Chapter 38: Personal Guidance
"Stop!"
"Boom!"
Just as Kakashi's tightly clenched Chidori was a mere twenty centimeters away from piercing Koshino's chest, a sudden shout from afar brought a glimmer of hope for Koshino's survival!
Because, hearing that familiar voice, Koshino knew it was the Fourth Hokage! With the Fourth Hokage present, Koshino was certain his life was spared!
Indeed, the Fourth Hokage did not disappoint Koshino.
At the critical moment when Kakashi almost lost control of his Chidori and nearly killed Koshino,
the Fourth Hokage appeared like a golden flash, instantly positioning himself between Koshino and Kakashi. With a heavy slap on Kakashi's wrist, he intervened!
"Boom!"
Another loud crash echoed as Kakashi's Chidori struck the ground, creating a deep crater!
In that instant, both Koshino and Kakashi were drenched in cold sweat, their foreheads and backs slick with moisture.
Clearly, Koshino was relieved and grateful for the Fourth Hokage's timely arrival that saved his life, though the sweat was also from the fear of death he had just experienced.
Kakashi's cold sweat, however, was from the realization of his grave mistake.
"I almost... I almost killed Koshino?"
"What was I thinking?"
Taking several deep breaths, Koshino finally managed to calm his panicked heart. In contrast, Kakashi remained in a state of shock.
Then, the Fourth Hokage, seeing that he had prevented a tragedy, exhaled slowly in relief.
Observing that Koshino was unharmed, albeit a bit shaken, the Fourth Hokage turned his stern gaze to Kakashi and reprimanded him harshly:
"Kakashi, do you realize what you were doing just now?"
"Koshino is not your enemy; he's your comrade. Even in a spar, you need to exercise some restraint, don't you?"
"Sensei Minato, I... I know I was wrong."
Kakashi hung his head, lacking even the courage to meet the Fourth Hokage's eyes.
After apologizing to the Fourth Hokage, Kakashi quickly turned to Koshino, bowing deeply before expressing his regret, "Koshino, I'm really sorry. I had no intention of hurting you, it's just..."
"I understand, Kakashi. Being on the battlefield for so long can lead to some mental issues! I'm fine, so let's just forget about it."
Even though Koshino was genuinely upset with Kakashi's lack of restraint, he had to put on a brave face in front of the Fourth Hokage.
Besides, Koshino had a positive mindset! On the battlefield, if you're not as skilled, you could truly die. So Kakashi's Chidori served as an important lesson for Koshino.
Moreover, Koshino had made progress in that life-and-death moment.
Just as Kakashi's Chidori was about to strike Koshino's chest, Koshino suddenly felt something shatter in his mind with a "crack" sound!
Immediately, a vague sensation enveloped Koshino's surroundings.
Now, even without using chakra to sense, Koshino could faintly perceive what was happening around him.
For these reasons, Koshino, who had benefited from the ordeal, couldn't blame Kakashi.
Instead, he felt he should thank him, though Kakashi, having made a mistake, wouldn't accept Koshino's gratitude.
Seeing Koshino and Kakashi reconcile, the Fourth Hokage also breathed a silent sigh of relief.
But just as Koshino thought the misunderstanding was resolved, the Fourth Hokage's stern gaze unexpectedly fell on him!
"Koshino, Kakashi knows his mistake. Do you know yours?"
"Huh?"
Koshino was momentarily stunned but quickly realized that the Fourth Hokage intended to give both parties a fair share of the blame.
He promptly nodded and said, "Minato-sensei, I understand my mistake!"
"Good, as long as you know your mistake."
The Fourth Hokage nodded silently, appreciating Koshino's attitude in admitting his fault.
He first glanced at Kakashi, who had his head lowered, then shifted his gaze to Koshino.
Slowly, he said, "Kakashi was wrong for using a dangerous jutsu during sparring, which almost injured you, Koshino. And your mistake,
Koshino, was not respecting your senior. If you hadn't provoked Kakashi, would he have used such a dangerous jutsu?"
"So, Koshino, quickly apologize to Kakashi!"
"Kakashi-senpai, I know I was wrong!"
There was an inevitable feeling of strangeness in his heart, but after all, the person in front of him was the Fourth Hokage, and he wasn't.
Might makes right, and the Fourth Hokage's might was undoubtedly the greatest, so Koshino could only silently apologize to Kakashi.
Overall, the Fourth Hokage was still a reasonable person. At least he didn't punish Koshino or Kakashi over this matter.
Seeing Koshino and Kakashi reconcile and even form the reconciliation seal, the Fourth Hokage then guided their attention towards training.
"Now, Kakashi, you're already a Jonin. More often than not, you'll need to explore your path forward on your own.
Just like Jiraiya-sensei taught me, I must also learn to let go and allow you to progress independently.
However, the issues you're facing are significant, and as your teacher, I must help you resolve them. So, for the next few days, you'll train with Koshino and me."
After the Fourth Hokage finished speaking, Kakashi silently nodded.
When it came to trust, Kakashi had absolute faith in the Fourth Hokage.
So when the Fourth Hokage hinted that he could help Kakashi solve his chakra capacity and consumption issues, Kakashi agreed without hesitation.
Once again, the Fourth Hokage shifted his gaze to Koshino.
Meeting Koshino's eyes, which were filled with hidden excitement, the Fourth Hokage smiled slightly and said,
"Koshino, you're very smart, and your foundation is solid. With your effort, in at most three years, you could surpass Kakashi and become the youngest Jonin in history.
But unfortunately, if you were to enter the battlefield now, without any means of self-preservation or a trump card, your chances of survival would be very slim."
"So, to address the issues both you and Kakashi face, I've decided to have you follow me in training this jutsu!"
"It's..."
As he spoke, the Fourth Hokage suddenly paused for suspense, then extended his right hand, gathering chakra within.
In the expectant eyes of Koshino and Kakashi, chakra gradually appeared in the Fourth Hokage's palm, forming a sphere. Wasn't it the Rasengan?
Koshino, who already knew the principles of Rasengan training, couldn't help but curl his lips in disdain as the Fourth Hokage "proudly" used the Rasengan.
On the other hand, Kakashi, despite having developed his own S-rank jutsu, still looked like a country bumpkin upon seeing the Fourth Hokage's Rasengan, repeatedly exclaiming:
"Minato-sensei, are you planning to teach Koshino and me the Rasengan?"
"That's right, it's the Rasengan!"
With a smile, the Fourth Hokage nodded, preparing to explain the benefits of training the Rasengan and its key points to Koshino and Kakashi.
But at that moment, something neither the Fourth Hokage nor Kakashi expected happened.
Just as the Fourth Hokage was about to explain the principles of Rasengan training, Koshino suddenly, like a curious child, extended his right hand, gathering chakra while asking the Fourth Hokage:...
Extra chapter in minutes keep them stones coming.