Not long after Kurenai Yuhi finished her report, Naruto and the others came back from the Land of Waves.
Kakashi stepped into the Hokage Office at an unhurried pace.
Unlike Kurenai's solemn manner, Kakashi looked as indolent as ever; his single visible eye was half-lidded, as though he were still drifting in and out of sleep.
Yo, Hokage-sama.
After walking in, Kakashi offered a casual greeting, his voice full of nonchalance.
The Third Hokage set down his pipe and fixed a sharp gaze on Kakashi, as though trying to see past the lazy exterior into whatever the Jonin was really thinking.
Kakashi, thank you for your hard work on the Land of Waves mission.
Though his tone was mild, the authority behind it was unmistakable.
Kakashi gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.
Tell me the details of the Land of Waves assignment—especially about Naruto.
The Third cut straight to the point; clearly Naruto's performance had caught his interest.
Kakashi scratched at his unruly hair and began his report in that unhurried drawl of his, recounting everything from the encounter with Zabuza Momochi and Haku to the final showdown on the bridge.
He kept his account objective, stressing Naruto and Sasuke's growth in battle, Haku's ice-release secret arts, and the complicated bond between Haku and Zabuza.
In the end, both Zabuza and Haku died. The mission was completed, and Mr. Tazuna's bridge is under construction.
Kakashi concluded.
What about Naruto? Ever since he got back he's been excited, secretly practicing something.
The Third steered the conversation.
Ah, that.
A flicker of something odd crossed Kakashi's eye.
During a brief rest in the mission, Hinata suddenly showed up and spoke to Naruto alone.
The Third straightened, forgetting his pipe.
What did she do?
She… Kakashi hesitated, searching for words.
She demonstrated and explained the training concept behind the Rasengan—at least, it sounded exactly like the Rasengan philosophy.
The Third's heart lurched. Has he learned it?
Not yet. Kakashi shook his head.
The kid only got the theory and the steps; he's still miles from mastering it. Still, he seems hugely inspired—spent the whole trip back wrestling with water and rubber balloons, bursting with enthusiasm.
There was exasperation in Kakashi's tone, but also a note of approval for his Disciple's effort.
Rasengan…
The Third murmured the name he knew so well, yet at this moment it felt strangely unfamiliar.
How did Hinata explain knowing that technique?
There wasn't a chance to ask. She simply demonstrated, explained, and left.
A brief silence settled over the office; smoke curled upward while the Hokage's gaze turned distant.
After a while the Third spoke again, half to Kakashi, half to himself.
The Hyuga Clan is one of Konoha's oldest families; its depth is unfathomable. When the Fourth Hokage developed the Rasengan it was classified, yet it's possible some information leaked to the Hyuga through certain channels. Hiashi might have passed it down as a Family secret to the main-house heir—that's not entirely impossible.
He paused, then offered another conjecture.
Or perhaps the girl is simply gifted beyond the norm. You've seen her perception and her fine control of Chakra—or of whatever force she uses. Maybe she deduced a Rasengan-like concept on her own by observing some rapidly spinning natural phenomenon, or through extreme mastery of shape transformation. After all, the essence of power can be universal.
Kakashi remained silent, unwilling to interrupt; both possibilities made sense, yet both had holes.
Whichever it is, the Third concluded, voice heavy.
Hyuga Hinata must receive the highest level of attention. The strength she's shown and the things she knows already exceed the norm for a Genin—even for many Chunin or Jonin. We must guide and protect her, but we also have to prepare for the worst.
Understood.
Kakashi nodded. An uncontrollable powerhouse with mysterious knowledge was a latent risk to the Village.
The Chunin Exams are near.
The Third shifted topics.
They're a trial for the Genin and a perfect chance to observe them. Kakashi, Kurenai, Asuma—keep a close eye, especially on Hinata and Naruto.
Yes, sir.
Leaving the Hokage Office, Kakashi looked up at the sky over Konoha. The sun was bright, yet he felt an unseen cloud slowly gathering.
Rasengan, huh…
he muttered.
Looks like things won't be calm. If that kid can really learn Rasengan soon, it won't be a bad thing.
Instead of heading home, Kakashi went to the training ground.
He knew someone would be there.
Sure enough, Uchiha Sasuke was hurling shuriken with frenzied intensity, eyes cold and filled with refusal to lose.
The helplessness he'd felt in the Land of Waves—especially against Haku—had cut deep.
Yo, Sasuke. Kakashi greeted him lazily.
Sasuke stopped and turned.
Kakashi? What do you want?
Looking at those Sharingan eyes, Kakashi remembered the heavy fate the boy carried and the frustration on the bridge.
Since Hinata had given Naruto the Rasengan, he as their teacher had no excuse not to teach this one something.
Besides, Sasuke was perfectly suited for this technique.
Your Sharingan can copy, but to bring out its true power you need jutsu that match it.
Kakashi said slowly.
But that takes combat experience. For now, let me teach you a technique—a Lightning Release that combines shape and nature transformation.
Lightning flared in Sasuke's eyes; he was desperate to grow stronger, no matter the cost.
Over the next few days Kakashi guided Sasuke through lightning training: from basic lightning-nature transformation to concentrating a mass of Chakra into high-voltage current that chirped like a thousand birds.
Meanwhile, back in her yard, Hinata—still struggling with Flying Thunder God seals—had no idea about the serious discussion and speculation swirling through the Hokage Office.
She merely sneezed and rubbed her nose.
Who's talking about me?
she wondered, glancing around.
Don't tell me Naruto blew something up practicing Rasengan…
Shaking her head, she focused again on the Kunai in her hand.
The seal looked less ugly now, and her grasp of Flying Thunder God had improved a bit.
Still a long way to go…
she sighed, yet her eyes stayed resolute.