"Hatake Kakashi? Whatever, your name doesn't matter right now. What did you mean when you said my training was pointless just now?"
Ignoring Kakashi's name, Sasuke was more concerned about what Kakashi had said, that his training was meaningless, making him frown in displeasure.
Because his shuriken training methods were taught by that hateful man, Uchiha Itachi.
Although he didn't want to admit it, Sasuke had to acknowledge that Itachi's understanding and application of shuriken were outstanding even among the Uchiha Clan as an expert in shuriken.
"At face value."
Kakashi wasn't bothered by Sasuke's dissatisfaction, continuing to smile casually.
"I see, you came here specifically to pick a fight?"
Sasuke's face turned serious as he quickly drew shuriken from the Ninja Tool Bag, ready to fling them at Kakashi.
"No, no, I'm just telling the truth. With this step-by-step method of training, to put it bluntly, you won't surpass Uchiha Itachi in your lifetime."
Kakashi stared directly into Sasuke's eyes as he spoke.
Whoosh!
The shuriken mercilessly shot towards Kakashi's body, but before Sasuke could even see Kakashi's technique clearly, he saw that the shuriken he had flung were already spinning around Kakashi's right index finger.
Immediately dispelled.
Sasuke was not surprised by this; although Kakashi appeared lazy, he was after all an elite Anbu Jonin, far superior to a Genin, and such skill was expected.
"If you're here to mock me, then you've succeeded. I don't want to waste my time arguing with you right now; it's wasting my training time. Just leave."
Sasuke snorted coldly, completely annoyed by Kakashi flaunting his skills.
Yet the difference in their strength was too great; no tactic he could think of would allow him to defeat a Jonin.
This was an absolute gap in power, not something cleverness could bridge.
"Although it's troublesome, at least you bear the name Uchiha. I'll get straight to the point; I'm here by the Hokage's order, from today onwards, to be your personal tutor."
Kakashi scratched his head; he knew that exchanging pleasantries with Sasuke was pointless here.
Though young, Sasuke was not dim-witted, especially after experiencing the tragic event of the clan's extermination, which had accelerated his mental growth. Although this growth was likely filled with various twisted and extreme notions of vengeance.
"The Hokage!?"
Sasuke's face displayed an incredibly shocked expression as he stared dumbfounded at Kakashi.
"That's right. The current era is unlike the war times of the past; essentially, the countries maintain a stable balance, so the Ninja School won't allow early graduation."
The Second Great Ninja War and the Third Great Ninja War had seen too many young talents dying on the battlefield before maturing fully.
To ensure a steady supply of fresh blood, a high-level meeting decided that students must study for six years before graduating from the Ninja School.
This is both protection and a means of ensuring Konoha's future core strength is replenished and restored.
But such words surely cannot be said outright; they need to be artfully rephrased for external declaration.
"Compared to the wartime graduation standards of the past, you're basically qualified now. But because the era is different, you can't leave the Ninja School yet, which would hinder your growth. Much of what's taught at the Ninja School is useless to you, and you've lost the possibility of further advancement. Therefore, the Hokage wished not to waste your talent and sent me to personally instruct you."
Kakashi explained.
Sasuke was slightly enlightened.
Though he didn't understand national matters, he grasped the general idea of Kakashi's explanation.
In simple terms, the Hokage valued his talent and thus dispatched a trusted Anbu Jonin to train him privately.
Thinking of this, Sasuke felt a vague excitement.
If a Jonin were to personally guide him, he could quickly become stronger, and then... kill Uchiha Itachi, restoring the Uchiha Clan!
"So, starting today, you'll teach me one-on-one, right?"
Sasuke eagerly asked, his gaze towards Kakashi becoming much more agreeable.
"No."
Kakashi shook his head.
"Huh?"
Sasuke stared blankly at Kakashi, puzzled by Kakashi's denial.
Wasn't tutoring him an order from the Hokage? Why shake his head and deny it?
Kakashi smiled and said, "Though it's the Hokage's command, I have my pride too. Unless you impress me greatly, your talent won't matter in the slightest to me."
"But it's the Hokage's command, isn't it?"
"I'm the Minister of the Anbu, and if I insist, the Hokage will consider my heavy workload and withdraw the order."
Anbu Minister!
Sasuke's eyes widened.
He knew Kakashi was an elite within the Anbu, respected, but he hadn't expected him to be the Minister, such a significant figure.
In terms of rank, he was on the same level as Sasuke's father, the former Konoha Security Team Captain, Uchiha Fugaku.
"By the way, your brother Uchiha Itachi used to be one of my subordinates."
"Itachi, he..."
"What? Are you excited? But, regrettably, even I don't have absolute confidence in defeating Itachi, and may even be defeated by him."
This statement, Kakashi was truthful.
The Sharingan, such a terrifying Kekkeigenkai.