Some time later—
Hatake Seiko sat on the ground, gasping for air, large beads of sweat dripping down his face.
He looked up, both shocked and admiring.
"Uchiha, you're really strong. I can't even begin to estimate your strength. You must've been holding back in your match with Uehara Yu."
Seiko had believed his own ability wasn't much weaker than Uehara's. During that earlier match, Uchiha Gen's performance had seemed only slightly superior.
But after sparring with him personally, Seiko finally understood — Gen's true power was far beyond what he could have imagined.
A wave of powerlessness settled in his chest.
It felt as if all his attacks had been aimed at a mountain — immovable and unyielding. No matter how much strength he used, Uchiha Gen hadn't budged an inch. Every strike had been swallowed like a stone sinking into the sea, without a single ripple.
Still panting, Seiko asked, puzzled,
"Uchiha, why aren't you hiding your strength this time? Aren't you afraid I'll expose you?"
Uchiha Gen smiled faintly, eyes calm and unreadable.
"So… will you keep it a secret for me?"
Seiko hesitated, silent for several moments. Then, with a serious look, he said,
"I don't know why you'd hide your strength, but since you trusted me enough to show it… I won't betray that trust. I'll keep it to myself."
Hearing this, Gen's smile deepened slightly.
"You can just call me by my name from now on — Gen."
Seiko blinked in surprise, then returned the smile.
"Alright then, Gen-kun."
The two exchanged a look of quiet understanding before Seiko asked,
"Gen-kun, what do you think of my Taijutsu?"
"Too weak," Gen answered bluntly.
"Your foundation is unstable, your chakra control is uneven, and your movements are unstructured. Take that straight punch earlier—it lacked focus and intent."
Seiko stared at him, half incredulous.
"Am I really that weak?"
Gen glanced at him sideways.
"In my eyes, yes. But compared to most, you're still decent. You probably think chakra enhancement can make up for technique, don't you?"
Seiko said nothing, but his expression clearly meant, Isn't that true?
Gen continued,
"Chakra can enhance physical power and speed, yes—but think of it like this: the same chakra poured into an iron rod and a wooden rod will produce different results. Without a solid body and refined control, you're only amplifying flaws."
After a pause, Seiko nodded, determination flickering in his eyes.
"I understand, Gen-kun. I'll rely on your guidance for my training."
Gen shifted into a steady stance.
"Start by copying this posture and breathing with the rhythm I teach you. No matter how uncomfortable it feels, endure it. This is standing-stake training. It strengthens your core stability and helps your chakra flow evenly through your system."
"A strong flow of blood and energy means a stronger body — and more refined chakra."
Curious, Seiko followed his instructions. Soon, his breathing grew slow and rhythmic, though sweat quickly began to pour down his face.
Gen occasionally corrected his stance or breathing tempo.
Minutes passed. Seiko's body trembled, his face flushed red, sweat dripping nonstop.
Finally, Gen said,
"That's enough for today. Nineteen minutes for your first try — not bad at all."
Seiko immediately dropped the posture, exhaling a long, heavy breath before collapsing onto the ground, completely drenched in sweat.
He couldn't believe standing still could be that exhausting.
"Gen-kun," he said between gasps, "is it really alright for you to teach me something this powerful?"
Gen replied calmly,
"You don't need to worry, but don't go spreading it around either."
Seiko nodded earnestly.
"Of course. I won't."
Gen continued,
"We're just classmates helping each other grow. The Hatake clan's Taijutsu is already impressive — especially its Kenjutsu. The White Fang's swordsmanship was legendary."
Seiko looked at him curiously.
"Gen-kun, you're different from most people in the village."
"Oh?" Gen raised an eyebrow. "Different how?"
"When people mention Konoha's White Fang, they usually look disgusted or speak with scorn. But you don't. You… seem to respect him."
Gen's eyes softened, his tone solemn.
"Yes. I respect Sakumo Hatake deeply. In my eyes, he was a true hero."
Seiko froze. He had hoped for such an answer, yet hearing it so directly left him speechless.
"But… everyone says the White Fang was a disgrace to Konoha," Seiko said quietly. "Why do you still respect him?"
Gen chuckled coldly.
"What the village says is its own business. Without understanding the truth, they have no right to judge. There are too many in the village who just follow the crowd, never thinking for themselves."
He paused, then asked,
"Seiko, as a member of the Hatake clan… do you even know what your uncle accomplished?"
Seiko slowly shook his head.
Gen sighed.
"I don't know everything either. But I know this much — during the Second Shinobi World War, the White Fang completed countless S-rank missions. It's said that on the front lines against Sunagakure, he single-handedly defeated their elite forces and forced them into retreat."
"Even the Kage of other villages respected and feared him. His name was spoken with more weight than even the Sannin's — long before they became Konoha's celebrated heroes."
Seiko murmured, awe filling his voice,
"So Uncle was that incredible…"
Gen blinked, startled.
"Wait—White Fang is your uncle?"
Seiko nodded, his tone quiet.
"Yes. My father is his younger brother. He was a Special Jōnin… until he was injured during a mission years ago. He's been crippled ever since."
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