Tender Sea

Chapter 24

1 year later - Western district of Konohagakure

"Just like that," Miyu guided softly, repositioning the boy's left leg before stepping back to criticise her work, "Hold you're out a little higher and swing down. Perfect." She watched as the boy beamed at the praise. "I want you to repeat this exercise a hundred times a day until I'm satisfied." She instructed.

"Hai, Sensei!" Kimimaro responded, repeating the process and swinging down the wooden sword she had gifted him with, a second time.

"Mah, isn't he hardworking?" A new voice commented, as her neighbour soundlessly made his way to their joint backyard. Miyu could only smile proudly. The Kimimaro she had known had been deadly and wild, with no training other than his own. She wondered how much further he could go if given some early basic instruction and a handful of people he could count on.

"I've tried to postpone his training for as long as I can," The blonde began, "But it seems like it's in his blood." She let out a dry laugh as she watched the five year old practice.

His movements were fluid, and already, the wooden katana looked like a mere extension of his body. It was far more advanced than most beginners would ever reach, and spoke of inherent talent.

"A Kaguya, huh." She heard a soft sigh, "Not many people in Fire country have heard much of them, other than rumours, and that's only some of the higher ranking shinobi. I'm curious as to how he will turn out." A single dark eye locked onto the girl's still form, watching her intently as she never looked away from her practising student. The kid was lucky to have such a devoted and skilled teacher. "So how's he getting along with the others?" Her brow furrowed as she opened her mouth to respond.

"Itachi seems to understand, as well as most of the Uchiha, but Sasuke still puts up a fuss every once in a while." She winced, thinking back to when she had first moved out. The Uchiha brother's had been inconsolable in their own standoffish way. It had taken a few months to smooth it over through their bi-weekly get togethers. She liked to think Itachi and Kimimaro were beginning to get along but at the same time Sasuke had begun holding a childish grudge, she could only hope he grew out of it. "At least he and Naru-chan are getting along. Though I think Naruto's a bit too loud for Kimimaro." Miyu turned, asking her silver haired neighbour for his opinion.

"They do make an odd pair," Kakashi commented, "Maybe the Hyuga would be a good place for him to make friends?"

"Oh, I've introduced Kimi to most of the already. Hizashi-sensei generally teases him too much but he and Neji seem to get along well." It seemed both of the quiet prodigies had similar likes and dislikes. "I was thinking of introducing him to Hayate-san soon. Maybe once I drill the basics into him."

"Hayate?" He thought back to the sickly teen he knew one of his Anbu comrades fancied, "I heard he is the last heir of the Gekko sword style. It might be a bit of a hassle to get him to pass down his family's techniques."

"Whether or not he chooses to teach Kimimaro his techniques is up to him. I'm really just asking for his advice on how to proceed. He owes me a couple favours anyway." She smirked lightly. It would be amazing if Hayate could refrain from teaching her student. After all, once you see the sheer talent the boy had for swordsmanship, it stirred something inside you that compelled you to help the boy in any way possible.

3 years later - A small bar in Konohagakure, south district...

"Fugaku don't you think you should take it easy?" Minato asked as he watched the usually stoic Uchiha head down another cup of sake.

"Hn." It shouldn't have been possible to slur to such a short phrase but Fugaku managed it, sending the Namikaze a weak glare.

"So, what's got you so..." Minato merely indicated at Fugaku's appearance, while sipping at his own drink. His friend had been stressed lately, mostly due to his clan.