Naruto: Can't Use Ninjutsu? I'll Create the Strongest Fighting Style

Chapter 15: A Small Reality Check for Kakashi and Shikamaru

That, in itself, was impressive.

Just… teaching wasn't his strong suit.

Garou and Kakashi didn't know each other well.

Even with Hiruzen acting as a bridge, it would've been rude to outright ask Kakashi to train him in swordsmanship or ninjutsu.

Likewise, Kakashi didn't know Garou's full potential, so their exchange remained casual.

They continued chatting while walking through the forest path. As they neared the village, Garou finally voiced a question that had nagged at him since his past life.

"Kakashi-senpai, your Sharingan… it's always active, right?"

"Hmm? Why do you ask?"

Kakashi's face was hidden behind a mask, and his nose buried in a book. Garou couldn't read his expression.

But he continued anyway.

"Since you can't deactivate it, doesn't it constantly drain your chakra? I've heard your chakra reserves aren't that high, so wouldn't using a sword help manage that better?"

It was something he'd wondered about since watching Naruto in his previous life.

The White Fang's sword style was powerful.

Kakashi had trained with the sword from a young age, using it before he even developed Chidori. Even though the original blade was destroyed, Garou refused to believe that neither the Hatake clan nor Konoha could provide a chakra blade to replace it.

Sure, Lightning Blade could be seen as a form of sword technique, but Garou knew Kakashi couldn't use that all the time.

Kakashi didn't answer immediately.

He stared at the same page of Icha Icha for nearly half a minute before replying.

"Maybe swords just don't suit someone like me. And this eye… it was a gift from a comrade. I've chosen to live with it."

He paused, then added, "Besides, there aren't many people left who can actually force me to burn through all my chakra."

He closed the book and sighed, though he soon flipped it open again.

Garou said nothing.

Even among Jonin, there were vast differences. Elite Jonin like Kakashi weren't just strong. They were terrifyingly versatile.

"Well, I've enjoyed our conversation," Kakashi said, stretching lazily as his tone returned to its usual relaxed drawl.

"As I said before, that Anbu offer was serious. But your answer was also correct."

"Sometimes, rushing ahead too fast can backfire. Still, if you ever change your mind, just speak to the Hokage."

"Yes, sir."

"Later."

Kakashi gave a small wave, nose buried in his book again as he casually strolled toward Ichiraku Ramen.

Garou grabbed a few rice balls from a vendor and made his way toward the academy.

At the gate, he spotted Shikamaru lounging on a swing and Choji glancing around restlessly nearby.

"This is such a drag. We could've left ages ago, but we've been waiting for you for like half an hour."

"Sorry. Got caught up talking with a senior."

Garou handed over a few rice balls. Choji's eyes lit up and, without hesitation, grabbed one and began munching gratefully.

Shikamaru sighed and pulled out two books from his pocket.

One was Nara Clan Medical Research.

The other wasn't a book at all but a collection of notes, clearly copied from the Akimichi clan.

"Here's your stuff."

"Pass my thanks to Lord Shikaku."

Shikamaru looked confused.

"You know… you could spend more time on jutsu training. Why bother with this medical stuff?"

Garou leaned against the academy wall and replied with a shrug.

"For me, developing medicine isn't hard. And if it boosts training efficiency across the board, why not? Plus, I'm not the only one who benefits."

He gave a faint smile. "You wouldn't understand now. But one day, when you're faced with helplessness and despair, you'll get it."

"…" Shikamaru paused. He didn't reply.

He jumped off the swing in silence and walked away.

On his way home, he saw Naruto practicing alone.

'Haven't experienced it, huh?'

He looked at Naruto, then turned to glance back toward Garou's direction, his face contemplative.

"Shikamaru, you've been zoning out lately."

"I don't get it."

"Hmm?"

"Nothing… Maybe he and my dad are right. Let's go, Choji. Time for dinner."

Shikamaru sighed heavily, dragging his feet.

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