After the Chūnin Exams, things settled into a tense yet quiet routine. While Akatsuki was working behind the scenes, testing the strength of the hidden villages, Konoha remained one of the most formidable forces, especially with figures like Tatsuya, Minato, and Kakashi on its side. But even in this relative calm, the training of Sasuke Uchiha had begun in earnest.
Sasuke's desire for power, particularly his thirst for revenge against his older brother, Itachi, was something that Tatsuya could relate to, though Tatsuya's path had been vastly different. Sasuke's determination was unyielding, which Tatsuya admired in the boy.
One day, as the sun began to set over the Senju compound, Sasuke found himself on the training grounds, facing a shadow clone of Tatsuya. He wiped the sweat from his brow, frustration creeping in.
"I've told you before, Sasuke," Tatsuya's voice rang out from behind him as he watched the young Uchiha struggle. "Chakra control is key. If you want to defeat any opponent, you need to master your chakra, not just your physical strength."
Sasuke growled, clenching his fists. "I know that already! I can control my chakra just fine. Why do I have to keep fighting this damn clone?"
Tatsuya gave a small, knowing smile. "Because, Sasuke, you can't move forward until you defeat this clone. You have the skill, but you lack chakra control—true control. If you can't defeat something as simple as a shadow clone, how can you defeat someone like Itachi?"
Sasuke's teeth gritted together as his Sharingan flared to life. He launched himself at the shadow clone, his movements fast and precise. However, despite his impressive speed and power, the clone easily evaded him, keeping a cool distance.
"Again," Tatsuya called, his voice carrying over the field.
Sasuke felt his irritation build. He hated being told the same thing repeatedly. This wasn't how he envisioned his training. He was used to being the best in his class, always a step ahead of the others. But now, even with his Sharingan, the clone seemed to mock his every attempt.
Sasuke's next attack was fiercer, the air vibrating with his force. The clone parried effortlessly, as though anticipating every move. Sasuke staggered back, breathing heavily. "Why won't it work?" he muttered under his breath.
Tatsuya raised his hand, and the ground trembled as his chakra surged. "Try walking on water."
Sasuke frowned. "I've already learned that."
"No, you haven't. Not like this," Tatsuya replied, bringing Sasuke to the Senju hot spring. "This is harder. The heat will destabilize you. You need perfect control—balance your chakra and your body."
Sasuke took a deep breath and stepped onto the surface. The heat was overwhelming, and his foot sank. Despite his best efforts, he fell into the hot spring, cursing under his breath.
Emerging, Sasuke scowled. "This is impossible!"
Tatsuya remained calm. "It's not impossible. Control, Sasuke. Power isn't enough here."
Sasuke wiped the water from his face, determination rising. "I'll master it."
Tatsuya smiled. "That's the spirit."
Over the next few days, Sasuke trained relentlessly, improving his chakra control with each fall. When he faced the shadow clone again, he struggled, but he was getting closer.
Tatsuya's voice broke the silence. "You're almost there. But integrate your physical skills with your chakra control. Don't let instinct overpower you."
Sasuke nodded, resolved. He would defeat the clone, master his control, and grow stronger.
But despite his growing abilities, Sasuke couldn't seem to defeat the shadow clone. It would always evade his attacks or counter him in ways he couldn't anticipate. The young Uchiha's frustration only grew with each failed attempt, yet Tatsuya remained unmoved.
"Again, Sasuke," Tatsuya instructed, his voice calm.
"You've got to be kidding me..." Sasuke muttered under his breath, but he clenched his fists and prepared himself for another round.
He launched himself at the shadow clone once more, this time mixing in his newly acquired water-walking technique to increase his speed and fluidity. His Sharingan activated, and he moved with precision, anticipating the clone's movements. For the first time, he managed to land a hit—a single blow that caused the clone to flicker and dissipate.
Sasuke froze, staring at the space where the clone had once been. He couldn't believe it. He had finally succeeded.
Tatsuya appeared beside him, his expression calm but approving. "Good job, Sasuke. But this is only the beginning. Now, you'll start training with a sword."
Sasuke looked up in surprise. "A sword? You're teaching me swordsmanship now?"
Tatsuya nodded. "A good fighter needs to master both weapons and the body. You'll learn swordsmanship to improve your precision, and you'll spar against my shadow clones for taijutsu."
Sasuke's gaze hardened. "I'm ready."
Tatsuya's shadow clone appeared again, this time holding a wooden training sword. "Let's see if you can defeat this one first."
Sasuke's heart raced. Despite his growing confidence, a part of him couldn't shake the feeling of dread—what if this shadow clone was more difficult? What if he failed again? He gripped his sword tightly, steeling himself for the challenge.
The clone struck first, its movements fast and precise. Sasuke barely blocked in time, his sword trembling with the effort. He responded with a series of quick strikes, each one aimed at the clone's weak spots.
But the clone continued to parry, evading Sasuke's every attempt. Sasuke's frustration flared once more, and the clone took advantage of his lapse in concentration, landing a blow on his shoulder.
Tatsuya's voice was steady and clear. "Focus, Sasuke. It's not about speed. It's about reading the opponent's movements, understanding their intent, and reacting accordingly."
Sasuke gritted his teeth. "I won't lose to a damn clone."
He pressed forward, each movement slower, more deliberate. He anticipated the clone's next move, shifting his stance and striking with a precision he hadn't had before. The clone staggered back, and Sasuke saw his chance. With a swift motion, he disarmed the clone, bringing his sword down in a controlled arc.
The clone flickered out of existence.
Sasuke stood there, breathing heavily. His shoulder throbbed, and sweat dripped down his forehead, but a sense of satisfaction filled him. He had done it.
Tatsuya's approval was silent, but it was there in the way he nodded. "Well done, Sasuke. You've passed the first test."
Sasuke's eyes shone with determination. "This is only the beginning."
And with that, Tatsuya knew Sasuke's journey was just getting started.
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