As a Flying Thunder God User, Uchiha Sasuke is extremely sensitive to the Flying Thunder God Mark. According to his observations, Kakashi Hatake indeed has the opportunity to leave a Flying Thunder God Mark on him, but this teacher's half-baked Flying Thunder God probably wouldn't be able to condense the mark in time, right?
Moreover...
This teacher's Flying Thunder God Mark isn't very discreet...
Sasuke looked down at his feet, where there was a black Flying Thunder God Mark, but the mark was as wide as a manhole cover.
Obviously.
This was the Flying Thunder God Mark that Kakashi Hatake secretly condensed before using Earth Release: Double Suicide Decapitation Technique. Despite its large appearance, it's still usable as a pinpoint for Kakashi Hatake!
It was precisely because of this mark, as big as a manhole cover, that Sasuke didn't notice it and led Kakashi Hatake to a chance for a counterattack!
"Kakashi-sensei is really just like he was before..."
Sasuke sighed, but he didn't use the Flying Thunder God Technique to escape and counterattack, because this wasn't a life-or-death battle: "Once you let down your guard, you might be caught in a counterattack..."
"You've really become outstanding, Sasuke."
Kakashi didn't extend a kunai but instead gently patted Sasuke's shoulder, praising his student's excellence: "If it were a formal fight, I'd definitely die at your hands first..."
Kakashi knows the combat style of the Flying Thunder God Users very well.
As long as they don't want to lose, they can disappear at any time, and when they want to kill, they can appear at any time.
Of course.
Kakashi could escape at any moment.
Though Kakashi's Flying Thunder God Technique can only be half effective, finding a safe place to set up the Flying Thunder God Mark for escape is still sufficient.
However...
This isn't a life-or-death battle.
This is just an ordinary test.
Kakashi is quite satisfied with Sasuke's growth.
"Seems Sasuke's test passed."
Akihara Kagura looked at Kakashi and Sasuke, lightly clapped, and said, "Sasuke, you continue training here, and we'll head to Hokage Tower first."
"Yes."
Sasuke nodded in agreement.
Because he just got the Curse Seal that Akihara Kagura gave him and hasn't had time to feel what makes Akihara Kagura's Curse Seal different from Orochimaru's. Although he already knows how to harness the Curse Seal, he should familiarize himself with what power Akihara Kagura's Curse Seal hides.
"Let's go."
Akihara Kagura reached out and grabbed Kakashi's shoulder.
Inside Hokage Tower.
Kakashi had no objections to the candidate Akihara Kagura proposed, even felt somewhat regretful: "That Root Ninja monitoring us is very strong. Joining the seventh team wouldn't be bad..."
"Strong, huh?"
Tsunade felt Kakashi might be a bit off.
Kakashi went to test a Root Ninja who was watching them, not refusing already being odd, but how is he considering directly placing the person in the seventh team?
Tsunade shook her head, softly speaking: "Naruto and Sakura also disagree with adding a new member to the seventh team, leave it at this, I'll immediately have Naruto go to the third training ground, you go test Naruto and Sakura's progress over the years..."
"Yes."
Kakashi didn't dare be careless anymore.
Because Sasuke after just two or three years has become so strong, Naruto Uzumaki and Haruno Sakura must not be far behind?
"Root has found Akatsuki Organization intel; I need to verify it."
Akihara Kagura's figure vanished instantly, he still needs to head to the Akatsuki Hideout in the Land of Rain to discuss the plan's implementation with Nagato.
No other choice.
Akatsuki Organization wants to collect the Tailed Beasts.
Akihara Kagura is a must-see candidate.
Inside Konoha Village.
Third training ground.
While Naruto Uzumaki was reminiscing with his friends, Sakura called him to rush to the third training ground where Kakashi-sensei is waiting to test their strengths.
"..."
Kakashi sighed inwardly, feeling the busy day, after testing Sasuke now has to test the other two students.
However...
Luckily not needing to test all three students at once.
Otherwise, Kakashi feels he might lose.
"Kakashi-sensei, have you seen Kagura?"
Naruto Uzumaki was excited seeing Kakashi, quickly discussing what he'd heard in Hokage Tower: "Lady Tsunade said you've gone to find Kagura, once I see him I must complain, that guy even wants to add someone to the seventh team!"
"..."
Hope you won't regret it.
Kakashi joked to himself, but no expression cracked on his face, he continued: "Alright, let's start testing your training results, hope you won't disappoint me..."
Hope...
Don't fall too far behind Sasuke.
Having just fought with Sasuke and seeing his prowess, if Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura's powers aren't strong enough, they might be glad Sasuke hasn't returned to the seventh team, preventing them from feeling the hopelessness of a huge disparity.
But...
Kakashi was soon disappointed.
Though Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura showed decent combat prowess, Naruto's more refined Rasengan and Sakura's Monster Strength both were troublesome, it didn't bring the same pressure as fighting Sasuke.
That's...
A battle where carelessness leads to death.
As for Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura, they only cause inconvenience in battle, with Kakashi being serious, he could defeat them, and even easily kill them in combat.
The test lasted until dusk.
Kakashi deliberately refrained from going easy in this test, fully engaging the two students, even using the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"Progressing quickly, but not enough."
Kakashi looked at Naruto, and sternly educated: "If you can't grasp the nature manipulation of Rasengan, there's no way you'll catch up to Sasuke's future..."
At least...
Sasuke has mastered the Chidori shape transformation which is just one of his many powerful skill developments.
"..."
Naruto Uzumaki's eyes suddenly widened.
"..."
Sakura's gaze turned somewhat downcast.
"Kakashi, this strict?"
"Rarely finds motivation..."
Jiraiya, and Tsunade discussed the test results briefly, then brought up recent events in the Ninja World, especially concerning Akatsuki.
"Received intel?"
Jiraiya looked at Tsunade, his expression turning serious: "Akatsuki is starting to gather forces, their agenda remains unknown..."
For years, Jiraiya has been gathering info on both Akatsuki and Orochimaru. Orochimaru perished at Sasuke's hands, leaving only matters concerning Akatsuki.
However...
Jiraiya hasn't found Akatsuki's and Nagato's traces.
Tsunade shook her head, not feeling Akatsuki's threat was urgent: "The four previous Hokage are still hunting Uchiha Obito, Obito has been luring them on behalf of Akatsuki, with his odd Mangekyo Sharingan powers..."
"In that case..."
Jiraiya frowned, understanding the potential of the four Hokage, even annihilating other Ninja Villages isn't too difficult, knowing Uchiha Obito faces huge pressure.
Jiraiya took a deep breath, sighing: "Even faced with the pursuit by the four Hokage, Obito protects Akatsuki, their plans seem terrifying, risking so much for them..."
"..."
Tsunade shook her head indicating no information received.
"However..."
Tsunade mentioned earlier that afternoon, speaking softly: "Root is consistently tracking Akatsuki intel, Akihara Kagura left Konoha earlier, seeming that Root found Akatsuki's traitors might be acting, he rushed to verify it..."
Land of Rain, Akatsuki Hideout.
Pain and Konan welcomed Akihara Kagura upon arrival.
Akatsuki Leader Pain personally provided intelligence to Akihara Kagura: "Our plans are about to begin; I already sent Red Sand Sasori and Deidara to the Hidden Sand Village, capturing the One-Tailed Jinchuriki..."