Ikki: "How should we proceed here? For the last two years, I've been stuck at the same level with Lightning Release since I have the lowest chakra level. [I could be considered the lowest chakra holder among all genin.]"
Chikako: "Hinari and I are stuck on tanto usage. We can't maintain chakra flow for long."
Hearing this, Hayate was flabbergasted.
Hayate (thinking): If someone else heard this nonsense, they'd challenge them to a life-or-death battle.
Hayate: "You two," [pointing at Hinari and Chikako], "have become quite good at handling tanto. For the next three months, keep practicing chakra control and tanto techniques. I'll observe your tanto training. For chakra control, use the chakra screws." [Chikako and Ikki nodded.] "Ikki, summarize your strengths and train however you like."
Ikki was dumbfounded hearing this. But after thinking for a moment, he understood why Hayate said that. There was nothing Hayate could teach him anymore. He just had to keep practicing what he already knew. He had other chakra natures, but not enough chakra to use them effectively. Just maintaining Lightning Chakra Flow on his blade took a serious toll on his reserves. For chakra control training, chakra flow was useful, but in continuous fighting, it wasn't sustainable. Currently, he could only maintain Lightning Chakra Flow in his blade for 15 minutes.
Some might think that's impressive—but in a prolonged battle, it's a disadvantage.
Over the past two years, Ikki mainly focused on integrating the Twin Wing Edelweiss fighting style into his technique. The major issue came with the Allon Rodol technique—Yatagarasu. Yatagarasu focused on raw strength, which clashed with the controlled, finesse-based style of Edelweiss. Ikki had to practice relentlessly, and it took almost a year to harmonize the two styles.
He also concentrated on mastering Lightning Chakra Flow. He succeeded in keeping a continuous flow, but due to his limited chakra pool, he couldn't sustain it for more than 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, Chikako and Hinari resumed their tanto training with Hayate.
Ikki (thinking): What should I start with? Should I focus on the Allon Rodol technique or try to solve my chakra usage issue?
Ikki sat under a tree, deep in thought.
Ikki (thinking): Let's skip learning any new techniques for now. Let's focus on chakra control and efficiency. Regarding Lightning Chakra Flow… can its limitation be worked around? Can I activate and deactivate it instantly? I should ask Hayate-sensei.
Ikki: "Hayate-sensei, can I ask you something?"
Hayate looked at Ikki and suddenly felt a strong sense of déjà vu.
Hayate: "Yes, what is it?"
Ikki: "Is there a way to remove the limitation of Lightning Chakra Flow? Can I apply and remove it instantly?"
Hayate: "I don't know. You should ask someone who uses lightning jutsu. And you know who that is."
Ikki: "Kakashi, right? Where can I find him?"
Hayate: "He should be at Training Ground 3. He's the jōnin leader of Team 7."
Chikako and Hinari walked over to Ikki.
Both: "We're coming too."
Ikki: "Don't you two need to train?"
Chikako: "We're done for today."
Hayate: "No, you're not. Ikki needs answers to his questions, and his path is different from yours. I need to be able to manage you two, so I'm keeping you here."
Hayate smiled as he said this.
Hinari (whispering to Chikako): "Hayate-sensei's getting delusional."
Hayate: "I am not getting delusional."
Ikki: "I'm heading to Training Ground 3."
As Hayate turned to face Ikki, he realized both Chikako and Hinari had vanished.
Hayate: "Where did they go?"
Two seconds later, he realized the obvious.
Hayate: "They went to Training Ground 3... What am I doing just standing here? I should go too."
Ten minutes later, Team Orca arrived at Training Ground 3. They saw Kakashi training Team 7. The group was sitting in a circle, practicing with chakra screws. As Team Orca approached, Team 7 noticed them.
Naruto: "Big bro! Why are you here? And where were you for the past seven days?"
Ikki: "How are you, Naruto? We were out on a mission. I came to meet Kakashi—I need his expertise with Lightning Chakra Nature."
As Ikki spoke, one kid in particular was glaring at him. Sasuke Uchiha. He had heard about Ikki from Naruto before.
Kakashi: "What do you need help with? I thought a genius like you, who created chakra screws, wouldn't need any."
Hearing that, Sasuke's glare intensified. Ikki immediately realized Kakashi was provoking him.
Ikki (quietly): "Why are you riling him up?"
Kakashi (quietly): "He needs to learn to control his emotions. He's quite emotional."
Ikki (quietly): "Because of Itachi Uchiha, right?"
Kakashi nodded.
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