After sleeping for an entire day and night, Kakashi lay lazily on the bed, feeling bored out of his mind.
Ever since he had once again demonstrated his freakishly fast learning abilities—mastering both [Ninja Art: Mitotic Regeneration] and [Hundred Skills Technique] in a matter of seconds—Tsunade had practically thrown him out of the lab with a cold glare. Her exact words: "I don't want to see you again for a week."
Kakashi could only shrug helplessly. He wasn't trying to show off, honestly. He just couldn't help being strong. Years of relentless training, coupled with his recent obsession with the Hundred Healings Mark, had completely drained him—body, mind, and chakra. A break was overdue.
And speaking of breaks... wasn't it about time to explore the hot springs of Xiaorizi? They were apparently pretty famous in this world.
He'd been in this world long enough, yet still hadn't tried one. Today felt like the perfect opportunity.
Mixed bathing is allowed in Xiaorizi's hot springs, right? He vaguely recalled hearing that from a coworker in his previous life. Of course, he wasn't thinking anything indecent—just curious. Pure academic interest, you see. A deep cultural dive.
After a quick wash, Kakashi put on his mask—habitually—and set off toward his destination.
As he passed by Shueisha, he paused. This was the place Naruto once snuck into while teaching Konohamaru certain "special techniques". Should I take a peek? he mused.
Nah. The entertainment scene here couldn't possibly compare to modern Japan's. Otherwise, how would a mediocre writer like Jiraiya be a best-seller?
With that thought, he continued toward Konoha's Hot Springs.
---
Huh?
Outside the skylight, a suspicious figure with spiky white hair caught his attention.
Speak of the devil, and here he is—Uncle Jiraiya.
"Uncle Jiraiya!"
"Who!?"
Startled, Jiraiya nearly fell off his perch. At the same time, screams erupted from within the women's bath.
"Peeping tom!"
"Pervert!"
"Catch him!!"
Panic ensued. A Hyuga girl activated her Byakugan, an Inuzuka summoned her ninja dog, and the Aburame released a swarm of bugs. Most dramatic of all, an Akamichi woman burst out, expanding her body to the size of a building.
But by then, the real culprit had already fled into the forest—chased by a young silver-haired ninja.
"You brat!" Jiraiya grumbled once they reached a safe clearing. "Why'd you have to ruin my research?"
"Research, huh?" Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "Uncle Jiraiya, you were the one peeping into the women's bath. I was just doing my civic duty—maintaining law and order."
"You don't understand!" Jiraiya flushed. "It's not peeping. It's material collection! For literature! For art!"
Kakashi waved his hand impatiently. "Stop, stop. I don't need to hear your 'noble purpose.' Do you even know the four ways to write the word '卉'?"
But he hadn't forgotten his main goal.
"By the way, Uncle Jiraiya… you don't want Sister Tsunade finding out about this, do you?"
Jiraiya's face twitched. If Tsunade ever heard about this incident, he'd be in the hospital for a week—again.
"Now, now, Kakashi, let's not make a big deal out of nothing, alright?"
Kakashi smiled slyly. "She did say you're a genius who only appears once in a century. I'd hate for her to lose faith in you."
"Ahem… Relaxation is important too, y'know!" Jiraiya quickly changed the subject and pulled a beautifully wrapped book from his pocket. "Here, a Collector's Edition of 'Icha Icha Paradise', personally signed by me! Priceless!"
"Young people like you really need to loosen up."
Kakashi looked at him silently, unimpressed.
As expected of the Legendary Three Perverts—Jiraiya's survival instincts are terrifying.
"Thank you, Uncle Jiraiya!" Kakashi suddenly beamed. "I'll be sure to show this special edition to Sister Tsunade tonight!"
Whoosh—! The book vanished from Kakashi's hands so fast it seemed like teleportation.
"Ahaha… I, uh, just remembered—there are still some mistakes in that version. I'll give it to you later."
"Aww, that's a shame," Kakashi said with mock disappointment. "I was really looking forward to Tsunade reading it to me."
Jiraiya coughed awkwardly. "Anyway… what do you really want, kid?"
"Nothing much," Kakashi replied. "Just heard from Sister Tsunade that you're an immortal sage. Can you show me what Sage Mode looks like?"
"...Only if you promise not to tell Tsunade what happened today."
"Deal!"
"Alright then…" Jiraiya rolled up his sleeve, bit his wrist, and smeared blood under his eyes. He pressed his palms together solemnly. "Sage Mode!"
Kakashi waited.
And waited.
"...So, that's it?" he finally asked, eyebrows raised.
"I need to summon the Two Great Toad Sages to enter Sage Mode. Takes time, and I can't move my hands."
Seriously? Minato used to enter Sage Mode in seconds. Why does Jiraiya take so long…?
---
Ten minutes later.
Bang!
Two small toads appeared on Jiraiya's shoulders. One had a white beard and pineapple hairstyle—Fukasaku. The other wore lipstick and had curly purple hair—Shima.
"Kid, why'd you summon us to a place like this?" Shima complained. "Dinner's half-cooked!"
"Now, now, I'm sure Jiraiya had a reason," Fukasaku soothed. "But seriously, Jiraiya, when will you learn to activate Sage Mode on your own?"
"Ahahaha, still learning!" Jiraiya scratched his head sheepishly. "But today I need your help for a short demonstration."
Fukasaku turned to Kakashi, observing him carefully. "Is this the boy? You think highly of him."
"Something like that," Jiraiya muttered.
"Alright, Kakashi!" Jiraiya shouted as he leapt ahead. "Watch closely!"
Sage Art: Goemon!
The trio moved in perfect sync. Jiraiya sprayed oil, Fukasaku summoned wind, and Shima added fire.
The result?
A terrifying inferno that incinerated an entire section of the forest.
Whoa… Legendary Sannin indeed, Kakashi thought, eyes gleaming.
"See that, kid?" Jiraiya laughed. "The legendary Sannin! Master of Toad Style! Power unmatched in the world!"
Bang! Shima smacked Jiraiya's head in irritation.
"Alright, I'm going home to finish dinner, little Jiraiya~"
Poof! Gone.
"And I'm out too," Fukasaku added, vanishing in a puff of smoke.
"You really are amazing," Kakashi praised sincerely. "Honestly, you're as impressive as Sister Tsunade!"
Then, in a mischievous tone, he added, "She's still single, by the way. You should try pursuing her. But first, Uncle Jiraiya, you have to stop peeping or she'll kill you someday."
Jiraiya huffed. "Kids these days think they know everything."
Yet, his smug little grin betrayed his thoughts.
Hah, even an idiot could see through your feelings. If you'd just confessed earlier, maybe Tsunade wouldn't have regretted it for the rest of her life... Don't hesitate, Uncle Jiraiya!
Just then, a group of Konoha Anbu arrived—drawn by the massive ninjutsu explosion.
"Master Jiraiya, was there an enemy attack?"
"No, no," Jiraiya waved dismissively. "Just testing a new jutsu."
"Understood, sir!" the lead Anbu replied, eyeing Kakashi briefly before retreating with his team.
"Well then, time for me to… collect more folk songs," Jiraiya said with a wink. "Remember our deal, Kakashi!"
"Of course, Uncle Jiraiya." They bumped fists like men of honor.
---
Hokage's Office.
The Third Hokage, puffing on his pipe, listened quietly to the Anbu report.
"Jiraiya, experimenting with ninjutsu… and Kakashi was there?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
"Very well. Dismissed."
As the Anbu vanished, Hiruzen turned to the window and sighed.
"Kakashi… Tsunade tells me he's a rare genius. First he seeks her out as a disciple, now he's with Jiraiya. Is he pursuing more power?"
He tapped the windowsill thoughtfully.
When White Fang died, he promised to treat Kakashi like family. But Kakashi had never approached him once since then.
Does he still blame us for his father's death?
After Tsunade's report, Hiruzen began watching Kakashi more closely. With a powerful bloodline, elite talent, and two of the Sannin as his mentors, Kakashi had incredible potential.
But emotionally… he was a mystery.
He hides his strength, avoids connection, and trains obsessively. That boy's heart is still haunted.
Until that thorn is removed, he won't trust the higher-ups. Still, Hiruzen held hope.
"Kakashi… please don't disappoint me."
---
Elsewhere, Kakashi soaked comfortably in the hot spring.
He had no idea the Hokage was thinking about him. If he did, he'd probably say:
Overthinking it!
His goal was simple—to grow strong enough to protect those he cared about.
Like Rin.
And maybe, just maybe, rewrite the fates of those tragic characters from his past life—Minato, Jiraiya…
The Third Hokage? Sorry, not on that list.
He'd always hated Danzo, and the Third's constant compromises were unforgivable.
Still, Hiruzen's five-style ninjutsu was fascinating. If the opportunity arose, Kakashi wouldn't mind learning a thing or two.
Ahhh, this hot spring is heaven.
All the tension in his muscles melted away. He closed his eyes and drifted in the warmth.
I could get used to this kind of life.
Later, fully refreshed, Kakashi left the bath and went to test the new abilities he'd copied.
After an hour of effort, he stood up, frustrated.
He'd grasped the core of Sage Mode—absorbing natural energy and balancing it with physical and spiritual energy in a 1:1:1 ratio to form Senjutsu chakra.
But his absorption speed was way too slow without help from the Toad Sages.
At this rate, it might take three days just to enter Sage Mode!
Maybe I need to visit the three holy lands...
But first, he'd have to convince Sister Tsunade to let him sign a contract with Katsuyu.
If only the First Hokage were still alive! His mastery of Sage Mode and Wood Style was unrivaled.
I really want to hollow out the First Hokage's secrets!
Kakashi's eyes sparkled with a dangerous glint.