Hatake Residence.
Back home, Kakashi looked at his father, who had just taken off his apron, and sighed inwardly. His father's timing was impeccable.
Glancing at the dishes on the table, a vein popped on Kakashi's forehead. The White Fang of the Leaf's cooking could only be described as "edible." It was miles away from "delicious." This made the meal Taiichi had promised upon parting seem even more precious.
The two didn't talk much, quickly finishing their respective dinners. Just as Sakumo was about to clear the table...
"Father."
"Hm?" Sakumo looked at Kakashi.
"Today..."
Kakashi then explained to Sakumo how Taiichi had noticed he was learning Kenjutsu and how Taiichi had asked him to teach the basics.
"You're saying he figured out you were learning Kenjutsu just from how you used a kunai?"
"Yes." Realizing his father's focus was a bit off, Kakashi asked again, "Is it okay?"
Sakumo Hatake looked at Kakashi and pondered for a moment. "Wait here."
He turned and went into another room. A moment later, he came out and handed Kakashi a scroll labeled Hatake Style Kenjutsu: Basics.
"Is this... okay?" This scroll wasn't just general basic sword techniques. Sakumo's entire mastery of Kenjutsu was built on the foundation laid out in this scroll. It could be called the core essence of the Hatake clan.
"It is, ultimately, just basic Kenjutsu. Whether one succeeds or fails depends on the person. The person is the foundation!" Sakumo said earnestly.
"Yes! I understand." Kakashi nodded solemnly.
...
Meanwhile, at the Root Base.
"Lord Danzo, this is the latest intel on Taiichi Matsushita, whom you asked us to monitor."
Danzo took the documents and began to read. Seeing that Taiichi ranked first in the recent exams and tied for first in combat practice, he couldn't help but be surprised. This progress was too fast.
"Additionally, we found traces of Fire Style and Wind Style jutsu in the forest where he trains after school. Based on who was present at the time, we have tentatively confirmed that these were performed by Taiichi Matsushita. However, he has never used them at the Ninja Academy."
"Oh? At such a young age, he has mastered ninjutsu of two nature transformations. It's a pity he has no Kekkei Genkai and isn't a secret jutsu user." Danzo felt a secret regret.
"Continue monitoring him."
"Yes!"
After the Root ninja withdrew, Danzo looked at the documents in his hand again. The more he looked, the more he felt this Taiichi Matsushita was suitable for Root, especially his disciplined attitude. It was just that his bloodline was too ordinary. This made Danzo hesitate and struggle. After all, the Ninja Academy was under the direct management of the Hokage. Taking someone from there would require passing Hiruzen Sarutobi's approval. After pondering for a long time, he murmured, "It seems I'll have to make a trip personally."
...
Back home, Taiichi was cooking dinner in a cheerful mood. If Kakashi got permission, then Taiichi's current problem would be solved, and he wouldn't have to worry about where to learn Kenjutsu.
Besides, Kakashi's Kenjutsu came from the White Fang. Regardless of how well Kakashi had learned it so far, the overall framework wouldn't be wrong. It would definitely be fine for laying a foundation.
Now that he had a way to learn, he'd need to buy a sword tomorrow. I don't even have a decent sword yet... His thoughts drifted further and further.
At that moment, a knock came from the door.
"Who is it?" Turning off the stove and putting down his utensils, Taiichi walked to the door.
"Me! Open up."
Hearing the voice, Taiichi knew it was Tsunade coming to mooch a meal.
Opening the door, he asked, "Big Sister Tsunade, did you need something?"
"What? Can't I come find you if I don't have business? You're not cute at all, kid!" Without waiting for the door to fully open, she walked straight into the house.
Seeing this, Taiichi laughed, closed the door, and followed her in. "How could that be? I can't welcome Big Sister Tsunade enough. I happen to be cooking. If you haven't eaten, stay and eat with me!"
"Haha, well, I shouldn't impose... but since you insist, I'll accept graciously!" With that, she sat down at the dining table.
"Just wait a moment, Sister Tsunade. I just need to finish up," Taiichi said as he walked to the kitchen.
Listening to the sounds from the kitchen, Tsunade made herself at home. After all, first time strangers, second time acquaintances, third and fourth time family.
Look at her now: pulling a flask of sake from her robe, she found a cup like she owned the place and started pouring herself a drink.
Ten minutes later, Taiichi brought the dishes to the table. He wasn't surprised by Tsunade's demeanor. Once all the dishes were served, the two began to eat.
During the meal, they chatted casually, mostly with Tsunade asking and Taiichi answering. Occasionally, Taiichi would ask for advice on training issues. With a master like her right there, not asking would be a waste of resources!
"By the way, Big Sister Tsunade, I have a favor to ask."
"What is it? It's rare for you to ask me for help."
"It's like this: school is about to go on break. I want to use this time to help out at the hospital and see if I can learn some things while I'm there," Taiichi said a bit bashfully.
"Oh? You want to help? How is your medical ninjutsu level?" Tsunade asked curiously. She knew Taiichi was learning medical ninjutsu from Nono, but she didn't know his specific level.
"I know the Healing Jutsu, and my proficiency is pretty good. You can test me."
"Alright, listen up..." Tsunade didn't hold back and immediately fired off several questions about general medical knowledge. Seeing Taiichi answer fluently, she increased the difficulty, mixing in some practical questions. This time, Taiichi stumbled a bit in his answers.
Tsunade understood Taiichi's level: his basic knowledge was fine, but he lacked practical experience.
Suddenly, green Chakra gathered at Tsunade's right fingertip. She slashed it across her left arm, creating a four-inch-long wound. Taiichi's eyelid twitched watching it. That's too hardcore.
"Hurry up and heal it. Any slower and the wound will close on its own," Tsunade urged.
"Oh, right, right." Taiichi formed the seals and applied the Healing Jutsu to Tsunade's wound.
Wrapped in a soft green glow, the wound healed at a speed visible to the naked eye. In moments, it had completely vanished.
Tsunade lifted her arm to examine it closely, even touching it. Finding it as good as new, she couldn't help but sigh. "Your Healing Jutsu actually has some skill to it."
"So, Big Sister Tsunade, do you think I can go help at the hospital?" Taiichi asked directly.
"Sure. I'll put in a word with the hospital. Just go find the director when you get there."
"Great! Thank you, Big Sister Tsunade!"
"Don't mention it. Just make me more good food in the future," Tsunade said bluntly.
"That's a given. Even without this, you're welcome to come anytime."
"You sure have a sweet mouth. Alright, I've eaten, so I'm leaving. Don't want to disturb your training." With that, Tsunade got up and walked to the door. Taiichi got up to see her out.
After seeing Tsunade off, Taiichi went back inside to clean the dishes, then headed out to his training spot.
While his Chakra was full, he needed to go to the river to practice ninjutsu and grind some experience points. That was the right way to go.
...
Only after exhausting most of his Chakra and completing his Basic Taijutsu and Basic Meditation practice did he consider his daily tasks complete. This was Taiichi's daily routine. After all, powerful strength was built upon accumulated effort, day after day.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step; vast oceans are formed by trickling streams.