In the Land of Craftsmen, within a forge, an old blacksmith tirelessly hammered away at a glowing iron block. Sparks flew as the rhythmic clang of metal against metal filled the workshop.
Kakashi followed Mifune inside, with Koyuki trailing closely behind.
Mifune spoke first. "Zou Yan, it's time for business."
The old blacksmith raised his head, squinting at Mifune, then shifting his gaze to Kakashi. "Is it for this boy?"
Kakashi stepped forward. "Yes, sir. I need a finely crafted blade. Can you forge one for me?"
The blacksmith studied him briefly before nodding. "I can, but the materials will be your responsibility."
Kakashi hesitated before unsheathing the remnants of the White Fang blade from his back. "I only have this broken sword. Is there any way to reforge it with additional materials? I'm willing to pay whatever it takes."
The old blacksmith took the blade, running his calloused fingers along its fractured edge. "This is made of a rare chakra-conductive metal, but it's been shattered. Even reforging it won't yield enough for a full blade. As for obtaining more of this metal, I don't have any in stock."
Kakashi frowned. He had assumed that the Land of Craftsmen would have the materials he needed, but reality proved otherwise.
At that moment, Mifune reached into his pouch and withdrew a peculiar ore, its surface shimmering faintly. "This should do."
The old blacksmith's eyes widened in recognition. "Where did you get this? It's excellent material!"
Mifune chuckled. "I came across it by chance."
"Mifune-san, this is too much." Kakashi protested.
Mifune waved off his concern. "It's fine. I already have Kurosawa, and this metal is wasted on me. Besides, I owe this much to Sakumo."
Kakashi bowed slightly. "I appreciate it. Truly."
"No need for thanks. Just honor the White Fang's legacy."
"I will." Kakashi's tone carried unwavering determination.
Mifune turned back to the blacksmith. "Zou Yan, how long will it take?"
"Three days should be enough. My technique hasn't failed me yet."
Mifune smirked. "That's why I came to you."
"Then return in three days. Now, let me work." The blacksmith carried the ore inside and began refining it without another word.
Mifune chuckled. "Still the same old man." Then, he turned to Kakashi. "You'll stay at my home while we wait. There are things we need to discuss."
Kakashi nodded. "Thank you, Mifune-san."
"No need for formalities. Also… Koyuki could use your company." Mifune glanced at her meaningfully.
Koyuki blinked up at them, looking innocent yet curious.
---
In Mifune's courtyard, where cherry blossoms drifted through the air, Kakashi trained with a borrowed long sword, his movements fluid yet precise. Mifune watched from the side, nodding in approval.
This blade wasn't his final weapon, but it was enough for practice.
As Kakashi finished his kata, Mifune spoke. "Your swordplay is strong, but technique alone isn't enough. You have the form, but what you lack is the belief—the soul of the sword."
Kakashi sheathed the weapon. "Thank you for the guidance, Mifune-san."
Mifune grinned. "Let me show you something. Watch closely."
Kakashi's interest piqued as Mifune unsheathed Kurosawa, stepping into a stance. As he moved, his swordplay displayed both ferocity and an underlying serenity—like a storm held at bay by sheer will. Yet, it was his footwork that truly caught Kakashi's attention.
Mifune's movements were seamless, flowing like water, yet impossibly swift. Kakashi instinctively reached to activate his Sharingan but stopped himself. Copying a technique without permission was dishonorable—Mifune was no enemy, but a friend of Sakumo's.
When the demonstration ended, Mifune sheathed his blade. "Well? What did you see?"
Kakashi was still processing. "Your sword technique is incredible, but more than that… there's something else. A presence—almost spiritual."
Mifune laughed. "You have a sharp eye, just like Sakumo. That is the 'Will of the Sword.' You'll understand it in time. But aside from that, did you notice anything else?"
Kakashi hesitated. "Your footwork… it's strange. It looks like the Body Flicker Technique, but more controlled, more fluid."
Mifune nodded. "I'm impressed. This footwork mimics the Body Flicker, but it requires no chakra. Do you know who created it?"
Kakashi's eyes widened as realization dawned. "Could it be… my father?"
"Exactly. Sakumo developed this technique, refining it for pure swordplay. He passed it on to me. Didn't he teach you?"
Kakashi's expression darkened slightly. "No… My father died before he could. Everything I know of the White Fang's style, I learned from records and self-study."
Mifune sighed. "Then it's only right that I pass this on to you. After all, it's your legacy."
Kakashi bowed. "I would be honored."
Mifune stepped forward. "Watch closely. This technique is called Shunbu—Instant Step."
He moved, this time slower, ensuring Kakashi could follow. His steps were deliberate yet deceptively fast, the weight shifting with precision. He explained the mechanics—momentum control, balance, and the optimal positioning to maintain fluid movement.
"Now, try it," Mifune instructed.
Kakashi closed his eyes, replaying everything in his mind. After a moment, his eyes snapped open with newfound clarity. He took a breath, then moved.
In an instant, he vanished from his position, reappearing five meters away.
Mifune's eyes widened. "Already? That's… unbelievable."
Though Kakashi's execution was rudimentary, he had grasped the core concept in mere minutes—a testament to his genius.
Mifune chuckled. "As expected of Sakumo's son."
Kakashi bowed once more. "Thank you, Mifune-san."
Mifune waved dismissively. "No need for gratitude. This was always yours to inherit. Shunbu is a technique that will only improve as your physical prowess grows. Who knows—one day, you may even match the legendary Body Flicker Shisui. Though, I imagine at this point, Shisui is still just a child, yet to refine his own technique."
Kakashi smirked. "Then I'll be ready when the time comes."
Mifune smiled. "I'm sure you will."