Chapter 96: Arrival in Grass
Kakashi walked in silence for a long moment, his young mind wrestling with Kagenori's explanation. Coordinating his breathing was the key? It seemed too simple, almost absurd.
As they traveled, Kagenori elaborated, his voice a steady, instructive cadence against the rhythm of their footsteps. "The breathing required for Thunder Breathing is not the simple rhythm of physical exertion. It is a specialized discipline known as 'Full Concentration Breathing.' Its primary function is to forcibly enhance cardiopulmonary capacity, allowing the blood to be super-saturated with oxygen in an instant. This, in turn, temporarily and dramatically increases all physical capabilities."
He glanced at his disciple. "The true power of Thunder Breathing is inextricably linked to this breathing method. Without it, you are merely mimicking the outer form—a hollow shell. The difference in power is a chasm. Furthermore, mastering Full Concentration Breathing will sharpen your focus to a razor's edge and, in time, strengthen your visual perception."
"It's really that potent?" Kakashi asked, his skepticism warring with a budding curiosity.
"You will understand its efficacy once you learn it," Kagenori stated with finality. "The training will begin in earnest once we are settled in the Land of Grass."
Kakashi remained unconvinced of the breathing method's supposed magic, but he filed the information away for later verification. If it truly could provide an instant physical boost, its applications would extend far beyond a single sword style.
The journey to the Land of Grass took nearly a week, mirroring the trek to the Hot Springs front. During this time, Kagenori did not begin any formal instruction. Instead, he dedicated the days to a thorough assessment of Kakashi's abilities, much as Orochimaru had once done for him. He needed a baseline to construct an effective training regimen.
By the end of their travels, Kagenori had developed a systematic understanding of the boy. Kakashi was, without a doubt, the prodigy his reputation suggested. His foundation was the Hatake clan's kenjutsu, combined with the Body Flicker Technique, which he used to launch blindingly fast, decisive attacks. His raw speed was remarkable, reminiscent of a young Minato Namikaze.
His ninjutsu, however, was merely adequate. With an affinity for Lightning and Earth natures, he only knew a handful of basic techniques. Kagenori surmised this was due to his youth, or perhaps because Hatake Sakumo, for all his prowess, was not a natural teacher.
With this evaluation complete, Kagenori began to chart his disciple's path. If he was to be responsible for Kakashi, he would do so properly. The boy had the potential to become a powerful ally.
The first and most critical step was Full Concentration Breathing. True mastery of Thunder Breathing was impossible without it. Next would come drills to enhance reaction speed and dynamic vision, followed by advanced Lightning and Earth Release ninjutsu. His own arsenal, supplemented by knowledge gained from the system, provided more than enough material.
The matter of the Sharingan gave him pause. Now that Kakashi was his disciple, the future was malleable. Would he still receive Obito's eye? And if the opportunity arose, Kagenori resolved to prevent it. In his view, the transplanted Sharingan was more a curse than a blessing for Kakashi. It was the very reason the boy became the system's benchmark for "low chakra reserves." While it allowed him to copy a thousand jutsu, its constant, draining chakra consumption meant he could rarely use them effectively. The title "Copy Ninja" was, in Kagenori's cynical view, a backhanded compliment masking a severe limitation.
Kakashi's natural talent was immense. Unshackled from the Sharingan's drain, his potential ceiling would be far higher. With Kagenori's guidance, he could become something greater than a "three-second man" who exhausted himself after a few techniques. For a non-Uchiha, the Sharingan was a parasitic trophy. Even Orochimaru, who coveted the dōjutsu, sought a Uchiha host body rather than a direct transplant, understanding the inherent flaws. Danzo's case, with the Sharingan embedded in a Hashirama-cell arm, was a unique and unstable abomination.
By the time Kagenori had finalized his training outline, they had reached the Konoha forward base in the Land of Grass.
After checking in, their first stop was the command tent to report to Hatake Sakumo. The White Fang was not surprised to see Kagenori; the transfer of Orochimaru's notoriously effective disciple from the Hot Springs front was expected news. The sight of his own son, however, made him start.
"Kakashi? What are you doing here?"
"Father," Kakashi announced, his voice firm with pride. "I have accepted Kagenori-sensei as my master."
Hatake Sakumo's jaw went slack as he looked from his son to Kagenori. He had sent Kakashi to be placed on a standard three-man team, hoping the boy would learn camaraderie. He had not expected him to return with a personal master. It was a significant, and unexpected, development.
His gaze settled on Kagenori. Sakumo knew the young man only by reputation—a collection of harsh words and whispered scorn. But he paid little heed to gossip. What he saw was a shinobi who had risen from pariah to Jonin under a Sannin's tutelage, a clear mark of exceptional talent. He had even studied the audacious plan Kagenori had devised for the Yugakure assault. It was radical, bordering on reckless, a high-stakes gamble that risked catastrophic losses for a potentially war-altering victory. He had to respect the sheer, ruthless brilliance of it, and Orochimaru's nerve for approving it.
Moreover, as Orochimaru's disciple, Kagenori was firmly in the Hokage's camp. All this combined to give Sakumo a surprisingly positive impression of the young Jonin.
He managed a stiff, somewhat awkward smile. It was an expression that sat uncomfortably on his normally stern face. "So, Kagenori. It seems you are Kakashi's master now. I entrust him to your care."
Kagenori met his gaze, his own expression serious and respectful. "Kakashi is an exceptional student. I will dedicate myself to his training. You have my word, Lord Sakumo."
Sakumo gave a single, firm nod, the awkward smile fading into his more natural gravitas. "For Kakashi to learn from you is an honor. I am… content with this."