Fortunately, the dizziness was merely the residual sensation transmitted from the clone, not something Akira's real body had to endure. If it had, he was certain he'd be doubled over by now, pale-faced and vomiting just like the poor shadow clone that had served as his test subject.
Recalling the distorted sensation from his clone's perspective, Akira slowly exhaled, calming his racing thoughts. There was no doubt about it — the Flying Thunder God Technique had worked.
Even though his grasp of it was still rough, even clumsy, the result was undeniable: he had teleported. The spatial jump was real. However, the experience was far from smooth. His spatial perception was undeveloped, and it had taken far too long to lock onto the target mark. The range was also disappointingly short, and the aftereffects were hard to ignore. The dizziness, Akira theorized, was likely due to his body and mind not yet acclimating to the abrupt tearing and reassembly of space. It felt eerily similar to motion sickness, but deeper, more disorienting.
In the original stories he remembered, those transported via the Flying Thunder God didn't suffer such intense side effects — even those unfamiliar with the jutsu. That could only mean one thing: his mastery was still incomplete. There were subtle techniques involved in stabilizing one's body and mind during the leap through space-time. Skills only practice and, more importantly, guidance could teach him.
Luckily, Akira knew precisely who to seek out.
There was only one master of the Flying Thunder God Technique in all of Konoha: the Yellow Flash himself, Minato Namikaze.
From what Akira recalled, Minato was known not only for his terrifying speed but also for his kindness and approachability. He was the type of person who greeted even the lowest-ranking genin with the same respect and warmth as a fellow Jonin. The Third Hokage had already mentioned wanting Minato to guide him through the jutsu, and Akira felt certain that Minato would willingly share his knowledge.
But first, he had to find him.
He didn't know Minato personally, but he did know someone close to him: Kakashi Hatake.
During the months they spent developing Rasengan together, Akira and Kakashi had grown close, and he had long since learned Kakashi's habits — including where the famously aloof shinobi could be found when he wasn't on a mission.
Akira wasted no time and made his way to Kakashi's home. As luck would have it, Kakashi had just returned from a mission and was resting at home, lounging on his balcony with his ever-present copy of Icha Icha Paradise barely open on his lap.
When Kakashi saw Akira standing there, it was as if time hadn't passed at all. His visible eye crinkled upward in surprise, and then genuine delight.
"Akira! It's been a while, hasn't it?"
The two friends quickly fell into conversation, the gap of months fading like morning mist. Kakashi, naturally, was full of questions. He'd heard whispers from comrades on the Earth Country front about Akira's exploits on the Wind Country battlefield, tales that had spread like wildfire through Konoha's ranks. The last time they'd seen each other, Akira was still just a student. Now, his name was being spoken with awe by seasoned Jonin.
Akira recounted his time on the battlefield with surprising nonchalance. To him, it had simply been a matter of doing what needed to be done. He downplayed his achievements, brushing off the awe in Kakashi's voice, though inside he felt a quiet satisfaction at the effect his story was having on his friend.
When Akira casually mentioned his recent promotion to Special Jonin, Kakashi nearly dropped his book.
"You're kidding," Kakashi said, mouth agape behind his mask. "A Special Jonin already? I haven't even filed my Jonin promotion papers yet!"
Akira smirked, his tone light but teasing. "Well, I guess you'll have to hurry up before I leave you too far behind."
Though the words were playful, Kakashi couldn't help but feel the spark of rivalry flare up. He had always been labeled a genius, Konoha's shining prodigy, yet here was Akira, step by step overtaking him. A part of him burned with envy, but the larger part felt pride for his friend. Still, the competitive streak between them had always been hard to suppress.
"But enough about me," Kakashi eventually said, clearing his throat. "You didn't come here just to gloat, did you?"
Akira chuckled and shook his head. "No, I came for a reason. I've started learning the Flying Thunder God Technique, but I'm running into problems. The Third Hokage told me your sensei, Minato Namikaze, is the only one who can truly help. I was hoping you could introduce me."
Kakashi blinked, stunned for a moment. "You? The Flying Thunder God? Where did you even get access to that technique?"
"As a reward," Akira explained. "For resolving the Sand Village's poison on the battlefield. The Hokage allowed me to choose a high-level jutsu from the sealed scrolls."
To prove it, Akira summoned a shadow clone, marked a nearby kunai, and in a blink — the clone vanished and reappeared a few meters away.
Even though the distance was modest, and the clone wobbled visibly upon arrival, Kakashi could hardly believe his eye.
"You actually did it," Kakashi muttered, more to himself than to Akira.
His mind raced. Akira's illusions were already beyond his level. His taijutsu had always been sharp, and his lightning affinity had allowed him to learn techniques from Kakashi with frightening speed. Now, it seemed, even space-time ninjutsu was within his grasp.
It felt almost unfair. Was this what true genius looked like?
And yet, despite the flicker of jealousy, Kakashi couldn't help but smile behind his mask.
"Alright. Tomorrow, I'll take you to see Minato-sensei," Kakashi promised. "Be here early. He'll want to meet you."
Akira nodded, offering his thanks, and the two sat for a while longer, chatting as the sun began to dip below the rooftops.
As the conversation drifted, Akira's thoughts turned to something else. "Oh, by the way, Kakashi... have you finished the Chidori? You remember our little bet. My Godspeed Force is fully operational now."
At once, the playful rivalry reignited. Kakashi leaned back, confidence returning to his voice. "Of course. My Chidori is complete. Fast enough to pierce through anything. Strong enough to end a fight in a single strike. More refined than your Godspeed, I'd say."
Akira raised an eyebrow, suppressing a knowing grin. He was well aware of Chidori's flaw — without a Sharingan, Kakashi's speed would outpace his perception, leaving him vulnerable to counterattacks.
"Is that so?" Akira mused. "Maybe we should put it to the test, then. One final match before you introduce me to Minato-sensei. Fair and square. No illusions, just ninjutsu and pure skill."
Kakashi's competitive streak flared again. "You're on."
The sky was fading to twilight as the two made their way to the old training ground where so many of their sparring matches had been held before. Old friends, old rivals — and now, stronger than ever.
The sun might have been setting, but for Akira and Kakashi, the night promised the thrill of battle.