A Match

"Thank you for telling me all this, Lord Hokage."

"Don't worry. I won't let you down. Over the next three months, I'll make sure every one of them gets stronger."

Uchiha Matsuzaki said, looking at Namikaze Minato.

"Good. I don't think there's anything else you need from me now. I've told you everything you need to know."

"Keep growing stronger!"

With that, Namikaze Minato turned and walked out.

Uchiha Matsuzaki watched the Fourth Hokage leave, wondering what was going through his mind.

The Land of Night?

And we have three months.

I have to make the most of that time and get stronger.

Uchiha Matsuzaki stood where he was, thinking to himself.

A few minutes later, he finally turned and slowly walked back into the room.

"Matsuzaki, how did it go? What did Lord Hokage tell you?"

After seeing Uchiha Matsuzaki return, Yamamoto Takeshi went up to him and asked.

"Nothing much. He just told me to make sure every one of you gets stronger over the next three months."

"Only then will we be able to carry out this mission."

Uchiha Matsuzaki said with a smile.

"Don't worry!"

"With you by our side, I'm sure we can get stronger."

As Yamamoto Takeshi spoke, he draped an arm over Matsuzaki's shoulder.

Uzuki Yugao smiled when she saw them.

"You all seem to be in good spirits. That puts my mind at ease."

"If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way."

At that moment, Uchiha Matsuzaki hurriedly turned to her and said with a smile, "Senior Yugao, I have a request."

"Oh? Let's hear it."

"I've been in quite a few fights over the years, but I've never fought a ninja who uses a sword."

"So I'd like to trade a few moves with you!"

After hearing this, Uzuki Yugao looked a little puzzled.

If the Fourth Hokage had recognized this child, he must be quite strong.

He knew she was skilled with a sword, yet he still wanted to fight her.

He certainly wasn't lacking in courage.

When Uchiha Matsuzaki had collected his equipment, he'd shown off his long sword.

Now Uzuki Yugao found him rather interesting too.

"All right. I'd be happy to."

"This room isn't suitable. Let's go to the training ground outside. There's more space there."

With that, Uzuki Yugao walked out of the room with a smile.

"Matsuzaki, have you lost your mind?"

"You know Senior Yugao is skilled with a sword, and you still want to spar with her?"

"Besides, you've only just recovered from your injuries. Is this really a good idea?"

After hearing this, Chestnut Snow hurried to Uchiha Matsuzaki's side and spoke to him.

"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing."

"I'm sure Senior Yugao will go easy on me, too!"

Uchiha Matsuzaki said with a smile as he looked at Chestnut Snow.

With that, the five of them slowly left the room and headed to the training ground.

When they arrived, they realized just how well-equipped the place was.

"I never expected the Anbu training ground to be so huge. It looks like coming here really was the right choice."

"With resources this good, it'd be hard not to get stronger here."

Uchiha Matsuzaki said with a smile as he looked over all the equipment in the training ground.

Then Uchiha Matsuzaki slowly walked up to Uzuki Yugao.

They each drew their weapons.

The sparring match was about to begin.