"I'll hold on, Kakashi-sensei."
Kawaki Aoba's tone was resolute. "I have to become stronger, defeat Sasori of the Red Sands with my own hands, avenge my family, and protect Konoha."
"Good. That determination is what matters."
Kakashi nodded, his tone still calm. "However, I need to remind you that the training will be extremely grueling. You may even get hurt, so be prepared. And during training, I won't go easy on you. If you give up halfway through, it means you're not qualified to take part in the battle three days from now, nor are you qualified to avenge your family."
"I won't give up, Kakashi-sensei."
Kawaki Aoba shook his head, a flash of resolve in his eyes. "No matter how hard the training is, no matter whether I get hurt, I'll see it through to the end. I won't let you down, and I won't let myself down."
"Good."
Kakashi nodded. "Now, come with me to the training grounds. We'll begin. First, I need to see exactly how capable you are, then I'll make a training plan suited to you."
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei. I'll follow you."
Kawaki Aoba nodded and followed behind Kakashi toward Konoha's training grounds.
Konoha's training grounds were vast, with many ninja training inside. Some practiced ninjutsu, some taijutsu, and some genjutsu. The place was bustling with activity. When they saw Kakashi and Kawaki Aoba, many ninja stopped what they were doing and bowed respectfully.
"Kakashi-sensei. Miss Kawaki."
Kakashi merely gave a slight nod without wasting words. He led Kawaki Aoba to a quiet corner of the training grounds, suitable for practice. Turning to look at him, he said calmly, "All right. Show me what you can do. Attack me with the ninjutsu and taijutsu you're best at. Don't hold back."
Kawaki Aoba nodded, tightening his grip