Chapter 9

Actually, Sosuke really wanted to clarify that it wasn't him who said his kenjutsu could rival that of Hatake Sakumo, but rather that big-mouthed Jiraiya.

Jiraiya, on the other hand, is now spending his days training at Mount Myoboku, leaving him all alone to be mocked by others!

He definitely had to find a chance to teach that brat a lesson. He caused him so much trouble for no reason.

Sosuke couldn't defeat Jiraiya before and could only get really frustrated, but now it's different.

'I wonder what expression Jiraiya will have when he learns that my strength has greatly increased?'

As for Sakumo Hatake, when hearing his subordinates constantly discussing him, he kindly stopped them.

"Enough with the noise! This is the border, and enemies could appear at any time! Everyone, focus!"

Sosuke now understood that Sakumo abandoned a mission to save his teammates was probably wasn't just a rumor.

This shinobi with a low Kage level was a really good person, but unfortunately, in the end, he didn't get the understanding of his teammates and was forced to commit suicide. 

It was truly sad and unfortunate.

He thought he might as well help this honest man if he had the opportunity. He didn't want such a powerful shinobi to die because of something his own teammates said.

On the way afterward, the team became much quieter, but the Inuzuka clan's scout shinobi looked at Sosuke with a very unfriendly gaze.

This left him quite confused.

'I had never even met this person, so why did this shinbi seem to hold a grudge against me?'

After returning to the base, Sakumo didn't assign Sosuke any teammates.

The reason was that the teams at the base were already complete, with each squad consisting of exactly four members and adding him would have been a bit awkward.

Sakumo couldn't understand why the higher-ups would suddenly send someone here. He hadn't asked the village for extra personnel.

Given Sosuke's somewhat awkward strength and the lack of teammates, Sakumo invited him to join his team.

"Why don't you join my team? For now, you can patrol with us, and when I see which area is short-handed, I'll assign you there."

Sosuke shook his head.

"No need, I prefer to handle missions on my own."

He wasn't being withdrawn. He just wanted to make time to train and didn't want them to see him using his elemental powers. 

Moreover, if he trained during the patrol, it would be like slacking off, and how could he be lazy with his boss around?

After hearing Sosuke's words, the man from the Inuzuka clan frowned deeply.

"You little brat, I think you're just scared! You even claim to have defeated an Elite Jonin? You should look at yourself in the mirror!"

Sakumo didn't expect this guy to speak so harshly, and he quickly stepped forward.

"Inuzuka Eiko, we're all comrades in arms. How can you say such things?"

When Eiko saw Sakumo speaking, he lowered his head but didn't show any signs of apologizing.

At this point, even Sosuke, who usually had a good temper, couldn't hold it in anymore.

[Ding! Given the host's current situation, the system provides three options.]

[Option 1: Challenge Hatake Sakumo to a one-on-one duel, regardless of the outcome.]

[Reward: Mihawk's Swordsmanship Insights.]

[Option 2: Be lazy and let it go.]

[Reward: Kotoamatsukami]

[Option 3: Challenge Eiko to a one-on-one duel and win.]

[Reward: 100 million ryo.]

[The system will determine the chosen option based on the host's actions.]

Looking at these three options, the second and third ones didn't seem very appealing.

The first option only required a duel, no matter who won, and the reward was extremely tempting.

This is something he really wants the most right now.

Mihawk is the world's number one swordsman in the pirate world. 

If he could master his swordsmanship, it would definitely help him break through the threshold he had been stuck at for so long in his kenjutsu.

The third option was simply about bullying an easy opponent. He couldn't even be bothered to do that to a Jonin, and the reward was useless to him. He had no interest in money at all.

After thinking it over, the second option, 'Kotoamatsukami,' also seemed somewhat useless. 

Sosuke then decided to choose the first option. 

It was a perfect opportunity for him to test whether his kenjutsu was truly as good as Jiraiya had said—on par with Hatake Sakumo!

"Sakumo-sama, I've actually been wanting to see your strength for a while. How about we spar a bit?"

Even though Sakumo was nearly the same age as him, they hadn't had much interaction since they were a kid and had never officially fought because of their difference in strength.

Sakumo was indeed a nice guy, but he was also a genius, and all geniuses take pride in their kenjutsu.

According to Jiraiya, Sosuke was a man who could be compared to White Fang in terms of kenjutsu.

Even though he hadn't yet earned the title of 'Legendary Sannin,' Jiraiya was still one of the top sihnobi in the village.

In a direct battle, Jiraiya wouldn't lose to Sakumo at all.

This made Sakumo familiar with Jiraiya's strength and interested in Sosuke.

If he hadn't brought it up himself, Sakumo wouldn't have bothered to spar with a Tokubetsu Jōnin, but since he suggested it, his pride made him not want to refuse.

"Are you sure you want to spar? A sword is dangerous, I might accidentally hurt you!"

Sakumo said this out of kindness, but it sounded a little rude to Sosuke. 

Fortunately, he was still very clear-headed and understood that Sakumo didn't mean to mock him.

"Of course. Honestly, I've wanted to see the Leaf's White Fang's kenjutsu for a long time!"

"Since that's the case, I'll gladly accept. I'm also quite curious about the kenjutsu Jiraiya mentioned!"

Then, the one-on-one duel between the two was set.

It was still early morning, and many people in the base hadn't gone out on patrol yet.

When they heard that Sosuke would have a one-on-one duel with Sakumo Hatake, they all rushed over to watch.

There wasn't a proper training ground here, and they kept simple. Sosuke and Sakumo quickly found an open space and got into position to begin the duel.

"You go first."

Sakumo said, "After all, I'm the senior, I should give you a little advantage."

At this moment, Sosuke stopped acting casual and switched to a battle-ready state.

Suddenly, an intense killing intent surrounded him. 

This wasn't something he was trying to show off but rather the result of years spent walking on the edge of life and death, gradually accumulating over time!

Sakumo, who had initially underestimated him, immediately put away his casual manner. 

This terrifying murderous intent couldn't be faked, which meant that regardless of Sosuke's current rank, his combat experience must be top-tier.

"Here I come!"

Out of kindness, Sosuke warned him just before he made his move.

As soon as he finished speaking, Sosuke's sword was already right in front of Sakumo's eyes!

At this moment, his Devil Fruit was fully activated, emitting a blinding blue light, and his speed was so fast that it was nearly impossible to see with the naked eye.

...

1st Bonus Chapter - 200

2nd Bonus Chapter - 500

3rd Bonus Chapter - 1000