"Five times!"
Kitagawa said.
Kakashi's eyes widened instantly.
The limit was 15 times, but he'd only used 5 just now.
Kakashi had realized that wasn't Kitagawa's maximum speed, but he hadn't expected such a large gap.
Kitagawa was very satisfied with Kakashi's shock.
Of course, current achievements came from two sources—his own diligent training and improvements to chakra control ability.
One came from jonin-level chakra control. The other benefited from the chakra burst technique Tsunade taught.
"Alright, this is the first technique sensei will teach you."
"Additionally..."
Kitagawa pulled out a ninjutsu scroll. "This contains sensei's Earth Style ninjutsu. Detailed analysis is included. Read it yourself first, ask me if you don't understand."
"For Earth Style, temporarily select two techniques to practice, plus Body Flicker Shave—three techniques total. This is the first training phase."
"Of course, not including basic training like physical conditioning and hand sign practice."
Kakashi accepted the scroll, his eyes full of combative determination as he nodded seriously. "Understood!"
Kitagawa waved his hand. "Then begin!"
Thus began Kakashi's new learning journey.
Having prevented Kakashi's early graduation, Kitagawa didn't know whether Kakashi would still follow the path Kitagawa knew.
But Kitagawa felt that at least Kakashi had been changed by him.
And this is just the beginning.
Kitagawa was also very anticipatory.
What would happen if Kakashi debuted after several more years? Even waiting until age twelve?
Would he be stronger than the original timeline at that same point?
"No, he'll definitely be stronger!"
Kitagawa determined internally.
If not stronger, then I've been teaching for nothing!
That afternoon.
Gai appeared at the training ground after class. Upon seeing Kakashi, he first froze, then rushed over with great joy. "Kakashi, what are you doing here?"
"Did Sensei Kitagawa bring you?"
"Are we training together with Sensei Kitagawa?"
Kakashi nodded without explaining.
Gai became even more excited and immediately issued an invitation. "Kakashi, let's have a match!"
"I've always wanted to challenge you. At first, I didn't have the courage, but Sensei Kitagawa said that overcoming yourself is hardest, not anyone else."
Kakashi, seeing Gai's sincere determination, nodded. "Okay."
"How should we compete?"
Gai quickly said, "How about taijutsu?"
Kakashi didn't care and nodded. "Fine."
Besides, he wanted to see how strong Gai had become training under Kitagawa!
"I'll oversee it!"
Kitagawa appeared.
Gai immediately said, "If I lose, as punishment, I must complete 500 mountain climbs and descents."
Kakashi looked confused. "Why punish yourself for losing?"
Kitagawa laughed and explained, "That's Gai's father—Uncle Dai's method, called self-discipline."
"Success or failure isn't the key."
Kakashi instantly understood and said sincerely, "A very good method. Gai, let's begin!"
The two took their stances.
Kitagawa called the start. "Begin!"
The moment he spoke, both moved simultaneously, attacking each other.
This was pure physical collision—dull thuds sounded continuously.
Kitagawa watched quietly.
Gai's every move looked fierce and vigorous, while Kakashi was agile, quick-reacting, and his strength was no less impressive.
Gai had indeed trained very seriously. Over this year, Kitagawa witnessed it.
But did Kakashi not work hard just because Kitagawa wasn't watching?
Obviously not.
But fighting Kakashi, Gai showed some confusion—because Kakashi wasn't using Shave in combat.
The fight lasted roughly ten minutes, ending with Gai exhausted.
He lost!
"As expected of Kakashi!"
Gai wasn't discouraged by losing. Instead, he became more excited. "My youth needs to pour out more sweat!"
Kakashi didn't quite understand Gai's thought process, but he admired his attitude—unlike Obito, who couldn't accept losing.
He extended his hand to pull up Gai, who knelt on one knee. "I'll accept your challenge anytime!"
Gai smiled. "Kakashi, I feel you'll be my rival for life."
"Sensei Kitagawa said having a rival is good—it means there's someone ahead you need to surpass, giving you clear goals. That's happiness."
Kakashi heard this and looked toward Kitagawa, then nodded. "I agree. Gai, you're also very strong."
Gai became a bit embarrassed, scratching his head, then invited, "I'm heading up the mountain now. Want to join?"
"Sure!"
Kakashi nodded. Might as well get physical training—chakra capacity is basically determined by stamina, something Kitagawa emphasized today.
The two headed toward the mountain under Kitagawa's gaze.
Kitagawa smiled, then sent a shadow clone to continue training. He himself turned and walked away, hands in pockets.
Tsunade's house.
When Kitagawa arrived, Tsunade was supervising Shizune, who'd just gotten home from school, studying medical ninjutsu knowledge.
Evidence proved that hard workers influence those around them.
Kitagawa worked hard himself, and it rubbed off—Tsunade wasn't as lazy as before, resuming ninjutsu research, gradually raising requirements for Shizune.
Kitagawa felt gratified by this.
Hard work shouldn't be just his.
Besides, everyone improved. They should thank him!
Stop thinking about it, or tears will start flowing again.
"Something on your mind?"
Tsunade turned to look at Kitagawa at the doorway.
Shizune looked up and winked at Kitagawa, then continued studying.
Kitagawa said, "I think our previous agreement can end now!"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "You're confident about defeating me?"
Kitagawa shamelessly said, "Actually, I've had certainty for a long time. I was just giving Tsunade-sama time to master Shave and Moon Walk."
Tsunade heard this and her brows shot up. Then a smile curved her lips. "Then let me see your strength!"
"I'm coming too!"
Shizune, who'd been listening intently, immediately said.
Tsunade shrugged. "Then keep up!"
The three headed out and quickly arrived at a secluded clearing.
Like last year, Tsunade put one hand on her hip, right hand raised with fingers curled in a beckoning gesture toward Kitagawa. "Come on, brat!"
Though seemingly dismissive, her eyes were actually very serious.
She definitely didn't want to lose again!
This time, she absolutely had to win!
Kitagawa also became serious, composing his expression. His form vanished from his spot.
Almost simultaneously, Tsunade moved too, her form vanishing and reappearing behind where Kitagawa landed, reaching to grab his back collar.
But before Tsunade touched him, Kitagawa's form disappeared. He reappeared from the side, reaching for Tsunade's robe.
"You're not using full power. This speed isn't enough!"
Tsunade snorted coldly, her form vanishing from Kitagawa's sight, then descending from above like a cannonball, crashing down toward him.