Naruto: I Became a Sword Saint in Konoha Chapter 71 71: Konoha's Sword Saint [71]

The skill‑draw screen updated: "Available skill slots: 1" now read, "Skill slot 1 available; slot 2 opens when EXP reaches 250." In other words, with every level-up, Hoshiyomi could now select two skills—one imdiately, the next when his experience bar passed halfway.

Nice! Two skills at once made the five-fold EXP requirent much more digestible. The system-granted jutsu were just too good to pass up. Between Crescent Moon Slash and Secret Technique: Assault, Hoshiyomi knew he'd owe his survival to them.

Now, two god-tier jutsus at once? He could hardly contain the thrill.

Steeling himself, Hoshiyomi perford the skill draw. After the screen flashed and shifted... there it was: Secret Technique – Tsuba Gaeshi.

Skill Description:

A renowned move of legendary swordsman Sasaki Kojiro—three rapid strikes so fast they blur. Legend holds that a swift Tsuba Gaeshi can slice a flying swallow out of the sky.

Seeing the na, Hoshiyomi nearly lost his mind. He'd watched Fate/Stay Night's Kojiro scenes so many tis he'd lost count. He'd even fantasized trying to invent a triple-swing technique himself—but with his swordskill? Impossible—for now.

He certainly didn't expect the system to hand it to him.

Hoshiyomi nearly exploded with joy.

He exited the system and gazed at the full moon. Everyone else was asleep—this was his watch, and his chance to test the new skill.

He gently tossed two dry branches into the fading fire, drew Crescent Moon Slash, then quietly left the campfire's edge.

Finding a tree far enough away not to wake anyone, he breathed deeply and replicated the Kojiro stance. Channeling chakra, he activated Tsuba Gaeshi.

In that instant, although Hoshiyomi perceived only one slash, the system—and his body—executed three. When he snapped back, his blade was sheathed. He looked at the target tree and gasped.

Three deep cuts marked the trunk—one vertical and two diagonal, slicing the tree halfway through.

He watched in horror and pride—the tree creaked, then toppled in a cloud of dust.

The thundering crash jolted the camp awake. Tsunade and the others scrambled up. A panicked Shinku barked, "Hoshiyomi! What happened?!"

Embarrassed, he scratched his head. "Uh… got carried away practicing. I didn't intend to hit it that hard."

They rolled their eyes and went back to sleep. Sakumo got up and said, "It's my turn to guard now—go get so rest."

Hoshiyomi sheepishly returned to the camp, thinking about his new status. WithInterdiate Swordsmanship plus Tsuba Gaeshi, he felt he had maybe reached Jonin-level.

Floating on a cloud, he drifted to sleep.

anwhile, Sakumo, who was now on watch, got up and walked to the large tree Hoshiyomi had cut down. He knelt down and gently touched the cleanly severed surface of the tree. The cut was incredibly smooth; it seed Hoshiyomi hadn't used much force when he cut it.

Hoshiyomi is already this strong?

Thinking this, Sakumo unconsciously clenched his fist, feeling a bit powerless. He had once been stronger than Hoshiyomi, but now he was watching Hoshiyomi gradually pull ahead. Is my talent really that much worse than Hoshiyomi's? Or am I just not working hard enough?

It must be that he wasn't working hard enough. Since their team was ford, Hoshiyomi had always been on the front lines in every battle, facing powerful enemies. anwhile, Sakumo had only been doing sneak attacks and diversionary tactics, unknowingly developing a reliance on Hoshiyomi.

No, I can't keep going like this. I need to forge my own path. If I keep staying under Hoshiyomi's protection, I'll only fall further and further behind him.

Determined, Sakumo drew White Fang and began swinging with fierce purpose until he was exhausted, collapsing on the grass under the full moon. He reached out, as though grasping sothing intangible: a spark of resolve.

Next morning, on their way to the Central Tower, Sakumo spoke up:

"Everyone, I have a proposal: from tonight onward during Black Course, we train independently."

This was rare initiative from him—and everyone fell silent.

Jiraiya scratched his head, puzzled:

"Is that because finding scrolls together is too slow?"

Sakumo nodded. "That's part of it. But more importantly, when we fight together, we just throw six jutsu and everything falls. We need real challenge—solo trials sharpen us more."

No one disagreed:

"Makes sense."

"Solo work speeds up scroll hunting."

"Besides a few especially troubleso ones, it seems we can all handle the remaining ninja beasts in this Forest of Death by ourselves. There's really no need to stick together."

Hoshiyomi smiled and nodded:

"Agreed. Tonight we split up—but bring your signal flares. If anyone hits trouble, call for help imdiately!"

They all agreed, ready to take the next step—individual growth in Forest of Death.