Chapter 6 Hatake Kakashi

The more Kakashi played, the more he sensed that something was amiss. Although their fight seemed evenly matched from an outsider's perspective, neither of them managed to gain the upper hand, resulting in a stalemate.

However, Kakashi was well aware that his opponent had been merely going along with his moves all this time, with no intention of retaliating. Instead, they were expertly diffusing his well-crafted attacks one after another.

Given the advanced level of their consciousness, his flaws should have been apparent to them long ago.

This sensation was akin to a teacher instructing a student or an adult playfully teasing a child, and it felt distinctly wrong.

Might Guy observed intently, so engrossed that he wished he had a pen and paper to take notes.

"Oh, so it can be done this way too? I see."

Uchiha Kiyoshi pondered for a moment and concluded that he should probably warn Hatake Sakumo.

"Uncle, if you continue like this, Kakashi might catch on."

After voicing his concern, he realized that it might not matter even if Kakashi did notice something was amiss, as Hatake Sakumo was likely just having some fun.

"That's alright. You manage it yourself," Hatake Sakumo responded.

Hatake Sakumo suddenly came to his senses, realizing that he had become so absorbed in the battle that he had momentarily forgotten the current situation.

"Understood."

Kakashi and Hatake Sakumo exchanged punches, and they both stepped back. Hatake Sakumo initiated a conversation through their shared consciousness.

"Kiyoshi, what are your primary Chakra attributes?"

Was he planning to use Ninjutsu now?

"Water Style and Fire Style," Uchiha Kiyoshi replied.

In the Uchiha Clan, most individuals either possessed only Fire-style chakra or a combination of Fire-style and another attribute. Learning multiple attribute jutsu through Sharingan copying was a different scenario.

After a few more rounds of fighting, Hatake Sakumo, still within Uchiha Kiyoshi's body, proposed to Kakashi, "It's getting late; let's conclude with some Ninjutsu."

Kakashi's pupils suddenly contracted, and his heart skipped a beat.

He was all too familiar with this proposal, from the tone to the content.

Although it had been a long time since he had last heard this suggestion, he remembered it vividly, like the indelible markings left by time on stone.

When he was a child, Hatake Sakumo would often end their training sessions with this very phrase whenever he was preoccupied with other matters.

Was this person in front of him truly just a coincidence?

Both Hatake Sakumo and Kakashi instinctively stepped back, creating some distance for Ninjutsu casting.

"Water Style: Water Surge!"

"Water Style: Water Surge!"

They both used the same Ninjutsu and unleashed cascades of water from their mouths, charging at each other.

Uchiha Kiyoshi  couldn't help but wonder; this Ninjutsu was definitely not something Hatake Sakumo knew how to use. Yet, all he did was ask about the Chakra attribute, and he was confidently employing it.

Tsk, a master was still a master.

The two streams of water collided mid-air.

After several seconds of intense confrontation, Hatake Sakumo faltered in his Chakra control due to his unfamiliarity with his new body, causing the flow of Chakra to halt. As a result, the water gradually dissipated.

He hadn't anticipated that the amount of Chakra within Uchiha Kiyoshi would be less than he had imagined.

Kakashi's Water Style, being more dominant, eventually overcame the attack. Sensing Hatake Sakumo's error in Chakra control, they mutually canceled the Ninjutsu, avoiding any harm.

The Water Style didn't strike either of them; instead, it transformed into raindrops, falling lightly like a drizzle.

"Uncle, next time you want to end, just let me know," Uchiha Kiyoshi offered.

"Very well," Hatake Sakumo agreed.

He glanced at Kakashi, attempting to mask his emotions. There would likely be a chance to confess to his son in the future, but now was not the appropriate time.

Uchiha Kiyoshi was also pondering this. Five years ago, Hatake Sakumo's body had been laid to rest under the watchful eyes of Konoha officials and numerous ninja civilians. Now, he had been unexpectedly revived and stood in his restaurant.

For reasons he couldn't fathom.

Even if he possessed the patience to explain the true reason to everyone, not many would believe him. Instead, they would treat him as a dangerous individual and subject him to special treatment.

While Uchiha Kiyoshi could control the summoned soul, once he left Hanada restaurant, he was just an ordinary person.

"Kakashi."

Hatake Sakumo intentionally lowered his voice, but the faintly choked tone was hard to conceal, so he cleared his throat a few times to mask his embarrassment.

Kakashi's expression appeared somewhat bewildered as he covered his forehead. The recent events had been incredibly vivid.

Another coincidence.

Water Style: Water Surge was a C-Rank Ninjutsu and a fundamental Water Style technique, so it wasn't unusual for someone to know it. However, it was the very Ninjutsu that Hatake Sakumo habitually used to conclude his training sessions.

This phrase had always marked the end of their training sessions when Kakashi was a child, as Hatake Sakumo would use this Ninjutsu before getting busy with other matters.

Was the individual before him truly coincidental?

Both Hatake Sakumo and Kakashi instinctively stepped back, creating space for their Ninjutsu.

"Uncle, who are you really?" Kakashi questioned.

Rather than regaining control of his body, Uchiha Kiyoshi allowed Hatake Sakumo to manage the situation.

Hatake Sakumo smiled and, after casting another lingering gaze at Kakashi, continued, "I'm just an ordinary restaurant owner. I look forward to your visit to my restaurant so that I can host you."

Following this, Hatake Sakumo communicated through their shared consciousness, informing Uchiha Kiyoshi, "Alright, I'm finished."

[Gain 200 wish power.]

The system's notification chimed almost simultaneously with Hatake Sakumo's voice.

As Uchiha Kiyoshi witnessed the heartwarming scene of father and son recognizing each other, he felt somewhat overwhelmed.

With a mere thought, he switched his consciousness with Hatake Sakumo, reclaiming his own body.

After Kakashi listened to Hatake Sakumo's cryptic words, he lowered his head slightly, deep in thought. Uchiha Kiyoshi couldn't discern Kakashi's thoughts at this moment.

Might Guy approached them.

"You two had an amazing battle just now."

Kakashi snapped out of his reverie, scratching his head sheepishly as he smiled. "Kiyoshi  is indeed as formidable as you claimed."

Might Guy stood tall, his pride apparent. "Of course, anyone who can defeat me must be exceptional."

Kakashi and Uchiha Kiyoshi couldn't help but chuckle at Might Guy's boastful words delivered with a serious, prideful tone.

Kakashi inquired, "Kiyoshi  , where is your restaurant?"

Uchiha Kiyoshi replied, "It's on East Street, not far from Ichiraku Ramen. However, for some reason, it might not be open until next week."

"Understood, I'll come by next week," Kakashi confirmed.

After conversing for a while, Uchiha Kiyoshi returned to his restaurant, Might Guy resumed his training, and Kakashi remained seated on the steps in front of his home, lost in thought.

As he gazed at the white clouds overhead, memories from the past began to resurface, weaving a tapestry of nostalgia.

"Am I overthinking things? Or perhaps I miss you, Dad."