Arrival at the Land of Grass
Kakashi couldn't quite understand what Chi Yu meant when he said that unleashing the full potential of Lightning Breathing required mastering a particular breathing technique.
As they traveled, Chi Yu elaborated, "The breathing method that enhances Lightning Breathing isn't just regular breathing. It's called Total Concentration Breathing. It strengthens the function of the heart and lungs, allowing the blood to absorb oxygen more efficiently. This, in turn, temporarily and drastically boosts physical performance."
He continued, "Only by combining Lightning Breathing with Total Concentration Breathing can you tap into its true power. Without it, you're merely mimicking the form, not mastering the essence. That's why most practitioners fail to reach its full potential."
Kakashi looked skeptical. "Is this technique really that amazing?"
Chi Yu nodded. "You'll understand once you start practicing it. When we arrive at Kusagakure, I'll begin teaching you."
Though unconvinced, Kakashi couldn't help but be intrigued. A breathing method that could enhance one's body that dramatically? If real, it wouldn't just be useful for Lightning Breathing, but potentially all forms of combat.
---
The journey to Kusagakure took around five or six days, much like their earlier mission to Yugakure.
During this time, Chi Yu didn't begin instruction. Instead, he focused on evaluating Kakashi's current strength—just as Orochimaru had once done with him before drafting a personalized training regimen.
By the end of their journey, Chi Yu had a clear understanding: Kakashi wasn't just talented—he was a prodigy.
At only six years old, Kakashi had already been promoted to Chūnin. He was highly proficient in the Hatake clan's kenjutsu, blending it seamlessly with the Body Flicker Technique (Shunshin no Jutsu) for swift and deadly ambushes. His speed was remarkable—on par with Minato Namikaze's speed during his own Academy years.
However, his ninjutsu arsenal was limited.
Kakashi's chakra affinities were Lightning and Earth, yet he only knew the basic elemental techniques—presumably due to his young age or a lack of formal instruction from his father, Hatake Sakumo, who may have prioritized taijutsu and kenjutsu over elemental ninjutsu.
Chi Yu began outlining a long-term training plan.
Now that he was Kakashi's mentor, he bore responsibility for the boy's future growth. He also suspected that Kakashi might become a trusted comrade—someone who could walk the same path as him.
The priorities were clear:
1. Master Total Concentration Breathing to enhance Lightning Breathing.
2. Train reaction speed and dynamic vision.
3. Learn advanced Lightning and Earth Release techniques.
---
Then came the matter of the Sharingan.
Now that Kakashi was his disciple, Chi Yu questioned whether Kakashi would still obtain Obito Uchiha's Sharingan in the future. And even if he did, Chi Yu had no intention of letting him transplant it.
In Chi Yu's eyes, the disadvantages far outweighed the benefits.
Kakashi's infamous chakra drain issues in the future stemmed directly from possessing a Sharingan without Uchiha blood. The eye consumed chakra continuously, even outside of combat. While Kakashi gained the title "Copy Ninja" for learning over a thousand jutsu, in practice, he could barely use a fraction of them in battle due to his limited reserves.
To Chi Yu, that title felt hollow—a tragic branding of wasted potential.
With his talent and proper guidance, Kakashi could become far more formidable without relying on the Sharingan. Chi Yu was confident that the techniques he himself had learned—especially those acquired through the system—would make Kakashi stronger in substance, not just in reputation.
And let's be honest, Chi Yu thought, if you weren't born an Uchiha, why force yourself to carry their burden?
Even Orochimaru—who had more access to Sharingan than most—opted not to transplant it directly. He understood the risks. When Danzō Shimura obtained Sharingan, he had Orochimaru create a Wood Release-enhanced arm to contain them—still choosing not to integrate it into his own body.
Chi Yu took these examples seriously. The Sharingan was powerful—but not without consequence.
---
By the time they arrived in Kusagakure, the plan was set.
After reporting to the Konoha outpost, Chi Yu and Kakashi headed to see Hatake Sakumo.
Sakumo wasn't surprised to see Chi Yu—he'd already received word from Konoha that Orochimaru's disciple had been reassigned to Kusagakure. But Kakashi's presence caught him off guard.
"Kakashi? What are you doing here?"
Kakashi stood upright. "Father, I've become Master Chi Yu's student."
Sakumo blinked. He hadn't expected this. Kakashi had only recently been placed on a three-man Genin team under a Jōnin leader, in the hopes of fostering camaraderie and teamwork. Now, suddenly, he'd come back with a master.
What a surprise indeed.
Sakumo turned to study Chi Yu.
He didn't know much about the young Jonin beyond rumors—many of them unflattering. But Sakumo had never put much stock in gossip. What he saw instead was a young man who had risen through the ranks under Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin, and done so in wartime no less.
Chi Yu had shown resilience in the face of adversity.
Sakumo had also read Chi Yu's tactical proposal during the Yugakure campaign. Though he found it overly aggressive—almost reckless—it had been cleverly constructed. A true "burn-the-ships" strategy. High risk, high reward. The fact that Orochimaru had approved it meant it had merit.
In short, Chi Yu was competent, loyal to the Hokage faction, and driven. That was enough.
Sakumo softened and offered Chi Yu a rare smile—though it looked slightly forced due to his naturally serious demeanor.
"So, you're Kakashi's teacher now," he said. "Then I'll be counting on you."
Chi Yu bowed slightly. "Kakashi is an exceptional student. I'll do everything in my power to train him well. You have my word, Lord Sakumo."
Sakumo nodded. "It's Kakashi's honor to have you as his master. I'm reassured."
---
Notes on Manga Accuracy:
Kakashi being a Chūnin at age 6 is canon (Naruto manga).
His elemental chakra natures (Lightning and Earth) are also canon.
The Body Flicker Technique is distinct from Flying Thunder God, but Kakashi did use advanced movement techniques.
Sharingan's chakra drain is accurately represented.
Orochimaru's disinterest in transplanting the Sharingan is a logical extrapolation supported by canon behavior.
Danzo's usage of a prosthetic arm to house Sharingan and Hashirama cells is directly from the manga.
Hatake Sakumo is described as an honorable and serious man, consistent with his brief manga appearances.
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