Kakashi: Godless Ascension

"So that's Kirin," Sasuke said quietly, his eyes narrowing with a sharp gleam. The remnants of thunder still echoed faintly across the sky, and he stood unmoving, processing everything he had just witnessed.

The colossal bolt of lightning that Kakashi had summoned confirmed the suspicion Sasuke had harbored for days, Kakashi had truly begun developing the natural lightning-based technique that he had told them a week ago.

Not far from him, Sakura turned her gaze toward their teacher. Kakashi stood a little off-center from the scorched impact site, catching his breath, his brows damp with sweat.

Although he pretended to be fine earlier, he lacked control and spent more chakra than envisioned.

"Are you okay, Sensei?" she called out, her voice a mix of concern and amazement.

Kakashi gave a brief nod, wiping the sweat from his brows with the back of his gloved hand.

"Yes. I'm fine," he replied, his tone a little weary. "But it's a difficult technique… it requires precise timing, control, and a perfect artificial storm, literally."

He stepped back toward his team, his strides steady but slower than usual.

"Kirin uses natural lightning, not chakra-manipulated lightning like Chidori. That makes it much faster, and far more destructive. But creating the right atmospheric conditions takes a great deal of effort," he explained.

Sasuke didn't respond, but his focus sharpened further. His mind was already racing ahead, visualizing adjustments, angles, and improvements.

Kakashi exhaled, offering a small smile.

"Well," he said with casual finality, "Let's disband for today."

And with a soft puff of smoke, he vanished, leaving behind the charred earth and three stunned genin.

—

The next morning, before the sky had even turned gold, Kakashi slipped silently out of the village. The roads were empty, the village still tucked beneath the blanket of sleep. He wore his full gear, but kept his chakra suppressed to avoid attracting attention.

He traveled for a couple until he reached a wide, flat clearing on the outskirts of Konoha. Surrounded by distant hills and tall trees, the open space gave him the room he needed.

Kakashi stood at the center of the field and looked up at the clear morning sky. This was the place.

He inhaled slowly, then formed a quick series of hand seals.

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu!"

A giant sphere of flame burst from his mouth, soaring high into the air. The heat churned the atmosphere, sending hot air spiraling into the sky. Within minutes, dark clouds began to gather overhead. Thunder rolled in the distance.

Kakashi didn't stop. He kept his chakra flowing steadily as he adjusted his stance and raised his right hand skyward. He concentrated on the energy within the gathering clouds, channeling his own Lightning Release chakra upward to guide the natural lightning.

A moment later, the clouds responded. A titanic bolt of lightning crashed down from the heavens.

The ground beneath Kakashi trembled violently as the bolt slammed into the center of the clearing, blasting a massive crater into the earth. Smoke and dust burst outward in every direction. Lightning crackled at the edges, dancing across scorched dirt.

…

Back in the village, the Third Hokage sipped his morning tea as he walked through the streets. The peaceful silence was suddenly broken by a faint rumble underfoot.

He paused, eyes narrowing as he looked to the east and saw a flash of light in the sky, followed moments later by a plume of smoke curling toward the horizon.

"ANBU," he said calmly to the masked shinobi who had appeared beside him. "Go. Investigate that explosion immediately."

The ANBU vanished in an instant, leaping to the rooftops and sprinting toward the blast.

…

Kakashi stood calmly at the edge of the crater. He scanned the site with his Sharingan, analyzing the burn radius, the depth of the impact, and the remaining traces of electrical charge still bouncing through the air.

He had created something devastating, but not yet perfect.

Just then, multiple ANBU agents appeared, landing in defensive formation around him. Their masks were stern, their weapons drawn. But when they saw it was Kakashi they relaxed and lowered their weapons.

Seconds later, the Third Hokage arrived, his Hokage robes fluttering slightly in the breeze.

"What happened here?" Hiruzen asked, his voice low but firm.

Kakashi turned to face him. "A test," he replied simply.

The Hokage stepped forward and surveyed the destruction. The scorched earth, the burnt grass, and the deep crater were all undeniable.

"Kakashi… was this really your doing?"

"Yes," Kakashi said, a hint of pride in his voice. "But it's not finished. The technique is still in development."

He wasn't lying, at least not entirely. The base concept was functional, but he had no intention of letting this jutsu fall into the wrong hands. Especially these old geezers.

Hiruzen looked impressed, his expression softening.

"Even unfinished, this is extraordinary," he said. "You've truly found new strength, Kakashi."

He turned to the ANBU and issued orders.

"Restore this field. Use Earth Style to level the crater. Replant any scorched trees. Let's keep this contained."

Then he turned back to Kakashi. "Inform me when it's complete."

Kakashi bowed 'respectfully'. "Yes, Hokage-sama."

—

Minutes later, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the trees.

Team 7 came running down the dirt trail, panting as they reached the edge of the impact zone.

Naruto gawked at the crater. "What the heck happened here!?"

"Kakashi-sensei, you really did it?" Sakura asked, wide-eyed with disbelief.

Sasuke's gaze, however, was fixed. Calm and cold, but his eyes burned brighter than before.

Kakashi folded his arms. "Just a little test," he said coolly.

Sakura and Naruto began asking a flurry of questions, but the Hokage gently waved them off.

"Return to the village. This is being handled."

Naruto grumbled, but obeyed. Sakura followed, glancing back a few times. But Sasuke didn't move.

He lingered behind a tree, his eyes locked onto the crater, his thoughts racing.

Kakashi didn't even need to look. "Why are you following me, Sasuke."

Sasuke stepped forward without hesitation.

"Kakashi-sensei," he said. "Please. Make me your direct student."

He bowed low, deeper than any time before.

Kakashi blinked in surprise. This was unexpected, from Sasuke of all people.

"There's no need to bow like that," he said gently.

But Sasuke didn't move. "I understand techniques like this aren't meant for just any student. I want to learn. All of it."

Kakashi stared for a moment longer, then slowly nodded.

"I accept," he said at last.

Sasuke stood straight, eyes filled with resolve.

"But I won't go easy on you," Kakashi warned.

"Good," Sasuke replied. "Don't."

Kakashi's eyes curved slightly, as he smiled.

"Come. I want to show you something."

—

They walked back through the quiet streets of Konoha. Morning had brightened the village, and people were beginning their daily routines. But for Sasuke, everything felt sharper, more focused.

Kakashi led him through the residential district, passing small homes and peaceful gardens.

Eventually, they reached a modest house near the edge of the village.

Kakashi stopped at the gate. "This is my home," he said.

Sasuke studied it. Nothing flashy. Just quiet and calm. Much like the man who lived inside.

"If we're not out training or on missions and you need me, you can come here," Kakashi added.

Sasuke nodded. "Understood."

Kakashi gave him a long look, then opened the door.

"We'll begin your personal training soon," he said. "Rest while you can."

Sasuke gave a respectful nod. "Thank you, Kakashi-sensei."