Hanma's First Lesson in the Shinobi World (Part 2)

Bang, bang, bang—!

With a flick of Hanma's fingers, clusters of Chakra let out unsettling shrieks through the air as they flew at Fugaku from every direction.

Fugaku's Sun Halo Dance had only been half-unfolded, the blade aura not yet gathered, when he had no choice but to forcefully stop and shift into a defensive stance.

He hurriedly drew back his Tachi, slashing left and right as his footwork changed in rapid succession.

Facing the incoming waves of air, he either attacked or dodged, as though fighting an invisible opponent.

Watching Fugaku weave from side to side, Hanma continued gathering Chakra and slightly increased the frequency and speed of his attacks.

The Chakra sealing off the heavens and locking down the earth carved white streaks through the air, restricting Fugaku's room to move.

Nawaki stared at Hanma in shock. In his understanding, the Water Dragon Bullet his Ninja Academy teacher had demonstrated was already one of the strongest ninjutsu in the world.

Gritting his teeth, Nawaki had just worked up the courage to support Fugaku when he saw a streak of Chakra brush past his face before plunging into the brick ground as easily as cutting through tofu.

Remembering Hanma's words from earlier, Nawaki struggled inwardly before finally walking over to Tsunade's side and watching quietly.

Hanma observed Fugaku's footwork, physical exertion, and mastery of kenjutsu, assessing his shortcomings.

One after another, Chakra shockwaves tore through the air toward the blind spots in Fugaku's swordsmanship, striking at weaknesses he himself had never noticed.

Fugaku was indeed talented. At first, he could not adapt to such a torrential barrage of attacks coming from such tricky angles.

It would be generous to say he was in a sorry state; he was more like a rat scrambling for cover.

Yet strangely, as he swung his blade to defend against the Chakra attacks, it felt as though someone was personally guiding his hands.

His kenjutsu actually became smoother and smoother, his attacking footwork more fluid, and his power more thoroughly connected.

Even the realm of swordsmanship that had troubled him for so long began to loosen, allowing him to grasp a new sensation.

He was a clever man. He immediately immersed himself in it, wholeheartedly savoring the joy of one-on-one instruction from a renowned teacher.

The whistle of his Tachi grew sharper and clearer, his steps more concise and direct. His spine drove power through his entire body, swift and fluid.

The more Fugaku practiced, the more invigorated he became, fully immersed in the thrill of constant correction and continuous breakthroughs.

His clothes were soaked through with sweat. His once stylishly tousled bangs now clung completely to his forehead, yet his eyes shone brightly and battle intent radiated from him.

Hanma praised him inwardly. As expected of the Uchiha Clan's future head in the original story—his comprehension and skill were both exceptional.

He closed in and launched a sweeping kick at Fugaku.

Fugaku's gaze grew increasingly resolute. Without the slightest hesitation, he drew his blade!

"Uchiha Style Kenjutsu, Mirror Flame Leap!"

A high-quality Chakra Metal blade, combined with Fire-natured Chakra and triggered through the Uchiha Clan's secret technique, could unleash a massive flaming shockwave. It was hailed as a sword technique that had emerged from Hell.

Blade and kick collided head-on. There was no time for any stalemate; Fugaku was sent flying straight back and embedded in the wall.

Kushina cried out in alarm, anxiously tugging at Minato's hand as she asked, "Fugaku will be alright, won't he? I'm a little worried about him."

Minato shook his head and gave her a light pat, comforting her. "Don't worry. I've known Teacher Hanma for seven years. Aren't I still perfectly alive?"

The people around them gave Minato an odd look, then turned to Hanma, inwardly sighing that this truly was a teacher and student pair of freaks.

Fugaku struggled to his feet and looked at Hanma unwillingly. He had truly not expected that he would fail to withstand even a single blow.

Hanma looked at him and said calmly, "The most terrifying thing about the battlefield is that you never know what kind of opponent you'll encounter."

To be honest, Hanma had not intended to teach him a lesson. He had simply seen that Nawaki had shut down.

As his brother-in-law, he still needed to give the boy some confidence, so he had stepped in to educate Fugaku.

But Fugaku did not see it that way. He bowed deeply and said, "You've truly gone to too much trouble for me!"

Keeping his head lowered and maintaining the bow, he asked respectfully, "However, Teacher Hanma, could you let me see your full strength?"

Fugaku suddenly raised his head. The purpose of that deep bow had been to gather Genjutsu Chakra, preparing for one final desperate attempt!

"Genjutsu: Sharingan: Binding Technique!"

The Binding Technique was a dojutsu that had defeated Orochimaru with a single glance in the original story. It was generally cast through a Three Tomoe Sharingan and was an exceptionally powerful Genjutsu.

Fugaku only possessed a Two Tomoe Sharingan, so he needed time to charge up before using this move.

Fugaku had originally disdained such sneak attacks, but after hearing the ideas Hanma had instilled in Nawaki earlier, something within him had changed as well.

What use was pride? It was completely unnecessary! Victory was what mattered most!

Surging Genjutsu Chakra transformed into several golden spears as tall as multiple people. They appeared from the empty space above and viciously stabbed down at Hanma!

Hanma looked at Fugaku with a trace of satisfaction. This child could be taught; this was what an outstanding student looked like.

The pride of the Uchiha Clan and the inheritance of a century-old noble clan were far less practical than surviving and growing stronger.

As the golden spears closed in on Hanma, before they could pierce his flesh, their tips began to crack apart, unable to advance another inch.

Fugaku's eyes widened. This could only mean that the gap in spiritual power and Genjutsu mastery was too great, making it impossible for the Genjutsu to take shape at all.

So that was it. No wonder those famous Genjutsu shinobi in the clan had never once mentioned Brother Hanma's Genjutsu attainments. They had all been waiting for the next unlucky fool to suffer instead!

Those bastards—why were they so obsessed with saving face? What was that supposed to be? Fugaku thought indignantly.

Before he could figure out what to do next, his heart seized. The fear and weakness he had felt on the day of the clan assembly flooded back into his mind.

Violent Blood Qi flooded the training ground like a burst dam, spreading throughout the entire Uchiha Territory and taking the shape of a tiger that stared hungrily at Fugaku.

"You've improved. I'm very pleased. But as punishment for ambushing your teacher, I'm going to punch you once."

"If you can't take it, you might die."

Though he knew Hanma was joking, Fugaku still felt extreme panic as he looked at that demon god-like figure and the savage, intimidating Blood Qi surrounding him.

This was not because he distrusted Hanma, but because of a living creature's instinctive fear of overwhelming violence.

Fugaku stared at Hanma with every ounce of focus, adrenaline surging wildly as his heart pounded tirelessly.

Leaving behind only an afterimage, Hanma vanished from where he stood.

The Two Tomoe Sharingan desperately searched for Hanma's figure. Seeing no one before him, Fugaku's heart trembled as he slowly turned around.

Hanma was already standing behind Fugaku, his Bengquan stance primed and ready to strike!

Fugaku shut his eyes in despair. Corroded by the Blood Qi, his thoughts had become utterly chaotic, and all sorts of messy distractions flashed through his mind.

"Smack."

Hanma flicked his forehead, signaling Fugaku to open his eyes.

"Don't provoke the strong. This is also one of the most important lessons in the Shinobi World."

Hanma strolled toward Nawaki. Next, he still had to give the young man some psychological counseling.