Losing some stamina was one thing.
The real issue was that after several hours of intense sparring, Hatake Sakumo felt like he could barely keep up with Uchiha Genji's rapid progress in kenjutsu.
"I can't even imagine how strong this kid will be in ten years."
Hatake Sakumo couldn't help but think to himself.
By then, the landscape of the village and the ninja world would be completely different.
"Heh! That was a great session. I learned a lot from this sparring match. Thank you, Senior Sakumo."
Uchiha Genji smiled, sheathed his sword, and walked toward the front courtyard.
This time, he had absorbed a great deal of insight from the battle.
After sorting out his thoughts, he was confident that he could develop even stronger sword techniques.
His kenjutsu was on the verge of breaking through to another level.
"No, no!"
Sakumo waved his hand modestly.
"That was all your own comprehension—it had nothing to do with me. In fact, I gained a lot from this exchange as well."
"If you're willing, we can spar more often in the future and improve together."
After all, was there anything better for a swordsman than having a worthy sparring partner?
"No problem! It's a deal!"
Uchiha Genji agreed without hesitation.
This would not only help his swordsmanship grow, but it would also strengthen his bond with Hatake Sakumo.
Perhaps, over time, he could influence him in the right direction.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's Office…
The Third Hokage had been observing the entire sparring match between Uchiha Genji and Hatake Sakumo through the Telescope Jutsu.
He frowned slightly, took a deep puff of his pipe, and thought to himself:
"I never expected Uchiha Genji to be so skilled in swordsmanship."
"On top of that, his physical fitness and taijutsu are also remarkable. Is this the effect of the foundation-building medicinal bath formula he created back then?"
"No… it must also be the result of the Exercise Pills."
He even suspected that Uchiha Genji had other, more advanced body-strengthening techniques and secret medicines.
After all, if Genji was willing to sell Exercise Pills to the public, then there was no reason to believe he didn't have something even better for himself.
If he were in Genji's position, he certainly would have kept the best formulas for personal use.
The Third Hokage had long desired the foundation-building medicinal bath formula and a stronger body-enhancing pill recipe.
But he had never found the right opportunity to obtain them.
The Uchiha Clan wasn't exactly the most cooperative group.
As for getting it directly from Uchiha Genji?
First, Genji was far from easy to manipulate.
Every time he asked about it, Genji would simply redirect him:
"I don't have the authority to make that decision. You'd have to ask my father, Uchiha Kenichi, or my teacher, Tsunade. They have the final say."
Effectively shutting down the conversation.
And as for Tsunade…
That disciple of his was an absolute wildcard.
Even as her former teacher, he had no control over her.
The Third Hokage sighed, shaking his head.
"I'll have to think of another way later."
"For now, Asuma is growing closer to Genji."
"Knowing Genji's personality and past actions, there's a high chance that, because of their friendship, he'll end up giving Asuma some of the foundation-building medicinal bath formula or even better body-enhancing pills."
"That will be enough."
The Third Hokage had high expectations for his son, Asuma.
He hoped that one day, Asuma would surpass even himself.
Perhaps, when the time came, Asuma could become the next Hokage.
That was why he never discouraged Asuma from befriending Genji, Kakashi, and others.
In fact, he was secretly paving the way for Asuma's future influence.
If Asuma could gain the loyalty of individuals like Uchiha Genji, he would secure his place as either the Fourth or Fifth Hokage.
"Genji, I hope you won't disappoint me."
The Third Hokage thought to himself.
But if, in the future, Uchiha Genji became a problem, then even Tsunade's protection wouldn't stop him from suppressing him.
His gaze shifted to Hatake Sakumo.
Over the past few days, the public's admiration for Sakumo had grown exponentially.
He knew this was Danzo's doing.
But it also meant that Sakumo's reputation was now strong enough to be considered a real threat.
On top of that, Sakumo was already the Head of Anbu, placing him just one step away from the Hokage seat.
He also held tremendous prestige among the Jōnin of the village.
Even if the Third Hokage wanted to ignore Sakumo's growing influence, he couldn't.
"Sakumo, don't blame me."
"If you're wise, you'll know when to back down. You should retreat from power on your own."
"If you voluntarily step away from the Hokage position, it'll be better for both of us."
The Third Hokage exhaled slowly, deep in thought.
The current situation in the ninja world was tense.
Konoha needed Sakumo's strength on the battlefield.
He didn't want to completely ruin the man's life.
But if Sakumo refused to step back, then he would have no choice but to crush him.
At that moment, on the crystal ball's screen, the sparring match between Uchiha Genji and Sakumo came to an end.
The Third Hokage sighed, then dispelled the Telescope Jutsu.
Back at the Hatake Residence…
Just as the Third Hokage stopped spying on them, both Uchiha Genji and Hatake Sakumo subtly glanced toward the Hokage Building.
They instantly understood what had happened.
They looked at each other and exchanged a knowing smile—without saying a word.
Everything was left unspoken.
"Incredible perception."
Hatake Sakumo thought to himself.
For him, this awareness of being watched was something he had developed over decades of missions and combat experience.
But Uchiha Genji?
He seemed to rely on nothing but raw talent.
After their duel, the two sat down face to face and began discussing kenjutsu philosophy.
"In my opinion, the path of the sword is divided into five realms," Genji began.
The Realm of the Sharp Sword – Unstoppable and deadly precision.
The Realm of the Soft Sword – Flowing and adaptable, responding to the wielder's intent.
The Realm of the Heavy Sword – Immense power, where skill transcends technique.
The Realm of the Wooden Sword – Understanding beyond the blade, where anything can be a weapon.
The Realm of No Sword – Ultimate mastery, where the wielder becomes one with the sword itself.
"There is no fixed order among these realms," Genji continued.
"Each can be explored independently, or they can be combined and cultivated together."
"In my eyes, Senior Sakumo's style blends the Sharp Sword Realm and the No Sword Realm—sharp and deadly, yet one with his weapon."
Hatake Sakumo's eyes widened.
"This…"
He had never considered his kenjutsu in such a structured way before.
But now, everything felt so clear.
A smile slowly spread across his face.
"Genji, you've given me a new perspective today."
"Perhaps, this will be the key to my next breakthrough."