Naruto SI: Kaito Red Lightnin Chapter 199
'Yagura… Wants to attend the Chūnin Exam finals? What the hell is Obito planning…?' he thought, his mind already racing.
Tsunade gave a slight nod. "Yeah."
Kaito's voice dropped, mostly to himself. "Why would Yagura come in person? Is this about the Yuki clan…?"
"We don't know," Tsunade admitted. "And we can't exactly deny him either. It's normal for a Kage to attend the finals. If we refuse, it could be seen as disrespect."
"But," Shikaku added, "we all know Yagura is under the masked man's influence. This is high risk."
Fugaku set his scroll down. "It could be cover for something more… like an attack on the village. I say we deploy a small force to the border as a precaution."
Shikaku nodded. "Agreed. but we have to do it with out being detected. if we don't want to escalating things if this is just a simple visit."
Tsunade stood and returned to the window. The rain still fell steadily, veiling the village in a light mist.
"We'll prepare for the worst… and hope for the best," she said quietly. Then she glanced back at Kaito. "I want you with me when we receive the Mizukage."
Kaito nodded without hesitation. his mind already racing.
…
The sun hung high overhead, casting a warm light over the worn dirt of the training ground.
Kaito ducked under Naruto's punch, caught his wrist, and with a smooth twist, flung him straight into Karin, who had just appeared behind him.
"Ah—!" Karin blinked, surprised. She didn't have time to react. Naruto crashed into her, and the force sent them both tumbling across the ground.
At the same moment, Kaito jumped up, easily dodging Kimimaro's sweeping leg kick.
'Too slow,' he thought.
He brought his foot down hard on Kimimaro's stomach, then followed up with a sharp kick that sent Kimimaro sprawling across the dirt.
Guren came at him next, charging straight in with a flurry of punches and kicks. Kaito weaved through them like water slipping past rocks.
'She's getting faster… but still too open,' he noted.
He swept her legs out from under her, dropping her to the ground, then ducked low just as he sensed a sudden flicker behind him.
'Haku.'
Haku twisted in midair and landed lightly—then rushed at Kaito the instant his feet touched the ground.
Kaito met him head-on, blocking every punch and kick lazily. Then he pushed forward and drove a solid kick into Haku's stomach, sending him skidding back.
Naruto groaned from where he sat in the dirt, rubbing his head. "At this rate… I don't think we'll ever land a hit on him, ya know…"
Karin grumbled, sitting up and trying to shake dirt from her hair. "That's 'cause he's not holding back enough."
Guren let out a tired breath and sat cross-legged. "I don't even think he can go easy…"
Kimimaro stood up in silence, brushing dust off his sleeves.
Kaito clapped his hands once. "Alright. That's enough sparring."
Everyone slowly made their way over, tired but focused. They were breathing hard, clothes dirty, but their eyes were still sharp.
Kaito smiled and rolled his shoulders. "Well done, you guys. All of you did well."
Guren mumbled, "Easy for you to say. You weren't the one getting beat up…"
Kaito heard her, but just ignored it. He had something else in mind.
"Let's move on to your ninjutsu training," he said.
He formed a single seal, and four shadow clones popped into existence with a puff of smoke.
"I want to teach each of you something new today," Kaito said. "So we're splitting up. One of me for each of you."
The clones each motioned for one person to follow.
As they began heading toward separate corners of the field, Naruto hung back beside the original.
He tilted his head. "So… am I learning the same as them?"
Kaito turned to him and gave a small smirk. "Not exactly. I think it's time we started your Rasengan training."
Naruto blinked. "Wait, seriously?!"
Kaito nodded. "Yup. You'll probably need about a year and a half to master it fully. But I want you to have it down before you graduate, so starting now is perfect."
Naruto lit up. "Yes! That's awesome!"
"Hold on," Kaito said, raising a hand. "Before we begin—one rule."
Naruto tilted his head.
"You don't use this in any sparring. Got it?" Kaito's tone was firm. "The Rasengan is an A-rank jutsu. If you land this on someone unprepared, you could kill them."
Naruto straightened. "O-Okay. I got it, Kai-nii."
"Good."
Kaito turned and walked over to a training stump nearby. He reached into his bag and pulled out two water balloons. Tossing one to Naruto, he held the other in his palm.
"This is the first step," Kaito said. "chakra Rotation. Your goal is to pop it using your chakra to spin water inside the ballon. No squeezing. No brute force."
kaito then demonstrated on the balloon he was holding. The water inside the balloon began to swirl rapidly until—pop—it burst cleanly in his hand. "Like this," he added, brushing the leftover bits off.
Naruto grinned. "That's it? Pfft, easy. just watch and learn, ya know."
He stared at the balloon, furrowing his brows as he focused. A few seconds passed. Nothing happened.
"Huh? Why isn't anything happening?" he muttered, blinking in confusion.
Kaito gave him a flat look. "Did you really think it was gonna be that easy, Naruto? The Rasengan is the peak of chakra shape transformation. It's an A-rank jutsu for a reason."
Naruto frowned and eyed the balloon suspiciously. "This is gonna be harder than it looks, huh?"
Kaito raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Yup."
Naruto scratched his cheek. "Can I use shadow clones for this?"
Kaito shook his head. "No."
Naruto blinked, confused. "Huh? What? Why not?"
"Because your clones are going to continue working on water nature transformation," Kaito said, pulling out a piece of paper and holding it up. "I want you to master both by the time you graduate."
Naruto groaned, flopping back slightly. "Aww man… that's double the work!"
Kaito reached out and ruffled his hair. "That's the point, ya know. I want you to learn the Rasengan the slow way. No shortcuts. That way, when you finally get it—you'll understand every part of how it works."
Naruto puffed out his cheeks and muttered, "You're the worst, Kai-nii…"
Kaito smirked. "You'll thank me later."
He turned and nodded toward the balloon. "Now get started. Remember—you need to rotate your chakra in all directions, not just one."
Naruto stared at the balloon like it had just insulted his whole family. "Alright… bring it on!"
And just like that, the real training began.
It had been six months since Naruto met Kurama and had that first real talk with him. A lot had changed since then.
Over the last six month, Kaito had been pushing Naruto harder in training.
He had finally taught Naruto the Shadow Clone Jutsu—and more importantly, introduced him to the shadow clone training method. But Kaito limited him to just four clones. Any more and Naruto would've burned himself out too fast.
Right now, Naruto was working on water nature transformation. He'd already mastered wind, so this was the next step. But it wasn't coming easy. Wind was his natural affinity—water wasn't.
even after one months of training with shadow clones Naruto was still stuck on the first stage, and it was clear how much tougher this one was for him.
He didn't just want Naruto to get by. He wanted him to be strong—strong without handout power ups.
Kaito had a reason for this. A very specific one.
He knew Naruto was the reincarnation of Asura. That kind of soul came with insane potential. And if Naruto trained properly—without leaning on Kurama's chakra all the time—he could go even further than he did in the original timeline.
'People forget,' Kaito thought, 'if you take away Kurama and Hagoromo's power, Naruto wouldn't have even been stronger than the Third Hokage during the war…'
But with the right training, with the right mindset, Naruto had the potential to reach Hashirama's level—or even surpass him.
And Kaito was going to make sure he did.
He planned to have Naruto master both water and earth nature transformation before he graduated.
No more shortcuts. No more crutches.
At the same time, something else had been changing—quietly, slowly.
Naruto had started talking to Kurama more often. Every day, in fact. Sometimes he told him about his training. Other times, it was just random stuff—like what he had for dinner.
He always came back saying the same thing: that Kurama either ignored him or just snorted like he didn't care.
But Naruto still smiled when he talked about it.
"Ya know… I think he likes it when I talk to him," Naruto had said one evening, rubbing the back of his head. "Even if he pretends he doesn't."
Kaito had just smirked. 'Of course he does,' he thought.
While Naruto trained with his water balloon, Kakashi landed quietly beside Kaito, hands in his pockets.
He glanced at Naruto, who was growling at the balloon like it owed him money. "Isn't it a bit early to be teaching him the Rasengan?" Kakashi asked.
Kaito shook his head. "It's the perfect time. This way, he'll have it fully mastered by the time he graduates."
Kakashi gave a thoughtful nod, then asked, "His using the shadow clone training method… Hmm, won't split up his chakra like that give the Nine-Tails easier access to it?"
"It would," Kaito admitted with a nod. "But what's the point of having an advantage if you don't use it?" He glanced toward Naruto, who was struggling to make the water inside the balloon spin.
"Besides," Kaito added casually, "we've kinda come to an understanding with the Kyūbi."
Kakashi raised a brow. "An understanding?"
"Yeah," Kaito said. "Me, Naruto, and Mom—we visited him. Had a little chat."
Kakashi blinked. "You talked to the Nine-Tails?"
Kaito nodded, eyes still on his brother. "Tailed Beasts… they're not the mindless monsters people think they are. They're more like people—just angry, hurt, and misunderstood."
Kakashi was silent, watching as Naruto gritted his teeth and tried again, the balloon barely wobbling.
Then Kaito asked quietly, "You just got back from a mission?"
Kakashi nodded. "Yeah. just arrived a few hours ago"
Kaito nodded, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Kakashi added, almost offhandedly, "I heard the Mizukage is expected to visit soon."
Kaito let out a low hum and gave a short nod. "Yeah."
The silence stretched again, heavier this time.
Kaito glanced at Kakashi from the corner of his eye. "You worried about Kahyō and her clan?"
Kakashi didn't answer. He just kept watching Naruto.
Kaito let out a quiet sigh. "I brought them here. I'm not gonna let anything happen to them, ya know."
Kakashi finally exhaled and looked back at him. "I assume you already have a plan?"
Kaito nodded. "If Yagura's here to start a war… I'll kill him."
His tone was calm. Matter-of-fact.
"I'm pretty sure Mei will be the next Mizukage," Kaito added. "And with her in charge, they might not want to escalate things. I bet she's already gathered her supporters and told them the truth about Yagura."
He crossed his arms, eyes narrowing slightly.
"And I doubt the Kirigakure elders want to start a war with Konoha right now… not after all the damage Yagura's caused over the years—and especially not after losing their Mizukage."
Kakashi tilted his head slightly. "I assume you've told Lady Tsunade?"
Kaito nodded. "Yeah. She agrees with the plan—but she wants to wait, She wants to see what Yagura's intentions really are. before we make contact with Mei."
He folded his arms. "Even though we know, with yagura being controlled by the masked man, his coming over for a treaty or a friendly visit. that why, she's sending Shisui and five hundred shinobi to the border with Kiri—just in case."
Kakashi nodded. "Yeah. Lady Tsunade briefed me too. I'm on standby… in case the other villages decide to get involved."
They both turned back toward Naruto, who was yelling at his balloon again in frustration.
Kaito glanced sideways. "You thinking about him?"
Kakashi's eye didn't leave the boy. "I just don't get it… What's he trying to do? What does he want? Why's he doing all this?"
Kaito's voice was calm. "You can't blame yourself for someone else's choices, Kakashi. You can only help them… if they're willing to listen."
Kakashi didn't respond, but the tightness in his shoulders said enough.
Kaito looked up at the sky. "You should come by for dinner."
Kakashi shook his head. "No, I don't want to intrude."
Kaito glanced at him. "I wasn't asking. I'm telling you."
Kakashi blinked.
kaito gave him a look "Mom's been asking about you. She hasn't seen you the past year and she's been worried, ya know. She sees you like a little brother. So you're coming over."
Kakashi let out a long sigh, then nodded. "Alright, alright. I'll come, I'll come. You don't have to lay it on so thick." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I've just been busy with missions. It's not like I was avoiding her on purpose… geez."
He turned on his heel and started walking away.
Kaito raised an eyebrow and called after him, "Where are you going?"
Kakashi waved a hand over his shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll be there at seven. Just got something to take care of first."
with that his figure vanished in a swirl of leaves.
Kaito, then turned back to the field—just in time to see Naruto yell at his balloon in frustration.
…
Kaito stepped out of his room, towel draped around his neck as he rubbed the last bit of water from his hair. The sound of humming reached his ears—soft and familiar.
He made his way into the kitchen and found Kushina moving about, cheerful as ever.
Karin was just finishing up setting the table.
Kushina walked over with a steaming pot in her hands, setting it down at the center of the table. She looked up and smiled. "Come sit down, ya know. I just finished cooking."
Kaito walked over to the sink and grabbed a glass, filling it with cold water. "Where's everyone else?"
Kushina wiped her hands on a dish towel and glanced at the clock. "Well, Naruto's still getting ready, and the others haven't arrived yet… but they should be here any minute now."
Right on cue, Naruto came bounding in, barefoot and hair still damp from a rushed wash. "Mom! Is dinner ready yet? I'm starving, ya know!"
Kushina laughed. "Yeah, it's just finished. We're just waiting on the others now, ya know."
A knock echoed from the front door.
"That must be them," Kushina said, turning toward the sound.
"I got it, Mom," Kaito said, taking a sip of water before walking out of the kitchen.
He crossed the living room and slid open the door.
Standing outside were Haku, Guren, and Kimimaro—Kakashi beside them, holding a bottle of wine in one hand and giving a lazy wave.
"Yo. Hope I'm not late," Kakashi said.
Guren gave a short nod. "Evening."
"Thanks for having us," Haku added politely.
Kimimaro gave a slight bow.
Kaito stepped aside and grinned. "Come in, guys. You're just in time—Mom just finished cooking, ya know."
Haku, Guren, and Kimimaro stepped in first, removing their shoes at the door. Kakashi followed, still holding the wine.
As he entered, he handed it to Kaito.
Kaito took it, raised an eyebrow, and gave him a sideways look. "What's this for?"
Kakashi scratched his cheek, looking a little sheepish. "It's a gift. I felt bad showing up empty-handed, so I picked it up on the way."
Kaito shrugged. "Well… thanks, I guess." He closed the door behind them and walked with Kakashi toward the kitchen.
When they stepped in, Kushina turned from the counter with a bright smile. "Come, come, sit! Everything's ready!"
Kaito walked over and handed her the bottle. "Here, Mom. Kakashi brought this."
Kushina took the wine and gave it a quick glance, then looked up at Kakashi with a raised brow. "Eh? Wine? What for?"
Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck. "I just thought I shouldn't come empty-handed…"
Kushina smiled, her tone softening. "Well, thank you for the wine—but you don't have to bring anything when you come over, ya know. You're like family to us, Kakashi."
She gave him a gentle swat on the arm with her towel. "If you really feel like you have to bring something, just get some fruit or snacks next time. Don't waste your money on fancy wine and all that."
Kakashi gave a small nod as he took a seat at the new table. "I'll keep that in mind."
The table was a recent addition—one Kushina had picked out when she realized the old one was getting too cramped. With all the kids growing up and friends visiting more often, they needed the space. The new table could seat over ten people comfortably, though it did take up a huge chunk of the kitchen.
Thankfully, the kitchen was big enough to handle it.
Everyone began taking their seats as the rich aroma of curry filled the air.
the sound of laughter and light chatter filled the room.
The kids—Naruto, Karin, Guren, Haku, and Kimimaro—were in their own world, teasing each other between bites.
Meanwhile, Kaito, Kushina, and Kakashi sat on one side, quietly enjoying their own conversation… until Kushina leaned forward with a casual smile.
"So, Kakashi," she said, scooping up more curry. "When are you marrying Kahyō?"
Kakashi choked mid-sip.
He coughed, eyes wide, and looked at her in disbelief. "Wh-What?"
Kushina tilted her head. "What? You are dating her, right?"
"I—I mean…" Kakashi looked away, flustered. "I haven't really thought that far ahead…"
Kushina narrowed her eyes. "Don't play with a woman's feelings, Kakashi."
He waved his hands frantically. "It's nothing like that! I just… I don't know if I'm ready yet, that's all!"
Kushina leaned in. "Do you like her?"
Kakashi shifted in his seat. "Can we not talk about this?"
Kushina sighed and placed her chopsticks down. "Kakashi, I'm trying to help here. You're like a little brother to me and Minato, ya know. And you were his favorite student."
Kakashi looked down at his plate, quiet.
"So…" Kushina continued, voice softening. "Do you think you could spend the rest of your life with her?"
Kakashi hesitated, then gave a quiet nod. "Yeah… I think I could."
Kushina gave him a warm smile. "Then don't keep her waiting. You're not getting any younger, and you know how short a shinobi's life can be."
She paused—then smirked. "To be honest, I was losing hope with you. I almost thought you and Gai had a thing going on, with how many girls you turned down."
Kaito, mid-bite, choked hard on his food. "Gahk—!"
Kakashi's face turned crimson above the mask. "WHAT?! No! Me and Gai?! That's not—!"
Kushina burst out laughing. "I'm kidding! Well—mostly."
Kaito was still coughing, red in the face.
Kakashi looked horrified, eyes wide over his mask.
Kushina gave him a light pat on the shoulder, still chuckling. "I'm just glad you found someone. Kahyō's a sweet girl. Don't let her slip away, ya know."
Kakashi sighed and lifted his bowl. "I'll… think about it."
"Good," Kushina said, topping off his rice with a satisfied smile.
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