Orochimaru smiled.
He smiled brightly.
"Change Konoha?"
"Hahaha… Kakashi-kun, you really are naïve."
"Do you truly believe you can change Konoha's status quo by yourself?"
"The Third Hokage is weak and indecisive, Danzo controls Root from the shadows, and the advisor council is rotten to the core…"
"How could such deeply entrenched forces be shaken by one person alone?"
Kakashi looked at him calmly.
"If I don't even try, how would I know it's impossible?"
"And…"
He paused briefly.
"I'm not alone."
"I have students, comrades, and people who believe in me."
"As long as I persist, even if it's little by little, something will eventually change."
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes.
"What surprising resolve."
"You've changed, Kakashi-kun."
"The old you was nothing more than a tool that blindly followed the rules."
"To think you'd say something like this now…"
He licked his lips.
"However…"
"Resolve alone is not enough."
"You need power."
"Absolute power."
"Only when you're strong enough that no one can oppose you can you truly change anything."
"And I…"
Orochimaru spread his arms.
"Can give you that kind of power."
"I'll ask one last time."
"Will you join me?"
Kakashi shook his head.
"I refuse."
"I don't need that kind of power."
"I'll change Konoha in my own way."
Orochimaru sighed.
"What a pity…"
"Then…"
He smiled faintly.
"I'll wait and see."
"Let's see whether your little gust of wind can truly move Konoha."
"Or…"
A trace of mockery flashed in his eyes.
"Whether it will simply be crushed by reality."
"I'll witness the outcome of your choice with my own eyes."
As his words fell, Orochimaru's body softened, melting into the ground like liquid.
He vanished.
Kakashi immediately went on guard, his Sharingan scanning the surroundings.
"Where's Kabuto?"
He rushed to where Kabuto had fallen.
It was empty.
Only bloodstains remained.
"He was taken away…"
Kakashi frowned.
After searching the area and finding no further clues, he stopped.
"Forget it. Training Naruto and the others is the priority."
His figure disappeared from the Forest of Death.
---
The next day
Training Ground Three
Kakashi stood before his three students.
"For the next month, I'll carry out special training for each of you, tailored to your respective opponents."
He looked at Sasuke.
"Sasuke, your opponent is Gaara. His sand defense is nearly flawless. Although Chidori is powerful, it consumes too much chakra, and your current reserves are limited."
"So, I'll teach you sword techniques."
"I'll have you integrate Lightning Release into your blade, forming the Lightning Release: Chidori Blade."
Kakashi took out a specially forged ninja sword and handed it to Sasuke.
"This blade can withstand Lightning Release chakra."
"Over the next month, you must master basic swordsmanship and perfectly merge Lightning Release with it."
Sasuke accepted the sword, excitement flashing in his eyes.
"Yes!"
Kakashi turned to Sakura.
"Sakura, your opponent Dosu specializes in sound-based attacks, which can interfere with Genjutsu casting."
"However, sound techniques require extreme concentration."
"If your Genjutsu is strong enough, you can counter him instead."
"So I'll take you to Kurenai-sensei."
"She's Konoha's foremost Genjutsu specialist and the most suitable teacher for you."
Sakura's eyes lit up.
"Really?! That's amazing!"
Finally, Kakashi looked at Naruto.
"Naruto, your opponent is Hyuga Neji, a master of the Gentle Fist and the Byakugan."
"You won't have the advantage in close combat."
"Your biggest issue is that your Rasengan can't hit because you're not fast enough."
"So you need to do two things."
"First, use Multi-Shadow Clone training to more than double the chakra output of your Rasengan."
"Second, learn Wind Release techniques to support the Rasengan and boost your movement speed."
Naruto jumped excitedly.
"Awesome! I'll work my hardest!"
"And…" Kakashi clapped his hands. "Haku, come out."
Whoosh!
Haku stepped out from behind a tree, smiling gently.
"Please guide me."
"Haku will be your sparring partner," Kakashi said. "He'll properly test the results of your training."
"Alright, Sasuke and Naruto, start with basic training under Haku."
"I'll take Sakura to see Kurenai-sensei."
---
On the way to Kurenai's house, Kakashi and Sakura walked through Konoha's streets.
Sakura looked a little nervous.
"Kakashi-sensei… will Kurenai-sensei really agree?"
"Don't worry," Kakashi said with a chuckle. "Kurenai and I are good friends. She'll agree."
Just then—
"Yo, Kakashi!"
A loud, carefree voice rang out.
Kakashi turned his head, eyes narrowing slightly.
A tall white-haired man walked over, wearing a forehead protector with the kanji for "Oil."
Red markings ran down his cheeks.
The Toad Sage—Jiraiya.
"Jiraiya-sama?" Kakashi looked surprised. "When did you return to the village?"
"Just got back," Jiraiya laughed. "I heard the Chunin Exams had started, so I hurried over."
He glanced at Sakura.
"Your student?"
"Yes," Kakashi nodded. "Sakura Haruno, Team 7."
"Sakura, this is Jiraiya-sama, one of the Legendary Sannin."
Sakura bowed deeply.
"Hello, Jiraiya-sama!"
"Hahaha, such good manners," Jiraiya laughed.
Then his expression turned serious as he looked at Kakashi.
"Kakashi, I need to talk to you."
"About… Naruto."
Kakashi's heart stirred.
As expected.
"Sakura," Kakashi said, "go ahead to Kurenai-sensei's house and wait for me."
"I'll be there shortly."
"Yes, Sensei," Sakura replied obediently and left.
Once she was gone, Jiraiya looked at Kakashi earnestly.
"How is Naruto doing now?"
"He advanced to the third exam, right?"
"Yes," Kakashi nodded. "And his performance has been excellent."
"In the second round, he defeated Inuzuka Kiba and advanced smoothly."
"I see…" Jiraiya sighed in relief, then frowned.
"I heard his opponent is Hyuga Neji?"
"That's right."
"That's troublesome," Jiraiya muttered. "Byakugan and Gentle Fist—he's a nightmare for close combat."
"Can Naruto handle it?"
"He's undergoing special training," Kakashi replied. "I'm having him use Multi-Shadow Clones to train the Rasengan, increasing both its power and speed."
"Rasengan?!" Jiraiya froze. "You taught him the Fourth Hokage's technique?"
"Yes," Kakashi nodded. "Naruto's chakra reserves are enormous. He's perfectly suited for it."
Jiraiya fell silent.
"Kakashi… you've really put your heart into Naruto."
"He's my student," Kakashi said calmly. "And…"
"He's the Fourth Hokage's son. I have a responsibility."
A complex look passed through Jiraiya's eyes.
"If Minato knew this, he'd be at ease."
"However…"
Jiraiya looked serious.
"You know Naruto carries the Nine-Tails, right?"
"I do."
"I hold the key to the Nine-Tails' seal," Jiraiya said gravely. "Minato entrusted it to me."
"Naruto is twelve now. It's time he learned to use that power."
"Otherwise, when facing truly dangerous enemies, his own strength won't be enough."
"When do you plan to teach him?"
"In the next few days," Jiraiya said. "The Rasengan is important, but the Nine-Tails is his greatest trump card."
"I'll need your cooperation."
"I want to take Naruto away for special training."
"No problem," Kakashi agreed immediately. "I was planning to teach him Wind Release to complement the Rasengan anyway."
"Wind Release and Rasengan?" Jiraiya raised an eyebrow.
"Yes," Kakashi explained. "Naruto's chakra nature is Wind."
"I planned to teach him a short-range Wind Release acceleration technique."
"When he uses Rasengan, he'll boost his speed with Wind Release."
"That solves the problem of landing the attack."
Jiraiya suddenly understood.
"I see… compensating for speed."
"That's clever—and far easier than full fusion."
"A month should be enough."
Jiraiya nodded.
"Once he's proficient, he can attempt true Wind Release fusion later."
"Exactly," Kakashi said. "Even the Fourth Hokage couldn't complete that technique. It's too difficult for now."
"You've thought this through well," Jiraiya said approvingly.
"Then I'll handle Naruto."
"Thank you, Jiraiya-sama," Kakashi said.
Jiraiya stared at him for a moment.
"You've changed, Kakashi."
"The old you wouldn't have been this considerate."
Kakashi smiled faintly.
"People grow."
"That's good," Jiraiya smiled.
"Oh, one more thing."
He paused, then turned serious again.
"I heard Orochimaru infiltrated Konoha."
"He did."
"You need to be careful," Jiraiya warned. "Especially Sasuke."
"Orochimaru has always coveted the Sharingan."
"I'll keep watch."
Jiraiya patted Kakashi's shoulder.
"Alright. Tomorrow I'll take Naruto for training."
"Good."
Jiraiya waved and left.
After a few steps, he turned back.
"Kakashi."
"The way you are now… is much better."
"Keep it up."
Then he disappeared down the street.
Kakashi stood there silently.
"Jiraiya returned earlier than expected…"
"But that's fine."
"With him, Naruto will grow even faster."
"And the Nine-Tails' power…"
Kakashi narrowed his eyes.
"If Naruto can master even a portion of it… there's still one month."
"I must make my students stronger."
"Only then can I become stronger as well."
He headed toward Kurenai Yuhi's house.
---
Kurenai Yuhi's house
Kakashi knocked on the door.
"Kurenai, it's me."
"Come in, Kakashi."
Kakashi entered.
Kurenai was preparing tea, while Sakura sat neatly to the side.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"It's fine," Kurenai smiled. "Sakura mentioned you ran into Jiraiya-sama."
"Yes. He's worried about Naruto."
"I see…" Kurenai nodded thoughtfully.
"That child does need someone to care for him."
"With you around, he'll be fine."
"Kurenai," Kakashi said, "I'll leave Sakura to you."
"Of course." Kurenai smiled at Sakura. "Your chakra control is excellent. You're very suited for Genjutsu."
"I'll teach you properly this month."
"I'll do my best!" Sakura said eagerly.
Kakashi nodded inwardly.
"Leaving Sakura with Kurenai is reassuring."
Kakashi turned to leave.
At the door, Kurenai suddenly spoke.
"Kakashi."
"Hm?"
"The third exam… will it be dangerous?"
Kakashi was silent for a moment.
"It might be."
He turned back.
"Please make sure Sakura is prepared."
"Not just to fight enemies…"
"But to protect herself."
Kurenai's eyes sharpened.
"I understand."
Kakashi nodded and left.
---
On the way back to Training Ground Three, Kakashi planned ahead.
"Naruto is with Jiraiya. Sakura is with Kurenai."
"That leaves Sasuke."
"I'll guide him personally."
"Mastering the Chidori Blade requires precise chakra control."
"And tactics against Gaara…"
"Sasuke must be fully prepared."
He checked the system.
[Current System Points: 1300]
[Inventory: Ninja Sword · Kiba (Can be sold for 3000 points)]
"If I run into Orochimaru along with the First and Second Hokage… I'd be finished."
---
Training Ground Three
When Kakashi returned, Sasuke was sparring with Haku.
Lightning crackled along his blade as Chidori fused with swordsmanship.
The power was impressive, though Haku's Ice Release still blocked most attacks.
"Your speed still isn't enough," Kakashi said. "Sasuke, take a break."
"Yes, Sensei."
"Haku, you rest too."
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei."
Kakashi looked at Sasuke.
"Next, I'll teach you more advanced techniques."
"The Chidori Blade is only the foundation."
"To truly defeat Gaara…"
He paused.
"You must master the sword techniques of the White Fang."
Sasuke's eyes shone.
"Please teach me, Sensei!"
Kakashi nodded.
"Then…"
"Let's begin."
Training intensified.
Naruto left the village with Jiraiya for special training.
Sakura studied advanced Genjutsu under Kurenai, progressing rapidly.
Sasuke, guided by Kakashi, made huge strides in Lightning Release: Chidori Blade and the White Fang's sword techniques.
Watching his students grow, Kakashi felt satisfied.
"At this pace…"
"In one month, they'll be ready."
"And I…"
He narrowed his eyes.
"Must be ready as well."