Kakashi stayed silent.
Chiba's vision and way of thinking had always been different from ordinary people's—otherwise, he could never have created so many unique techniques.
But… the Hyūga Clan, huh?
He thought for a moment, then spoke seriously.
"If you finish developing it, adding it to the Book of Creation shouldn't be difficult. But if you want it widely adopted, that'll be harder."
"I thought the same," Chiba nodded. "Come to think of it, the Eight Gates are actually acupuncture points too."
"Hm?" Kakashi blinked.
Why did it come back to the Eight Gates ?
This kid's mind really jumped all over the place.
He was still thinking when Chiba continued,
"The Eight Gates exist to limit and protect the body. But if we could open them partially, under control…"
"Partially?"
Kakashi narrowed his eyes. "Many have studied that idea. Even the second Hokage once explored the possibility of partially opening the Eight Gates."
"It's difficult, though. The chakra that bursts out is too violent—the body's own 'locks' can barely hold it back," Chiba said, shaking his head.
"Yeah," Kakashi agreed softly.
"By the way, sensei—you came to find me for something, right?"
"Ah, right. The thing you requested—it's done."
What I requested?
Chiba blinked, puzzled for a moment—then his eyes lit up.
So kid actually took the fall for it?
Brilliant!
Having a scapegoat like kid in Konoha really made life easier.
He felt a little thrill but quickly took a few deep breaths to calm himself.
"So, that means we'll have more time to study the ninja tools?"
"Exactly. The Hokage approved—you and Tenten have been officially assigned. But…" Kakashi's voice grew stern, "you'll inevitably have to deal with kid and the Root organization. Be very careful. He's an extremely dangerous man."
"I understand."
Chiba truly did. He knew full well how sinister kid was—but since he'd already been marked, there was no avoiding contact.
And honestly, meeting him as a collaborator might not be a bad thing.
Besides, there were things in Root he was… very curious about.
They looked up—
Luckily, Ichiraku Ramen was still open.
A few minutes later, the shop echoed with the sound of "slurp, slurp."
Kakashi had mostly come to ensure Chiba would be safe around kid.
Tenten wasn't much of a concern—she had talent, but not enough to make kid risk anything.
Chiba, on the other hand… was a different story.
And sure enough, their worry wasn't unfounded.
The very next morning, Chiba had an unexpected visitor at his doorstep.
"Lord kid, please come in."
"Mm."
kid entered, leaning on his cane, his narrow eyes scanning Chiba and the messy room.
Papers were everywhere—a complete chaos that screamed "researcher's den."
It reminded him of the second Hokage and Orochimaru's workspaces back in the day.
Though Chiba's was much smaller.
After a moment's silence, kid said, "The suggestion you gave to Tenzo was quite good. He tested it, and the effect of Wood Release has indeed improved significantly."
He knows about ANBU operations?
Chiba's heart skipped a beat.
"Ah, you—" he began, but kid cut him off.
"The Third Hokage and Kakashi have probably already mentioned me to you. I came today because, regarding the ninja tools, our goals and interests align."
And with that, he turned and left.
He came swiftly, left just as swiftly.
Chiba finally understood.
kid was also interested in chakra-powered ninja tools. Their—and Kakashi's—little "scheme" fit perfectly with his own agenda. He was happy to play along—take the blame, act as a shield.
But he wouldn't sabotage it.
Even kid knew his reputation was terrible.
Chiba sighed inwardly.
A few minutes later, Kakashi showed up—late, as usual.
Chiba glanced at him sideways.
"He came to see you?"
"Mm. Mostly to tell me I can go ahead with the project—that he won't interfere."
Kakashi's eyes narrowed.
Rushing over early in the morning just to say that?
Something about it felt… off.
Behind the mask, his expression was unreadable—but Chiba could easily imagine the "tired subway uncle" face underneath.
Still, kid's visit was just a small episode. Life in the village went on as usual.
Morning routine for ninja: training.
Of course, Chiba also took the opportunity to observe himself.
His body did feel stronger than yesterday.
So his guess was right—the fifth rune enhanced physical strength.
Kakashi went about his usual schedule—training, breakfast, then wandering the village reading his book.
But that day, right after they finished exercising and Chiba treated him to breakfast—
"Kakashi-sensei, do you have plans today?"
"…"
Kakashi looked up, then down at his book, and replied decisively, "Yes."
"So that means you don't. I have a favor to ask."
Chiba rubbed his hands together with a mischievous grin.
Kakashi sighed softly.
He knew it—if this kid was asking for help, it was going to be troublesome.
After a pause, he said, "Alright. Let's hear it."
"I practiced a bit yesterday and already have the basics down," Chiba began. "But Shadow Clones are too fragile—they can't give proper feedback. I tried it on a chicken last night, and the results were promising."
Kakashi fell silent.
Already… mastered the basics?
Absurd.
Even with his Sharingan, he might not have been that fast.
The air grew quiet.
Finally, Kakashi exhaled slowly. "Which technique—are we talking about your pressure-point one, or…?"
"Sensei, you're confused. Shadow Clones don't even have chakra pathways."
"…"
Kakashi tilted his head slightly, looking at Chiba. "Is that really the tone of someone asking for help?"
"…Sorry!" Chiba apologized instantly.
A few minutes later, the two of them arrived in the courtyard beside the Medical Department.
There was a reason for choosing that location.
A technique that attacked the inside of the body could easily cause injury. Perfect control was fine—but for a beginner like Chiba, accidents were likely.
Outside the back door, several medical-nin had already gathered to watch.
"Captain, what are they doing?" one of them asked.
"They said they're testing a new technique," Kitayama Xu replied.
"So soon?"
"Soon? He's been pretty busy lately. If not for that, it probably would've been even sooner."
Kitayama Xu wasn't even surprised anymore.
She'd gotten used to Chiba's ridiculous progress. Ever since meeting him, her own growth had skyrocketed.
So of course her teacher would be far stronger—though she'd never admit that out loud.
Baicao sighed. "Yeah… fair enough."
"Sensei, I'm ready."
"Mm…" Kakashi's eye twitched slightly.
Something about this experiment felt… ominous.
"What's wrong, sensei?"
"Ahem, nothing. Just—let me finish this page first."
He wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead.
Then, suddenly, his lone eye lit up.
He raised his chakra level and released his aura.
seconds later, a figure appeared at the hospital's back gate.
"Kakashi! we meet again ! Let's duel! I want to see how much you've improved!"
kid's passionate voice echoed through the courtyard.
"Sure," Kakashi said evenly, closing his book. "But this time—I'll choose the terms."
kid's eyes blazed with excitement. "As expected! You want to duel just as much as I do! My youth is burning! Alright, tell me—what shall we compete in this time?"
Kakashi's gaze didn't waver.
"Let's compete in… getting hit."
"??? Incredible! Only you could come up with something so terrifyingly creative!"
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on P@treon if you're interested:
https://www.patreon.com/Mindsmithstudio