In the end, Kakashi still couldn't fully grasp what Souma meant by the "proper usage" of Kotoamatsukami.
But he did understand two things very clearly.
First—
Even if he couldn't quite follow it, whatever Souma was talking about definitely involved the mental domain, and it sounded terrifyingly profound.
Second—
He probably needed to calm down and seriously start studying medical knowledge.
Before, he hadn't felt it so strongly. But ever since Souma began developing all sorts of techniques related to the human body, Kakashi had developed an overwhelming sense that without medical knowledge, one simply couldn't move forward.
In less than half an hour of discussion, there had already been several moments where he couldn't even follow the conversation.
Utterly humiliating—for a teacher.
Kakashi let out a quiet sigh.
"Kakashi! My eternal rival! What's wrong? Why the sigh?"
"Kai… it's you."
Kakashi turned his head and saw Might Guy climbing up from below. He narrowed his eyes slightly, then smiled.
"Duel?"
"Hahahaha! My eternal rival, have you finally been moved by me—realizing the importance of frequent duels and mutual progress? Come on!"
Guy struck a fighting pose.
But—
Kakashi shook his head.
"Not that kind of duel. Let's do something different today—and add a wager. The loser grants the winner one condition."
"Oh? Rock–paper–scissors?"
Guy grinned confidently. "Fine by me. I won't lose this time!"
"No."
Kakashi raised a finger. "For a shinobi, cultural studies are just as important. Every ninjutsu is the result of accumulated knowledge fermenting over time."
"We'll each ask the other one question. Whoever can't answer loses. How about it?"
"As expected of you, Kakashi—always coming up with refreshing duel formats."
Guy grew serious and sat down. "You first, or me?"
"You go first."
Kakashi gestured.
Guy thought for a few seconds… then lifted his head, changed posture, and thought again.
…?
A hint of confusion appeared on Kakashi's face.
Was coming up with a question really that hard?
Was he charging up some ultimate move?
Several minutes later, Guy finally spoke:
"How can ninjutsu be used while in the Eight Gates state?"
"…?"
Kakashi half-lidded his eyes.
Impressive.
So this thick-browed man had learned to set traps too.
But considering his own question—
Kakashi smiled.
"Under the Eight Gates, chakra becomes extremely violent. Normally, it's impossible to use ninjutsu with that kind of chakra."
"Mm."
Guy nodded.
He'd been pondering this recently—how to better integrate ninjutsu or nin–taijutsu while using the Eight Gates.
The conclusion was simple:
Almost impossible.
Kakashi continued,
"Under normal circumstances, it can't be done. The chakra is far too violent to control—unless it's the simplest techniques."
"The simplest techniques?"
"Yes. Things like Wind Release: Great Breakthrough or Fire Release: Great Fireball could be attempted. But why chase ninjutsu at all? That's missing the point."
He shook his head.
"For you, perfecting taijutsu is the true path."
"Mm… I was just thinking—could I trade Eight Gates knowledge with Souma for a ninjutsu?"
Guy scratched his head, then looked up. "Your turn."
"My question is very simple."
Kakashi smiled faintly.
"How exactly do human nerves control the body?"
"..."
Guy was silent for a long time.
This question was far more "normal" than his.
But precisely because it was normal—
He couldn't answer a single word.
Completely out of syllabus!
"You win," Guy said honestly.
"What's the condition? Handstand running? Carrying you around Konoha ten times?"
"No."
Kakashi replied calmly. "I want you to study medical knowledge."
"…???"
Guy froze on the spot.
Souma hadn't gone far and overheard part of it on his way down the mountain. He nearly laughed out loud.
Kakashi was vicious.
Guy wasn't stupid—but the word "top student" had never once been associated with him. Making him study medical theory was basically asking Zhang Fei to learn embroidery.
Bless you, Guy-sensei.
Souma silently offered his condolences.
That said—
His chakra armor research had recently hit a bottleneck. If Guy learned some medical fundamentals, they might actually be able to discuss things at a deeper level.
Right now, Guy's taijutsu was exceptional, but intellectual exchanges were… painful.
Of course, the real issue was time.
If Souma focused fully, he might achieve a breakthrough in ten days or half a month—but he had too many things on his plate right now.
Techniques involving mental power were more urgent than chakra armor.
And—
ANBU training was coming up.
Even with a few helpers, there were still things he had to personally handle.
Like introductions.
You couldn't have someone else do that for you.
ROOT Base
Aburame Torune and Yamanaka Fū received their orders early and waited at the base.
Sixteen people stood in silence.
This was the entirety of ROOT's remaining members.
During this time, they had been ordered to maintain training and silence—no one allowed to leave without explicit orders.
Until today.
The new leader was arriving.
After waiting for a while, Torune suddenly looked up toward the forest.
"What is it?"
"…Nothing."
Torune frowned.
By all logic, the "new leader" should've arrived by now. But the kikaichū hadn't sent back any information.
Don't tell me it's that guy?
There weren't many ninja in Konoha famous for being late—Hatake Kakashi was one of the most notorious.
In terms of rank and ability, Kakashi fit perfectly.
Fū clearly guessed his partner's thoughts and sent a mental message:
"Unlikely. I heard Jōnin Kakashi has been researching new techniques recently."
"Mm."
Torune nodded.
A moment later, a figure jumped down from the trees.
Souma was satisfied.
No matter what, ROOT's discipline and overall quality were undeniably top-tier.
He made no attempt at disguise—only wore a simple mask. His identity was obvious at a glance.
"You're the remaining members of ROOT, right? I should've come a few days ago, but I figured it'd be better to let you calm down first before we talk."
Souma scanned the masked group, locating Yamanaka Fū, Aburame Torune, and Sai.
"You might be expecting Konoha to send a new ROOT leader. But I'm here to tell you—starting today, ROOT is officially disbanded."
"What?!"
Fū was stunned.
He'd expected restructuring at most—placing ROOT under ANBU supervision instead of semi-independence.
But full disbandment?
This…
"Souma-sama, this isn't appropriate, is it?"
Torune hurriedly said. "Danzō-sama had issues, and ties with Orochimaru—but his intentions were for Konoha. If ROOT is dissolved, what about all our arrangements—"
"Those can be handed over to ANBU. ROOT needs to return to its original meaning."
Souma gestured for everyone to sit.
Seventeen people sat down on the ground.
"In Danzō's words, ROOT existed to handle Konoha's dirty work. But schemes and conspiracies are minor paths. True strength comes from strengthening oneself…"
The sixteen listened silently.
When he finished, one person raised a hand.
Sai.
Souma nodded.
Sai stood up and said coldly,
"So… we're no longer needed?"
"Not 'not needed'," Souma replied.
"Just no longer needed to live the way Danzō dictated. You can make your own choices—ANBU, regular ninja forces, intelligence division, anywhere."
"Elite shinobi like you will be wanted wherever you go."
"…This…"
The sixteen exchanged looks.
For years, they had followed Danzō's thinking. Being told they could choose for themselves left them utterly lost.
They were used to obedience.
Not choice.
"Torune—you could join ANBU as a squad leader, even ANBU captain. Fū—you could go to Intelligence."
Souma continued calmly.
"Everyone has a bright future, don't they?"
"Yes!"
Torune and Fū responded immediately.
Souma's mouth twitched.
"No—what I mean is that you don't have to do what I suggest. You need to understand and choose for yourselves."
"Yes, we believe your ideas are very correct."
"..."
Souma sighed internally.
Alright.
He understood now.
These people simply lacked that kind of emotional autonomy. Otherwise, they wouldn't have stayed in ROOT this long.
He began assigning placements.
Most were left in ANBU training units, to become the backbone of future ANBU forces.
When he reached the final name, he paused.
"Sai?"
"Yes!"
Sai stepped forward.
Souma considered briefly.
"You joined ROOT not long ago. I'll let you choose."
"Two paths. One—join a regular squad and try living like a normal person."
Sai thought for a moment.
"And the other?"
"ANBU."
Sai was more than qualified for an elite ANBU squad. He was just young and inexperienced.
After refinement, he'd easily reach elite jōnin level.
Sai opened his mouth… then fell silent.
"I don't know."
"Let's talk privately."
Souma waved the others off.
"You can train or discuss your future plans among yourselves—including Torune and Fū. Whether you want to lead squads or something else, you can bring it up."
He led Sai aside.
"I've read your files. You completed training recently—your ability, talent, and intelligence are all outstanding."
Souma glanced at him.
"Have you ever thought about returning to a normal life?"
Sai was silent for a long time.
"What is… a normal life?"
"To laugh when you want, to get angry when you want. Not wearing a mask all the time. Not living under a codename that doesn't belong to you."
Souma spoke evenly.
"Both ANBU and ROOT are places of darkness. You were born in the light—you don't need to walk that path forever."
"…I understand."
Sai understood what this "new superior" wanted him to choose.
He chose to obey.
Still—
"Which squad would I join?"
"There'll be one for you. And if, after experiencing life outside, you feel ANBU suits you better—you can come back to me."
Business concluded—
Souma pulled out a flyer.
"Interested in checking out the Research Division?"
"Research Division?"
Sai took it, skimmed the densely packed page, and frowned.
"Is that allowed? No matter where I go, I'll already belong to a department. Joining another—"
"Things like this will become more common," Souma said calmly.
"Konoha's passed through four or five generations. It needs change."
"…Then I'd like to take a look."
Sai accepted the flyer hesitantly.
He had completed training less than a year ago. Danzō's influence existed—but it hadn't yet taken deep root.
Compared to the Sai of three years later—
He was far easier to guide.
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