Targeted Training, Continued

When Uchiha Ming and Uchiha Zepha returned from the grove, the training ground had already been divided into three identical areas, each with one Uchiha Saka and three young apprentices.

The first group's Saka taught Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld. This technique turned the soil beneath an opponent's feet into liquid, creating a massive swamp that trapped them until they were submerged in the mud. It was an extremely practical control-type ninjutsu. Combined with traps, Fire Release, or Wind Release, it could inflict considerable damage on an enemy, though the technique was more support-oriented. From hand seals and chakra control to the proper timing of its use, Saka explained everything in great detail, weaving in some of his own combat experiences. The students listened with utmost focus.

The second group's Saka taught the coordination between Fire Release and Wind Release, as well as combination ninjutsu for teams of two and three. He divided them into groups: Saka himself with Uchiha Retsu, and Uchiha En with Uchiha Yo, to attempt Fire Release and Wind Release combination techniques. The difficult part lay in the timing of releasing the ninjutsu, the point of engagement, and the casters' positioning. For now, they did not need to use chakra. They only needed to call out the names of the techniques while practicing their positions, hand seals, and casting. The main focus was coordination and battle positioning; they would use chakra once they were familiar with it. This was also to conserve the chakra of their Shadow Clones.

The third group covered chakra nature transformation. The three took out their notebooks and carefully recorded Saka's experiences, along with common misconceptions in practicing and developing ninjutsu, methods Saka himself and others he knew had used, small ninjutsu tricks, and other theoretical knowledge. Time was limited—there was only one week—so he first made the principles clear. If there was time, he would personally guide them through some practice; if not, they could refer to their notes on their own later.

Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, it was noon. After lunch, Uchiha Saka found a comfortable spot on the training ground and began drinking. Uchiha Ming had the three create a Shadow Clone each, while their original bodies went with Uchiha Zepha to the grove.

Uchiha Ming had them activate their Sharingan, then began teaching the basics of swordsmanship. "A sword is a sharp weapon. In the hands of a good person, it serves good; in the hands of an evil person, it serves evil. When training with a sword, you must not become rigid through practice or dull through repetition. You must achieve 'unity of man and sword.' Never become a 'slave to the sword.' What is a slave to the sword? Someone who mechanically copies forms, blindly uses techniques, practices without understanding, and fails to distinguish between training and application. Their thinking remains fixated only on the sword's superficial forms. That is a slave to the sword.

"The elements of the sword are: feel in the hand, feel in the wrist, body posture, footwork, coordinated movement, speed, power, spirit, reaction, instinct... All these elements are the qualities of the sword.

"The methods of the sword are chopping, lifting, sweeping, circling, thrusting, ramming, slashing, deflecting, looping, picking, and piercing. A practitioner can master them all within a week, but these are merely external forms. Their inner qualities cannot be achieved overnight. I had you activate your Sharingan so you could first memorize the moves. These are basic training techniques, the foundation of all swordsmanship.

"The feel of the sword lies in the palms and fingers. They must be relaxed, flexible, resilient, and strong. On the foundation of resilience, you must grip the sword with relaxed softness and fluidity, feeling completely at ease. Do not grip the sword too tightly. Too tight, and you will become stiff, unable to suddenly move the blade. Today, you will first learn the basic swordsmanship stances and how to grip a sword. Begin. Watch carefully." He then demonstrated his basic sword techniques. The three watched with their Sharingan while awkwardly imitating the movements. Off to the side, Saka laughed heartily. Watching beginners learn swordsmanship really was entertaining.

Uchiha Zepha led the three to the edge of the forest, took out half a mask, and pointed into the woods. "Find the other half within three hundred meters from here. If you find it today, you can learn a genjutsu." There was nothing relaxing about it. The forest was clearly filled with danger. There had been birdsong earlier, but now it was as silent as a graveyard.

Uchiha Retsu carefully walked at the front, with Uchiha Yo close behind him and Uchiha En at the rear. They all remained alert to changes around them and beneath their feet.

Before long, "Bang!" "Whoosh, whoosh!" "Dodge!" "Get down!" "Jump!" "Ahead!" ... Explosions, the whistling of projectiles through the air, and shouted warnings continuously rang out from within the forest, one after another.

The three teachers chuckled wickedly, while the Shadow Clones outside kept swallowing nervously. "That's about enough. Drag them out," Uchiha Zepha said, beckoning to Uchiha Saka. The two walked into the woods and soon emerged. Uchiha Zepha had one person tucked under each arm. Their clothes were torn and tattered, and they looked like they had suffered badly. Uchiha Saka carried Uchiha Retsu on his back, his face swollen like a pig's head.

"Dispense the Shadow Clones and rest for a while. Continue training after dinner," Uchiha Ming said solemnly, barely suppressing his laughter. The moment the Shadow Clones were dispelled, their exhaustion piled onto their already weary bodies. Sleepiness surged over them, and the three fell asleep on the spot. "Senior Zepha, once they wake up tonight, I'll have to trouble you with their genjutsu training." Uchiha Ming bowed deeply. "Since I'm teaching them, I'll put my heart into it. Don't worry," Uchiha Saka replied.