Chapter 31: The Price of a Blade
With heightened insight came the potential to perceive the flow of chakra, the first step toward replicating another shinobi's techniques. But for now, Takumi focused on the immediate clash.
Clang!
Their blades met once more, the sharp report ringing through the courtyard. This time, Takumi didn't just deflect; he channeled raw power into the parry, the impact forcing Kakashi back several steps. It was a simple, brute-force approach—overwhelming strength over finesse.
Activating the principles of 'Kumo-ryu: Swift Swallow,' Takumi sent a surge of Lightning chakra to the cells in his wrist. The effect of his new adept-tier entry, [Lightning Release Specialist], was immediately apparent. His chakra network, now 20% more adaptable to Lightning Nature, allowed him to gather and channel a denser, more potent flow of energy. The external manifestation was a burst of speed that translated into devastating force.
Kakashi's pristine white short sword emitted a sharp, pained crack under the overwhelming pressure. It shattered cleanly in two, the severed tip clattering uselessly to the ground.
"It's broken," Kakashi stated flatly. His hand still held the hilt of the broken sword in a defensive posture, a single bead of sweat tracing a path down his temple.
Takumi slowly sheathed his kodachi, noting with a internal wince that the impact had slightly curled the edge of the blade. It'll need maintenance, he thought. The cost was an annoyance, but the reward made it worthwhile.
[Entry: Blade Comrade (Novice) - ACQUIRED.]
[Effect: Chakra consumption for kenjutsu techniques is reduced by 10%.]
The familiar chime brought a wave of satisfaction. The damaged blade was a small price to pay for a new entry. The effect was straightforward and valuable—for any sword technique that required chakra, his efficiency was now 10% greater. In a prolonged battle, that could mean the difference between a final, decisive strike and running dry.
"Do you need me to compensate you for the sword?" Takumi asked. If Kakashi demanded payment, he'd have to find a way to delay it.
Kakashi shook his head, sheathing the broken hilt. "No. It was a training blade."
"Alright." Takumi could only marvel at the financial freedom that came with being the son of a legendary shinobi. The White Fang's mission earnings had clearly been substantial.
Kakashi stared silently at the fragments on the ground, his thoughts unreadable.
Seeing his despondent state, Takumi stepped closer and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Kakashi, do you know why you lost?"
"Because you have the Sharingan," Kakashi replied, his voice devoid of emotion. "And because this blade had seen too much use. It was likely nearing its end anyway."
"..." Takumi noted that Kakashi had a sharp, almost cynical tongue even before his fall into darkness.
"No, you're missing the point," Takumi countered. "The legends say that when the White Fang wielded his blade, it was sheathed in a pure white light. I didn't see any light on your blade today."
A flicker of something—pain, frustration—passed through Kakashi's visible eye before it was suppressed, locked away behind a wall of stoic silence.
"I'm not trying to criticize you," Takumi continued, his tone softening slightly. "I'm saying this isn't your failure to bear. Don't let the village's whispers define your worth."
His concern wasn't entirely altruistic. If Kakashi remained mired in this slump, he'd be a poor source of future entries. Takumi hadn't even glimpsed an entry related to the White Fang's legendary swordsmanship yet. The [Blade Comrade] entry was useful, but it was only a foundation. He needed Kakashi motivated, striving to become stronger.
"Let's call it here for today," Takumi said, taking a few steps back and tapping the hilt of his sheathed kodachi. "Next time we spar, you have to be the one to break my sword. That seems only fair."
Strictly speaking, this hadn't been a true victory. Kakashi's weapon had failed, and his spirit had broken along with it. The real test would come after Kakashi processed his grief and emerged, transformed and driven.
Outside the courtyard, Shizune watched the entire exchange, a few strands of her short black hair falling across her face.
"Takumi is... that strong?" she whispered, astonished.
She vividly remembered the first time she'd accompanied Lady Tsunade to examine him. He had been just a scrawny boy, a blank slate who happened to be lucky enough to awaken the Sharingan. In such a short time, he was not only holding his own against Kakashi but seemingly gaining the upper hand?
"As expected of the Uchiha," she sighed, a note of respect in her voice. "They truly do produce elites." She silently made an exception for a certain perpetually bottom-ranked Uchiha in their class.
The Next Day - Ninja Academy
The story of Hatake Sakumo's failure had spread like wildfire through the school.
"It's going to be okay, Kakashi," Nohara Rin said, finding him at his desk as soon as she arrived, her voice filled with gentle concern.
"I'm fine," Kakashi replied, but his eyes were deader than usual, hollowed out from the condemnation and insults he'd undoubtedly heard on his way to school.
"Are you sure..." Rin's worry was palpable. She wanted to help, but felt powerless.
"What's everyone talking about?" Obito asked, his face a mask of genuine confusion. Had he not been training so intensely with Takumi, Rin, and Kakashi recently—a regimen that left him collapsing into bed each night, finally curing his habit of daytime napping—he would have been asleep on his desk and missed the gossip entirely.
"You really don't know, Obito?" Rin looked at him, baffled by his lack of awareness.
"Know what?" Obito shook his head, utterly lost.
"Never mind," Kakashi cut in, standing up from his desk. He walked directly over to Takumi. "Takumi. Do you have time for a spar today? Swords."
"I do," Takumi nodded.
"Takumi-kun already promised me!" Kurenai Yuhi, seated nearby, suddenly turned around, her crimson eyes wide and her cheeks puffed out in a pout. Her training with him had yielded significant gains, and she was determined to eventually defeat him.
"It won't take long," Takumi said dismissively. Running two profitable "training" relationships simultaneously was efficient, not burdensome. He could easily reschedule Kurenai's session.
"Kakashi..." Rin watched him walk away to speak with Takumi, her lower lip caught between her teeth in concern. "I have to... I have to do something for him."
Her gaze settled on Takumi. If Kakashi was seeking him out, it meant he found some solace or challenge in their interactions. If it's Takumi-kun, she thought, a plan forming in her mind, he'll surely know how to get through to Kakashi.
(End of Chapter)
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