specialize in kenjutsu, these techniques were incredibly valuable.

After a while, he sighed inwardly—

“White Fang… is no joke.”

If the beginner level was already this refined, then it was hard to imagine how deadly the full mastery would be.

A sword style born for killing.

And yet...

Its wielder had been a deeply emotional man—not a heartless tool.

What a waste.

Kyōen couldn’t help but lament—

If Sakumo Hatake were still alive and leading the Anbu, then Konoha’s black ops would truly be a sharpened blade.

He continued analyzing and internalizing the technique, eventually picking up a kunai.

Whoosh!

His striking motion seemed noticeably faster.

A bonus effect?

Kyōen kept practicing and testing, eventually confirming:

It had indeed improved.

Combined with the terrifying lethality of these techniques and White Fang’s natural talent—

This was the foundation of White Fang Kenjutsu.

Everything that came later—ninjutsu, advanced sword styles—were simply bricks and tiles added on top. Their impact depended on individual ability.

“Rather than a sword style, it’s closer to White Fang’s philosophy and skill set…”

With that in mind—

While Kakashi’s current kenjutsu was powerful, it was clear he hadn’t yet developed a personal sword-fighting identity.

Only after obtaining the Chidori and the Sharingan would Kakashi begin forming his own assassination-style technique system centered around speed and precision.

And me?

Kyōen pondered.

Tobirama Senju’s kenjutsu, in combination with Water Style and the Flying Thunder God Technique, was far beyond his current reach—and copying it wasn’t necessary. Instead, he could draw inspiration from moves like the Dance of the Crescent Moon—absorb, learn, and adapt.

In fact—

Why should swords be so limited?

Couldn’t monstrous strength become a “blade” too?

Kyōen’s thoughts expanded and gradually became clearer.

Still—

It would be best to train in proper kenjutsu during the early stages.

Mastery required depth.

One must understand swords to fully grasp the nuance of White Fang’s style and eventually merge it with personal abilities—to create a lethal style of one’s own.

Kyōen’s eyes brightened with clarity as he looked over to Kakashi.

“If it’s kenjutsu… I should ask Kakashi for guidance.”

After a brief pause, he spoke:

“Kakashi, I want to learn the sword. Could I ask you to teach me your kenjutsu? I can offer my insights into certain ninjutsu techniques in exchange.”

“That’s… not necessary, really. It’s just swordsmanship.”

Kakashi replied.

“You two are being too polite,” Kurenai chimed in from the courtyard, medical book in hand. “Let’s just learn from each other.”

Kyōen nodded in agreement.

“Exactly. By exchanging knowledge, it’s like each of us gains more than what we had alone.”

He gestured for Kurenai to join them.

“Come on, Kurenai—join us.”

After carefully sensing the surroundings to make sure no one was eavesdropping, Kyōen launched straight into the lesson without further preamble.

He began by explaining the Body Flicker Technique.

“My flicker is faster because of how I control chakra and my muscles…”

The difference between Expert and merely Mastered lay in precision control and efficient power application.

He explained as clearly and thoroughly as he could.

Kakashi and Kurenai listened attentively.

The former had always focused heavily on speed and had put in serious effort on the Body Flicker Technique, so he understood quickly.

Kurenai struggled more—

But she still grasped the concept.

However—

The two exchanged glances and smiled wryly.

Knowing and doing were separated by a daunting gap.

For them, it was no small challenge.

Even Kakashi couldn’t claim he’d fully grasp it soon—but just understanding a portion of the secret would be extremely beneficial.

“It won’t be easy,” Kyōen said, “but since we have limited chakra and physical strength, we need to rely on technique to enhance our speed. In combat, speed must be controlled—but in retreat, the faster the better. Every fraction of a second counts.”

Both of them understood the logic.

After a moment of silence, Kakashi stood and bowed deeply.

“Thank you.”

To him—

Kyōen’s request for sword training seemed more like a pretext to share his techniques with them.

Kurenai also bowed respectfully.

After a long moment of contemplation, Kakashi finally spoke up.

“You two might admire my father’s swordsmanship because of his reputation… but his techniques are actually very simple.”

He feared Kyōen had been drawn by fame and would be disappointed.

Kyōen smiled.

“What matters is the shinobi, not the technique. The same jutsu in different hands can have drastically different results. That’s totally normal.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

Kakashi breathed a small sigh of relief.

Kurenai quickly said, “Kenjutsu takes time. Let me go first.”

She didn’t want to receive without giving in return.

“Ah… sure.”

Kakashi hesitated, then sat back down.

Kurenai gently began:

“Most of what I know involves genjutsu, and the principles behind it. As you probably know, basic Clone Jutsu is technically a type of genjutsu. My father researched a variation called the Nether Clone…”

She began explaining her ideas behind the Genjutsu Clone technique—

A fusion of genjutsu and clone techniques.

Kyōen and Kakashi listened seriously.

Even if they didn’t specialize in genjutsu, broadening their horizons and understanding alternative ways of thinking was always useful.

When she finished, Kurenai blushed slightly and explained:

“I didn’t use the Nether Clone during the genin assessment because I hadn’t fully mastered it yet.”

“It’s a very useful technique. You should master it as soon as you can,” Kakashi said immediately.

Kyōen nodded.

In solo combat, genjutsu clones weren’t especially impactful—but in team battles, the story changed.

Moreover—

“If you can layer genjutsu within it, the potential becomes even greater.”

“Layering genjutsu…?”

Kurenai was momentarily stunned, then fell into thought.

Using the Nether Clone as a trigger to initiate another genjutsu...

That might just work.

Next up was Kakashi.

He gave a hands-on demonstration of kenjutsu, explaining step-by-step.

The other two followed along.

Kurenai gave it a shot—

But gave up after just ten minutes.

From beginner to dropout—she set a new record.

It wasn’t because she feared hardship. After some reflection, she realized her current priorities were still medical ninjutsu and genjutsu.

Learning kenjutsu now would only divide her focus.

Still—

If she could master the Body Flicker Technique, her survival ability would increase significantly.

That… was worth investing in.

Kurenai quietly took the lesson to heart.