Uchiha Shisui

The Third Hokage had finally managed to stop his nosebleed and said in surprise, "I never expected this jutsu to be so terrifying. Even I fell for it."

"Kakashi really is something else. He just taught such a terrifying jutsu to a child so casually. What if he starts using it recklessly?" The Third Hokage grumbled as he continued watching the crystal ball.

Kakashi nodded at Naruto in satisfaction. "Not bad. You've already grasped the essence of the Sexy Jutsu, but there's one thing you must remember."

"You can't stay stuck in one pattern. If you want to bring out the jutsu's full power, you have to keep innovating and make it endlessly varied."

"Come on, I'll give you a few demonstrations. Follow along and learn."

Though Naruto was still young, he already had a great deal of chakra. The two of them kept transforming without pause.

"I can't take this!"

In the Hokage's Office, the Third Hokage's nosebleed erupted again. No one could withstand this!

Inside a cave outside the village, Kakashi sat with his eyes closed in thought.

"My understanding of the Flying Thunder God is still only superficial. It'll probably take time before I can master it."

"Fortunately, after months of persistent study, I've finally figured out the structure of Mount Myōboku's Senjutsu Chakra. Now I can start trying to refine it."

With his previous experience refining Ryūchi Cave's Senjutsu Chakra, the process went very smoothly this time. Before long, Kakashi successfully refined Mount Myōboku's Senjutsu Chakra.

"Then... Sage Mode!"

Kakashi gave a low shout, and the refined Senjutsu Chakra swiftly covered his entire body.

He clenched his fist tightly, thoroughly enjoying the sense of power filling him.

Markings like eyeshadow appeared on Kakashi's face. His irises turned golden, while his pupils shifted horizontally in an eerie, frog-like shape.

He carefully sensed the changes in his body.

"Mount Myōboku's Sage Mode improves sensory abilities even more, and my chakra reserves have increased accordingly. This is really wonderful..."

Kakashi's eyes welled up. With his chakra reserves so abundant now, he probably would no longer be treated as a unit of chakra measurement in the future!

"Mount Myōboku's Sage Mode and the Flying Thunder God are simply a perfect match. It's a shame I haven't mastered the Flying Thunder God yet."

"Hmm... I could try refining Ryūchi Cave's Senjutsu Chakra while in Mount Myōboku's Sage Mode and see what it feels like."

No sooner said than done, Kakashi closed his eyes again and tried refining Ryūchi Cave's Senjutsu Chakra.

He was already extremely adept at refining Ryūchi Cave's Senjutsu Chakra, and soon formed a cluster of it within his body.

Then something that left Kakashi utterly dumbfounded happened. The world spun before his eyes, and his pupils started rotating in circles—vertical one moment, horizontal the next—as if they had no idea how they were supposed to sit.

The two types of Senjutsu Chakra seemed to be locked in a standoff inside Kakashi's body. They were as incompatible as fire and water, nearly forcing him out of Sage Mode altogether.

After hesitating for a long while, his pupils ultimately turned horizontal.

Kakashi scratched his head awkwardly. "Looks like the two types of Senjutsu Chakra aren't compatible after all... I'll have to choose one."

"Hmm, Mount Myōboku's Senjutsu Chakra feels stronger, and its structure is more complex. That also confirms my guess—the Ryūchi Cave Senjutsu Chakra is probably a watered-down version."

"Besides, Mount Myōboku's Sage Mode suits me better overall and will benefit my long-term development, so this is definitely the one I'll keep." Kakashi quickly made his choice.

Perhaps he could use the structure of Mount Myōboku's Senjutsu Chakra as the foundation, then modify it by referring to Ryūchi Cave's Senjutsu Chakra. After combining them, he might be able to create even more powerful Senjutsu Chakra.

Hmm... he would add that idea to his list of future research goals.

But it was foreseeable that this research would take a very, very long time...

Hokage's Office.

Kakashi knelt on one knee before the Third Hokage, wondering whether Lord Sarutobi could create a ninjutsu specifically for him, considering how he summoned him over every few days.

"Summoning Jutsu: Kakashi!"

Next time, the Third Hokage would only need to clap his hands, and Kakashi could appear directly in the Hokage's Office.

As the Third Hokage looked at Kakashi, all sorts of thoughts passed through his own mind as well.

He always recalled the scene he had witnessed that night. Every time he thought of it, he felt rather awkward. He truly had not expected one of his subordinates to have such a hobby.

After staring at Kakashi for a while, the Third Hokage asked, "How has that child, Itachi Uchiha, been performing lately?"

"He has completed his missions exceptionally well, including the mission to monitor the Uchiha Clan. He hasn't displayed any abnormalities." Kakashi replied.

"Hmm..." The Third Hokage took a puff of his pipe. "Then what do you think of the child?"

Forced to inhale secondhand smoke, Kakashi considered for a moment before slowly speaking.

"I believe that, in Itachi Uchiha's heart, Konoha stands above all else. Even if he must become enemies with his own clan, he would still defend Konoha's peace."

"Oh?" The Third Hokage was somewhat surprised. He had not expected Kakashi to hold Itachi Uchiha in such high regard.

He lightly tapped the desk with his pipe, beginning to consider how to make his next move.

Perhaps he could make use of Itachi Uchiha Clan. If used well, he might become a sharp blade to counter the Uchiha Clan.

"The Uchiha Clan seem to have been making some small moves lately. Pay closer attention, Kakashi," the Third Hokage instructed.

Hmm?

Kakashi froze. In his memories, the Third Hokage had never informed him in advance of the Uchiha Clan's unusual activity. It seemed his standing in the Third Hokage's eyes really had risen considerably.

"Yes, Lord Third!" Kakashi answered.

The Third Hokage continued outlining his arrangements. "Additionally, I'll be transferring Shisui Uchiha to your squad."

"Body Flicker Shisui?" Kakashi murmured.

"That's right. Though he is also from the Uchiha Clan, he likewise yearns for peace." The Third Hokage deliberately emphasized the word "peace."

Kakashi understood at once. The Third Hokage's peace also meant sacrificing his own clan's interests for Konoha's peace if necessary.

"He also has a good relationship with Itachi. The three of you can communicate more when you're together. As for missions, I'll reduce your workload as appropriate."

The Third Hokage really does see me as a confidant now, Kakashi thought.

"I understand, Lord Third. Please rest assured!"

"Mm." The Third Hokage nodded. He was becoming increasingly satisfied with a subordinate like Kakashi, who understood things immediately and handled matters capably.

"You may go, Kakashi."

Kakashi left the Hokage's Office and slowly made his way toward ANBU.

Shisui Uchiha...