Ever since returning to Konoha, Hoshiyomi's pace of life had slowed noticeably. Every morning, he ran three laps around the village before heading into the Forest of Death to resume his training.
He'd create two shadow clones to observe his real body as he executed high-level sword techniques like Heavenly Dragon Flash or Swallow Return. Afterward, he and the clones would share their observations and insights with each other.
Now that his swordsmanship had reached Advanced Swordmanship, Hoshiyomi's insight had grown even sharper. Every time he practiced a high-level move, he gained new understanding.
Once they finished their post-analysis, the three Hoshiyomis would train together. This method proved highly effective—he could consistently earn one experience point per week, even without actual combat.
And that shouldn't be underestimated. One point a week meant 52 in a year. Without even fighting, Hoshiyomi could reach Kage-level within ten years.
Ten years might sound long, but he was only fifteen. By twenty-five, he'd be Kage-level—not quite on the level of monsters like Itachi, Naruto, or Sasuke, but right on par with the Legendary Sannin.
And that was just his baseline. Occasionally, he would spar with Jiraiya, Orochimaru, or Sakumo when he returned from missions, which netted him an extra three to five points of experience each time.
Jiraiya and Orochimaru, being only jōnin, usually yielded three points per match.
But Sakumo was a different case. Thanks to his swordsmanship buffs and elite jōnin status, each sparring session gave five points—and if the fight got intense, even six.
Sakumo's ANBU career over the past five years had been anything but easy. ANBU missions were brutal—every one a high-risk operation.
And in five years, Sakumo had a 100% mission success rate. He had become a living legend within the ANBU.
Countless new recruits idolized the mysterious figure known only as White Fang.
His consistent performance, combined with the occasional personal instruction from Lord Hiruzen, allowed him to tap into his full potential even earlier than Jiraiya or Orochimaru.
Of course, a major part of that was thanks to Hoshiyomi's early guidance on developing Void Severance. Sakumo's current strength was inextricably tied to it.
Once merely a trump card, Void Severance had become second nature to Sakumo—every slash he made was now at that level. He'd even developed terrifying new chakra blade techniques atop it.
For most jōnin who specialized in ninjutsu, facing him was suicide. Sakumo could end most fights in three slashes.
Even so, he was no match for Hoshiyomi. Because that guy… was basically made of cheat codes.
Most ninja spent a lifetime mastering two or three signature jutsu. But Hoshiyomi?
He could practically fill out an entire skill tree with his sword techniques alone.
Every time Sakumo fought him, Hoshiyomi pulled out a new move—each one exquisitely crafted, nearly impossible to counter.
Even Sakumo's most prized ability, his Lightning Release Chakra Blade, had been replicated by Hoshiyomi. While not as refined, Hoshiyomi could use lightning chakra to stimulate cell activation and even release lightning-infused slashes.
And it wasn't just lightning. Hoshiyomi could also wield fire, wind, water, and earth chakra-infused sword energy.
All thanks to the power of Nature Transformation.
Ever since regaining his chakra, Hoshiyomi realized that this technique was absolutely broken. Not only did it let him shift elemental affinities at will, it made him nearly immune to chakra-type disadvantages.
He had even fused it with Dance of the Crescent Moon, creating an advanced version:
True Sword Art Secret Technique: Dance of the Crescent Moon.
The mechanics were straightforward—he'd create two shadow clones, each using different chakra attributes like fire and wind or water and lightning. The clones would unleash simultaneous sword energy attacks.
The resulting sword waves formed an X-shaped crossfire, trapping the enemy in a kill zone. Even if the attack missed, the clash between the sword auras would create a blinding explosion, obscuring vision.
Then, using Transparent Escape, Hoshiyomi would shift his own chakra to earth style, tank the blast using earth's natural defensive traits, and rush in to finish the opponent with a Crescent Moon Slash into Full Moon Cleave – Second Form.
It was a deadly and efficient combo—almost too user-friendly.
Sakumo: "You bastard… I thought your chakra was sealed and you were just doing taijutsu for five years. How did you come back even more of a monster?"
Still, Sakumo's years of missions had forged his character. Even knowing he was still behind Hoshiyomi, he didn't let it get to him.
To Hoshiyomi, Sakumo had finally grown into the calm and capable man he was always meant to be.
...
One afternoon, after yet another sparring match, Jiraiya collapsed to the ground, groaning in frustration.
"Seriously, you're like a damn freak," Jiraiya huffed. "I thiought you spent all that time training taijutsu—thought I'd crush you with ninjutsu when you got back.
Then bam! You cut through my Great Fireball with a single wind-infused sword slash. How am I even supposed to fight that?
And that chakra blade of yours—burning with blue fire—looks so damn cool. I'm starting to think I need to get myself a badass-looking ninja sword just to keep up. Lately when we go out to eat, all the girls are eyeing you. Can't believe no one notices the great Jiraiya-sama!"
Halfway through his rant, Jiraiya suddenly gave Hoshiyomi a pervy grin.
"By the way… I heard a new hot springs opened up recently. Wanna go check it out? Heh heh heh…"
Yup, classic Jiraiya—can't go three sentences without bringing up pretty girls, and within ten, he's already plotting peeps.
Truth be told, Hoshiyomi was a little tempted. But then he remembered—Jiraiya's track record with peeping was, frankly, abysmal.
So in the end, Hoshiyomi dismissed the idea.
As a proper, upstanding young ninja of the Hidden Leaf, such immoral behavior must be firmly resisted.
Right, readers? I did the right thing… right?
Jiraiya rolled his eyes at the sanctimonious act, dusted himself off, and headed off on his own to go peep anyway.
Hoshiyomi just shook his head and stayed back to train his swordsmanship a bit longer before heading home.
As he passed a street corner, he suddenly felt it—someone was following him. And not someone weak, either.
After confirming no one else was around, Hoshiyomi came to a stop, turned slightly, and called out:
"Come out. No point hiding."
Clap clap clap.
A figure emerged from around the corner, clapping slowly.
"As expected of my nephew, Hoshiyomi. Your senses are as sharp as ever."
Hoshiyomi immediately recognized the voice—and smirked inwardly.
No invitation like 'Lord Danzo requests your presence'?
Just personally tailing him now?
Clearly, the man was desperate.
Back when Hoshiyomi was weaker, he had no choice but to be respectful and address him as "Uncle Danzo." But now?
Now his power was no less than Danzo's.
He didn't need to show deference anymore.
Expression blank, Hoshiyomi asked,
"Is there something you need from me, Danzo-senpai?"