Chapter 118

Kakashi, being scrutinized by Haruki and Tsunade, felt his scalp tingle.

He had never heard of the two using Wood Release.

Various strange thoughts emerged in his mind.

Seeing their secret, would he be silenced?

Kakashi resisted the urge to flee.

Running away would be useless.

He took a deep breath, barely calming himself down.

"Teacher, I was just passing by, originally planning to find a secluded place to practice my swordsmanship."

"Practice? Sakumo went on a mission again, didn't he?" Haruki knew that Sakumo Hatake was a typical workaholic, often away from home.

"Yes." Kakashi nodded, his nervousness fading as he detected no change in Haruki's tone.

"I'm friends with Sakumo and also your school teacher. Since I have some free time, I can guide you." Haruki pondered aloud.

Teaching Tsunade was one thing, adding Kakashi wouldn't make much difference.

In the original story, Kakashi was hindered by the Sharingan, which drained his chakra, making him infamous for running out of chakra quickly, almost becoming a unit of measure for it.

But his innate talent was high.

Apart from those with advantageous bloodlines, Kakashi was definitely not inferior to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Kakashi's eyes widened.

He greatly admired Haruki due to Obito.

In just a month, Obito had transformed.

Not to mention his cute cross-dressing, both his personality and actions had matured, becoming more adult-like.

If he could accept this, he still couldn't get over Obito's rapid improvement, almost catching up to him, like the "Thousand Years of Death" move his dad used to teach him, always fearing he'd fall behind.

Intrigued, Kakashi had followed Obito for days and discovered the reason.

It was Haruki and his three students' guidance.

Honestly, he used to think someone like Obito was beyond saving.

But surprisingly, he could be saved.

This greatly shocked Kakashi.

"Thank you, Teacher!"

Realizing what Haruki said, Kakashi quickly agreed, speaking so fast, he was afraid Haruki would change his mind.

Haruki couldn't help but chuckle.

After some thought, he asked, "Do you know the Shadow Clone Technique?"

"I know the content, but I don't have enough chakra," Kakashi answered honestly.

"You can train to increase it."

Haruki knew Kakashi's chakra was normal, but his constantly active Sharingan was a drain, a perpetual debuff on his chakra.

But he didn't have the Sharingan yet.

With proper training, along with food pills and extreme medical ninjutsu stimulation, his chakra could be increased.

For now, the best training was taijutsu and chakra control.

If Naruto was a mage, Kakashi was destined to be a warrior.

Haruki had an idea—Kakashi could combine swordsmanship with Lightning Release, becoming as fast as Ximen Chuixue.

He sent Tsunade home and led Kakashi to a fruit shop.

"Today's training is fruit cutting."

Haruki picked up a watermelon, tossed it in the air, and formed chakra into threads.

In an instant, blue light flashed, and the watermelon was cut into 64 pieces.

The cuts were smooth, with no irregularities.

Kakashi was in awe.

Achieving this in such a short moment showcased Haruki's excellent chakra control.

Haruki patted Kakashi's shoulder without saying more.

While Kakashi started his fruit ninja training, Haruki went to the research lab and borrowed large batteries.

He hung one on Kakashi's back and said, "Your second training is to inject lightning chakra into the battery, but be careful. If it overfills, it'll explode."

Kakashi looked at the growing number of batteries from Haruki's storage scroll, his eyes gradually becoming blank.

He doubted if Haruki was turning him into a human generator.

"Let's start with twenty."

Haruki smirked, stopping his actions and handing Kakashi an empty storage scroll.

Thus, Kakashi began his fruit ninja training.

Starting with large watermelons, he gradually moved to smaller fruits like bananas and cherries.

Meanwhile, Haruki awaited the return of Kushina Uzumaki outside the village.

"Huh?"

Kushina rubbed her eyes, puffing her cheeks. "Why are you alone, where's Mikoto?"

"She's busy," Haruki smiled, handing her a piece of freshly cut watermelon. "Try it."

"What's Mikoto busy with?" Kushina asked, puzzled.

She took a bite, red juice splashing.

"It's a long story. She's waiting for your help."

"Really?"

Kushina's eyes lit up. She finished the watermelon quickly, her lips glistening.

She realized she could be useful too.

Honestly, having overly talented teammates was frustrating, often forcing her to slack off.

Haruki, after ensuring she wiped her mouth, led her to the Uchiha compound.

It was nearing dusk, and very quiet.

Mikoto and Fugaku appeared before them.

"Kushina."

Mikoto's previously gloomy expression brightened into a smile.

Kushina immediately hugged her.

"Ugh~ah~"

Kushina snuggled into her like a child. "Did you miss me?"

"Yes."

Mikoto let her act spoiled like a daughter.

Fugaku watched enviously.

He'd never had a hug.

But he couldn't be jealous, understanding the bond between the two sisters.

Haruki noticed the unusually quiet streets, his senses spreading, and raised an eyebrow.

Nearly all the Uchiha were gathered at the shrine.

Whatever reason Mikoto and Fugaku used, their identities weren't questioned.

One was the future clan head, the other his wife.

"Kushina, I need your help to block chakra signals."

Mikoto led Kushina around the compound to set up a barrier.

"Fugaku, do you regret this?"

Haruki watched the sun setting, painting the world red, as Fugaku thought over the question.

Regret?

It was complicated.

His past and present selves seemed in conflict.

Fugaku recalled Haruki's lessons in the genjutsu.

"If this brings a brighter future for the Uchiha, I won't regret it."

Haruki glanced at Fugaku, feeling his awkwardness.

Like a rebellious student knowing the importance of studying but refusing to do it.

"Just follow your heart."

Haruki looked up, sensing an invisible barrier forming.

The village's barrier was meant to be secure, but based on the original story, it was more for reassurance, its effectiveness uncertain.

Mikoto and Kushina reappeared.

"Mikoto and I will act, you and Kushina keep watch," she said, her Mangekyou Sharingan spinning, its triangular pattern menacing.

"Don't look, Kushina," she smiled, entering the shrine.