Kakashi's special training for Sasuke gradually got on track. Since Sasuke already possessed the Lightning element, it saved Kakashi a great deal of trouble.
The next step was teaching Sasuke how to properly use Lightning-style chakra, making full use of its properties to stimulate his body and greatly enhance his physical abilities (primarily speed).
In addition, Kakashi also had to teach Sasuke how to use the Sharingan correctly. Because the Uchiha clan had been wiped out and Sasuke was too young at the time, he had no idea how to utilize the Sharingan properly. The only person in the entire Leaf Village who knew how to use it was Kakashi, a non-Uchiha.
Actually, Danzo Shimura also knew how to use it, but that old man was extremely secretive, and at the time, no one knew he had collected a large number of Sharingan.
After laying a solid foundation, Kakashi formally began teaching Sasuke the Lightning Release ninjutsu, Chidori.
Chidori, the only original jutsu created by Kakashi, the famed Copy Ninja, was incredibly powerful. Its signature noise, like the chirping of a thousand birds, and the blinding flash it produced deeply attracted Naruto, who loved showing off.
Naturally, Naruto clamored to learn it as well.
Kakashi didn't refuse. Since everyone was already here, he decided to teach them together.
Unfortunately, even Sakura, who was just watching, managed to understand some of the theory. Sasuke had already succeeded in condensing a small amount of Lightning chakra in his hand, while Naruto still sat there scratching his head with a strained expression.
In the original plot, Naruto had also asked Kakashi about Chidori's principles, and Kakashi hadn't hidden anything. But Naruto had never learned the technique. His lack of understanding of Lightning nature transformation was likely the biggest reason.
Ethan didn't steal the spotlight. After watching for a while, he had already grasped the principles of Chidori. Moreover, when Kakashi demonstrated, he also used Lightning Blade, so Ethan picked up that jutsu as well.
Nominally, Lightning Blade and Chidori are the same jutsu. In practice, though, there are a number of differences. Lightning Blade requires fewer hand signs and can unleash maximum power without scraping the ground, making it more suitable for close-range attacks. It also lacks the loud sound, making it better for sneak attacks.
From this perspective, Lightning Blade is similar to the techniques Sasuke later developed, such as Chidori Current and Chidori Sharp Spear. They are all advanced evolutions of the original Chidori.
Aside from practicing Lightning Release and learning Chidori, Sasuke's most frequent training during this period was sparring with Ethan.
Most importantly, he used these sparring sessions to master his Sharingan. As the number of matches increased, Ethan noticed that Sasuke was using the Sharingan to record his fighting style. As Sasuke's speed improved, he even began using the same moves Ethan had used against Ethan himself.
"So this is the Sharingan?"
Perhaps due to sensing his rapid growth, Sasuke began showing signs of arrogance again. He had always been proud of his lineage and possessed a natural sense of superiority over others.
That was why his mentality later crumbled when he discovered that Naruto, this so-called dead last with no notable background, had somehow surpassed him. If he had known that Naruto's bloodline was also exceptional, maybe he would have felt better?
As for Sasuke's attitude, Ethan had only one simple and direct method: beat him using the very things he was proud of.
When Ethan defeated Sasuke using flashy shuriken throws and combining ninjutsu with taijutsu—techniques clearly patterned after Sasuke's own style—if Ethan's eyes hadn't appeared normal, Sasuke might have even suspected Ethan had a Sharingan too.
"How can you do that?"
"When your fundamentals are solid enough, your ninjutsu knowledge broad enough, and your vision keen enough, you can replicate your opponent's movements and jutsu even without the Sharingan."
Sasuke clenched his fists tightly. This was the first time someone had spoken so dismissively about the Sharingan in front of him. Before today, everyone had shown envy and admiration for his bloodline. Why was Ethan different?
Sasuke couldn't understand it right now, and Ethan's next words shocked him even more.
"While the Sharingan is very convenient, it's merely a tool. What you need to do is learn how to control that tool, not be limited by it. If you rely on it too much, your growth will stop there."
As Ethan said this, he couldn't help but glance at Kakashi nearby. Sasuke was standing directly across from Ethan and naturally followed his gaze.
Kakashi was the most obvious example. Though he was strong, Sasuke felt he couldn't compare to the person Sasuke truly wanted to surpass.
Some of Kakashi's behavior even seemed to confirm Ethan's point: being limited by the Sharingan.
Copy Ninja, Kakashi of the Sharingan. Although not an Uchiha, he was still defined by the Sharingan. Was that something to be proud of, or something regrettable?
Kakashi, standing to the side, also understood the meaning behind Ethan's words. As a genius, how could he not be aware of the problem? He had simply realized it too late. Even if he wanted to change now, it would be difficult.
However...
"He really isn't giving me any face."
Fortunately, Sasuke didn't dwell too long on Kakashi. He stood silently, contemplating Ethan's words.
"What should I do?"
He was confused. Should he abandon the Sharingan?
"Just train normally and improve your strength. Treat the Sharingan as a jutsu you've learned. I'm not telling you to give up your advantage, but to understand the difference between the sword and the one wielding it."
At this stage, Sasuke couldn't fully grasp the meaning of these words. Ethan hadn't said them to teach a life lesson—he was simply annoyed with Sasuke's arrogance and decided to knock him down a peg.
Sasuke didn't know Ethan's little scheme. His mind kept circling around what Ethan had said.
At that moment, Naruto, who had disappeared earlier in the day, finally reappeared—with a tall, white-haired man following behind him.
"Oh, so Jiraiya finally decided to show himself?"
During this time, Ethan had already noticed someone hiding nearby and watching. That person was Jiraiya.
According to the original plan, Jiraiya would meet Naruto in a seemingly coincidental encounter. Ethan recalled from the plot that Jiraiya and Kakashi had communicated beforehand, which was why Kakashi had left Naruto to train with someone else while he personally coached Sasuke.
However, this time some small changes had occurred, causing Team 7 and Ethan to train together. Jiraiya had no choice but to wait for a chance, and finally 'ran into' Naruto while he was alone on the street.
Unfortunately, things didn't go smoothly. Naruto didn't want to train with Jiraiya. Even though Jiraiya promoted himself in all sorts of ways, Naruto wasn't interested. Only after revealing his identity and showing some ninjutsu did Jiraiya finally manage to spark Naruto's curiosity.
And then… Naruto brought him here.
Kakashi looked at the awkward Jiraiya and found the situation amusing.
Earlier, these kids had been watching him for fun. Now it was his turn to sit back and enjoy the show.
The awkward Jiraiya had no choice but to reintroduce himself. But none of the kids below gave him any face, all staring at him like, "Where did this weird old man come from?"
"What a bunch of unlovable kids. Seems like I need to show you just how amazing this Sage is."
Jiraiya only introduced himself as the "Toad Sage" and didn't mention being one of the Three Sannin or the Third Hokage's student, so he didn't reveal any secrets. Naruto, being simple-minded, didn't think to explain anything either.
So when Jiraiya proposed sparring with the younger ones (actually to show off and win Naruto's admiration), the others didn't think much of this strange old man and casually agreed.
Sasuke and Sakura wanted to see if their recent training had paid off. Ethan, on the other hand, thought it was time to slightly increase his display of strength.
He glanced at Jiraiya, who clearly didn't take these kids seriously, and decided to add some fuel to the fire.
"Sasuke, Sakura, you'd better use your full strength. This man is one of the Three Sannin, on par with Orochimaru."
Orochimaru had left a strong impression on both Sasuke and Sakura. Hearing that this white-haired old man was on the same level as Orochimaru, they instantly took him seriously.
"You know me?"
Jiraiya had been away from the village for a long time. He didn't expect a kid to recognize him.
"I like to read all kinds of miscellaneous things in my spare time."
Ethan took off his jacket, wrist guards, and other weights, tossing them casually under a tree. The dull thud when they hit the ground even made Jiraiya pause for a second.
From the sound, Kakashi made a more accurate judgment: the weights had increased again...
In addition, Kakashi also noticed that the kunai Ethan took out had a very distinct pattern on the handle.
"Could it be..."
Jiraiya also noticed that Ethan's kunai looked a bit unusual, but he didn't think too much of it. After all, that was a technique only two Hokage had ever learned. He didn't believe a random Genin could use it.
Just as he slightly shifted to avoid the kunai Ethan threw and prepared to block the shuriken launched by the other two Genin, he suddenly felt a gust of wind at the back of his head.
"It really is the Flying Thunder God Technique?"
Although Ethan teleported behind him for a surprise attack, with Jiraiya's reaction speed, he could still block it.
But when facing a ninja who had mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique, blocking the attack like this was absolutely the worst idea.
(To be continued.)