Three months later
POV Ren
"Now why are you coming? I have no more fuinjutsu to give you, boy." I said to him, It was strange for him to visit me at this hour.
"Don't worry, old man, I just came to say goodbye," he said as he pulled out a bottle of alcohol. "And for a few drinks too, I've been saving this bottle for a while."
At least he still knows how to show respect. I let him enter and went to get some glasses.
"At least now I know how to make you welcome me better," he said with a laugh. Admittedly, our first conversations alone were difficult, although it was almost always his fault.
"So you've been called back to war," I said as I placed the glasses on the table.
"Yes, although it was not mandatory. At most, I would be granted one more month before it became mandatory." He was being especially nice today. I said nothing and he poured the bottle on his own.
"You should wait as long as possible to go. My grandson is growing every day; if you spend too much time away, you won't see him grow." This sake was exceptional; I will definitely save some for later.
From his expression, I imagine I touched on a sensitive subject. I'm sure Yumi told him something similar, although knowing her, she will support him for the sake of his clan.
"It's not that I don't want to spend more time with my son, but I have to take advantage of the war to earn merit. I need to be Chunin soon." Even as he said it, it sounded like he was trying to convince himself still.
These clans are a real headache.
Now, as an adult, I feel more grateful that I don't belong to one. The restrictions are excessive and I can't conceive of being the last ninja in a clan. The responsibility is enormous
"If you think a promotion is more important, go for it." I said with a wry smile on my face.
His expression only worsened and he drank in silence. These youngsters have such a hard time seeing the long term and only focus on what's in front of them. Sometimes, it is essential to learn to change our priorities. I promised myself not to get involved in your clan's affairs out of respect for Byu, but I will make an exception. Mostly for my grandson; I would like to have him raised by both of his parents.
"You should reconsider your decisions." I took a good sip of sake. Byu poured me more.
"My reason for being is Yumi and Shin, but I have duties to my clan."
"You don't understand," I replied.
"I don't doubt your love for my daughter or my grandson, but even though I'm not part of a clan, you're doing the wrong thing for your clan. And as a ninja, you are also taking the wrong course."
His expression turned grave. "What do you mean?"
"I may not be on duty, but I am aware of what happens in battle, Byu, and I know all your missions," I looked him in the eye.
"I took them to get the needed merit faster," he replied without ducking his eyes.
"I understand why, but it's still idiotic. To take on so many missions that even a Chunin might find challenging, just to ascend in the way you deem 'right'. War is not a game."
"You think I don't know? You have no idea how many friends I've lost, my father, almost my whole clan. I never took it as a game. Besides, being Chunin would give me more freedom to choose missions. It would be safer," he said, raising his voice, angry.
"You still don't understand. You're trading off going through a lot of danger in a short time for having less danger in the long run. But the problem is you're not seeing the priority."
I pointed out. "Your life is the priority for your clan and your family. If you die, both are shattered, especially your clan."
"My clan can continue, there will be more generations, and Yumi could move on" He began to speak, defending his erroneous beliefs.
"That's what you don't understand, Byu. You ignore that your absence crumbles everything. Your greatest responsibility is to be alive, nothing else."
I let silence fill the air as I pondered my words.
"Let me speak before you try to interrupt me. This notion of yours that if you die your clan will survive is very naive. You are the last ninja of your clan. You may think that as long as your clan's techniques and history exist they will survive, but you are mistaken."
I couldn't help but let out a wry laugh.
"Your clan's techniques have no special requirements. If there is no ninja from your clan to back them up, they would be just as vulnerable as if they did not have the support of Konoha. They would be exposed. Your clan have multiple businesses in the Land of Hot Springs and near Konoha, but other ninja would most likely exterminate your clan for their jutsus."
Even if they manage to survive, isolating themselves in Konoha and trying to raise a ninja, they would be in a situation equal to or worse than yours, as they would have no one to guide them. You are aware of the greed that jutsus unleash. Even being in Konoha doesn't assure them that they won't be attacked. After all, they wouldn't have a ninja to protect them."
Apparently, that made him think more, but he still didn't fully accept it.
"Your brother is not an option. He missed his chance to be a ninja when he left the academy. He may know how to use chakra, but a team of Genin would be enough to kill him. Even if he gets stronger, he would need time to train. And, obviously, if you were to die, the next in line, if they want your jutsus, would be your brother," I said, hoping he would understand that the priority for his clan was him, not his rank or his image before Konoha.
"So, should I just dedicate myself to surviving until I pass on the knowledge to the new generation and take care of them?" He replied annoyed, but at least he was listening.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
"I don't know how a clan is run, but if I were the leader, I would tell you that when you finish your 10 years of service, retire, or seek a position out of combat as soon as you can," I poured myself another cup of sake.
"It may not sound nice, but helping your clan is more important than being Jounin and having the best reputation in Konoha."
This time I could see the disappointment in his eyes.
"It's not that you shouldn't aspire to more, just do it in the safest way you can. Without risking your life in extreme missions. Although, if your goal is to become a Jounin, yes you should hurry; you are 17, after all."
He laughed bitterly. "You say that as if it's an easy path to becoming a Jounin."
"It's not easy, but the path has already been laid by many. Knowing how is not difficult, doing it is. I know I'm a Tokubetsu Jounin, but you should know that it was because I didn't have a recommendation, and I decided to get out of active duty, the only reason I didn't become a Jounin."
We took a few minutes to enjoy some drinks. I noticed he was really considering what I mentioned to him.
After a while, he stared at me and bowed. I was surprised.
"I greatly appreciate your wise recommendations, however, this son-in-law of yours feels that he should be bolder and seek guidance from the more experienced generation. I ask that you guide me on the path to become a Jounin," he said, keeping his bow.
I sighed.
What a headache it turned out to be, but if I had already helped him, I guess I should do it all the way.
"Lift up your head, I'll help you," I said.
"Thank you very much, I'm lucky to have a father-in-law as good as you," he said immediately as he poured more sake.
I waved my hand at him as I touched my chin, thinking about what would be the easiest way for him to become a Jounin. Byu was a strong ninja, superior to the average Chunin, and it was only a matter of time before he became an elite Chunin.
Being a specialist in ninjutsu is difficult without having a lot of chakra, knowing several elements or being a genius who creates his own jutsu, although he is good with the fire element. His shuriken jutsu is impeccable, but it is only a complement; no one becomes a Jounin with that alone. His talent in fuinjutsu is mediocre, it would take him many years to become good, too long.
In the end, all that was left was what I had been thinking about since we had fought some time ago. Having decided on the most feasible path, it was easy to formulate a plan.
"Kenjutsu, it's the most viable option."
"Kenjutsu?"
"Yes, kenjutsu. I think it will be a faster way for you to reach the strength of a Jounin."
"Kenjutsu?"
"YES!"
"Use my katana to fight?" he asked with a stupid look on his face.
"Yes, that's the definition of kenjutsu," I said irritably.
"I don't understand, I have some practice. I learned on my father's advice to have more reach, which gives me an advantage against someone unarmed or with short weapons. Why would that be my way, if my katana handling is basic?" Finally, he expressed a valid point.
"All other options will take you longer. Ideally, I would like to reach the rank of Jounin before I turn 30. Ninjutsu could be an option, but learning a new element and creating unique jutsu takes time."
"Without a ninjutsu system like the Sarutobi or Nara clans, it will be very difficult to create one, unless you are a genius." I took another sip.
Byu served me again and asked, "I know that ninjutsu is difficult, especially without having a lot of chakra or master level control over an element. However, why is kenjutsu a better option? Being a master in sword combat also takes years."
"Because you have talent with the katana. You haven't realized it, but for the time you've been practicing, your level is quite high. You are not a genius with the sword, nor will you ever be, but you do have talent. If you combine that with excessive effort, becoming a master is assured, and being a great master is not impossible."
"How are you so sure I have talent?"
I touched the seals on my wrists and pulled out a katana. "I also practice kenjutsu. Although I'm not very skilled, I can recognize skill levels up to master. Your level is not too far from mine, and you've been practicing for less than two years. That means you have talent, quite a bit I would say, assuming you haven't spent too much time training kenjutsu."
I gave him time to think. I imagine he was contemplating his future as a ninja. Being a master in kenjutsu is difficult and requires a lot of effort, plus something extra to be able to fight Jounin.
It would surely make me stronger, but I would have to learn - Chakra Flow- and -Flying Swallow - to be at the level of a Jounin," he said.
It was obvious, these are techniques that most Jounin who use blades learn at some point.
"Yes, at least that much you would have to learn. Although you should also master more kenjutsu and bukijutsu techniques. The -Dance of the Crescent Moon- is an excellent technique, but you need to be a master in kenjutsu to use it well. If you are not at the right level, its effect is quite lost. Besides, you could make modifications and create other techniques." It reminded me of a friend whose favorite technique was that one; he had created more complex variants to use underwater.
"But it would take me time to learn how to use the wind or thunder element to employ -Chakra Flow-," he replied.
"Then don't. You can use the fire element without problems. It's more difficult than with wind or thunder, but just as lethal. That way you won't divide your attention on so many tasks and you'll also manage to become a great master in your element," I said.
From his surprised face, it seemed that he didn't know that fire could be used for -Chakra Flow-. "Before, many used that element, but since air and thunder are easier when it comes to learning to use -Chakra Flow-, its use has been lost. In the library you should find ways to train faster."
He sighed. "Then, it's a good path for me. I should learn to perfect my jutsus using only one hand or dispensing with seals." He took a long drink, as did I, while our expressions reflected disdain.
It is not difficult to do jutsu with a single hand seal or with one hand, but you need to practice the same jutsu over and over again, thousands of times at least. Depending on your understanding of the jutsu, you may need even more. It is a monotonous and exhausting process. Most are content to reduce the number of seals in their most used jutsu. Extremely rare are those who manage to perform jutsu without the need for seals.
The time required to master a single jutsu without the need for seals is considerably long. It is more useful to have three jutsu that require only one seal. Using one-handed seals is rare, though more common among those who use weapons in combat. However, you only change the seals from two-handed to one-handed, keeping the same amount.
Wanting to use jutsu with one hand and reduce the number of seals is something that would take years of intense practice.
"If you manage to get it, it will be a great help. Specializing in kenjutsu doesn't mean you have to give up your ninjutsu. If you manage to combine them, becoming an elite Jounin could be within your reach, although I wouldn't wish that kind of training on anyone," I said, and it was true.
It would be years of monotonous training, and it's hard to find the motivation for something like that.
I can tell that he is also aware of how difficult this road will be, but at least I don't see doubt in his face, only resignation at the arduous task ahead of him.
"If you are willing to take my advice, I can give you a helping hand, at least with your kenjutsu training."
After all, we are family. While I may not entirely like him for my daughter, Byu has earned my respect. It would only cost me to cash in a couple of favors to give her a hand.
"Your words are wise. I must admit I didn't know my talent with the sword, I also think this would be my best choice."
I nodded.
"I can get you under Hatake Sakumo's command. He is an admirable ninja, a possible candidate for Hokage. His kenjutsu prowess is unmatched, and many ninja under his command tend to excel in this discipline. If I know one thing about him and his friends, it is their love of the sword."
"Then should I befriend him and ask him to train me?" asked Byu.
"No, just use every free moment to go to a place where you can be observed and train with your sword incessantly, until you feel almost exhausted. In a few days, the rest of the sword users will talk to you, they will ask you to engage in duels. Say yes to all of them. Take advantage of this opportunity and learn as much as you can from everyone. Eventually, Sakumo will get closer to you. The rest is in your hands."
The conversation became more pleasant, focusing on jutsu, aspects of warfare and what sword techniques could enhance his new style of combat he was about to create.
When I finished, I told him that in two weeks he would report for war. He would have the assignment of being under the command of Sakumo's troops.