Well, isn't this something? Hearing Uchiha Akira's words, Kakashi couldn't help but exclaim inwardly, Unbelievable!
So, he can teach others things he hasn't fully mastered himself? It's like how some people are single yet act like relationship gurus, giving advice to others on how to date.
But if it were anyone else saying this, it would just seem like misguided advice or nonsense. However, coming from Uchiha Akira…
"I've heard some rumors—Akira, do you also know how to perform the Chidori?" After a brief pause, Kakashi asked Uchiha Akira directly.
Chidori was the one jutsu Kakashi had spent years developing, his unique creation. Yet, there were whispers that Uchiha Akira could use it as well. Kakashi had always been curious about this, and now that the opportunity had arisen, he naturally had to ask.
"Of course!" Uchiha Akira responded candidly with a nod. Then, without a hint of shame, he added, "Just because you created the Chidori, doesn't mean someone else couldn't come up with it too, right?"
"Lightning Release techniques can often overlap. Isn't there a saying that goes, 'If there's a resemblance, it's purely coincidental!'"
Kakashi's eyebrow twitched slightly at this, his expression as if asking, Do you really think I'm that gullible?
He admitted to knowing it, but as for how he learned it, Uchiha Akira wasn't about to share that. During his time using the Life Simulator, he had encountered Kakashi more than a few times, even getting caught up in a storyline where Naruto had taken him out.
After Shisui-sensei died and left him two million ryo in inheritance, Akira had immediately used it for a simulation, selecting jutsu learning experiences.
With his Sharingan's three-tomoe activation, he had witnessed Kakashi using Chidori countless times in the Life Simulator. Combined with his own dual affinity for lightning and fire, it was natural that he had mastered Chidori within the simulator.
Kakashi earned his title as the Copy Ninja with just one Sharingan, so why shouldn't others learn from him? Remember in the original story when Lee used the Shadow of the Dancing Leaf on Sasuke during the Chunin Exams, and Sasuke immediately copied it to create the Lion's Barrage?
And Naruto—he was even more shameless, not even bothering to change the name, just calling it "Naruto Uzumaki Barrage!"
So, it's fitting that Kakashi's disciples are also adept at copying techniques, right? As for what Kakashi was thinking at the moment, well…
Uchiha Akira then pulled out a balloon and began instructing Naruto on how to train by making the balloon burst.
"By the way, Kakashi, why don't you demonstrate the Rasengan for Naruto?" After explaining the training method, Uchiha Akira turned to Kakashi with a request. Upon hearing this, Kakashi's expression turned to one of pure resignation.
So now you're going to use me as your demonstration tool?
"What's the matter? You're the Fourth Hokage's student, aren't you? Surely you know how to use Rasengan. Or is it that you don't want Naruto to learn it?" Uchiha Akira teased, noticing Kakashi's reluctant look.
Sighing, Kakashi realized he had no choice. If he didn't demonstrate the Rasengan, it would either imply that he couldn't use it, or that he didn't want to teach it to Naruto.
So, Kakashi raised his hand, and in no time, a Rasengan the size of a small ball appeared in his palm. "Naruto, this is the Rasengan. The key feature is that it doesn't require any hand seals, making it very convenient to use."
Using Kakashi as a tool for the demonstration, Uchiha Akira then turned to Naruto and said, "Alright, Naruto, got it?"
"Yes, I got it!" Naruto nodded vigorously, full of motivation to train.
"By the way, Kakashi, you know Rasengan, but I've rarely seen you use it," Uchiha Akira remarked after noticing Naruto had already started practicing on his own.
"This jutsu is powerful, but it doesn't suit my style. It lacks the piercing speed of Lightning Release, making it harder to land a hit, and it consumes a lot of chakra," Kakashi explained, shaking his head.
That makes sense, Uchiha Akira thought. While the Rasengan is indeed strong, it doesn't have the same destructive power as Chidori. The Sharingan enhances vision, and Lightning Release boosts cellular activity, so Chidori's rapid thrusts naturally have a higher hit rate than the Rasengan. Given Kakashi's limited chakra reserves, it's no wonder he's cautious about using it.
As for Naruto in the original story… well, that's a different matter. While everyone else had to manage their chakra carefully, Naruto was like a player in infinite energy mode, tossing Rasengans left and right without a care.
Whenever Naruto tapped into the Nine-Tails' chakra, he could summon hundreds of shadow clones, each wielding a massive Rasengan to smash into the Nine-Tails. The name "chakra beast" wasn't an exaggeration.
So, with Kakashi as a reference, Uchiha Akira decided that Chidori was indeed more suited to him than Rasengan.
"Heh heh heh," Might Guy chuckled, clearly enjoying Kakashi's moment of discomfort. After all these years of rivalry, seeing Kakashi in a tough spot was a rare treat for him.
"Rasengan is indeed a powerful jutsu, but it's an A-rank technique. Isn't it a bit late to start training it now?" Hyuga Hiashi commented, surprised.
It made sense. They were already on their way to the border of the Land of Wind, with about ten days left before they arrived. Starting to learn a new jutsu now seemed like terrible timing.
Although Hiashi wasn't worried about Naruto's chakra, being the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki, learning a jutsu wasn't just about having lots of chakra.
"Hiashi-sama, care to make a bet? Let's see if Naruto can master the Rasengan before we reach the Land of Wind's border," Uchiha Akira suggested with a smile.
"Oh? And what's the wager?" Hiashi asked, intrigued by Uchiha Akira's confidence, though he still believed Naruto didn't have a chance of learning the Rasengan so quickly.
"If you win, I'll give you a secret—one that involves evolving the Byakugan into the Tenseigan. How does that sound?" Uchiha Akira proposed with a grin.
"The Byakugan evolving into the Tenseigan?!" Hiashi's face showed shock. The Byakugan could evolve? Into something called the Tenseigan?
"What do you mean?" Hiashi asked, shaken by the revelation.
"Well, you'll find out if you win the bet," Uchiha Akira replied with a light chuckle.
"Alright, but what do you want if you win?" After a brief pause, considering that his chances of winning were high, Hiashi nodded and asked.
"Just a small price—a ten million ryo, perhaps?" Uchiha Akira suggested after a moment of thought.
Everyone in the squad exchanged curious glances. Uchiha Akira was known for being a bit of a penny-pincher, but it seemed that his reputation was well-deserved.
"Fine, ten million it is," Hiashi agreed without much hesitation. As the head of the Hyuga clan, he was quite wealthy, so the amount didn't faze him.
Seeing Hiashi agree, Uchiha Akira couldn't help but smile. That's ten million ryo in the bag. With that, I can afford another simulation, even at Kage level!
Suddenly, Hiashi seemed much more agreeable in Uchiha Akira's eyes—after all, he was unknowingly investing in his future son-in-law's ninja training. The old man had no idea what kind of talent Naruto really had.
With that, Uchiha Akira turned to glance at Naruto. This whole bet is really just a way to showcase Naruto's abilities to his future father-in-law. Once Hiashi sees Naruto's potential with his own eyes, he'll be practically begging to give Hinata's hand in marriage, dowry be damned!
"We're doomed…" Nara Shikaku muttered to himself, shaking his head after witnessing Uchiha Akira and Hiashi seal the deal.
"Oh? Shikaku, do you think Hiashi-sama will lose?" Akimichi Choza asked, puzzled by Shikaku's reaction.
"Whether Hiashi wins or loses, I'm certain you'll end up losing," Shikaku replied, glancing sympathetically at Choza.
What does that mean? Choza thought, utterly confused. This bet is between Hiashi-sama and Uchiha Akira—what does it have to do with me?
"Well, there's a town not far ahead. It's almost time for lunch. How about we stop there for a meal?" Yamanaka Inoichi suggested at that moment.
"Sounds good!" Uchiha Akira, acting as the squad leader, agreed with a nod.
Once they arrived in the town, Choza's eyes immediately locked onto a barbecue restaurant. "I've been here a few times before. Their grilled meat is amazing!" he said, enthusiastically recommending the place.
However, Uchiha Akira coughed lightly and objected, "Grilled meat isn't suitable. It's too greasy and won't be good for travel. We should grab some rice balls instead. When we're out on a mission, we should embrace a spirit of endurance."
"Didn't the Hokage give you a 3-million-ryo budget for this mission?" Kakashi asked, puzzled by Uchiha Akira's insistence, given the funds they had.
"We need to be frugal with our spending. It's only the first day, after all. We can't go splurging on luxuries," Uchiha Akira replied without missing a beat, leading the way to a shop selling rice balls.
"I knew it…" Nara Shikaku sighed, muttering to himself with a mix of amusement and resignation.
At Shikaku's words, Choza suddenly realized what he had meant earlier. So that's why he said I'd lose…
Given my appetite, how could a few rice balls possibly satisfy me?
"Damn it, I thought 3 million ryo would be enough for three simulations. But at this rate, I'll be lucky if it's enough for two!" Uchiha Akira grumbled as he watched Choza and Naruto compete in a rice ball eating contest, both devouring hundreds of rice balls.
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Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 136 at patreon.com/Emik01.