Are the materials for the Lightning Blade expensive?
Of course they are. In this day and age, any metal that can conduct chakra is by default precious, let alone rare alloy capable of amplifying lightning‑ninjutsu. Materials like that are worth far more than ordinary resources.
Does Hayashi feel any regret?
Not at all. The blade no longer belonged to him, and he had no personal attachment to the leftover materials. If he could give them to Asuma as a favor and strengthen his connection with the Third Hokage, all the better.
And as for what he would do if he needed more materials in the future… there were still the six other great swords. He was confident the Hidden Mist Village would protect them until he needed one.
As for the Hokage's suggestion that he visit Asuma…
Hayashi thought about it and immediately regretted it. That boy had been to his home twice already. Once he broke Hayashi's prized rosewood table, and the other time he smashed the potted plant that Mikoto had lovingly cared for.
If Hayashi saw Asuma again, he might just end up smacking him with a fly swatter out of sheer frustration.
After leaving the Hokage building, Hayashi walked through the bustling streets of Konohagakure toward the Hatake family estate.
"In Konoha," he thought, "relationships between master and student are taken very seriously by many families."
When he arrived, Sakumo was already waiting at the gate, as arranged earlier. Seeing Hayashi approaching, Sakumo offered a warm smile and began walking alongside him while chatting casually.
Behind them walked a young boy, almost three years old, with quiet intensity in his gaze. Kakashi followed without speaking. Despite his tender age, Kakashi had already displayed impressive potential under Sakumo's careful guidance. Yet in serious moments, even he remained unusually quiet.
Hayashi noticed Kakashi struggling to keep pace. What had been a steady walk had become a jog for the small boy. Slowing his own step, Hayashi adjusted his pace to match.
Sakumo didn't comment on the slower speed. Once he saw his son beside them, he continued discussing the matter at hand — Kakashi's formal acceptance as Hayashi's student.
Hayashi couldn't help but reflect. His own experience becoming a ninja had been direct and swift. Orochimaru had tested him only once before granting his contract with Ryuchi Cave. Sakumo's approach, by contrast, was thorough and measured.
Seven years felt like a blink. Now he stood before the next generation, ready to take on disciples of his own.
"The situation is simple," Sakumo explained. "From this day forth, Kakashi will be under your tutelage. Don't underestimate him because he doesn't speak much. His potential is strong."
Being evaluated so highly by Kakashi's father was itself a testament to the boy's talent.
"First," Sakumo continued, "we perform the disciple ceremony, then we go to the training grounds."
They entered the estate's hall, where Oda Hidetada had prepared everything needed for the rite.
Sakumo and Hayashi sat in the main seats. Kakashi knelt on a soft cushion before them. After presenting Hayashi with a cup of hot tea and bowing respectfully several times, Kakashi rose and stood beside his new teacher.
"S‑Sensei," he said quietly.
"Mm," Hayashi responded, accepting the formality. "Let's head to the Hatake training grounds now."
"Where's Brother Sakumo?" Kakashi asked, glancing back.
"I won't come with you," Sakumo said with a gentle smile. "The Third Hokage still has matters to discuss with Hayashi.
"If you need anything," he added, "there's a small house by the training grounds with everything you'll need."
"Okay," Kakashi said, nodding. "See you later."
With that, Sakumo disappeared back inside the estate, leaving Hayashi and Kakashi alone.
"Alright," Hayashi said softly, seeing the nervous look in Kakashi's eyes. He reached out and gently patted the boy's head. "Don't be afraid. Let's go."
The Hatake training ground was a familiar place for Hayashi. He had sparred with Sakumo many times here. Though they never fought with full force, Hayashi had always felt confident, even in life‑or‑death scenarios.
"How much has Brother Sakumo taught you?" Hayashi asked as they stepped onto the open practice field.
"While you were away," Kakashi explained, "my father taught me chakra control basics. He also showed me basic taijutsu and how to throw shuriken. Father says advanced techniques are too much for someone my age."
Hayashi nodded. At such a young age, mastering fundamental chakra control was indeed the priority.
The most known training in the ninja world's chakra control regimen includes the Tree Climbing Practice and the Water Surface Walking Practice. These exercises teach a ninja how to mold and hold chakra to their feet in order to climb trees or glide across water without sinking, and are essential foundations for more advanced techniques later.
Hayashi considered the limitations of academy instruction. In the ninja school, students often didn't have the time or depth of training needed to fully grasp these skills before graduation. Many times, advanced control came only through one‑on‑one attention after they became genin.
He took five kunai from his ninja pouch and tossed them gently toward Kakashi.
"Throw these at the target," he instructed, "and let me see."
Kakashi's eyes sharpened as he examined a distant target some thirty meters away. He inhaled deeply and readied himself.
Two kunai in his left hand, three in his right, Kakashi launched them one after another.
The sound of kunai cutting through the air echoed. Three struck perfectly at the bullseye. Two landed slightly off, embedding in shallow spots around the center.
At such a young age, this was commendable.
Hayashi smiled. "That's pretty good."
He never skimped on praise, unlike some others who might hold back even when proud.
Kakashi grinned shyly, happy that his new teacher wasn't intimidating.
"Let's move on from shuriken throwing and focus on something else," Hayashi said.
He led Kakashi to the shallow practice pool nearby.
"Basic chakra control includes techniques like Tree Climbing and Water Surface Walking. These are essential before learning more advanced skills," Hayashi said.
"Go on," he added.
Without warning, he gently pushed Kakashi from behind. The boy let out a startled sound before splashing into the water.
Hayashi watched with a thoughtful expression. Kakashi's reaction showed his current level of chakra control — it was still developing.
Kakashi sank to the bottom before beginning to make his way up. Hayashi smiled, anticipating what came next.
Soon, three kunai broke the surface and flew toward him.
The boy's accuracy was inconsistent, but the power behind the throws showed promise.
Hayashi plucked the three kunai from the air, then slid his hand into the water.
"Konoha Ninjutsu Basic Training — Electrical Feedback Conditioning."
A ripple of blue current surged across the pool's surface as he activated the technique.
Kakashi scrabbled out of the pool, water dripping from his hair in all directions.
Hayashi couldn't help but laugh at the sight of the boy's hair standing on end like a young Super Warrior.
Kakashi shot him a playful glare, already planning his next attempt.
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