Chapter 11 - Training Part 3 (1/2)
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Itachi's Clone's Perspective
Itachi listens to Ounabara's lecture on hollows but starts to drift off as he has already read about it previously. Itachi couldn't help but think about his previous training with Tatsumi and realizes he hasn't had a mentor figure in his life since Shisui. Itachi's thoughts are cut off as Ounabara raises his voice for an announcement.
”That concludes the lecture for today. I now have an announcement regarding two important events that will be conducted later this year. The first one is a field exercise. You will be grouped and deployed to the human world while the sixth years lead you. The barrier corps will set up multiple areas where your groups will fight practice hollows. I'll explain more in detail when we get closer to the actual date. Also there will be a tournament held before your final exams but I don't have the exact details on that yet as this is the first time the academy is holding a tournament like this. I'll provide you this information after your field exercise. For now we will continue Zanjutsu and Hakuda classes!” Ounabara finishes his announcement as the class starts to exit the lecture hall to go to the Zanjutsu hall.
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Real Itachi
Itachi and Tatsumi finish their kido training. The two rest for a bit before Tatsumi makes a suggestion.
”Hey your kido talent is amazing. But how about a quick spar as well? There is something important coming up soon. I have to practice as much as possible.” Tatsumi asks Itachi.
Itachi nods and faces Tatsumi. Tatsumi readies his stance and signals for the spar to begin. They both rush forward sending attacks.The two of them appear equally matched, swapping blows with each other with neither party able to land a decisive one. The spar continues for a few minutes with Tatsumi stunned once again at Itachi, who despite being just a first year, is able to keep up with him who was already in his sixth year.
Thirty minutes pass and the two of them are still going even blow for blow. Itachi starts to tire out as he is not used to the toll his body is taking with half of its reiryoku in a clone. Itachi notices his stamina wavering and his movements slowing down and decides to wrap up with sparring. Itachi steps back and signals the stop of the sparring session.
”Alright let's call it here for today.” Itachi says while panting.
”Phew...Itachi there aren't a lot of sixth years that can push me that far in sparring.” Tatsumi says as he wipes the sweat off his forehead.
”I'm nowhere near your level yet Tatsumi.” Itachi says humbly as he takes a seat on the floor to catch his breath. 'Having half of my reiryoku spent is more draining than having half my chakra was when I was a shinobi...' Itachi thinks while catching his breath.
”Well Itachi I think that is enough training for today! I plan on going back to my dorm and studying for a test that is coming up. I'll see you around.” Tatsumi waves goodbye and walks off towards the dorms. Itachi continues resting for a few more minutes while digesting the new techniques he learned today. A thought stays lingering in Itachi's mind as he sits in the training area by himself. 'Combining two kido techniques…'' Itachi stays on the ground thinking about it for a few more minutes before getting back up. 'This isn't something that can rushed. I should see if the library holds any more books about Kido techniques' Just as he was going to head towards the library, Itachi felt his stomach grumble. 'My reiryoku is running low. I should get something to eat first.' Itachi instead walks to the cafeteria. He quickly eats his favorite onigiri meal before making his way to the library.
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Itachi's Clone
Ounabara goes over the basics again and a few other techniques such as disarming and parrying. Once he finishes his explanation, he lets the students pick their partners and begin their practice.
Itachi and Itsuki wield their wooden swords and start their sparring session. Itachi still easily overwhelms Itsuki. Each of Itsuki's strikes is dodged by a hair as Itachi weaves between slashes then disarms Itsuki with his own sword. The class finishes their spar with one another and returns the swords.