During the day, he attended classes at the Ninja Academy, and after school, he sparred with Tsukuyomi.
At night, he would enter the Skill Training Space punctually, learning the Breathing Technique under Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
Days passed in this regular routine, and half a month flew by in the blink of an eye.
Soon, it was the day before the Graduation Exam.
And Matsuake’s training in the Breathing Technique came to an end.
In the pure white space, the boy held a short sword in both hands, while the old man gripped a long sword.
Amidst the flashes of blades, the crisp clashing of swords echoed.
“Do not remain tense at all times.” “However, at the moment you strike, your strength, skill, and spirit should converge.” Yoriichi effortlessly intercepted Matsuake’s strikes one after another.
No matter how much force Matsuake put into his swings, the other could always match it precisely.
Through this process, Matsuake grew increasingly adept at applying the Breathing Technique in actual combat.
Strength, skill, and spirit.
He pondered Yoriichi’s words in his heart.
The first two were objective things.
During this time, his strength and skill had steadily improved through training.
But the so-called spirit had always felt elusive to him.
Just as Matsuake’s focus wavered slightly, a terrifying aura, like a raging flood or a ferocious beast, suddenly surged from ahead.
When he looked closely, he saw that Yoriichi, who had been calm and composed just moments before, now wore a solemn expression.
His cloudy eyes held a sharp and piercing intensity.
His hands tightly gripped the katana, slowly raising it.
This movement, seemingly identical to the ones he had taught earlier, now carried a chilling, murderous intent.
If he failed to block this strike, his entire body would be split from the top of his head downward, like firewood cleaved in two.
Once he realized this, all distractions vanished from Matsuake’s mind.
Was he fighting to live up to others’ expectations?
Or to protect the people and things he loved?
Or perhaps simply to achieve his own goals—to secure his place in the world, to gain fame and success?
But at this moment, none of these thoughts mattered.
Whether swinging a sword or throwing a punch, if his mind was still occupied with such thoughts, his movements would inevitably slow.
The reason for swinging the sword was something to consider before the strike.
But when swinging the sword, the only thought in his mind should be the purpose of that strike.
For now, all he needed to do was block Yoriichi’s blade!
On one side was a still-young boy; on the other, an elderly man nearing the end of his years.
Yet at this moment, the force behind their strikes was enough to easily kill any robust adult.
Where their blades met was also where their gazes intersected.
“You finally understand.” The sharp intensity in Yoriichi’s eyes gradually softened, replaced by a look of satisfaction.
“In the world I come from, when the swordsmen of the Demon Slayer Corps battle demons, even the slightest lapse can lead to irreversible consequences.” “I tried to teach them how to wield their swords, but true understanding often comes only in life-or-death moments.” “Yoriichi-sensei…” Matsuake noticed that the old man’s body was now enveloped in a faint, shimmering light.
His upright figure seemed to grow increasingly faint within this space.
“As for the Breathing Technique, I have nothing left to teach you.” “It’s a shame, due to the limitations of this place, I cannot teach you more.
From now on, you must rely on yourself.” Yoriichi said with a smile.
“Compared to the world I came from, this world is more fortunate, yet also more unfortunate.
I can sense that Chakra is a truly marvelous thing.” “Those who pursue the path to its end will find different roads leading to the same destination.
I hope you can find the ‘Breathing’ most suited to you in the future.” “I will, Master.” Matsuake replied solemnly.
Though he knew the parting would come soon, when the moment of farewell arrived, he couldn’t help feeling a tinge of reluctance.
After all, over these past days, Yoriichi had been an exceptionally dedicated and responsible teacher.
Not only in Breathing Techniques, but even his previously clumsy swordsmanship had advanced by leaps and bounds.
Watching Yoriichi’s body gradually dissolve into specks of light, Matsuake respectfully performed the disciple’s farewell salute.
“Use your power to protect everything you hold dear, don’t end up like me…” Yoriichi’s voice grew faint, and as he vanished, a white light once again shone before Matsuake’s eyes.
As if the world spun around him, when he regained his senses, he was back in the courtyard of his family estate.
Just as Matsuake was still feeling a bit downcast, a notification suddenly appeared.
[Skill Training Complete!
Based on a comprehensive evaluation of the instructor’s assessment and training results, this training session is rated Excellent!
Additional Reward: Total Concentration: Constant!] With the end of the notification, Matsuake clearly felt the changes in his body.
When he realized what had happened, a wave of joy welled up in his heart.
Total Concentration: Constant is a higher realm of Breathing Techniques, allowing one to maintain full concentration and keep the Breathing Technique active even while asleep.
In other words, the Breathing Technique had now become a constant state.
It’s important to know that there is a considerable distance between learning the Breathing Technique and mastering Total Concentration: Constant.
Yet, with the additional reward granted, that distance was directly bridged.
Thinking of this, Matsuake couldn’t help but feel a sense of deep emotion.
All these days, he had relied on diligent training to improve his strength, and only now did he truly and directly experience what it felt like to have a cheat.
It must be said, the feeling of having a cheat is indeed exhilarating.
But he wouldn’t forget that the reason he received this additional reward was precisely because of his hard training over these past days.
Tomorrow morning, he still had to go to the Ninja Academy for the Graduation Exam.
Therefore, Matsuake didn’t engage in any other activities.
After washing up and getting ready, he returned to his room and slept soundly.
…
The next morning, after a simple breakfast, he arrived at the Ninja Academy.
Unlike usual, there were many unfamiliar faces on campus today.
The Ninja Academy’s Graduation Exam is a very important event, at least during peacetime.
The village’s Hokage and other high-ranking officials generally pay attention to the progress of the exam.
Additionally, some Chūnin and Jōnin also come to the scene because of their own children or juniors from their clans.
The Graduation Exam is held at the Combat Training Ground of the Ninja Academy.
The proctor in charge of overseeing the exam is announcing the basic procedures.
“The format of the Graduation Exam is an elimination-style practical combat assessment.
Everyone will draw lots uniformly, and those with the same number will be opponents.” “During the practical combat, your Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, Shuriken skills, combat awareness, and other aspects will be comprehensively evaluated.
We hope you all perform well.” After speaking, the examiner instantly moved to the edge of the field and patted a sealed cardboard box.
“Now, line up in an orderly queue and draw lots one by one.”