Konoha Training Ground No. 1.
The fierce glint of blades flickered in the arena, Kakashi holding a short blade, training with his father, Hatake Sakumo.
Hatake Sakumo lightly nodded, deftly deflecting Kakashi's blade with his White Fang, and said with a smile:
"Your mind is a bit unsettled, you need to focus..."
Kakashi was suddenly startled.
And just as the words fell, the blade of the White Fang was at his neck, sending a chill down his spine.
"Kakashi, don't concern yourself with the title of genius. Even though you are my son, Hatake Sakumo, you have already done exceptionally well." Hatake Sakumo gently put away the White Fang, ruffled Kakashi's hair, and said softly:
"In the Ninja World, there are always those exceptionally talented individuals who can't merely be described as geniuses, like the First Hokage, Uchiha Madara, and the Second Hokage."
Kakashi stubbornly lifted his head and said solemnly, "Father, do you think Uchiha Aomi has talents comparable to the Second Hokage? The village has said that his Water Release seems a lot like the Second's."
After Might Duy became the guard of the Aomi family, Might Guy, who used to pester Kakashi for a duel, disappeared.
Obito, who awakened the Sharingan, no longer sought him out, instead immersing himself in Uchiha Setsuna's special training.
The solitary genius, suddenly missing the disturbances of two laggards, felt inexplicably uneasy in his heart.
And after Aomi demonstrated some of his strength, the village once again began the heated yet pointless discussions about the "number one genius."
In the still of the night, Kakashi also pondered who was truly stronger between him and Aomi.
Sometimes he would consider Aomi's age, but Kakashi, always prideful about being the strongest among his peers, still believed that as Hatake Sakumo's son, he remained the strongest of their generation.
Thus, Kakashi issued a challenge to Aomi, inviting even his father to watch today.
Kakashi knew that his father had eyes that far exceeded ordinary people's, capable of seeing a ninja's inner potential...
Hatake Sakumo gazed at his son and slowly shook his head.
"Kakashi, whether Uchiha Aomi's talent surpasses yours is unimportant; instead, you need to learn to recognize your own heart, without being disturbed by external factors, focusing on your personal practice."
"Training in ninjutsu and sword techniques requires a distraction-free state. When you're burdened by reputation and others' words, your blade dulls, and your heart can't be at peace. This will cause problems in the future."
Hatake Sakumo looked at Kakashi's confused expression and laughed heartily:
"These are the teachings passed down since our Hatake family ancestors were samurai. Even I can't completely adhere to them, you see..."
"Let's do our best together, Kakashi!"
Just when Aomi arrived at Training Ground No. 1, carrying his Muramasa, he happened to overhear this conversation, and his expression was somewhat subtle.
Wasn't Hatake Sakumo clear enough when educating his son?
Focusing on oneself without external interference, how well said...
So why was it difficult when it came to himself?
But, it's human nature... when something doesn't happen to oneself, how could one know the pain?
"Good morning, Kakashi-kun, Mr. Sakumo."
Aomi slowly walked to the side of the Hatake father and son, first nodding to greet Kakashi, then generously greeted Hatake Sakumo, with a curious look in his eyes.
Hatake Sakumo, a man with a touch of mystery.
With a great reputation, yet Aomi knew little about his combat style. After all, in his original timeline, he lived on through others' praises, and he never really fought...
But just with one glance, Aomi could be sure that Hatake Sakumo was absolutely very strong.
He was like a sharp blade sheathed in humility, appearing ordinary, but just hadn't shown his edge yet.
"It's him, this little guy, has he grown to this extent already?"
Senju Tobirama observed Hatake Sakumo's appearance and laughed sincerely:
"When I saw him in the Ninja Academy back in the day, I had a premonition that this child had potential and talent..."
"And now he's become quite the remarkable ninja, quite a fine civilian leader."
Seemingly aware of Aomi's skeptical mood, Senju Tobirama explained in his own way:
"The Hatake Clan used to be a warrior-based clan during the Warring States Era but was later avenged by enemies. After the establishment of Konoha, only Sakumo remained."
"To call it a ninja clan is only a nominal title at this point."
Aomi nodded in understanding, not surprised that Senju Tobirama, the founder of the Anbu, had comprehensive ancient information about the Ninja World. However, he couldn't help but comment:
"Tobirama, who asked you? From my perspective, without assigning him a Hokage line teacher back then, your judgment lacks weight. Hatake Sakumo is basically a wild growth purely based on talent..."
"Haha, are geniuses during my governance worthless without my contribution? Naive!"
Aomi shrugged, looking for recognition, huh?
"Aomi-kun, for ninjas like us, sparring with most peers is meaningless, and it's inconvenient to duel with those older, renowned ninjas."
Kakashi and Aomi nodded, pausing when their eyes landed on Muramasa, he continued, "So, I'd like to compare training results with you, pardon the intrusion."
"For this sparring session, if possible, please go all out. My father will be guarding us throughout to prevent any accidents."
Aomi nodded slightly, finding Kakashi's consideration thorough and reasonable.
At this age, mastering C-rank ninjutsu makes one an outstanding genius, and Kakashi hadn't even enrolled when he mastered C-rank Earth Release, and was promoted to Jonin at just twelve.
But as he said, experienced special Jonin or Jonin wouldn't want to spar with a young genius.
After all, if they win, there's no merit, but losing would only serve to elevate the other's reputation. Who would willingly do that?
Moreover, his father's strength was overwhelmingly superior, making practical sparring meaningless.
But Kakashi didn't understand that for Aomi, dueling him wasn't very significant.
This age's Kakashi hadn't even developed the Lightning Blade, so how could he fight Aomi?
Aomi chuckled inwardly, looking at Kakashi's slightly defiant face, "Since Kakashi-kun has thought it through thoroughly, I accept."
In truth, Aomi was more interested in sparring with Hatake Sakumo, who stood amiably behind Kakashi.
This person was a standard Kage Level Ninja, a better benchmark for Aomi to gauge his own strength and rank.
After all, Uchiha Madara was keeping an eye on Aomi.
If he didn't understand his strength, he might run into significant trouble someday.
This old man, what kind of tricks would he pull, even Aomi couldn't predict.
"First defeat Kakashi, and if there's a chance, try with Hatake Sakumo..."