At the Konoha training grounds,
Kakashi sat under a tree, lazily watching as Guy and Hakumen were sparring in the distance.
Their fighting style was quite unique; despite not making direct contact with each other, their movements still delivered effective strikes.
The force of their blows created strong winds, and as they moved quickly, the grass on the ground swayed in response.
It was obvious that Guy was struggling more, still unable to fully grasp this style of combat, while Hakumen had already mastered it.
Kakashi initially couldn't understand why they had to fight this way.
Using chakra to attack seemed inefficient, only producing a fraction of the potential power and expending a huge amount of chakra, which couldn't be sustained for long.
Hakumen explained that this was simply a framework set by Lord Makoto.
Mastering this fighting style would lead to the acquisition of even greater power.
Kakashi asked if Hakumen had acquired that power, but Hakumen only smiled without answering.
"Stop for a moment," Hakumen said, noticing that Guy was panting heavily.
"I'm fine, I can keep going," Guy said, trying to act tough.
"Did you forget what Lord Makoto said? Overexertion is harmful to your body. It doesn't matter how you trained your taijutsu before, but to follow Lord Makoto's training, your body needs to always be in the best possible condition."
At this, Guy collapsed onto the ground, exhausted.
He had been training in this way with Hakumen for a while now, but it was far more demanding than his usual taijutsu training.
Guy had always struggled with chakra control; otherwise, he wouldn't have been so focused on taijutsu.
He practiced on his own in private, but every time he pushed too hard, his body couldn't handle it.
The feeling of running out of chakra was unpleasant, and he couldn't do anything until he fully recovered.
It was far more difficult than his previous taijutsu training.
Hakumen had also taught him some small techniques to improve chakra control, each of which was extremely difficult to master.
Kakashi walked over with a water bottle.
"Ha..."
Guy took a drink, let out a long breath, and despite feeling exhausted, he laughed loudly, "I feel like I've made so much progress today! I'll catch up to you soon!"
Hakumen also laughed, "Then you need to keep pushing, but first, you have to catch up to Kakashi."
Kakashi had also tried this fighting style, but he was much stronger than Guy.
Although Guy had been training in this method for a while, Kakashi only spent one afternoon getting the hang of it and was already able to exchange blows with Hakumen.
According to Lord Makoto's standards, Kakashi was already considered proficient.
The speed was impressive, but it didn't discourage Guy.
He knew that Kakashi and Hakumen were geniuses, and in his heart, he understood that chasing and surpassing such people was what really mattered.
"Your combat style just now was chaotic, you just blindly released chakra without any technique. If you keep going like this, you'll never defeat Hakumen," Kakashi said bluntly.
"Guy still can't master this style yet, so he can take it slow, step by step," Hakumen said, trying to soften the blow.
"No!" Guy shook his head. "Kakashi is right. Don't lower the standard for me. I should work harder."
Hakumen smiled helplessly, "Alright."
The three of them stayed in the training grounds the whole afternoon.
Hakumen continued to train Guy, while Kakashi also practiced on his own.
He never slacked off when it came to training.
His former team members were all working hard in their own ways.
Obito was training in Wood Release, and his mastery of the Sharingan in the Uchiha clan should be growing stronger.
Rin was also diligently training, trying to control the tailed beast and become a perfect Jinchuriki.
On the way back, Guy asked Kakashi, "Kakashi, aren't you curious about what Lord Makoto is going to teach us?"
Kakashi replied, "I don't really mind, as long as it's something useful."
Guy fantasized, "It must be some really powerful taijutsu, something as strong as the Eight Gates!"
Kakashi responded, "Excessively powerful strength often comes with side effects."
Hakumen glanced at Kakashi and said, "It's a power that will make you feel like you've been reborn."
Kakashi remained calm upon hearing this.
He had a clear understanding of power; any strength earned through his own efforts would be put to good use.
However, he was somewhat resistant to the power given by others.
His left eye was once a legacy of his comrade, but now it felt like a burden, though he couldn't discard it.
After parting ways with Hakumen and Guy at the crossroads, Kakashi was on his way home when he suddenly heard someone calling his name.
"Kakashi!"
"Mr. Shikaku?"
Kakashi quickly jogged over.
The person calling him was a highly respected senior, a close friend of Minato, and his superior on the battlefield.
"Hello!"
"Just finished training?" Shikaku asked with a smile.
"Yes."
"Would you be interested in coming over to my house for a visit?" Shikaku invited.
"Eh?" Kakashi was momentarily stunned.
He had thought it was just a casual greeting, but Shikaku didn't offer any pleasantries, instead giving him a direct invitation as if he had been aiming to meet him from the start.
"Sure!"
He didn't reject Shikaku's invitation and nodded in agreement.
After walking for a while, Shikaku suddenly smiled and said, "You and Hakumen get along really well."
Kakashi replied, "We're friends who have worked together."
Shikaku continued, "Hakumen is the personal guard of the current clan head of the Hyuga clan. He's one of Makoto's most trusted subordinates. It seems like you are highly valued by Makoto as well."
Kakashi thought for a moment and then replied, "I'm the direct subordinate of Lord Hokage, but I also take orders from Lord Makoto."
Shikaku nodded, "I understand that... But given the current situation in Konoha, it's not wrong to say that Makoto is the Hokage."
Kakashi's steps suddenly came to a halt, and Shikaku, who was walking ahead, slowly stopped and turned to look at him.
Fortunately, they had reached a quiet alley with few people around, so no one could overhear their conversation.
However, the silence made Kakashi feel an eerie chill.
"Is something wrong, Kakashi?" Shikaku asked with a faint smile.
"…"
Kakashi didn't respond.
His impression of Shikaku was that of a wise and calm senior, someone he had interacted with plenty of times in the past.
He didn't expect him to say something so inappropriate.
What does he mean by saying Makoto could also be called the Hokage...
It was true that Makoto was currently doing Hokage duties, but by saying that, where does that leave Orochimaru?
Kakashi began to sense that Shikaku's invitation might have a deeper, special purpose, one that was significant and made him hesitant to proceed.
Does Minato-sensei know about this?
Shikaku glanced at Kakashi for a moment and, seeing that he didn't speak, turned around and continued leading the way.
"Come on, Kakashi, we're almost at my house."
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