Chapter 8: The Mentor's Path
In that fleeting moment of disorientation, the Akatsurugi in mid-air continued his Crescent Moon Dance. Though the genjutsu had felt long, it had only lasted an instant. His body split into three afterimages, each holding a sword and slashing at Uchiha Kagami from different angles.
This time, Uchiha Kagami finally moved. He merely drew a single kunai from his pouch, its edge meeting Ryūjin Jakka's sealed blade with a precise clang, effortlessly disrupting the flow of Akatsurugi's technique.
"That's enough." Uchiha Kagami withdrew his kunai. Akatsurugi, breathing heavily, sheathed his sword.
Looking at Ryūjin Jakka, Uchiha Kagami offered a rare compliment. "A fine blade."
Akatsurugi scratched his head. "It's... the only heirloom left from my family."
Uchiha Kagami nodded. "Based on your performance, your progress in three months is remarkable. I also noted your high resistance to genjutsu, indicating powerful spiritual energy. That is a significant advantage. From now on, in addition to Fire Release, I will instruct you in genjutsu. Be here tomorrow at 8 a.m."
With that, Uchiha Kagami vanished in a flicker. Akatsurugi memorized the location and headed home.
Back at Kosuke's place, Akatsurugi told him about becoming Uchiha Kagami's student. Kosuke simply nodded, offering no comment.
Akatsurugi started preparing dinner. During this time, they had settled into a routine, taking turns cooking. Kosuke had never asked him to leave, so Akatsurugi stayed, somewhat shamelessly. His funds were low, and he had no other home. He would wait until he finished his training and could earn money from missions before moving out.
After the meal, Kosuke returned to his room but soon emerged, tossing a scroll to Akatsurugi. "This is the Konoha-style swordsmanship I know. May it aid you."
Akatsurugi unrolled it. It detailed Konoha Ryū, the sword-and-illusion technique Kosuke had used. Akatsurugi didn't refuse, accepting the scroll with a grateful smile.
Kosuke said nothing more. They spent the evening in comfortable silence.
The next morning, Akatsurugi rose early, made breakfast, left a portion for Kosuke, and ate his own while hurrying to the training ground.
He arrived just on time. Uchiha Kagami was already there. Without preamble, he threw a scroll to Akatsurugi. "This contains the Fire Release and genjutsu I know. I will demonstrate the Fire Release first. Observe and learn."
Akatsurugi didn't open the scroll, instead storing it safely. He could study it later; now was the time for focused learning.
True to his word, Uchiha Kagami began slowly forming hand seals. He took a deep breath and exhaled, "Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
A massive orb of flame erupted, roaring across the training ground before dissipating. The Uchiha's signature technique—notoriously ineffective at hitting its target, yet impressive in scale.
After Akatsurugi memorized the seal sequence, Uchiha Kagami explained the chakra flow and key points. Akatsurugi listened intently, then began his own seals. He channeled chakra, took a deep breath, and shouted, "Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
The result was less spectacular. A head-sized fireball sputtered from his lips, singeing his mouth in the process.
Uchiha Kagami didn't laugh. "It's common for the first attempt. Practice is key. However, your chakra control is lacking. It requires dedicated training. Follow me."
He then demonstrated tree-walking, explaining how to adhere chakra to the soles of his feet. Akatsurugi tried repeatedly, falling each time, but quickly adjusted. Within the hour, he was standing atop the tree.
Uchiha Kagami nodded, satisfied. He then led Akatsurugi to a stream and began teaching water-walking. This proved more difficult due to the water's constant movement. Akatsurugi spent the entire morning before he could manage it steadily—a speed Uchiha Kagami considered exceptional, especially for a non-clan member.
After a lunch provided by Uchiha Kagami, the training resumed. "Try the Great Fireball again."
Akatsurugi nodded, forming the seals. This time, channeling chakra felt smoother. A respectable fireball, larger than a man, shot from his mouth before dispersing.
Uchiha Kagami nodded, pleased. The seal speed was slow, but that would improve with practice. For Akatsurugi's current chakra level, this was excellent.
He then had Akatsurugi retrieve the scroll and began explaining the Fire Release and genjutsu techniques within. Akatsurugi found him to be a thorough and patient teacher, holding no prejudice despite Akatsurugi's non-Uchiha status. Having accepted Akatsurugi as his student, he taught wholeheartedly.
In the following weeks, Akatsurugi trained diligently under the elite Jōnin's guidance. His ninjutsu progressed rapidly, and he even began learning basic genjutsu. His main limitation was his chakra reserve. Yet, Uchiha Kagami was astonished by the speed at which Akatsurugi grasped the scroll's contents. While they were common Uchiha techniques, mastering them so quickly was remarkable. All that remained was honing their use and integrating them into combat.
These were things Akatsurugi would have to refine on his own.
One day, Akatsurugi arrived at the training ground as usual. Uchiha Kagami was waiting. "Akatsurugi," he stated, "I have a mission outside the village. It may take several months. You must continue training independently. Here are a few more Fire Release techniques." He handed over another scroll. "Practice them once your chakra reserves have grown."
Akatsurugi accepted the scroll with thanks. Uchiha Kagami disappeared from the training ground.
Left alone, Akatsurugi felt a mix of anticipation and pressure. It seemed the next phase of his growth would be self-directed.
Unfurling the new scroll, his eyes widened. Two B-rank Fire Release techniques were inscribed:
Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation.
Fire Release: Great Fire Destruction.
These were the very techniques Uchiha Madara had used against the Allied Shinobi Forces—signature, high-level ninjutsu of the Uchiha clan. The path ahead was clear, and the bar had been set tremendously high.