Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

Kakashi's sharp wit exceeded Raiden Uzumaki's expectations. He initially thought earning Kakashi's acceptance would require significant effort, but the boy's intelligence made the process unexpectedly smooth—so smooth that Raiden found it a little surreal.

"Hatake Kakashi, don't you wonder what I can teach you? Why so quick to accept me as your teacher?" Raiden asked, glancing at the boy who barely reached his waist.

"Teacher Raiden, stop teasing me," Kakashi replied, his tone half-serious. "I wasn't thrilled at first, but after I spoke with my father, I changed my mind. I'm actually glad to be your student."

Despite his mature demeanor, Kakashi's response reminded Raiden that, at the end of the day, the boy was still a child—bright, but not an old soul.

"Ah, so Sakumo Hatake vouched for me," Raiden said, sitting cross-legged on the ground. His tone lightened with curiosity. "What did your father say about me?"

"Father said you're the most talented person he's ever seen," Kakashi replied earnestly. "He said I'd benefit greatly from learning under you."

Raiden couldn't help but grin. "Sakumo-senpai's praise does wonders for my ego," he said with a laugh. "But is that all he said?"

Kakashi blinked. "That's it."

Raiden clicked his tongue in mock disappointment. "Just that? Go back and tell your father to strengthen his praise next time!"

Kakashi, bewildered by his teacher's playful personality, sighed, his face lined with exasperation. This was his first encounter with someone like Raiden.

Establishing Values

"Alright, enough small talk," Raiden said, brushing off his clothes as he stood up. "Since the Hokage assigned me to guide you, let's use today to start your training. But before anything else, I have to set some ground rules."

Kakashi straightened his posture, his full attention now on Raiden. He was curious to hear what his mentor had to say.

"First, let's address the basics. What is a ninja, Kakashi?"

"A ninja?" Kakashi paused before replying. "A ninja is someone who completes missions for Hokage-sama and protects the village."

Raiden shook his head slightly, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face. "That's the textbook answer. It's what Konoha expects you to say. But I'm asking you, Kakashi—what does being a ninja mean to you?"

Kakashi hesitated, his youthful mind grappling with the question. "I... I guess I became a ninja because my father is one. He's strong and cool, and I want to be like him."

Raiden smiled, gently ruffling Kakashi's spiky hair. "That's a good answer, Kakashi. It's honest, and there's no shame in admiring your father. But let me tell you something important."

He squatted down to meet Kakashi's gaze. "A ninja's purpose isn't just about protecting the village or completing missions. Those are just tasks. At its core, being a ninja is about protecting the people and things you hold dear. It's about ensuring that no one can take away what matters to you."

Raiden's words carried a weight that Kakashi couldn't fully process yet. The young boy wanted to argue, but Raiden raised a finger, silencing him gently.

"Think about what I said. Let it sink in. If you have questions later, we'll talk."

Testing Kakashi's Strength

"Now, let's see what you've got," Raiden said, stepping back. "Show me your abilities. I need to know where you stand."

Kakashi nodded, his serious expression returning. He walked a few steps away and readied himself. "Teacher Raiden, I'm coming at you. Be careful."

"Bring it on," Raiden replied with a smirk, gesturing for Kakashi to attack.

Kakashi crouched, gripping the hilt of his short blade. With a sudden burst of speed, he darted toward Raiden, his movements sharp and deliberate.

"Fast for a five-year-old," Raiden murmured, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

With a shout, Kakashi drew his blade mid-leap, aiming a clean strike at Raiden's chest. Raiden effortlessly parried the attack with his own blade, the clash of metal ringing out.

Kakashi didn't stop there. He retreated quickly, flipping his grip on the blade before forming hand seals with impressive speed. "Lightning Style: Thunder Snake!"

A crackling bolt of electricity surged toward Raiden. Simultaneously, Kakashi hurled kunai and closed in for another melee strike.

Raiden watched the attack unfold with calm amusement. "A clever combination of ninjutsu and taijutsu," he remarked. With a casual wave of his blade, he deflected the kunai, then turned to meet Kakashi's next strike.

But Kakashi had a trick up his sleeve. The Thunder Snake he'd summoned suddenly detonated, sending a wave of electricity through Raiden's body.

"Got him!" Kakashi thought, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. But his victory was short-lived.

Raiden stood there, unfazed, his expression unchanged. "Not bad," he said, brushing off his sleeves. "But that Lightning Style... feels more like a massage."

Kakashi's jaw dropped. He had never seen anyone withstand a Lightning Style attack so effortlessly. His father, Hatake Sakumo, had always emphasized the lethality of lightning techniques, but Raiden seemed immune.

Determined, Kakashi tried again. This time, he poured more chakra into his Lightning Style, creating a more powerful Thunder Snake. The jutsu sped toward Raiden with deadly intent.

Raiden, however, didn't even draw his blade. Instead, he raised a hand and snapped his fingers. A fierce gust of wind erupted, scattering the Thunder Snake like dust. The sheer force of the wind created a small crater in the ground.

Kakashi shielded his face from the storm, barely able to keep his footing. When the wind subsided, he stared at Raiden in awe.

"Your skills are impressive for your age," Raiden said, his tone now serious. "But you still have a long way to go. Tomorrow, you'll meet your teammates. We'll form a team and take on missions together. Until then, keep training."

"Teammates?" Kakashi repeated, his surprise giving way to excitement. "My first squad as a Genin... I'll do my best, Teacher Raiden!"

Raiden smiled as he walked away, leaving Kakashi to reflect on the day's events. "This kid's potential is remarkable," Raiden thought. "It'll be fun helping him grow."

Kakashi, still standing in the training ground, gripped his short blade tightly. His admiration for Raiden had grown, and he resolved to prove himself worthy of his mentor's guidance.

(End of Chapter)

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