[A/N: Shoutout to Dex Deer—thank you for the support!]
Chapter 35: Forging Strength
Training Ground No. 8
After the greetings, Kenshiro-sensei wasted no time and posed a simple yet profound question.
"What do you lack?" His calm gaze swept over his three students. "And why?"
The weight of his words settled over them. If he had asked this before their last mission, they might have struggled to answer. But now? Now, they understood themselves better. Their failures, their shortcomings—they had faced them firsthand.
Ryota was the first to speak. Clenching his fists, he took a deep breath before answering, his voice steady.
"I want to improve my kenjutsu," he said firmly. "I've decided to make the sword my primary weapon."
Kenshiro nodded, as if he had expected that answer.
Next, Mikoto spoke, her expression serious. "I need to refine my combat ability," she admitted. "Last time, my Sharingan helped me—but I can't rely on it every time. Not every opponent will be at that level. Stronger enemies exist, and I need to be ready for them."
Another nod from Kenshiro. Then, his gaze shifted toward Kiyoshi.
"I've already been receiving taijutsu training from an expert in my clan," Kiyoshi replied.
Both Mikoto and Ryota immediately turned to him with curious expressions. However, Kenshiro-sensei merely gave a small nod, unsurprised.
"Then you should focus on expanding your arsenal," he said. "You already have strong physical combat potential, but diversifying your skill set will serve you well. I suggest improving your Fire Release techniques."
Kiyoshi nodded in agreement. "I've already started training on my own. I just need guidance to reach a more advanced level."
At this, Kenshiro glanced at Mikoto. "Since you're experienced with Fire Release, would you be willing to offer some insight?"
Mikoto nodded immediately. "Of course. Kiyoshi, I can give you some pointers and suggest jutsus that might suit you better—like the Great Fireball Jutsu, Flame Bullet, or the Phoenix Sage Fire Technique."
Kiyoshi smirked. "I'd appreciate that."
With their training objectives set, Kenshiro-sensei formed a single hand seal. In a burst of smoke, two identical copies of himself appeared beside him.
"One of my clones will train Kiyoshi in Fire Release," he instructed. "The other will assist Mikoto with combat training."
Then, he turned his gaze toward Ryota.
"As for you," he said, his tone calm but firm, "I will personally oversee your kenjutsu training."
A sudden chill ran down Ryota's spine.
Wait… personally?
Ryota felt his stomach drop as he replayed everything he had just said about Kenshiro-sensei's early morning summons.
Did… did he hear all of that?
His instincts screamed yes.
Kiyoshi and Mikoto, clearly catching on to Ryota's realization, exchanged glances before looking at him with matching expressions that practically said:
"All the best, buddy."
Ryota swallowed hard as Kenshiro-sensei gestured for him to follow.
Meanwhile, Kiyoshi and Mikoto turned away—trying (and failing) to suppress their amusement—and went with their sensei's shadow clones to begin their training.
And so, their separate sessions began.
Kiyoshi followed Kenshiro-sensei's clone as they moved toward a more secluded part of the training ground. Unlike the previous area, where scattered trees provided shade, this section was barren—nothing but dry earth and cracked ground stretching before him. It was the perfect place for Fire Release training, free of obstacles that could unintentionally catch fire.
Kenshiro's clone finally stopped, turning to face him. "This area will allow you to train without holding back," he stated. "Now, let's see your Great Fireball Technique."
Kiyoshi nodded, inhaling deeply as he formed the hand seals. His chakra stirred, flowing through his body before gathering in his chest. With controlled precision, he exhaled—releasing a torrent of fire that roared through the air, expanding into a blazing sphere before dispersing into the open space.
Kenshiro's clone observed in silence before giving his assessment.
"You have a solid grasp of the technique, but there are areas to refine," he said. "Three things to focus on—first, improve your chakra heating and breath control. Your fire is strong, but refining your breathwork will make it more efficient."
Kiyoshi nodded, listening intently.
"Second," Kenshiro continued, "work on chakra compression before release. The more compressed your fire chakra, the more explosive and forceful the technique will be. Right now, it disperses too quickly."
Kiyoshi processed this, already thinking about ways to adjust his chakra molding.
"Lastly," Kenshiro said, "your target focus and hand seal timing need to be sharper. In battle, even a half-second delay can be the difference between victory and defeat. Your opponent won't wait for you to finish forming seals—your speed and precision must improve."
Kiyoshi clenched his fists slightly, absorbing the advice. It was clear, logical, and something he could work on immediately.
"Understood," he replied firmly.
Seeing that he was ready, Kenshiro's clone shifted to the next lesson. "Now, let's move on to the Fire Release: Fire Bullet Technique."
He demonstrated once—forming the hand seals swiftly before expelling multiple, concentrated bursts of fire. The projectiles shot forward like burning arrows, striking the ground with precise impact. The barren landscape bore black scorch marks where the flames had landed.
Kiyoshi observed carefully before attempting it himself. He already had experience with the Great Fireball Technique, so understanding the mechanics came naturally. However, execution required precise chakra control and rapid release. Unlike the Great Fireball, which was a single large attack, the Fire Bullet Technique demanded refined, successive bursts.
He formed the hand seals, inhaled, and exhaled sharply—releasing a series of flaming bullets. They shot forward, but some fizzled out before reaching the target.
"Tch." Kiyoshi exhaled in slight frustration.
"Your control is still raw," Kenshiro's clone pointed out. "Focus on molding chakra efficiently before each release. In a real fight, even a single moment of lapse may lead to death."
Kiyoshi inhaled deeply and tried again. This time, he sharpened his control—compressing his chakra just enough before each exhale. The flames became more stable, hitting the ground with greater force.
Kenshiro's clone gave a slight nod of approval.
"Better," he said. "Now, increase your speed."
Kiyoshi nodded, determined. He knew this wasn't just about learning new techniques—it was about mastering them for survival.