Kakashi fell silent.
Souma had always seen things from angles ordinary people never considered—otherwise he couldn't have invented so many techniques.
But the Hyuga clan…
Kakashi thought for a moment, then said seriously:
"Creating the technique and adding it to the Creation Archive shouldn't face much resistance. But spreading it widely… that will be difficult."
"That's what I think too. Speaking of which, the Eight Gates of the Eight Gates Technique are also tenketsu points."
"…Hm?"
Kakashi blinked.
Why were they suddenly back on the Eight Gates?
This kid's thought process was always a bit… jumpy.
Before Kakashi could react, Souma continued:
"The Gates exist to restrict and protect the body. If only we could open the Eight Gates in a controlled way."
"In a controlled way…"
Kakashi narrowed his eyes. "Many people have tried. Even Second Hokage-sama once researched limiting the Gates."
"It's hard, right? The chakra rushing out is too violent. The body's self-made seals can't restrain it."
Souma shook his head.
"Yeah."
"Right, sensei—you came to find me for something, didn't you?"
"Ah… yes. The thing you suggested—it's been handled."
Suggested…?
Souma blinked—then his eyes lit up.
So Danzo really took the blame?!
Beautiful!
Konoha with a professional scapegoat… truly a paradise.
He felt a small thrill, but quickly composed himself, inhaling twice before asking:
"So we'll have plenty of time to study the ninja tools?"
"Right. Hokage-sama secured permission for you and Tenten. But listen—since Danzo and Root will be involved, you must be extremely careful."
Kakashi's tone hardened.
"He is a terrifying man."
"I understand."
Souma really did understand.
Danzo was darkness personified—but being targeted meant he couldn't avoid him anyway.
Approaching Danzo as a collaborator might actually be the safest route.
Besides, Souma was very interested in certain things within Root as well.
They looked up—
Good, Ichiraku hadn't closed yet.
A short while later, the ramen stall was filled with slurping noises.
Kakashi ate quietly, but he had only come for one reason—to warn Souma.
Tenten was fine; she wasn't valuable enough for Danzo to risk anything.
But Souma… was different.
And the next morning, their worries proved correct.
Because a guest was already waiting at Souma's door.
"Danzo-sama, please come in."
"Mm."
Danzo entered with the help of his cane. His eyes narrowed as he scanned Souma and the room.
Papers everywhere.
A chaotic mess.
Classic researcher territory—Second Hokage, Orochimaru… all the same.
Just a much smaller version.
After a moment, Danzo said:
"The suggestion you gave Yamato was excellent. He tested it. His Wood Release has strengthened significantly."
Souma's expression twitched.
He could even obtain information from ANBU matters?
Danzo… really was dangerous.
"You—"
"Third and Kakashi must've warned you about me," Danzo interrupted. "So I came today to tell you this: regarding the ninja tools, our goals are aligned."
He turned and left.
No greetings.
No tea.
No intimidation.
Just one message.
Souma understood instantly.
Danzo was very interested in chakra-based ninja tools.
Souma's—or rather Kakashi's—plan was exactly what he wanted.
He was happy to carry the blame, happy to be the spearhead, and would not sabotage this project.
After all—Danzo knew full well how terrible his public reputation already was.
He left behind only the faint smell of sandalwood—and dread.
Kakashi arrived not long after, posture deflated like a man late to a fire.
Souma glanced at him sideways.
"What did he want?"
"Basically… to tell me not to worry. That he won't interfere."
Kakashi narrowed one eye suspiciously.
Coming so early… only to deliver that?
Something felt extremely off.
Invisible under the mask, Kakashi's expression (in Souma's imagination) was definitely "subway old man staring into the void."
But Danzo's visit was just a small episode.
Life continued as usual.
Morning for a ninja meant—
Training.
Souma also used the time to observe changes in his body.
He did feel stronger than yesterday.
So he hadn't guessed wrong—
the fifth Bodhi pattern really did enhance the body.
Kakashi finished his morning workout and breakfast (which Souma treated him to), when—
"Kakashi-sensei, are you busy today?"
"…"
Kakashi raised his head… then lowered it to look at his book…
and after a moment said decisively:
"Yes!"
"So you're not busy. Great, I need your help."
Souma rubbed his hands together with a grin.
Kakashi sighed.
He knew it—
No reading today.
This boy was a troubled incarnate.
"…All right. Tell me first what you're planning."
"After yesterday, I've basically grasped the technique. But shadow clones are too fragile—they can't provide precise feedback. I tested on poultry yesterday; results were pretty good."
"…Already?"
Kakashi froze.
He had just shown him the basics yesterday.
And this brat already had a prototype?
Even with a Sharingan I couldn't learn that fast…
The air grew heavy.
After a long breath, Kakashi asked:
"Which technique? The one about striking tenketsu points—?"
"Sensei, you're confused. Shadow clones don't even have chakra pathways."
"…"
Kakashi tilted his head.
"…Does this sound like a student asking a teacher for help?"
"Sorry!"
Souma bowed instantly.
A few minutes later, they were behind the Medical Corps building.
A good choice—
Taijutsu that damages the inside of the body could be extremely dangerous.
If Souma mastered it, fine.
If not…
That was why the medical team had to be nearby.
Several medical-nin peeked from the back entrance.
"Captain, what are they doing?"
"Said they're testing a new technique," Norshima replied.
"So fast?"
"Fast? He's actually been delayed lately. Normally he'd have made progress sooner."
Norshima shook her head helplessly.
She had long accepted the truth—
nothing Souma did could surprise her anymore.
Because ever since meeting Souma, her own skills had skyrocketed too.
If your teacher is a monster, you simply grow with them.
"Yeah… that makes sense," Baicao muttered.
"Sensei, I'm ready."
"Mm…"
Kakashi twitched.
Something felt wrong about this entire setup.
"What's wrong, sensei?"
"Ahem. Nothing. Let me finish this scene…"
He wiped his sweat and pretended to read his book.
Then—
His eyes lit up.
He focused his chakra, releasing a clear fighting aura.
A moment later, a figure appeared at the hospital gate.
Then, appearing instantly before Kakashi—
"Kakashi!! We will meet again! Let us duel! Show me how much you've grown!"
It was Might Guy—full burning spirit mode.
"Fine," Kakashi replied calmly. "But this time, I will decide the format."
Guy clenched his fist, trembling with excitement.
"As expected of my eternal rival! My youth is burning hotter than ever! Tell me—what shall we compete in today?!"
Kakashi lowered the book.
"Whoever gets hit the best."
"...??"
Guy froze.
Then—
"As expected of you, Kakashi! Even your challenges are TERRIFYINGLY creative!!!"
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