Maruboshi Kosuke also wore an expression that said he could be taught.
Although the goals of swordsmanship stated on the two occasions seemed much the same-both were about improving strength-there was actually a difference. One was learning swordsmanship to become stronger, while the other was learning swordsmanship to better protect others.
Kakashi Hatake's answer was also what Maruboshi Kosuke had hoped to hear, so he agreed to Kakashi Hatake's request to learn. However, there would be no formal master-disciple relationship; he would merely teach Kakashi Hatake his swordsmanship.
Maruboshi Kosuke's agreement to teach him left Kakashi Hatake very excited. He had not expected Maruboshi Kosuke to agree so easily.
Kakashi Hatake followed Maruboshi Kosuke into the backyard.
"Today's training assignment is to draw your sword ten thousand times," Maruboshi Kosuke said casually.
That left Kakashi Hatake dumbfounded, not because there were too many repetitions, but because he had thought he would be taught how to practice "Konoha Style: Willow" right away.
Seeing Kakashi Hatake's expression, Maruboshi Kosuke did not get angry. He leisurely picked up his sword, then swiftly drew it and sheathed it again. After that, he simply put the sword aside and sat down to rest.
Kakashi Hatake was somewhat speechless, unsure what the man was doing.
Suddenly, a scraping sound broke the courtyard's silence. Kakashi Hatake looked toward the sound and saw that a wooden training post seemed to have been sliced diagonally by something. Its upper section slowly fell away, revealing a perfectly smooth cut.
Kakashi Hatake seemed to realize what had caused it and immediately looked at Maruboshi Kosuke in disbelief. A single draw had severed a wooden post in the distance. What incredible swordsmanship!
Shocked as he was, Kakashi Hatake no longer had any doubts and began practicing drawing his sword over and over