“I see, I understand the matter now.” The old man’s clouded eyes looked at Matsuake, his voice gentle and steady.
So warm, just like the sun…
As Matsuake approached the old man, he could feel the other’s warm aura and energy.
Combined with the old man’s appearance, he had already guessed his identity.
“I am Yoriichi Tsugikuni, here to teach you the secrets of the Breathing Technique.” Yoriichi rose from his kneeling position.
His thin frame seemed frail, yet it radiated a resilient presence.
Seeing this, Matsuake’s joyful expression turned serious.
He bowed to Yoriichi and said, “I am your student, Senju Matsuake.
Please instruct me.” Seeing the child before him so polite and sensible, Yoriichi smiled kindly and nodded slightly in approval.
“This is a miraculous place.
When you enter here, time in the outside world will stand still.
And when you learn what I am about to teach you, this space will disappear.” After glancing over Matsuake, Yoriichi’s expression showed a moment of surprise.
“Your physical constitution is quite good, even surpassing most members of the Demon Slayer Corps.
This is an excellent foundation.” Hearing this, Matsuake was not surprised.
In the ninja world, where Chakra exists, ninjas are naturally stronger than ordinary people in the Demon Slayer world.
Moreover, he was a descendant of the Senju Clan, inheriting the Sage Body.
Still young now, his physical constitution would become even more exaggerated as he grew older.
Yoriichi said, “Enough idle talk.
Let us begin the first lesson now.” …
Before class at the Ninja Academy, students gathered in small groups, chatting and playing.
“Matsuake-kun, you seem a bit different today,” Tsukuyomi said softly, sitting next to Matsuake, her small face showing a hint of curiosity.
“Is that so?” Matsuake was somewhat surprised by Tsukuyomi’s keen observation.
In fact, Tsukuyomi was not wrong.
He had indeed undergone some subtle changes, mainly thanks to his practice of the Breathing Technique yesterday.
For both swordsmen and ninjas, breathing is a crucial matter.
At the Ninja Academy, there are also teachings on breathing methods.
How to maintain steady breathing during combat and how to minimize the sound of breathing while hiding are subjects of study.
However, the Breathing Technique taught to him by Yoriichi was on an entirely different level compared to these breathing methods.
The Breathing Technique is a skill created by Yoriichi that greatly enhances human physical abilities.
It strengthens cardiopulmonary function, allowing the blood to absorb large amounts of oxygen in a short time, instantly boosting physical capabilities and even temporarily granting strength comparable to that of “demons.” What Yoriichi taught Matsuake was not specific styles like Sun Breathing or Moon Breathing, but the foundation of the Breathing Technique itself.
After all, you get what you pay for.
For a cheat ability costing only 100 points, obtaining the Breathing Technique was already more than worth it.
Yesterday, in the skill training space, Yoriichi explained the principles of the Breathing Technique and patiently guided Matsuake through the basics.
Although the Breathing Technique originated from another world, Matsuake had already begun to grasp its fundamentals.
As a result, his posture and demeanor had undergone subtle changes—his stance was more upright, and his aura more refined.
“And besides, I’ve never seen Matsuake-kun carry a short sword before.” Tsukuyomi voiced another difference with some concern.
She worried that Matsuake, anxious about his upcoming duel with Uchiha Suke, might be desperately trying anything and had started learning swordsmanship.
Hearing this, Matsuake reached back and patted the sword sheath hanging behind him, smiling as he said, “Actually, I learned some basic swordsmanship from elders before.
Recently, I just happened to have the chance to pick it up again.” The most important reason was that although the skill training space limited Yoriichi to only teaching Breathing Techniques, this basic swordsmanship wasn’t strictly restricted.
After all, Yoriichi’s Breathing Techniques were still connected to his swordsmanship to some extent.
Moreover, Yoriichi, who had mastered the Transparent World, could see through an opponent’s body structure while possessing top-tier swordsmanship, making him the best possible swordsmanship teacher.
Given this, not taking the opportunity to learn some swordsmanship from Yoriichi would truly be a waste.
“By the way, Matsuake-kun.” Tsukuyomi’s face showed hesitation and conflict, but she still spoke up, “There’s something I’d like to ask your permission for.” Matsuake was slightly taken aback.
He had known her for several years now, but this was the first time he’d heard her make a request.
“What is it, Tsukuyomi?” “It’s like this—there are only about two weeks left until the graduation exam at the end of the month.
If you lack a training partner, I was wondering if I…
could be one?” As if worried he might refuse, the girl added in a low voice.
“And my Byakugan can see human bones, meridians, and the flow of Chakra.
Perhaps during sparring, I could offer you some advice too.” Graduation.
Hearing the girl say this, Matsuake was genuinely surprised.
How old was Tsukuyomi this year?
Only six years old, yet she had already awakened her eyes?
One must know that whether it was the Byakugan or the Sharingan, awakening required certain triggers.
The Sharingan needed emotional stimulation, while the Byakugan required continuous nurturing and training.
Of course, the speed of awakening was also clearly related to bloodline and talent.
Because Tsukuyomi had never shown her awakened Byakugan state before, no one knew she had awakened it at just six years old.
One must realize that even Uchiha Suke, considered a genius among the younger generation of the Uchiha Clan, hadn’t awakened his Sharingan yet.
“That’s wonderful, Tsukuyomi.
I’ll be in your care for the coming period then,” Matsuake said with a smile.
The Byakugan and Yoriichi’s Transparent World shared remarkable similarities—both could see through human body structure.
Having such a partner for sparring would indeed achieve twice the result with half the effort, so naturally, there was no reason to refuse.
“Mhm!
I want to help you in my own way too,” Tsukuyomi said softly.
However, Matsuake didn’t quite catch these words, as the teacher had already entered the classroom holding a stack of papers.
“Everyone, quiet down,” the teacher said, tapping the lectern.
“Now, students who wish to apply for early graduation exams, come here to get an application form.
Fill it out and return it to me.” After these words, about half the students in the classroom left their seats.
They lined up in front of the lectern in an orderly manner, each taking an application form in turn.
Some hesitated repeatedly but ultimately didn’t stand up, remaining in their seats.
Upon closer inspection, one would notice that most of those applying to participate in the early graduation assessment were ninja from shinobi clans.
Aside from Matsuake, Tsukuyomi, and Suke, nearly all members of the Hyūga, Uchiha, Sarutobi, and other clans in this class had applied for early graduation.