The matter of the Thunder Country mission gradually subsided after Kuze and his group departed Konoha, carrying the body of Sancun.
Notably, the two Hyūga brothers—Hiashi and Hizashi—visited the Hatake residence together to express their gratitude.
Kakashi did not stand on ceremony and accepted their thanks graciously.
That debt of gratitude had already been formed, and should Kakashi one day assume the position of Hokage, the Hyūga clan would certainly support him.
However, the Hokage seat was still far beyond Kakashi's current reach.
After all, Kakashi was still considered young.
Compared to the youngest Hokage, Minato Namikaze, who was six years older when he took office, it was unrealistic for Kakashi to be chosen now.
Even if the Third Hokage were to offer the role to Kakashi, he would likely refuse.
This was a crucial period for the growth of his own strength. Taking on the burdens of Hokage duties now, instead of focusing on development, would be unwise.
And Kakashi's gains this time were significant; it would take a while to digest and consolidate them.
Now that he had obtained the Lightning Release Chakra Armor technique, he couldn't afford to be idle. It was time to put it into serious training.
Kakashi's current window of freedom was the period before Jiraiya's return to the village.
That day, as Kakashi prepared to head out for practice, he unexpectedly encountered Shisui on the road.
"Senior Kakashi, you're really taking it easy."
"Ah, Shisui. Are you heading to Anbu?"
"No, I took the day off today."
Kakashi was a little surprised. "Leave? What's the occasion?"
"I made plans to train with Itachi."
"Uchiha Itachi?"
"Yes, do you know him, senpai? He's a prodigy. Graduated from the Academy in just one year. Recently awakened his Sharingan. I'm planning to recommend him for Anbu soon—of course, into your Team Six."
Kakashi was taken aback. He hadn't realized Itachi had already graduated and awakened the Sharingan. Itachi should only be around eight years old now.
To awaken the Sharingan at such a young age—he truly lived up to the Uchiha reputation.
"Well, senpai, I'd better hurry. I'm running late. See you!"
With that, Shisui vanished in a blur of motion.
Kakashi murmured silently to himself, "Itachi's eight already… in another five years, it'll be the Uchiha clan massacre. What a tragic family."
Kakashi's feelings about the Uchiha were complicated.
Logically, the Hatake and Uchiha clans had no direct ties, yet Kakashi was connected to so many Uchiha.
Obito, Shisui, Itachi, Sasuke…
And, of course, the Sharingan in his left eye.
"Whatever. That's for the future. I've still got a long road ahead."
Reaching Training Ground Seven, Kakashi began studying the Lightning Release Chakra Armor.
As a secret Yotsuki technique passed down through generations in Kumogakure, it was anything but easy to master.
Otherwise, it wouldn't have remained exclusive to successive Raikage for so many years.
The Lightning Armor had three stages. The first required extensive physical conditioning.
After all, it was a type of ninjutsu, and the body needed to be strong enough to handle it. Otherwise, the user would collapse before even striking the enemy.
The second stage involved cloaking the body entirely in lightning-nature chakra—like the Fourth Raikage.
At that level, the user's defense, offense, and speed were greatly enhanced.
Currently, the Fourth Raikage was at this stage.
The third stage involved a more advanced, refined lightning chakra.
Once that level was achieved, the body's defense could reach near-bijuu levels.
The attack power would also reach monstrous heights.
At that point, techniques like the devastating Hell Stab or a Lightning Lariat could be unleashed with lethal effect.
Just like the legendary Third Raikage.
Kakashi speculated that if he ever reached the third stage of the Lightning Armor, it might allow him to rival the early gates of the Eight Gates Formation.
It would certainly be an effective tool against chakra-resistant enemies.
Of course, for now, Kakashi hadn't even begun to scratch the surface of mastering the technique.
To even enter the initial stage required a deep affinity with lightning-style chakra, which wasn't something that could be achieved by mere copying.
It required intense adaptation before it could be used properly.
If Kakashi had tried using it immediately after copying it, even without the Fourth Raikage present, he would've collapsed under the backlash.
Being a Raikage-level technique, it was far from easy to learn.
Now seated cross-legged atop a large wooden post, Kakashi calmed both body and mind.
He formed hand signs, guiding his lightning-nature chakra to flow and expand gradually.
Among all chakra types Kakashi possessed, his lightning nature was the strongest.
As the lightning chakra grew, it began to circulate through his body following the copied technique's patterns.
Wherever the chakra traveled, it left behind a tingling burn.
Kakashi winced. Cultivating this technique was even more demanding than anticipated.
But Kakashi was, after all, a genius in the realm of ninjutsu comprehension.
Especially in lightning-style—his insight was unmatched.
At just twelve, he created the A-rank technique Chidori. What could stop such talent?
The discomfort didn't dissuade him—it fueled his fighting spirit.
It was just Lightning Armor, and Kakashi wasn't going to be defeated by it.
Focusing his mental energy throughout his body, Kakashi began executing chakra control on a micro scale.
Lightning-nature chakra was volatile. One misstep could cause severe internal damage.
Thus, Kakashi proceeded with the utmost caution.
As the lightning chakra traveled through his meridians, it stimulated every cell and muscle.
Anyone watching him from the outside would see occasional sparks of lightning flashing over his body.
He was entering a new stage of Lightning Armor cultivation.
Meanwhile, Shisui had just arrived at the training site where he had agreed to meet Itachi.
"You're late, Shisui."
"Sorry, sorry. I ran into Senior Kakashi and chatted a bit," Shisui said apologetically.
"Hatake Kakashi?" Itachi asked, slightly surprised.
"Yeah, him. He's been getting a lot of attention lately. People say he defeated the Fourth Raikage, foiled Kumogakure's plans, and safeguarded Konoha. He's seriously my idol."
"Anyone who brings peace to the village deserves respect."
"Itachi, once you join the Anbu, you've got to get into Team Six. Working under Kakashi, you'll learn tons!"
"I understand, Shisui. Now, let's begin practice."
"You're so serious, man."
Shisui scratched his head, smiling helplessly.
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