Kakashi's evaluation came with an unspoken condition.
It was based on what he could see.
Sasuke listened, nodded once, and filed the words away. On the surface, nothing changed.
"So you're saying I'm around a standard jōnin level now," Sasuke said.
"Roughly," Kakashi replied. "But don't misunderstand. Power isn't the same as survival. Your combat experience is still thin. Even a weaker opponent can kill you if you get careless."
"I understand."
Kakashi wasn't talking about sparring. Sasuke knew the difference. A real fight didn't need elaborate techniques. A single kunai, placed well, was enough.
He had plenty of practice fighting. What he lacked was blood on the ground.
"In a month," Kakashi went on, "you'll graduate."
His eye curved into a faint smile. "Whoever gets assigned as your jōnin instructor is going to have a hard time."
"I'd prefer it to be you," Sasuke said. "There's still a lot I can learn."
Kakashi shook his head. "You're already past what I can teach in most areas. But there is one technique I haven't shown you yet. It's the foundation of my combat style."
Sasuke looked up.
"Whether or not I'm your instructor after graduation doesn't matter," Kakashi continued. "I'll teach it to you now."
"Thank you, Kakashi-sensei."
The words were simple. They carried weight anyway.
"The technique you're thinking of," Kakashi said, "the one that cut through your lightning earlier. That was Lightning Cutter. But what I'm going to teach you first is its base form."
"Chidori."
He raised his hand.
"Listen carefully."
Lightning chakra gathered in his palm, dense and violent. The air screamed as the sound of countless birds erupted at once.
"That sound is where it gets its name," Kakashi said. "Chidori focuses lightning chakra into a single point. Extreme penetration. Extreme speed. It also stimulates the body, forcing your movements faster than normal."
His hands flashed through three seals.
Sasuke watched. Every motion. Every transition.
"Remember the seals."
"I have them."
Kakashi dispersed the chakra.
"For now, that's enough. I'll explain the training method."
He did. Slowly. Clearly.
Sasuke listened. When something wasn't clear, he asked. Kakashi answered without impatience. Half an hour passed before he finally stopped.
"That's everything," Kakashi said. "Understand?"
"Yes."
Kakashi nodded, then paused. A hint of pride slipped through. "You really are the most gifted student I've met. Still, understanding it doesn't mean you can use it. Even with your talent, I'd estimate you'll need at least half a—"
The sound cut him off.
A thousand birds screamed at once.
Kakashi froze.
Sasuke stood there, seals already complete. Lightning churned violently in his right hand, sharp and focused.
Silence followed.
Kakashi stared.
Sasuke waited.
"…I see," Kakashi said at last.
Sasuke tilted his head slightly. "It didn't seem as difficult as you described."
Kakashi coughed, turning away for a moment.
"Regardless," he said, regaining composure, "there's something important you need to remember. Chidori requires a straight, high-speed charge. At that velocity, your vision can't keep up. Without enhanced perception, you'll be open to counterattacks."
He looked directly at Sasuke.
"Until you awaken the Sharingan, don't use it in real combat."
Sasuke nodded.
Kakashi's tone softened. "You're about to become a shinobi. What happened to your clan… I'm sorry. Just don't let the past consume everything else. Remember what's still in front of you."
He hesitated, then added, "I had a friend once. He was like you. He—"
"Kakashi-sensei," Sasuke said calmly, "that friend you're talking about… was that you?"
Kakashi went silent.
The wind passed between them.