There was only one reason Kakashi was so surprised—the scroll contained nothing but a few scattered ink dots.
Even if this scroll wasn't a literal "wordless heavenly book," it was close enough.
Guy, standing beside him, couldn't help but speak. "What is this? Just a few ink dots?"
"Yeah, that's all there is. I couldn't make sense of it. Neither Asuma nor I understood anything. Maybe my father made a mistake."
Kakashi ignored their conversation, his attention completely absorbed by the scroll.
At first glance, there were indeed only a few ink dots and nothing more, but Kakashi detected faint traces of sealing techniques hidden within them.
Kakashi had studied Fuinjutsu intensively for three years. With his keen insight and deep understanding of seals, anything with the essence of sealing wouldn't escape his notice.
And in this scroll, the sealing technique was unmistakably powerful.
If he was right, the contents were hidden within the ink dots—sealed away with a concealment jutsu.
No wonder Kurenai and the others couldn't detect it. Their knowledge of sealing techniques was shallow, so it had been invisible to them.
"Kakashi? What do you see?"
Seeing Kakashi staring at the ink dots without a word, Asuma grew curious and asked.
Kakashi snapped back to reality. "The text on this scroll is sealed. The method of spiritual training is likely hidden within those ink dots."
"Sealed? My father didn't mention that," Kurenai said in surprise. She hadn't imagined the scroll's contents were hidden behind a seal.
"What did Senior Zuren tell you when he gave it to you?" Kakashi asked.
"My father said there was no rush to open it. He told me to wait until the right time, but never said what that time was."
"I see." Kakashi seemed to understand and didn't elaborate. Instead, he raised his forehead protector and revealed his Sharingan.
The scarlet three-tomoe eye spun slowly.
"I see it now."
Kakashi murmured, then tossed the scroll into the air while swiftly forming hand seals.
"Release!"
Instantly, characters burst forth from the ink dots, flowing across the scroll like a tide, revealing its true contents.
The other three were visibly shocked. None had expected the scroll's information to be hidden so subtly.
Kakashi caught the scroll midair, opened it fully, and spoke. "This is the original content. Senior Zuren used a genjutsu-based seal to protect the knowledge. It requires a certain level of genjutsu proficiency to break it. That's why none of you could unlock it before."
He handed the scroll to Kurenai, who eagerly took it and began reading.
"Kurenai, even though the seal's undone, you still can't begin this spiritual training method," Kakashi cautioned.
Kurenai paused, then looked up. "Why not?"
Kakashi sighed lightly. "The illusion seal set by Senior Zuren wasn't just for secrecy. It acts as a barrier—only those with strong enough spiritual power, enough to undo the illusion, can begin the training. You don't meet the threshold just yet."
Kurenai scanned the scroll again, then gave a bitter smile.
"No wonder my father said I'd know when it was time. That's what he meant."
"Don't get discouraged. With your progress, you'll reach the needed level within a year," Kakashi reassured her.
"I understand. Thanks, Kakashi."
"You don't have to thank me. It's no trouble."
Though Kurenai expressed gratitude, Kakashi didn't take it seriously. In truth, he was the one who had gained the most.
He had already memorized the contents of the scroll. If this spiritual power training could be mastered, his own abilities would greatly expand.
The increase wouldn't make a sudden difference in combat power, but it would raise his overall potential significantly.
"Well, now that it's resolved, I'll take Kurenai and head out. Thanks for the help, Kakashi, Guy."
Seeing there was nothing more to be done, Asuma prepared to leave with Kurenai. It was their date time, after all.
And Guy and Kakashi also had their own plans—it was about time to wrap up.
"Alright, take care."
Kakashi didn't try to stop them and simply waved them off.
Once they were gone, Kakashi fell into contemplation. The scroll was simplistic, yet Yuri Zuren had layered it with careful sealing. Where did this scroll truly come from? Was it an inheritance of the Yuri clan?
Something didn't sit right, but he couldn't pinpoint what.
At that moment, Guy called out energetically, "Yo! Kakashi, let's begin our youth showdown!"
Snapped out of his thoughts, Kakashi smiled. "Alright, let's go."
"Konoha Whirlwind!"
In Training Ground Seven, two figures—one in black, the other in green—flashed across the field like twin storms.
After an intense bout, the two stopped, breathing heavily.
"Nice, Kakashi. Your taijutsu's improved."
"Not as good as yours," Kakashi replied.
During their sparring, Kakashi had realized something—after just a few months apart, Guy's taijutsu had become even more refined.
As expected, Guy's physical talent exceeded his own.
But Kakashi wasn't discouraged. He didn't focus solely on taijutsu, and losing to Guy in that field wasn't shameful.
In terms of overall strength, Kakashi still held the advantage.
"Hey, Kakashi, guess what? I've opened the Seventh Gate!"
"What?!"
Kakashi was stunned. He hadn't expected Guy to break through another gate of the Eight Gates technique. He thought their gap had narrowed.
But upon reflection, it made sense. Guy trained in taijutsu exclusively, while he divided his attention across multiple disciplines.
"That's a big step. How did it feel?"
"Hot! My body felt like it was burning from the inside, like all the moisture was evaporating! I was giving off blue steam!"
Kakashi listened, thinking deeply.
"Hey, Kakashi, you better keep up. For now, I've won in the Eight Gates race!"
Guy grinned with pride, flashing his trademark white teeth.
"You're amazing, Guy."
Kakashi complimented him sincerely.
"Haha! By the way, Kakashi, why weren't you at Anbu today? Isn't it a working day?"
"The Third Hokage gave me an extended leave."
"Really? That's great! We haven't trained together in ages!"
Seeing Guy's excitement, Kakashi smiled faintly.
"Yeah, it's been a while."