After Itachi left, Sarutobi Hiruzen called Kakashi in.
Kakashi had grown into the mature man he would become. His right eye was still covered, and his right hand wielded the Teigu known throughout the Ninja World as Thousand Transformations.
Kakashi was now the head of Sarutobi Hiruzen's Anbu, a trusted confidant of the Hokage through and through.
"Lord Third..."
Kakashi said as he entered.
"Kakashi..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen had watched Kakashi grow up step by step. He was now more than a whole level stronger than his counterpart in the original story, which left Hiruzen quite gratified.
"Isn't Itachi about to take his Jonin exam?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen asked.
"You'll conduct the public examination."
Kakashi paused in surprise. So even little Itachi was old enough to become a Jonin now?
"If I remember right, Itachi is only twelve, isn't he?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled faintly.
"That's right, the same age you were when you became a Jonin."
"It's not wartime, but Itachi is better prepared than you were back then."
"Don't let him catch you off guard."
Kakashi was a little surprised, though it was within his expectations.
"There's no need to say anything about Itachi's talent."
"I've heard people outside already call him 'Flame Bullet.'"
"But I'll definitely take his exam seriously."
"I won't let him pass me easily."
Kakashi had the pride of a genius, too. It would be humiliating to lose to a junior during a Jonin exam.
Sarutobi Hiruzen made no comment. Kakashi's talent was surely the finest among those without bloodline abilities. His strength had steadily improved over the past four years, even if he still had a way to go before matching his father, White Fang.
Still, he could now hold his own across the entire Ninja World.
"Have you finished developing Purple Electricity?"
Hearing Kakashi's confidence,