Chapter 137: The Swordsmith
Unlike Hodaka and Mieko, Kaito's training continued.
On the ninth day, he finally created a Vacuum Core similar to what Hiruzen had demonstrated.
Hiruzen inspected it and praised him.
"Excellent. Now wrap this Vacuum Core with another thin chakra layer and create wind around it."
Kaito followed the instructions and succeeded on his first attempt!
He threw the Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere at a tree. It pierced straight through, then through eight more trees behind it before finally dissipating!
Kaito laughed with satisfaction.
"Perfect! Thank you, Gramps!"
After nine days of training together, Kaito's relationship with Hiruzen had become quite casual. Of course, he still carefully controlled his words to avoid provoking the Hokage.
Hiruzen nodded approvingly.
"Kaito, you're truly exceptional!"
Kaito looked at Hiruzen and asked,
"Can we learn all the Wind Release: Vacuum techniques now?"
Hiruzen looked puzzled and asked,
"What do you mean by 'Wind Release: Vacuum techniques'?"
Although Hiruzen appeared confused, he secretly chuckled to himself.
This kid has taken quite a bit of advantage from me. It's unfortunate that even if he reads the entire library, his theoretical knowledge won't match mine.
Kaito's eye twitched. He asked,
"Aren't there multiple Wind Release: Vacuum techniques?"
Hiruzen chuckled and shook his head.
"There's no such thing as a series of 'Vacuum techniques.' The Vacuum Core is a method to enhance Wind Release jutsu. So various Wind Release techniques can become Vacuum techniques by incorporating the Vacuum Core. For example, Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere is just an improved version of Wind Release: Wind Blast."
Kaito said in surprise,
"Oh... I never thought of it that way."
Hiruzen was about to let Kaito experiment on his own to develop his own Vacuum techniques, but Kaito looked at him and asked,
"Gramps, can you guide me on incorporating a Vacuum Core into the Great Breakthrough technique?"
Kaito's request came so quickly that Hiruzen's expression darkened slightly. He coughed and said,
"No, due to the wide area of effect of Great Breakthrough, a Vacuum Core cannot be added effectively."
Kaito said,
"Oh... I read that the Second Kazekage used Wind Release: Vacuum Bullets, and the scroll said it was extremely fast and difficult to dodge. Gramps, can you teach me that technique?"
He looked at Hiruzen with hopeful eyes. Although Kaito disliked Hiruzen's political methods, he deeply respected his strength and experience.
Now that he had the opportunity to learn from such a powerful figure, Kaito intended to extract every possible advantage!
Having spent considerable time with Kaito, Hiruzen understood that his expression was calculated. He decided,
I absolutely must get him to join the diplomatic corps. He knows that I know his expression is fake, but he still does it anyway!
Hiruzen sighed and reluctantly agreed.
Using Wind Release: Vacuum Bullets required creating a small Vacuum Core inside one's mouth. While mostly safe, if something went wrong, it could cause severe internal damage! Hiruzen sighed internally,
I wonder if Homura will still agree to keep helping with my paperwork! When will my students return to take over as Hokage?
As Hiruzen wished, one of his students would eventually return to claim the position. However, that student would also want Hiruzen's head along with the hat!
Hiruzen looked at Kaito and said,
"But first, you need to learn Wind Release: Air Bullets."
Kaito continued asking,
"Can you teach me that technique too?"
Kaito noticed Hiruzen's expression darken further. Hiruzen wasn't surprised—he'd expected this immediate request. But he couldn't help thinking,
Was this kid born without any shame?
Hiruzen demonstrated the hand seals for Air Bullets and explained the mechanics. Kaito succeeded after a few attempts.
He continued for another half hour, improving his mastery of the technique. The lethality was considerable. If used against an army, its power would be devastating!
However, any competent defense could block it. Kaito wondered as he practiced,
Why isn't this technique in the library?
Hiruzen then taught Kaito the modified hand seals for Vacuum Bullets. Of course, seals alone weren't enough—Kaito first had to learn creating a Vacuum Core inside his mouth.
Hiruzen demonstrated first. This Vacuum Core wasn't spherical. Its shape was elongated like a bullet but thinner. The outer layer was again divided into segments by chakra threads. The inner core remained a complete vacuum.
Kaito began practicing. He faced two major challenges. First, he had to create it in his mouth rather than his hands, meaning he couldn't see it and could only work by feel.
The second problem was chakra control. Manipulating chakra with the palm was much easier than controlling it inside the mouth.
Hiruzen realized this as well. The ideal progression would be after Kaito could use Vacuum Sphere effortlessly.
However, seeing Kaito's talent, Hiruzen was eager to see how quickly he could learn this. Furthermore, he was content to have a few more days away from paperwork.
Kaito practiced until his chakra was completely exhausted. This time, Hiruzen didn't let him leave but said,
"Come with me, Kaito."
With that, Hiruzen Body Flickered away. Kaito followed. They left the training grounds and entered a secluded area of Konoha.
There was a small house with smoke rising from its chimney. Hiruzen stopped in front. A few seconds later, Kaito appeared. He asked,
"Gramps, who lives here?"
Just then, Kaito heard a loud metallic clang.
Is this a blacksmith's shop?
Hiruzen knocked on the door with a smile.
The hammering stopped. Soon, a middle-aged man opened the door. Seeing Hiruzen, he showed no surprise. He bowed respectfully.
"Welcome, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen smiled warmly.
"Hello, Tetsuya. How have you been lately?"
This middle-aged man was Tetsuya, a blacksmith in Konoha. Due to his connections, he held special status in the village.
Tetsuya replied,
"Very well, Hokage-sama. Please, come in."
He invited them inside. Hiruzen and Kaito entered his home.
Upon entering, Kaito saw an elderly man. He wore a simple white robe and had a long white beard and hair. However, for his age, his physique appeared quite robust.
Hiruzen greeted him respectfully.
"Master Muramasa, have you been well?"
Muramasa replied,
"Hokage-sama, I am well. It's good to see you again."
Hiruzen and Muramasa exchanged pleasantries.
Muramasa was a highly renowned swordsmith from the Land of Iron. He was one of the few living craftsmen capable of forging chakra-conductive metal weapons.
He visited Konoha once annually to take orders for new weapons.
Tetsuya watched proudly as the Hokage and his master greeted each other like old friends. After all, not everyone could boast of having the Hokage visit their home every year.
After the small talk, Muramasa looked at Kaito and asked,
"Is this the young man who needs swords?"
Hiruzen nodded.
"Yes, he wants chakra-conductive blades that can enhance Wind Release flow."
Muramasa studied Kaito for a moment, then looked at his current swords and asked,
"May I see your current level of chakra flow?"
Kaito glanced at Hiruzen, who nodded permission.
Kaito drew his two blades and channeled chakra through them, then converted it to Wind Release. Muramasa observed for several seconds and nodded approvingly.
"Excellent! Your foundation is solid!"
Kaito replied politely,
"Thank you."
Muramasa stood and gestured for Kaito to follow. Tetsuya and Hiruzen accompanied them.
They entered a room filled with numerous swords. Muramasa looked at Tetsuya.
"Bring several blades for the young man to test."
Kaito tried various swords. He felt most comfortable with a sixty-centimeter blade. However, Muramasa and Hiruzen recommended longer swords that would remain suitable as he grew. After all, he was only eleven years old.
Eventually, they settled on two seventy-six-centimeter-long, double-edged swords with a width of five and a half centimeters. Muramasa said,
"Very well. I will have these two swords crafted and delivered next year."
Kaito was stunned! He asked quietly,
"Next year?"
Hiruzen laughed.
"He's one of the finest swordsmiths in the world and can only visit Konoha once annually."
Muramasa added,
"Additionally, properly integrating chakra metal into blades is extremely complex and time-consuming."
Kaito nodded in disappointment—there was nothing he could do about it. Hiruzen said,
"You may leave, Kaito. I have some official matters to discuss with Master Muramasa."
Kaito nodded and departed. After leaving, he sighed.
A whole year... Does it really take that long to forge a sword? Well, it shouldn't be a problem. My current blades are sufficient for now.
He then went to the clothing store and collected his new outfits. After returning home, he removed his old clothes and tried on the new ones.
The shopkeeper had done excellent work—the clothes fit perfectly. Especially the upper body mesh armor. It was very comfortable.
Training continued the next day. Hiruzen and Kaito discussed more techniques and topics related to legendary ninja.
After Kaito exhausted his technical questions, he asked about the Great Ninja Wars.
He asked what caused these conflicts, whether future wars were inevitable, and how they might be prevented.
These questions greatly surprised Hiruzen. Kaito's inquiries demonstrated maturity far beyond his years. This reminded him of Itachi, who had shown similar depth of thought.
Kaito knew Hiruzen would recognize this. He was deliberately showing it. In the future, he'd need access to many of Konoha's S-rank jutsu, so increasing his value in Hiruzen's eyes could bring substantial benefits.
Although Kaito had indeed built a personal relationship with Hiruzen over the past weeks, he also understood this relationship alone wouldn't provide too many advantages. After all, Naruto's connection with Hiruzen was even deeper.
These conversations would eventually lead Hiruzen to invite Kaito to join ANBU several months later.
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