"Well, get up. That hit shouldn't be a problem for someone like you."
"Of course. Let's continue, senpai."
"Oh? Full of energy? I like it. Come on, then."
Shisui rubbed his stomach and stood up again. Kakashi's punch was heavy, but it wasn't enough to affect his ability to fight.
The spar resumed, and Shisui's figure blurred as he moved at high speed.
"Oh? That's not a regular Shunshin. At this velocity…"
Bang! Kakashi caught the punch that Shisui launched from behind.
"Fast!"
The moment his strike missed, Shisui vanished again.
As Kakashi kept pace, a thought popped into his head.
He's truly worthy of the name Shisui of the Body Flicker… this level of speed—could Minato-sensei do this before learning the Flying Thunder God?
Before mastering Hiraishin, Minato was already a prodigy with raw movement speed. It made Kakashi wonder—Between Minato and Shisui, who had the stronger Shunshin?
And now that I think about it… do all people with "water" in their name move this fast? Kakashi chuckled inwardly, amused by the coincidence.
But watching Shisui's form vanish and reappear at incredible speed stirred something in Kakashi.
He might not match Shisui in natural agility—but in raw movement bursts, he had options too.
Body Flicker Technique—Engaged!
With a subtle surge of chakra and precise muscle control, Kakashi's figure disappeared in a blur.
Shisui's Sharingan flickered wildly—he had lost sight of his opponent.
Where is he?!
In front—nothing.
To the left—nothing.
To the right—empty.
Above—clear.
Then it has to be—
"Behind you."
Kakashi's voice was calm, nearly casual. Shisui's eyes widened as he felt the cold kiss of a kunai resting against the base of his neck.
Both men froze.
Kakashi's blade hovered just a hair's breadth from Shisui's throat.
Shisui blinked. A bitter smile formed on his lips.
Completely defeated.
In kenjutsu, in genjutsu, in sheer speed—he had been bested.
And Kakashi had barely attacked. Most of the time, he'd simply defended. Yet Shisui had lost decisively.
The worst part? Kakashi hadn't even lifted his headband.
He hadn't used his Sharingan once.
The first time could be chalked up to surprise—but the second?
There were no excuses.
Shisui had always prided himself on his Body Flicker Technique. Some even whispered it rivaled the Yellow Flash himself. But now he realized the Fourth Hokage was still a mountain yet to be climbed.
It must be that Kakashi learned it from the Fourth, Shisui guessed. He was his student, after all. Everyone knows that.
Kakashi lowered the kunai, gave it a spin, and slid it back into his pouch. "Let's wrap it up. I've seen enough."
"Sorry, senpai. I let you down." Shisui bowed his head slightly.
Kakashi blinked in surprise, then laughed. "Shisui, that's not how it is at all. You didn't disappoint me. In fact, you impressed me. Your genjutsu, swordsmanship, and speed—among ninja your age, you have no rivals."
"But I still lost. Badly," Shisui murmured, eyes downcast.
"Shisui," Kakashi said gently, "I'm five years older than you. It's natural I'd be stronger. But by the time you're my age, I believe you'll surpass me."
"Really, senpai?" Shisui looked up, eyes gleaming with the fire of renewed resolve.
"That depends entirely on you. Keep pushing."
"Yes, senpai. I understand."
Shisui bowed deeply in respect.
"Well then, the match is over. Let's go get you fitted for your Anbu uniform and hand over the codebook."
Kakashi returned to his usual laid-back tone and turned to walk ahead.
Shisui followed slowly, watching the older ninja's back. This man… I have to surpass him one day.
"Hey, Shisui! You spacing out?"
"Oh—coming, Senpai Kakashi!"
He jogged to catch up.
Once they had finished picking up Shisui's equipment and manuals, Kakashi instructed him to study on his own and make sure to officially report for assignments soon.
Naturally, Shisui accepted the responsibility without hesitation.
With that done, Kakashi realized there wasn't much to do in Anbu on a rest day.
"Man… peaceful days like this are nice." He stretched lazily, then paused. "Wait… wasn't I supposed to meet Naruto at Training Ground Seven?"
He scratched his silver hair, trying to remember the details.
I promised Naruto I'd meet him there. Good thing there's still time.
With nothing urgent to do, Kakashi pulled out a scroll on medical ninjutsu from his pouch and started reading.
Medical techniques were incredibly versatile—useful for both treating injuries and enhancing ninjutsu research. If he could master them, it would be a huge asset.
I wonder where Tsunade is these days… still gambling? If she ever returns to the village, I'll definitely ask her for guidance.
For now, the best option was probably to consult the director at Konoha Hospital.
Time flew while studying—something Kakashi actually enjoyed. Reading gave him a quiet satisfaction.
As he closed the scroll, he muttered, "Guess it's time to head to Training Ground Seven."
At Training Ground Seven, Naruto had arrived early.
It was the first time in his life he had ever made a promise to meet someone—and he refused to be late. He even came before sunrise.
His excitement was immeasurable.
Last night, he hadn't slept well—not because of nerves, but because he had pushed his chakra training too hard.
For a member of the Uzumaki clan, building chakra came naturally. They were born with massive reserves.
Naruto had progressed fast—though he didn't know how much was "enough" chakra, so he never stopped.
Eventually, his body gave out. To be precise, he fainted.
Thankfully, the Nine-Tails inside his body prevented any real harm.
When he woke up, the sun was already high in the sky.
He dashed to the training ground immediately, terrified he had missed Kakashi.
I hope I cultivated enough chakra to impress White Fang Brother.
He tilted his head in thought, wondering how Kakashi would react.
"Hey, Naruto—you're already here?"
A familiar voice snapped Naruto from his thoughts.
"White Fang Bro! You're here! Look, I already learned how to bring out chakra!"
Eagerly, Naruto formed a hand seal, and a faint blue aura flared around his body—visible to the naked eye.
Kakashi raised his eyebrows. That was a massive amount of chakra… all in just one day?
What frightening talent.
No doubt, the Uzumaki constitution was something to envy.
"Well? Is it enough, White Fang Bro?"
Naruto looked up, full of anticipation.
"Yeah… it's more than enough. As a reward, I'll teach you your first ninjutsu today."
"Really?! What is it? What is it?!"
Naruto nearly bounced in place.
"Shadow Clone Technique."
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