Here it comes again! Capacity again!
In Hokage, they always talk about capacity. Simply put, it refers to a person's strength, aptitude, and will.
Especially the will, what kind of Ninja Way a person follows, this is considered very important. Kakashi, having experienced so much, naturally values this greatly.
Natsuki didn't back down: "How does Kakashi-senpai want to test me? Please, just come at me!"
"Good eyes. Then let me see your talent in swordmanship first!"
Kakashi was quite satisfied. He silently took out two short swords, threw one to Natsuki, and kept one for himself.
Natsuki caught the short sword, performed a sword flourish, and casually formed the Confrontation Seal. Then, holding his breath and concentrating, he stared at Kakashi, beginning to look for an opportunity to attack.
Kakashi also formed the Confrontation Seal, then stood in place holding his sword and waiting.
Kai and Tenten watched from a distance, not speaking. For a moment, the scene was quiet, but the atmosphere gradually became tense.
Natsuki didn't make a rash move. While staring at Kakashi, his feet also moved slowly, closing the distance very slowly, but Kakashi seemed confident and remained standing still.
"Here!"
Natsuki suddenly shouted, and with a whoosh, he instantly disappeared.
Kakashi was surprised by Natsuki's speed. He held his blade sideways and successfully blocked Natsuki's attack.
Natsuki flicked his sword back, parrying Kakashi's short sword, then thrust straight at his chest, but Kakashi immediately blocked the tip of Natsuki's sword horizontally. Natsuki could only retract his sword and stab at Kakashi's shoulder again, which was still easily blocked by the opponent.
The two exchanged blows, several techniques passing in just three seconds.
Natsuki's attacks were undeniably fast, but Kakashi's blocks were even more effortless and fluid. Anyone with discerning eyes could see that Kakashi's swordmanship was far superior to Natsuki's.
However, Kakashi was testing Natsuki, so he naturally held back, otherwise, it would have ended long ago.
Natsuki also understood this and didn't think too much. Instead, he unleashed the swordmanship he had honed bit by bit over the years. Every horizontal cut, slash, and thrust was condensed from his sweat. There was nothing flashy, only single-mindedness.
Kakashi watched, nodding unconsciously.
Many things can actually be seen from swordmanship.
Natsuki's swordmanship wasn't brilliant, even a bit rigid, but it showed Natsuki's seriousness and dedication. Without anyone's guidance, relying on piecing together bits of knowledge about swordmanship, he condensed techniques unique to himself. His comprehension might be a bit lacking, or perhaps it was the lack of guidance, but his dedication to swordmanship was clearly revealed.
Such a person who is serious about swordmanship would be a good candidate for inheriting the Hatake Swordmanship.
However, if it was just like this, it wouldn't be enough. His comprehension seemed a bit lacking, and the Hatake Swordmanship isn't ordinary swordmanship. It's the crystallization of ancient samurai sword techniques combined with Chakra application!
Natsuki like this is truly not enough, unless...
Just then, a bolt of lightning suddenly condensed on Natsuki's hand. The lightning enveloped the sword body, erupting with extreme speed and breaking through Kakashi's defense, heading straight for Kakashi's neck.
"Oh-ho, you're not completely stupid after all!"
The surprise in Kakashi's eyes flashed and disappeared, letting the lightning blade strike him.
The next second, it turned into a log with a bang.
Natsuki quickly searched for Kakashi's position, but the next second, a short sword was held against his neck, making him dare not move rashly.
"You lost," Kakashi put away his short sword.
"I lost," Natsuki nodded.
"You don't seem unwilling. You know, if you lost, you might not be able to learn the Hatake Swordmanship."
"My swordmanship is not as good as Kakashi-senpai's, so it's normal to lose. Besides, if I won, would I still need to learn the Hatake Swordmanship? As for whether Kakashi-senpai teaches me or not, it's naturally for the senpai to decide. Even if I can't learn the Hatake Swordmanship, I will find a way to learn other things and make myself stronger."
...I know everything you told Kai. You said you're getting stronger to protect your girlfriend and your friends."
"That's right!"
Natsuki wasn't afraid of Kakashi testing him on this because he genuinely cared about Tenten, Shino, and the others. It came from his heart, without any pretense.
Kakashi truly watched Natsuki's every move. Seeing that his eyes didn't flinch at all, he naturally approved a bit more in his heart.
Unexpectedly, he suddenly asked, "I heard Kai say that you want to master the Eight Gates and the Hatake Swordmanship, and then become the strongest in Konoha. So, do you want to become Hokage?"
Natsuki was taken aback, not understanding how Kakashi came to this conclusion.
He shook his head decisively: "No, I don't want to become Hokage."
Kakashi was surprised: "You want to become the strongest, but your goal isn't to become Hokage?"
Natsuki was absolutely certain: "That's right, being Hokage is very tiring. I see Lord Third working overtime every day, with endless tasks, not even having time to spend with his grandson. If I became Hokage, wouldn't I have no time to spend with Tenten, and if we have children in the future, I wouldn't be a good father? I don't want that. Besides, even if you become the strongest, you don't necessarily have to be Hokage. In my opinion, no matter what position you're in, no matter what your identity, everyone strives to protect the people who are important to them and to protect the Village. Isn't that the most important thing?"
"...Hehe, you're right, and you said it well."
Kakashi rarely narrowed his eyes and smiled, "Then what is your dream?"
Natsuki couldn't quite say for a moment: "I haven't really thought about that properly. Before, I just wanted to live well, living well for myself and my parents. Later, I met Shino, Shikamaru, Choji, and the others, and I even got Tenten. I just wanted to protect them, so I wanted to become stronger. It's that simple."
It was simple, but the simpler and more unadorned the answer, the more sincere it was.
Kakashi nodded in satisfaction: "Good, you passed."
"Passed? So, Kakashi-senpai is willing to teach me the Hatake Swordmanship?" Natsuki was instantly overjoyed.
"That's right. Your answer was very sincere and satisfied me, so I approve of you inheriting the Hatake Swordmanship. Once you learn the Hatake Swordmanship, be sure to protect your family and comrades well." Kakashi's tone was gentle.
"Yes! Thank you, Kakashi-senpai!"
Natsuki bowed solemnly, his voice firm and strong.
Just then, Kai suddenly cried out with tears streaming down his face, "Oh oh oh! What a scene of youth! I'm so moved!"
Tenten was almost bewildered in the wind, "Teacher Kai! Don't ruin such a good atmosphere!"
Natsuki and Kakashi couldn't help but burst into laughter at the sight. As expected, wherever Might Guy was, there was no lack of joy, especially now that there was also a girl responsible for complaining, which made it even more interesting.
At the same time, in the Hokage Office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen covered the crystal ball, a satisfied smile on his face.
This boy named Natsuki can be confidently nurtured.