The rumors surrounding Tatsuya had only amplified over time, with word spreading throughout Konoha and its suburbs. There were whispers that Tatsuya had intentionally established a "special school" on the outskirts of the village to nurture the next generation of ninjas. Even Hatake Kakashi, intrigued by the growing curiosity, visited this so-called "special school" in person.
The villagers certainly tended to exaggerate, turning Tatsuya's modest actions into something grandiose. In Kakashi's eyes, Tatsuya was simply capitalizing on the competition by profiting from the kids' desire to learn. Nowadays, the pocket money of the younger ninjas seemed to make its way into Tatsuya's cabin daily.
When Kakashi watched the sessions, he saw Tatsuya offering fairly standard, though somewhat dry, advice to the participants. Each time Kakashi visited, he found Tatsuya casually dozing off while the kids practiced, only waking up at the sound of applause. Then, with a yawn, Tatsuya would muster just enough energy to offer a few words of guidance to the young competitors.
"Don't overthink it. Let your movements flow naturally," Tatsuya mumbled to a struggling participant, then promptly leaned back again, closing his eyes.
Kakashi, standing off to the side, couldn't help but laugh under his breath. "He's just pretending to sleep. I can tell."
Despite the somewhat comical appearance of Tatsuya's laid-back approach, these constant battles and ongoing trials were undeniably beneficial for Sasuke's growth. With each match, Sasuke accumulated invaluable practical experience. Though most participants used swords like Sasuke, the array of different weapons in use ensured that Sasuke had to quickly adapt his fighting style to counter a variety of opponents.
Sasuke, having gained some momentum, turned to face Tatsuya during a brief pause in the action. "You're just sitting there, not even giving advice. How am I supposed to improve if you don't give me anything more?"
Tatsuya opened one eye, a smirk playing on his lips. "You're doing fine. But you can always try thinking outside the box next time. You've been too focused on your speed, but you need to work on timing and positioning."
Sasuke rolled his eyes but nodded, determined to improve. "I'll keep that in mind."
Tatsuya stretched out in his chair, watching the next sparring session unfold. "Good. You'll figure it out... eventually."
The training sessions continued, and the crowd around the cabin grew larger by the day. Tatsuya chuckled to himself as the spectators cheered Sasuke on, some calling out tips, others simply enjoying the spectacle.
"Next time, we'll charge them for premium seats. I bet your fangirls will pay extra" Tatsuya muttered with a grin.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Are you serious?"
"Absolutely. This is too good of an opportunity to pass up." Tatsuya leaned back in his chair, watching the excitement unfold.
For Sasuke, it wasn't as easy to adapt as it was for Tatsuya. However, after months of rigorous training, he had become more than capable of handling these challenges. The early struggles had given way to steady progress, and Sasuke had grown stronger than he could have imagined. He had spent countless hours refining his technique, improving his precision, and adjusting to different styles of combat.
But what truly set Sasuke apart was the unique nature of the Kusanagi sword itself. Unlike ordinary weapons, the Kusanagi gave him a certain edge—a subtle yet undeniable advantage. It wasn't just the blade's sharpness or durability; it was the way it seemed to resonate with Sasuke's chakra, amplifying his already formidable skills. This factor allowed him to outclass many of his opponents, even those with more experience or greater raw strength.
By now, Sasuke had never lost a single match. His record was spotless, his battles a mix of calculated strikes and expert counters. The closest he had come to defeat was a tie, and even that was a hard-fought battle. It had been against a swordsman who wielded a blade just as skilled as his own, a rare occurrence that had Sasuke sweating through the entire sparring session. Yet, even in a tie, he had learned valuable lessons about his limits.
Tatsuya watched from his rocking chair as Sasuke sparred, a quiet satisfaction on his face. The boy was evolving in ways Tatsuya hadn't anticipated, and it made him proud. Still, there were moments when Sasuke needed to take a break. When that happened, Sasuke would retreat to his "farming work" — a routine he had created for himself that allowed him a bit of respite from the training. It wasn't much, just some light chores around the cabin, but it was enough for him to clear his head.
However, it wasn't long before some bold individuals began to challenge Sasuke during these moments, seeking trouble when he was least prepared. Whether they were misguided, arrogant, or simply bored, these troublemakers seemed to think they could take Sasuke down if he wasn't in the middle of a training session.
One such day, as Sasuke finished planting seeds in a small plot outside the cabin, a lone samurai approached, a cocky grin on his face. He had seen Sasuke's reputation grow over the months and thought now was the perfect time to test him—when Sasuke was tired, distracted, and out of the heat of a sparring match.
"You're the famous Sasuke Uchiha, huh?" the swordsman, Katsuro Kurogane, called, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. "I heard you haven't lost a fight. I'm here to change that."
Sasuke didn't even glance up from his task. He had heard of this type of challenge before. "I'm not interested," he said flatly, planting another seed with practiced ease.
Katsuro, growing frustrated by Sasuke's disinterest, stepped closer. "Don't think you can avoid this just because you're busy with your little chores. You're a ninja. You should be ready to fight at any time."
Sasuke finally looked up, his eyes sharp but calm. "I'm not interested," he repeated. "Go find someone else to bother."
But the ronin wasn't willing to let it go. "You're too arrogant for your good. Fine, if you won't fight me, I'll make you." With a swift movement, he drew his sword and aimed it at Sasuke, ready to make the first strike.
Sasuke's gaze didn't waver, but before he could even fully react, Hayate Gekko stepped forward. Hayate, a seasoned Konoha Jonin, had been observing from the side. His interest in swordsmanship had led him to keep an eye on such challenges. Though Sasuke had already shown his superiority in battle, Hayate wasn't about to let an outsider cause unnecessary trouble in the village.
"Hey, you there," Hayate called, stepping in front of Sasuke, blocking Katsuro's path. "Don't even think about it."
Katsuro sneered, clearly not impressed. "And who are you supposed to be? Another kid trying to act tough?"
Hayate's expression remained calm, but there was a clear determination in his eyes. "I'm Hayate Gekko. I suggest you walk away before things get unpleasant."
Katsuro laughed, thinking it was a joke. "You? A Jonin? You'll just get in my way."
Hayate didn't flinch. His hands were ready, his posture relaxed but prepared. "I don't care what you think," he said, voice steady. "You're threatening someone under Konoha's protection. If you want a fight, I'll gladly give you one. But it won't end well for you."
Katsuro, underestimating Hayate, lunged forward, sword raised. But in an instant, Hayate's blade—perfectly concealed on his back—flashed out in a swift, calculated movement. He disarmed the swordsman with a clean slice, sending Katsuro's blade flying a few feet away.
The swordsman froze, stunned by how effortlessly Hayate had handled the situation. Before he could react, Hayate's foot pressed firmly on his chest, holding him down with a calm but decisive force.
"I told you to leave," Hayate said, his voice unwavering.
Katsuro, now humiliated and outmatched, scrambled to his feet, glaring at Hayate. He spat out a few curses, backing away quickly and disappearing into the trees.
Tatsuya, watching the scene from his rocking chair, chuckled to himself. "Hayate's still got it. He's one of the few I'd trust with Sasuke's safety."
Sasuke, still tending to his crops, raised an eyebrow, but didn't turn his gaze away from his task. "I told him I wasn't interested in fighting," he muttered.
Hayate walked over to Sasuke, brushing his hands off casually. "Sometimes people just need a reminder. It's not always about the fight, but about setting boundaries."
Sasuke gave him a side glance, his expression still stoic. "Right."
Tatsuya's voice carried over, sounding amused. "Exactly. Not every fight is worth your time. Focus on what matters."
Sasuke nodded, though his lips twitched in amusement. "I'll deal with it. They just keep coming."
Hayate chuckled, shaking his head. "It's part of the job, Sasuke. But if you ever need help dealing with these distractions, you know where to find me."
Sasuke rolled his eyes but couldn't hide a slight smirk. "I'll keep that in mind."
As the days went by, Sasuke grew more accustomed to the disturbances, learning not to let them break his concentration. And when those same troublemakers returned, they found a much different Sasuke—one who had not only mastered his skills but also learned how to deal with the distractions that came with being at the top.
...
Each time, they would crawl away from Sasuke's side, defeated and embarrassed. The group of would-be challengers had no idea what they were walking into.
"You're not ready for this," Sasuke muttered, not even breaking a sweat as he casually swung his blade to deflect their strikes.
"Come on, Sasuke!" one of the challengers called out, trying to regain their footing. "We know we're not your level, but give us a break! A little mercy wouldn't hurt."
Sasuke smirked, stepping back with a graceful movement. "Mercy isn't something I offer easily," he said, his voice cold, but with a hint of pride. "You all should be training harder if you want a chance to beat me."
Tatsuya, watching the display from his rocking chair, chuckled softly. "I'd say they're learning the hard way, but it looks like they're not learning at all," he said with a wink to Sasuke.
Sasuke barely glanced at him, staying focused on the next challenger. It was a routine now—defeat, embarrassment, and then they'd leave, only to be replaced by another group eager to prove themselves.
Later, after the dust had settled and the crowd had dispersed, Sasuke wiped his sword clean. Tatsuya got up and stretched, heading toward Sasuke with a slow smile.
"You did well today, Sasuke. But remember," Tatsuya said, leaning against the wooden fence, "this isn't about just winning. It's about learning and honing your instincts. Never forget that."
Sasuke nodded, though his expression remained stoic. "I won't forget."
Meanwhile, Mikoto arrived with a basket in her arms, walking toward Sasuke with a warm smile. "I made your favorite, Sasuke," she said, handing him a small plate of pastries. "Tatsuya, I brought some for you, too. I thought you might like a change from your usual meals."
Tatsuya took the offering with an exaggerated sigh of appreciation, "Ah, Mikoto, your cooking always brings the best kind of joy. How does it feel to know you've been responsible for making Sasuke the happiest man alive?"
Mikoto rolled her eyes playfully. "You're too dramatic, Tatsuya," she said with a teasing grin. "It's just a few pastries."
"Just pastries?" Tatsuya smirked. "If you ever give Tsunade a cooking lesson, I'll consider it a public service."
Tsunade, overhearing from a distance, shot a look at Tatsuya and crossed her arms. "Why would I waste my time cooking when there are plenty of restaurants around?" she called out. "Let someone else do the work."
Tatsuya raised an eyebrow. "Because, Tsunade, no matter how bad the food is, at least it won't make people run away screaming." He smiled wickedly. "How many times has that happened till now, huh?"
Tsunade's face flushed slightly, though she maintained her usual tough demeanor. "Keep talking, Tatsuya, and I might just teach you a thing or two about gambling again," she said, a knowing glint in her eyes.
Sasuke, who had been quietly eating one of Mikoto's pastries, glanced up at Tatsuya with a grin. "It's better than anything you can make," he said, making Tsunade laugh despite herself.
Tatsuya chuckled, settling back into his chair. "Fair enough, Sasuke. I'll give it to you. But," he added, turning toward Tsunade, "cooking's an art. A science. Not everything is about gambling, after all."
Tsunade scoffed. "It's way easier to gamble than cook. Besides, where's the fun in it if you don't have anyone to mess with?"
Sasuke, now finished with his meal, glanced at Tatsuya and then back to his mother. "I don't want to mess around with food. But Sensei," he began, standing up and wiping his hands on his pants, "I've decided... I want to learn how to cook. Maybe not to make anything too fancy, but enough to... well, enough to learn."
Tatsuya blinked in surprise. "Wait... you, Sasuke, are going to learn to cook?" He smiled, the thought amusing to him. "Well, I guess if you're determined, I'll have to teach you how to avoid setting the kitchen on fire first."
Mikoto laughed softly. "You're right, Tatsuya. It's a great idea. I'm proud of you, Sasuke."
Sasuke shrugged, trying to hide his pride. "It's for you, Mom," he muttered, a slight blush on his face. "If it makes you happy, I'll do it."
Tatsuya leaned back, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. "You'll do just fine. You've already mastered the art of swordsmanship; cooking might just be the next step in your training."
And with that, their day continued the steady rhythm of Sasuke's development and the quiet encouragement of those around him slowly but surely shaping the young Uchiha into something more than a killing machine.
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