He spoke modestly, but he knew perfectly well that he needed this explanation.
Thunder Breathing could not appear out of thin air, nor could he openly display the Demon Slayer Corps' swordsmanship experience.
So it needed a plausible origin.
The Senju Clan's swordsmanship insights, the Lightning Body-Tempering Technique the Third Hokage had given him, Hatake Sakumo's guidance in Kendo, and his own supposed aptitude.
Put together, these things could give Thunder Breathing and its accompanying swordsmanship a veneer suited to the Shinobi World.
Most importantly, Hatake Sakumo had personally watched him "experiment little by little."
If anyone asked in the future, even the White Fang of the Leaf could vouch for him.
This Lightning-Attribute Ninja Swordsmanship was something he, Fang Xu, had developed on his own by drawing on his predecessors' experience.
Hatake Sakumo shook his head with a smile.
"No need to be so modest."
"Drawing on your predecessors' experience and truly combining it into something of your own are two different things."
"Many ninja spend their whole lives studying scrolls and can still only follow the instructions."
"Being able to combine lightning, the body, breathing, and swordsmanship to this extent is already remarkable."
Fang Xu nodded earnestly.
"But this swordsmanship is still very rough."
"The lightning coating isn't stable enough, and the burst power and endurance still need adjusting."
"Some movements look smooth, but they might not work in actual combat."
Hatake Sakumo was even more pleased to hear this.
Being able to create a prototype and still recognize its flaws was what made it truly rare.
He patted Fang Xu on the shoulder.
"If you have any questions about Lightning-Attribute Ninja Swordsmanship in the future, you can ask me directly."
"I do have a little experience in that area."
Fang Xu immediately replied.
"Teacher, now you're being far too modest."
"The White Fang of the Leaf's Lightning-Attribute Ninja Swordsmanship has swept across the Shinobi World."
"Ninja from enemy villages probably can't even sleep soundly after hearing your name."
Hatake Sakumo did not know whether to laugh or cry at this flattery.
Standing nearby, Kakashi had initially tried to remain composed when he heard Fang Xu praising Hatake Sakumo.
But as he listened, his one exposed eye began to shine.
Fang Xu was right. His father really was strong.
The name White Fang of the Leaf had not come from other people's praise. His father had earned it through killing, one slash at a time.
Kakashi lifted his chin, a rare note of pride entering his voice.
"Fang Xu isn't wrong this time."
Hatake Sakumo glanced at him.
Kakashi continued, "Father really is one of the strongest ninja."
Fang Xu immediately nodded.
"That's what I think too."
"There really aren't many powerful people in the Shinobi World who surpass you, Teacher."
He spoke very earnestly, not as though he was merely flattering him.
"In swordsmanship, you're among the very best in the Shinobi World."
"In actual combat, you earned your name on the battlefield. Ninja from enemy villages grow wary at the mere mention of the White Fang of the Leaf."
"And in seniority and prestige, there aren't many in the village who can compare with you."
Kakashi felt even better as he listened. He liked hearing this.
In the past, he had never felt much when people called him a genius.
But when others praised his father, he felt happier than when they praised him.
So Kakashi added outright.
"Father is even better than the Hokage."
Smack!
The words had barely left his mouth before Hatake Sakumo's hand landed on his forehead.
The tap was not hard, but it rang out sharply.
Kakashi covered his forehead, stunned for a moment.
"Father?"
The smile vanished from Hatake Sakumo's face.
He looked at Kakashi, his tone much more serious than before.
"You must never say something like that again."
Kakashi frowned.
"I was only telling the truth."
"Even the truth can't be spoken carelessly."
Hatake Sakumo lowered his voice a little.
"Especially words like that, comparing me with Lord Hokage."
"If you say it at home, at most I'll give you a tap."
"If someone with an agenda hears it, it won't be something we can brush aside as a child speaking without thinking."
Kakashi wanted to speak again, but Hatake Sakumo's gaze stopped him.
Hatake Sakumo turned to Fang Xu.
This time, he looked at him longer.
"The same goes for you, Fang Xu."
"You're very clever. You should understand that some things can't be said carelessly."
"The name White Fang of the Leaf was given to me by the village, and by my enemies."
"But it must never be used to compare me with Lord Hokage."
Fang Xu did not argue. He nodded.
"You're right, Teacher."
Hatake Sakumo was just about to put the matter behind them when Fang Xu continued, "And it's precisely because you're right that I'm even more worried."
Hatake Sakumo's brow shifted slightly.
Kakashi lowered the hand covering his forehead and also looked at Fang Xu.
Fang Xu did not smile. He looked at Hatake Sakumo, keeping his tone steady.
"The tree that rises above the forest is sure to be battered by the wind."
Kakashi froze for a moment.
"What does that mean?"
Fang Xu explained, "When a tree grows too tall, the wind is sure to strike it first."
"People are the same."
"If a ninja is simply strong, everyone will admire him."
"But if he's so strong that his prestige grows too great, so strong that many people compare him with the Hokage, and even think he's better suited than the Hokage to stand at the forefront of the village, then it's no longer simply an honor."
"It's a potential danger."
The courtyard fell silent.
Kakashi was utterly confused.
Wasn't it a good thing that Father was strong?
Wasn't it also a good thing that the village's ninja respected Father?
Why did it become a problem when Fang Xu talked about it?
He could not understand it at all, but Hatake Sakumo understood, and understood very clearly.
Fang Xu's words were no longer an ordinary child's admiration for someone strong.
He was talking about power.
About prestige, about the Hokage position.
Hatake Sakumo looked at Fang Xu, his expression growing more serious.
"Go on."
Fang Xu knew that this was exactly the opportunity he had been waiting for.
He had become Hatake Sakumo's student for more than just learning the sword.
More importantly, he did not want this teacher of his to follow that same unbearably stifling road to death.
Someone like Danzo would not leave the White Fang of the Leaf alone.
Nor would the Third Hokage remain entirely free of misgivings forever.
If he did not warn him now, it might be too late to change things later.
Fang Xu said, "Teacher, the fact that you tapped Kakashi's forehead means you actually understand your own situation."
"So I'd like to ask you something."
"If you understand, why don't you make a change?"
The more Kakashi listened, the more bewildered he became.
"Change what?"
Neither of them answered him.
Hatake Sakumo looked at Fang Xu.
"What do you think I should change?"
Fang Xu did not beat around the bush.
"The way you currently neither contend for anything nor guard against anything."
"You're a hero of the village, Teacher. You also have prestige in the Anbu, to say nothing of your battlefield achievements."
"There are already people in the village supporting you to become the Fourth Hokage."
"That kind of talk may sound glorious, but it isn't necessarily good for you."
Hatake Sakumo did not speak immediately.
Kakashi, however, could not hold back.
"Why isn't it a good thing?"
"If Father really is strong, isn't it perfectly normal for people to support him becoming Hokage?"
Fang Xu glanced at him.
"Kakashi, being Hokage isn't a matter of whoever is strongest getting the position."
Kakashi frowned.
"Then who gets it?"
Fang Xu said, "Someone who can put most people at ease."
Kakashi understood even less.
"What is there about Father that wouldn't put people at ease?"