Kakashi's mood noticeably improved after he successfully practiced the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Although it still had its flaws, at least it was now usable.
As long as the Flying Thunder God Formula was marked in advance, it remained an exceptional escape tool.
After a moment of contemplation, Kakashi took out three specially crafted three-pronged kunai, each inscribed with the Flying Thunder God Formula, then wrapped them with bandages.
The markings were too distinctive—likely to draw attention from observant eyes—so concealing them was a matter of prudence.
Once prepared, Kakashi sealed three unused Lightning Swords into a seal located on his left wrist.
The Lightning Sword was a specialized summoning technique, linked through a seal formula engraved onto a wristband. With a thought, the weapon could be summoned instantly—streamlining combat and reducing delay.
Previously, Kakashi had sealed his Raikiri Blade into his right wristband in the same fashion. With the slightest movement, it appeared in his hand—eliminating the need to draw and offering the advantage of surprise.
He rolled up his cuffs to reveal his wristbands. The right wrist bore the kanji for "Blade" (刀), and the left bore "Kunai" (苦無).
"Ah, another trump card in hand—it really is a comforting feeling. Since I'll be staying in Konoha for a while, I might as well structure a training regimen."
At this point, Kakashi's ninjutsu development had reached a plateau—further refinement would now bring more benefit than outright innovation.
Breadth without depth is shallow, and depth without breadth is limiting. Mastery requires both.
There was a vast array of ninjutsu, each with their own battlefield utility. A ninja with versatility could respond flexibly to an ever-changing situation.
However, well-mastered techniques held greater power and inflicted more damage than a dozen underdeveloped ones.
Many famous shinobi made their names with just one signature technique.
Like Hidan's immortality ritual. Or Obito's Kamui, a space-time jutsu of devastating effect.
Of course, some elite ninja created synergy by combining multiple techniques into sequential strikes.
Like Naruto's Shadow Clone plus Rasengan combo. Or Minato's Flying Thunder God into Rasengan combination.
Possessing numerous jutsu wasn't inherently bad, but few were used frequently. The rarer techniques often served as finishers or surprises.
Kakashi had a vast ninjutsu arsenal, but his staples remained: Chidori paired with kenjutsu, and the Body Flicker Technique for mobility.
His other techniques were employed more situationally, adapted to the battlefield's unique demands.
In battle, victory often hinged on a single instant. At that critical moment, what mattered was judgment.
Which jutsu, in that instant, would dissolve the crisis and clinch the win?
For now, further development would yield diminishing returns. Kakashi's current focus was on mastering and applying what he already knew.
As for taijutsu—its path was endless.
The human body is a limitless reservoir. With proper training, its potential continued to evolve.
Take the Eight Gates, for example. Though both Might Guy and Rock Lee could open six gates, Guy's strength was vastly superior.
Why? Because Guy's body was stronger.
Therefore, even if a ninja only opened up to the Seventh Gate, if their physique was strong enough, the results could still be explosive.
Kakashi had reached a level comparable to Guy in taijutsu, but it still wasn't enough.
Now that he had unlocked the Sixth Gate, and with eight or nine years until the canon events begin, he set his eyes on mastering the Seventh Gate.
Kakashi had a gut feeling: if he could break through the barrier of the Seventh Gate, his physical abilities would surge—and so would his chakra reserves.
That would also bring him closer to mastering Sage Mode.
After all, the more chakra one possesses, the more natural energy they can absorb—producing more Sage Chakra and more potent techniques.
Why was Naruto's Sage Mode considered perfect?
Partly due to innate talent, but largely thanks to his immense chakra pool.
Having made up his mind, Kakashi resolved to find Guy and train in taijutsu alongside him.
He wasn't sure whether Guy had a mission recently or was still in the village.
With that thought, Kakashi didn't waste another moment at home. He grabbed his cloak, opened the door, and headed out in search of his old rival.
Guy had lived alone ever since his father, Might Duy, passed away—a life not unlike Kakashi's.
Kakashi had long grown accustomed to solitude. He had friends, sure, but few of deep connection. Most relationships were shallow, if not merely functional.
That had been the case for the old Kakashi—and even more so now.
He simply didn't have time or energy to invest in social relationships.
As he walked down the bustling street toward the training grounds, a familiar voice rang out behind him.
"Yo! Kakashi! Long time no see! Let's have a Youthful Duel!"
Kakashi smiled at the sound of the voice. He felt a gust of wind behind him, and without hesitation, turned and raised his arm—catching the flying kick cleanly.
It was that unmistakable green blur.
Guy twisted mid-air and landed gracefully, striking a flashy pose.
"Yeah! It really is you, Kakashi! You stopped my kick! Youth burns bright in your eyes!"
Guy flashed his signature grin, his teeth sparkling as he gave a thumbs-up.
"I was just looking for you, Guy. What a coincidence."
"Looking for me? What for? Ah! You must want to challenge me in the fires of Youth!"
"Something like that. But I also wanted to train with you—specifically the Eight Gates."
"Yosh! Youthful training, let's go!"
Guy didn't wait to hear the rest. The moment he heard the word "train," he launched his first strike.
Kakashi sighed in resignation. Well, might as well entertain him for a bit.
Just as the two were about to engage, two figures leapt in between them.
It was Sarutobi Asuma and Yūhi Kurenai.
"Kakashi, Guy—I don't mind you two sparring, but this is a crowded street. What if a villager gets caught in the crossfire?"
Kakashi and Guy froze mid-motion, glancing around. Indeed, several villagers were staring, clearly concerned.
"Ah, Asuma. Guess we got carried away. What brings you two here—on a date, perhaps?" Kakashi teased.
Asuma and Kurenai flushed a shade of red, clearly caught off guard.
"Don't talk nonsense, Kakashi!" Kurenai quickly denied it, though her guilty expression betrayed her.
Only Guy, ever oblivious, failed to notice the subtle tension.
It wasn't exactly a secret—Asuma and Kurenai were both eighteen, in the prime of youth. Romantic feelings were hardly unusual, but they never openly admitted it.
Partly due to modesty, but also because Asuma was the Third Hokage's son. Kurenai didn't want people to think she was social climbing, so the relationship stayed unofficial.
"Kakashi! If this spot's no good, let's go elsewhere and continue our duel!" Guy's youthful energy remained undeterred.
"Alright, let's move."
Kakashi had planned to anyway.
"Wait!"
Asuma suddenly spoke.
"Hm? What is it, Asuma?" Kakashi asked, a bit puzzled.
He and Asuma weren't especially close. Though technically from the same Academy year, Kakashi had graduated early and barely interacted with anyone outside his original team—Obito, Guy, and Rin.
So being called by name like that was unexpected.
"I have a favor to ask you..."
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