He had created this technique by drawing inspiration from the Raikage's technique and observing Minato's fluid movements.
The technique concentrated Lightning Release in his limbs to increase his speed and in his brain to enhance his reflexes. His body seemed to disappear in a yellow reflection, barely dodging the *Chidori*.
The deafening sound of electricity striking the ground echoed behind him as he threw a kunai directly towards Kakashi's throat.
"Damn it!"
Shikai hesitated, his hand trembling. The idea of slicing a human's throat paralyzed him for a brief moment, after all, he was just an ordinary person in his previous life, not a military veteran accustomed to such things. But this hesitation allowed Kakashi to deftly deflect the weapon by twisting his wrist.
Kakashi's *Chidori* came dangerously close to Shikai's chest. In a last-ditch effort, Shikai used the *Hiraishin no Jutsu*, teleporting instantly to one of his marked kunais scattered across the field.
However, Kakashi, with his Sharingan still active, seemed to anticipate every move. One of his clones appeared exactly where Shikai had teleported, forcing the latter to change locations again, using a second marked kunai.
Breathless and drenched in sweat, Shikai felt his chakra rapidly depleting. Yet, he couldn't give up. He formed a mudra, summoning a clone that, in turn, used the *Shadow Neck Bind* technique. The shadows stretched and grabbed Kakashi, holding him immobile.
Seizing this moment, Shikai quickly formed a new series of mudras, *Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu*. An imposing water dragon surged forward, roaring towards Kakashi.
"*Doton: Doryuheki!*"
Kakashi, with serenity, erected a mud wall. The water dragon crashed against the barrier, sending splashes in all directions. Shikai was waiting precisely for this moment. He composed another set of mudras, ready to activate his C-rank technique,
*Lightning Explosion*.
But his body, at its limit, betrayed him. His vision blurred, a dizziness unbalancing him. During this lapse, Kakashi skillfully freed himself from the shadow's grasp and, in a flash, struck Shikai's throat.
The impact sent Shikai flying away, and as he was about to crash heavily to the ground, a clone of Kakashi was positioned strategically with its hands joined.
"A thousand years of pain!"
"Ahhh."
His breathing was labored, every muscle in his body crying out in pain. And especially, he had tasted Kakashi's pedophilic technique, which the latter loved to use on Naruto.
Kakashi approached calmly, his face slightly concerned. He deactivated his Sharingan and readjusted his headband.
"Did you have to use that technique?!"
"You fought well, Shikai. You're very talented, but the Yondaime probably taught you that. So, what did you notice in this fight, one of the reasons you lost?"
Shikai, despite his pain, managed a weak smile, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "I still have a lot to learn... Kakashi-senpai. My chakra is far inferior to his, and I can't compare with your Taijutsu, plus your-"
"No." Kakashi cut him off.
"Whether it's in training or a real fight. Hesitation can be fatal. As for me, I didn't hesitate to use the *Chidori*, a swift technique designed for assassination. Do you see the difference, then?"
As Shikai, exhausted, caught his breath on the ground, a powerful cry resounded in the courtyard.
"Kakashi! Your eternal rival challenges you to a test of endurance and burning will!" exclaimed a bowl-cut boy, joyously bouncing on one hand, his overflowing energy illuminating the atmosphere.
Kakashi, impassive, sighed slightly as he sheathed his sword. "Not now, Gai. I have to take care of Shikai on the Yondaime's orders."
"Learn?" Gai retorted, his fist raised. "Youth and overflowing energy are learned through action! Come on, Kakashi, a push-up contest or a race around the village after this fight? This young, fiery ninja can join us! Hehe." He raised his thumb.
Before Kakashi could respond, a stooped and serene silhouette appeared on the field.
It was the former Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who advanced calmly, his hands behind his back, his gaze filled with wisdom.
Everyone immediately ceased their actions. Gai straightened up vigorously and adopted a solemn posture. Kakashi, ever stoic, inclined his head slightly, while Shikai, though exhausted, made the effort to stand up and bow respectfully.
"Sandaime-sama," they all greeted in unison.
Hiruzen sketched a warm smile. "Kakashi, Gai, I see that training is as intense as ever. But this time, I've come to speak to Shikai."
Shikai's gaze lifted slightly.
'What does this old coot want from me again? I really don't have the time. The Kyuubi attack is in two days...'
"Walk with me, young man," Hiruzen said, turning around, indicating that he wanted a private discussion.
As they left the courtyard and headed towards the Nara clan's territory, Hiruzen silently observed the surroundings, allowing Shikai to catch his breath and gather his thoughts. After a few moments, he broke the silence.
"So, Shikai. What do you think of the village?"
Shikai pondered for a moment before responding, his gaze directed at the path ahead.
"Konoha is a place... fascinating. It teems with life, souls determined to protect what they love. But..." He paused, as if searching for the right words.
"...After all, it's only in appearance. There must always be hidden things in the shadows."
Hiruzen slowly nodded, a melancholy smile appearing on his face. "You're perceptive for your age, Shikai. Every village, even the brightest, has its dark areas. That's part of human nature and the ninja system."
"May I ask you a question, Sandaime?"
Hiruzen ruffled Shikai's hair.
"You can call me grandfather, my boy, so ask your question."
"The last time, you spoke to me about always protecting those you love, which is why I decided to focus on the medical aspect. But you also spoke to me about the most important concept in the village, the Will of Fire, so do you think that the life of someone you love and respect is worth more than the collective, or the other way around?"
Shikai didn't ask this question casually; he always wanted a justification. If, in the future, he betrayed the village for a while or even did atrocious things, presenting himself as a child who constantly asked such questions would make him less irredeemable than Orochimaru's pedophile but more like a manipulable Itachi.
Hiruzen smiled at the question.
"You ask such deep questions, young man? Are you sure you're only five years old? Ha ha..."
"..."
Hiruzen cleared his throat.
"Protecting what you love is an intrinsic motivation for humans. And the Will of Fire is the nindo of Konoha's ninjas. So, tell me, Shikai, what does this Will consist of?"
"Sacrifice?"
"Exactly, past generations sacrificed themselves for our present. And we have the obligation to sacrifice ourselves for the future. Even if we can't protect what we love, sacrifice is far more important. Do you understand, Shikai?"
Shikai's face was a bit somber. Watching this old coot spout nonsense made him even uncomfortable.
'How did he manage to convince those two Uchiha idiots with his bullshit arguments?'