Naruto Shadow Mage

"Kakashi!"

"Stop!"

"Boom!"

Just as Kakashi's Chidori was only 20 centimeters away from piercing Koshino's chest, a loud shout from the distance gave Koshino a glimmer of hope!

Because that familiar voice signaled the arrival of the Fourth Hokage!

With the Fourth Hokage present, Koshino knew his life was saved!

Indeed, the Fourth Hokage did not disappoint. As Kakashi, unable to control the power of Chidori, nearly made a fatal mistake, the Fourth Hokage appeared like a golden flash, instantly standing between Koshino and Kakashi, and struck Kakashi's wrist heavily!

"Boom!"

Another loud noise followed as Kakashi's Chidori struck the ground, leaving a deep crater.

At that moment, both Koshino and Kakashi were covered in cold sweat. Koshino's was from the near-death experience, while Kakashi's was from realizing he almost made a grave mistake.

"I almost killed Koshino just now?"

"What was I thinking?"

Taking several deep breaths, Koshino's frantic heartbeat finally calmed down. Kakashi, on the other hand, remained in a state of shock.

The Fourth Hokage, seeing that he had arrived in time to prevent a disaster, exhaled slowly. Then, noting that Koshino was unharmed but slightly shaken, his stern gaze fell on Kakashi.

"Kakashi, do you realize what you were doing just now?"

"Koshino is not your enemy; he is your comrade. Even in sparring, you need to exercise restraint, don't you?"

"Yes, Lord Fourth. I understand."

Kakashi, too ashamed to meet the Hokage's eyes, bowed his head in apology. Then he turned to Koshino, deeply bowed, and said, "Koshino, I am truly sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I just..."

"I understand, Kakashi. Long periods on the battlefield can lead to some mental issues. I'm fine, so let's move past this."

Though Koshino harbored some resentment for Kakashi's lack of restraint, he maintained a facade of understanding in front of the Hokage. After all, Koshino had a positive outlook. If this had been a real battle, his lack of skill would have cost him his life. Kakashi's Chidori served as an important lesson.

Moreover, Koshino had experienced personal growth during the near-death encounter. Just as Kakashi's Chidori was about to strike, Koshino heard a crackling sound, as if something in his mind had shattered.

Now, even without using chakra sensing, Koshino could vaguely perceive his surroundings. For these reasons, instead of blaming Kakashi, he felt he should thank him—though Kakashi, having made a mistake, wouldn't accept gratitude.

The Fourth Hokage pleased that Koshino and Kakashi had reconciled, sighed with relief. But as Koshino thought the incident was behind them, the Hokage's stern gaze turned to him.

"Koshino, Kakashi admitted his mistake. Do you know your mistake?"

"Uh?"

Caught off guard, Koshino quickly realized the Hokage intended to hold both of them accountable. He promptly nodded. "Yes, Lord Fourth. I know my mistake."

"Good, knowing your mistake is important."

The Hokage, appreciating Koshino's willingness to admit fault, continued, "Kakashi was wrong to use a dangerous jutsu during a spar, almost injuring you. But your mistake, Koshino, was showing disrespect to your senior. If you hadn't provoked Kakashi, would he have used such a dangerous technique?"

"So, Koshino, apologize to Kakashi."

"Senior Kakashi, I apologize. I was wrong."

Though he felt a bit odd about it, Koshino knew he had to comply with the Hokage's wishes.

Strength dictates reason, and the Hokage's authority was the greatest, so Koshino had no choice but to apologize.

Despite this, the Fourth Hokage was a fair person. He didn't punish Koshino or Kakashi further. Seeing them reconcile and perform the Seal of Reconciliation, the Hokage shifted the focus to training.

"Kakashi, you're a Jonin now. You need to find your path forward, just as Jiraiya-sensei taught me. But right now, you have significant issues that I, as your teacher, must help resolve. So, for the next few days, you'll train with Koshino and me."

Kakashi nodded quietly, fully trusting the Fourth Hokage.

The Hokage then turned to Koshino, who was eagerly looking at him. With a smile, he said, "Koshino, you're brilliant and have a solid foundation. With your effort, you could surpass Kakashi and become the youngest Jonin in history in three years. But now, if you were to enter the battlefield without survival skills and a trump card, your chances of surviving are too slim."

"So, to solve both your and Kakashi's issues, I've decided to teach you both a jutsu."

"It's..."

With a dramatic pause, the Hokage extended his right hand, gathering chakra. Under the expectant gaze of Koshino and Kakashi, the chakra formed into a sphere in the Hokage's palm—the Rasengan!

Knowing the Rasengan's training method from the original story, Koshino rolled his eyes at the Hokage's "prideful" demonstration. Kakashi, despite having created his S-rank jutsu, was amazed by the Rasengan, repeatedly exclaiming:

"Lord Fourth, you're going to teach Koshino and me the Rasengan?"

"Yes, the Rasengan!"

Smiling, the Hokage began to explain the benefits and critical points of Rasengan training to Koshino and Kakashi.

But then, to the Hokage's and Kakashi's surprise, Koshino, like a curious child, extended his right hand, gathered chakra, and asked:

"Lord Fourth, did you do it like this?"