Chapter 401 Mu Yue’s Strongest Disciple

“I’ll win!” Obito was very confident.

Shisui, the undefeated legend of internal battles, was a thing of the past. He had undergone multiple transformations due to various unexpected events. Obito was confident he could defeat Shisui, who was two years his junior.

Shisui had awakened his Sharingan earlier than him, yet he was the first to reach the Three-Tomoe Sharingan. This was proof that he had already surpassed Shisui.

Obito was already thinking about who his opponent would be in the second match.

Obito and Shisui walked to the open ground, took their stances, and formed the Seal of Confrontation.

“Begin!” Rin Nohara shouted after seeing them ready.

As soon as Rin Nohara finished speaking, both of them intensely focused their Breathing Technique to enhance their physical abilities and rushed forward using the Body Flicker Technique.

Bang! Bang!!

Their fists and feet intertwined, constantly emitting sounds of physical collision. For a time, it was difficult to tell who was superior.

Just then, Shisui suddenly switched from offense to defense and seized the opportunity to use the Body Flicker Technique to create distance.

He was clear about his strengths and weaknesses. Due to his age, Obito’s body was larger than his. What seemed like a stalemate would become Obito’s advantage in the long run.

“Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!”

Obito did not choose to pursue immediately, as he knew Shisui was very skilled at the Body Flicker Technique. Blindly chasing would allow Shisui to lead him around, potentially exposing a weakness.

A large amount of Chakra gathered in Obito’s throat, then instantly transformed entirely into Fire Release Chakra and was exhaled as a torrent of flames.

Whoosh! Whoosh!!

A large amount of flames rapidly formed a gigantic orange-red fireball, five meters high, and hurtled towards Shisui.

As a Uchiha who frequently used the Great Fireball Technique, Shisui was familiar with its various characteristics. To conserve Chakra, Shisui did not use Ninjutsu to counteract it, but instead used his agile footwork to dodge.

Normally, Shisui’s Chakra was quite sufficient and didn’t need special conservation, because he was a Uchiha who had already awakened the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, possessing much more Chakra than an ordinary Ninja.

But this battle was different. Shisui’s opponent, Obito, was also a Uchiha who had awakened the Three-Tomoe Sharingan. He wanted to break the deadlock with Armament Haki, so he had to reserve a portion of his Chakra for Armament Haki.

Seeing that Shisui did not use Fire Release to counteract the Great Fireball Technique but instead dodged, Obito immediately launched a fierce attack. First, he threw various Shuriken in large quantities, then used the Body Flicker Technique to close in and deliver various swift Taijutsu attacks.

When Obito used the Great Fireball Technique, he had already prepared two offensive plans.

If Shisui used Fire Release to counteract it, he would immediately use a stronger Fire Release to suppress him. Obito was very confident in his Fire Release, as he could enter the Flame Breathing Chakra Mode.

If Shisui didn’t engage directly, Obito would seize the opportunity to exhaust some of Shisui’s stamina and inflict some minor injuries.

Facing Obito’s rapid assault, Shisui calmly activated his Three-Tomoe Sharingan to enhance his abilities.

Obito also immediately gathered Chakra and activated his Sharingan, maintaining his suppressive stance.

“Sure enough, I’m stronger now,” Obito thought to himself.

He inferred his superior strength based on Kakashi’s previous battle with Shisui, but because a long time had passed since that battle, and Obito hadn’t sparred with Shisui during that period, Obito only strategically underestimated Shisui before the battle. In reality, he wasn’t 100% confident of victory.

After these few exchanges, Obito could confirm that Shisui’s strength was inferior to his, and he had surpassed Shisui significantly in overall power.

The probing ended. Obito concentrated his Breathing Technique to the extreme, entering the Flame Breathing Chakra Mode, preparing to defeat Shisui in one go.

The Flame Breathing Chakra Mode not only greatly enhances Nature Transformation abilities and strengthens Fire Release power, but also significantly boosts physical capabilities. Apart from high Chakra consumption, it has almost no drawbacks.

Obito felt the continuous surge of power within his body and couldn’t help but smile.

Having entered the Flame Breathing Chakra Mode, he could release Fire Release without hand seals, and its power was immense. How could Shisui fight him?

“Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique.”

Obito clapped his hands together, then opened his mouth and spewed out a large number of small fireballs towards Shisui.

Shisui retreated rapidly, his hands moving swiftly. He finally managed to use his Ninjutsu just as the multitude of fireballs were about to reach him.

“Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!”

Although they used the same Ninjutsu, because Obito had already entered the Flame Breathing Chakra Mode, not only were there more fireballs than Shisui’s, but they were also significantly larger.

With the same Nature Transformation, and even the same Ninjutsu, the stronger party would naturally win. Obito’s fireballs, with overwhelming force, canceled out Shisui’s fireballs and continued to smash towards Shisui.

Facing such a wide-range attack, Shisui could only try his best to protect himself with Chakra and move frantically.

But the distance was simply too close, and Shisui was still inevitably injured. Obito’s Sharingan could clearly see Shisui’s wounds.

“Shisui, although I am your clan brother, I cannot concede on this matter.” Obito felt a little guilty, believing victory was assured.

As soon as he thought about having to do many questions if he lost, Obito’s slight guilt quickly vanished. He burst forth with Chakra and charged directly at Shisui.

Before his injury, Shisui could barely fight him to a draw in regular Taijutsu. Now that he had activated the Flame Breathing Chakra Mode and Shisui was injured, it was a nine-to-one split.

Actually, Obito felt it was a ten-to-zero split, but he thought that would seem a bit arrogant, so he gave Shisui a one.

Obito condensed Chakra in his palm and quickly transformed it into Fire Release Chakra. Fierce flames burst forth from Obito’s hand. Every punch and palm strike carried high-temperature flames.

Facing such an Obito, Shisui seemed unable to parry and could only keep dodging, but he was also injured by Obito’s rapidly cast, wide-range Fire Release. The scales of victory gradually tipped towards Obito.

“Obito seems like he’s going to win,” Rin Nohara felt Obito had a great advantage.

Compared to Shisui, Obito was not only in a superior position, but he also had no injuries on his body.

“Not necessarily,” Kakashi shook his head, then stated his opinion.

“Shisui shouldn’t be suppressed like this. Even if Obito wins, he shouldn’t win so easily.”

Kakashi couldn’t see what trump card Shisui was hiding, but Kakashi was certain that Shisui was hiding something.

This battle was going too smoothly for Obito, so smoothly that Kakashi felt Shisui was acting.

“Is this the bond between best friends? I feel the same way!” Might Guy laughed heartily and gave Kakashi a thumbs-up.

Might Guy felt that Shisui was intentionally feigning weakness. Sometimes he would rather get injured than use Ninjutsu.

“Fire Release: Flame Fist!”

Obito clenched his fist and gathered a large amount of Chakra, preparing to use Fire Release Ninjutsu for the final blow.

The Flame Breathing Chakra Mode was indeed strong, but its consumption was also truly great. Obito found that he had unknowingly consumed two-thirds of his Chakra.

But something he didn’t expect happened: the Fire Fist he swung was actually caught by Shisui’s palm, or more precisely, by Shisui’s black palm.

Obito was slightly stunned for a moment, then immediately realized this was the Armament Haki Secret Technique that Muzuki had taught them earlier.

Obito immediately wanted to unleash all the Fire Release Chakra condensed in his fist. He had thought Shisui was about to lose, so he hadn’t used too much power.

However, Shisui anticipated Obito’s thought and immediately slammed Obito heavily to the ground. The immense force stirred up a cloud of dust and fallen leaves.

Obito had no time to pay attention to the sharp pain in his palm and back. He condensed a large amount of Chakra in his throat, then opened his mouth and spat out a large amount of flames towards Shisui. While Shisui was dodging, Obito quickly scrambled to his feet.

But soon, Shisui used the Body Flicker Technique to move forward again. As long as Obito dared to use Ninjutsu, he would inevitably suffer Shisui’s Armament Haki iron fist. Obito could only engage in Taijutsu combat with Shisui once more.

Although hand seals weren’t required, releasing Ninjutsu still took a little time. What Obito lacked now was precisely that little bit of time.

The situation reversed dramatically, with Shisui now pressing Obito. Obito, with his injured right fist, could not win in Taijutsu against Shisui, who was using Armament Haki.

“So he’s mastered Armament Haki. No wonder he’s using this kind of tactic,” Kakashi realized.

Shisui’s earlier injuries were not only to lull Obito into a false sense of security, but also to conserve Chakra for using Armament Haki, as this Secret Technique required a significant amount of Chakra.

“He’s already lost,” Kakashi had already foreseen Obito’s defeat.

Overall, Obito’s comprehensive strength was still stronger than Shisui’s, even though Shisui had already learned Armament Haki.

Obito lost due to a lack of information and carelessness. If Kakashi had Obito’s strength, he would have a 75% chance of defeating Shisui.

As Kakashi expected, Obito quickly lost.

“I lost.” Facing the flame-coated Kunai glowing black before him, Obito admitted his defeat.

“Shisui wins,” Rin Nohara announced the winner of the first battle and went to their side to provide medical treatment.

With the battle over, the weight on Shisui’s mind lifted. Winning one match meant he wouldn’t have to face punishment.

Obito in Flame Breathing Chakra Mode was stronger than he had imagined. If it had been a normal battle, he would have almost certainly lost.

“I need to intensify my Breathing Technique training,” Although he had won, the sense of urgency in Shisui’s heart grew even stronger.

Obito had the Flame Breathing Chakra Mode, Kakashi had mastered the Transparent World, and while Might Guy, like him, hadn’t mastered advanced Breathing Technique abilities, he possessed the powerful Eight Gates.

And while Armament Haki was strong, his current Chakra reserves prevented him from using it at full power while simultaneously using other Ninjutsu.

“It’s just one lost battle, it’s nothing. Just try harder next time,” Rin Nohara said softly to comfort Obito, seeing him with his head down, silent.

“Ahaha, indeed, it’s just one battle,” Obito looked up and forced a strained smile. “I don’t mind.”

A lie. Obito minded so much he wanted to cry. Talking tough before the battle and then losing to Shisui, who was slightly weaker than him, all sorts of emotions exploded in Obito’s heart—he was ashamed, annoyed, and regretful.

He even wanted to travel back in time to before the battle started and give himself a big slap. Why be so confident? He had become the’stronger’ one in a case of the weaker winning.

Sadness aside, he still had to put on an act in front of Rin Nohara. This was his last stubbornness.

Looking at Obito, who seemed on the verge of tears, Rin Nohara hesitated to speak, and ultimately chose to remain silent, thinking it might be better that way.

Obito took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself, but the more he thought, the angrier he got.

However, he wasn’t angry at others, but at himself, angry that he had underestimated Shisui during the battle.

“Don’t be sad,” Kakashi patted Obito’s shoulder.

Obito was a little surprised. He hadn’t expected Kakashi not to gloat or mock him at this moment, but instead to comfort him. “Kakashi, you…”

Before Obito could finish, Kakashi continued, “If you’re sad, just think about the test papers and questions you have to do next. That’ll make you even sadder.”

Obito:…

Obito extinguished the gratitude in his heart, and unable to hold back, he cursed. “You’re laughing at me now, but when you lose later, you’ll be even more laughable.”

Kakashi’s expression didn’t change. “My losing to Guy doesn’t prove anything. Guy’s strength isn’t weaker than mine.”

Obito, feeling subtly insulted again, flushed red, but lacked the confidence to refute Kakashi.

Seeing Obito so angry he couldn’t speak, Kakashi nodded with satisfaction.

Only by humiliating him so severely could Obito learn his lesson. Carelessness in practice only resulted in some punishment, but carelessness in a real battle could mean death.

“From now on, no matter who the enemy is, as long as I haven’t defeated him, I must never underestimate him,” Obito thought fiercely to himself.

He absolutely did not want to experience being humiliated by Kakashi like this a second time.

Then, Kakashi and Might Guy consciously walked to the open ground and took their stances.

“My best friend, let me feel your growth!” Might Guy said with an excited expression.

“It’s just a fight, why do you have to say it so strangely?” Kakashi couldn’t help but retort.

One minute later, Rin Nohara announced the official start of the second battle.

“Youth, burn brightly! Eight Gates, Gate of Opening, Open… Gate of Healing, Open!”

Might Guy roared, directly activating the Fourth Gate of the Eight Gates, causing his Chakra and aura to surge.

Facing Might Guy, who had simultaneously activated the Fourth Gate and entered focused Breathing Technique, Kakashi dared not be careless and immediately focused his Breathing Technique, entering the Transparent World state.

Might Guy in his full power state was incredibly fast and immensely strong; Kakashi could not afford to make any mistakes.

“Leaf Great Whirlwind!”

Might Guy’s Chakra exploded, and under the powerful amplification, he sprinted rapidly towards Kakashi, kicking up a cloud of dust.

Because he was in the Transparent World, Might Guy’s body movements were seen through by Kakashi, allowing Kakashi to easily dodge the first whirlwind kick.

Kakashi did not rush to counterattack; he merely threw a few Shuriken at Might Guy, wanting to test Might Guy’s current strength.

“Leaf Hand Blade!”

Might Guy condensed a large amount of Chakra in his palm, then fiercely chopped towards the Shuriken, generating a transparent energy blast that swiftly deflected the Shuriken and chopped down a large tree.

Immediately after, Might Guy, with undiminished momentum, continued his attack on Kakashi.

“Leaf Strong Whirlwind!”

This time, Might Guy’s attack was stronger and faster.

Boom!!

All the large trees around Kakashi were kicked down by Might Guy’s whirlwind kick; due to the excessive force, the strong winds stirred up by the kick caused the surrounding leaves to rustle loudly.

This time, Kakashi used Lightning Release Chakra to enhance his legs and increase his speed, still successfully dodging.

“His physique is much stronger, but there hasn’t been a qualitative change.”

Kakashi compared Might Guy to their last battle.

“There’s a chance to win.”

With the probing complete, Kakashi prepared to switch from defense to offense.

If Might Guy couldn’t open the Fifth Gate, then he still had a good chance of winning.

Kakashi said it was fine to lose to Might Guy, but if he could win, Kakashi definitely wanted to.

Putting everything else aside, the punishment for losing was truly unpleasant; Obito would be jumping around like crazy that week.

“My dear friend, how about we decide this with one move?” Might Guy suddenly said.

Might Guy wanted to witness Kakashi’s strongest attack in his full power state; he was worried that if they continued to wear each other down, neither would be able to use their ultimate techniques.

“Alright.”

Kakashi thought for a moment and agreed to Might Guy’s suggestion.

It wasn’t because it would be faster, but because Kakashi felt it would be advantageous for him.

With the progress in Thunder Breathing and Lightning Release Chakra Nature Transformation, Kakashi could simultaneously enhance most of his body at the cost of more Chakra; if he were to use Thunderclap Flash in this state, its power would be greater than a normal Thunderclap Flash.

Under normal circumstances, Kakashi wouldn’t use this move, as gambling so much Chakra on one move was too risky.

Since Might Guy proactively suggested it, he wouldn’t be polite.

Might Guy smiled; since he dared to proactively suggest deciding the match with one move, he naturally had confidence, as he had been diligently practicing Golden Skyline for the past few months.

The good news was that Golden Skyline had become more proficient, allowing Might Guy to use more Eight Gates Chakra to enhance it; the bad news was that it was too strong, and using it once would render those two fingers useless for a day.

Although Might Guy didn’t use hand seals, a Taijutsu Ninja’s fingers were very important, so he thought it would be better to decide the match with one move.

Might Guy took out his nunchaku, wrapped the chain around his index and middle fingers, and placed his right hand at his waist, adopting a drawing-the-sword stance.

“Golden Skyline!”

Might Guy poured all his strength into those two fingers, then condensed a large amount of Chakra from his body into his fingers, and finally, swung his fingers during a rapid charge.

Sizzle sizzle sizzle!!

Dazzling yellow lightning enveloped Kakashi’s body; under the lightning’s illumination, Obito and the others could barely make out Kakashi’s face.

Kakashi gripped the White Fang Short Blade in his hand, and a large amount of Lightning Release Chakra surged through Kakashi’s arm into the blade, extending a lightning blade from the short sword.

“Thunderclap Flash!”

Boom!

A clap of thunder erupted, and Kakashi, like a true bolt of lightning, suddenly burst forth, leaving a scorched mark on the ground.

Boom boom!!

The lightning slash and the golden thin line collided at extreme speed, causing a massive explosion, cracking the ground, and stirring up a fierce wind all around.

Rin Nohara squinted as she looked at the battleground; the distance between her and them seemed like an endless road.

Despite Rin Nohara’s immense effort, she still felt a sense of awe every time she saw Kakashi and the others fighting with all their might.

“So strong, but it shouldn’t be a move that can be used casually.”

Shisui was somewhat surprised to see the terrifying attacks from both of them.

Currently, the strongest Ninjutsu Shisui could use was still some distance behind theirs.

“Go, Guy!” Obito stared intently at the battlefield, continuously cheering for Might Guy in his heart.

If Kakashi also lost, then he would feel much better.

Bang!

The lightning blade extended from Kakashi’s White Fang shattered upon impact, and at the same time, a splash of blood appeared on Kakashi’s body before he fell to the ground.

Meanwhile, Might Guy’s two fingers were covered in bloodstains, hanging limply after shattering the lightning blade.

“I need to learn Armament Haki soon, otherwise I won’t be able to fight Guy with White Fang in the future.”

Kakashi thought to himself, glancing at the White Fang Short Blade in his hand.

Just now, he almost thought the White Fang left by his father would be shattered by Might Guy; fortunately, he had enhanced it with Chakra.

“Guy wins.”

Rin Nohara announced the battle result.

From Rin Nohara’s perspective as a Medical Ninja, Might Guy’s finger problem might be even more serious than Kakashi’s physical injuries, but since Kakashi fell to the ground, Might Guy won.

“Guy, you fought well!” Obito was instantly overjoyed.

He was sad about losing the battle, but since Kakashi, who mocked him, also lost, Obito was happy.

Neutralizing the two, Obito was now halfway sad.

Kakashi was about to mock Obito a few times, but then he remembered his punishment and silently closed his mouth.

“What a difficult week.”

Kakashi felt that the punishment he gave himself was a bit too harsh.

Not hearing Kakashi’s response, Obito was initially confused, but he quickly remembered Kakashi’s punishment.

Just as Obito was about to gloat over Kakashi, Kakashi left.

“Aren’t you going to train anymore?” Obito called out to Kakashi, asking.

“Nothing, just going to ask Muzuki-sensei for some questions.”

Kakashi replied indifferently.

Obito’s smile froze, instantly changing from halfway sad to seventy-five percent sad.

Originally, Shisui wanted to postpone the third battle by a day, as Might Guy’s fingers, even after treatment, hadn’t fully recovered their peak, which would affect his strength to some extent.

“Let’s do it today; I also got information on your Armament Haki, Shisui, so we’re even.”

Might Guy refused Shisui’s suggestion.

“Besides, I’m not limited to just these two fingers for using Golden Skyline.”

Might Guy grinned, showing two rows of white teeth.

To handle more situations, Might Guy had specifically trained his pinky and ring fingers, allowing them to also reach the level where they could use Golden Skyline.

Although not as powerful as the index and middle fingers, their power was still considerable.

Shisui thought for a moment and accepted Might Guy’s suggestion.

Might Guy’s words indeed had some truth; even if his first opponent wasn’t Obito, Shisui was confident he could catch Might Guy or Kakashi off guard.

Whether he could win was hard to say, but he could certainly give them a taste of Armament Haki’s shock.

Looking at Might Guy forming the Seal of Confrontation, Shisui took a deep breath.

If it were Might Guy in his peak condition, Shisui believed he had almost no chance of winning, but with Might Guy’s two fingers not fully recovered, this was Shisui’s opportunity.

“Battle start!”

Hearing Rin Nohara’s command, Shisui immediately focused his Breathing Technique, activated his Sharingan, and rushed towards Might Guy using Body Flicker Technique.

With the enhancement of Armament Haki and Three-Tomoe Sharingan, he might still be able to gain an advantage in Taijutsu.

“Eight Gates, Gate of Pain, Open!”

Might Guy laughed fearlessly and charged forward; he was eager to test the strength of Armament Haki.

Bang bang!!

The two exchanged blows at extreme speed; those two unrecovered fingers seemed to have no effect on Might Guy, and his Taijutsu remained fluid and powerful.

Shisui was incredibly surprised; even in this situation, Might Guy’s Taijutsu still held its own.

Although it felt somewhat like an unfair victory, Shisui still chose to seize every opportunity for victory, deliberately attacking Might Guy’s injured finger on his punching hand.

But Might Guy’s subsequent performance was somewhat beyond Shisui’s expectations; even with his Sharingan, he couldn’t find a weakness in Might Guy.

Shisui immediately changed his attack method; he shouldn’t fight Might Guy, who only trained in Taijutsu, with Taijutsu; this was underestimating Might Guy’s Taijutsu, which he diligently trained day and night.

“Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!”

Shisui condensed Chakra in his throat and continuously spat out a large number of small fireballs at Might Guy.

Might Guy had Rock Breathing Full Concentration plus the Fourth Gate of the Eight Gates, so ordinary Great Fireball Technique had almost no effect on Might Guy; therefore, Shisui chose the more numerous Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique.

Then, Shisui used Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu in combination, at one point forcing Might Guy to dodge everywhere.

Kakashi, who had returned with the test papers, nodded; balanced Ninjas like them should flexibly use their advantages.

“However, Shisui’s experience is still too little.”

Although Shisui’s performance was impressive, Kakashi still believed Might Guy would win.

Shisui’s raw strength was indeed a bit less than theirs, not only due to issues with physical development but also life experience; Kakashi and the others had also experienced several life-or-death crises to achieve their current strength.

Obito’s Flame Breathing Chakra Mode and Kakashi’s Transparent World were both awakened through potential bursts in life-or-death situations, and Might Guy’s rapid progress in Eight Gates was also due to this.

The battle developed as Kakashi expected; although Shisui could gain some advantage to a certain extent, he couldn’t defeat Might Guy.

Conversely, Might Guy seized the opportunity to use Golden Skyline once more with his pinky and ring fingers, defeating Shisui in one go.

“Guy wins.”

Rin Nohara announced the final winner.

“Hahahaha.”

The victorious Might Guy laughed loudly; the sharp pain from his fingers did not affect his excitement in the slightest.

“I am Muzuki-sensei’s strongest disciple!”

Shisui clenched his fists unwillingly; this title had been his for a long time, until he was defeated by Kakashi after the Chunin Exams.

“Next, I’ll train more in Armament Haki Secret Technique.”

Kakashi decided to increase his Armament Haki training time, striving to master Armament Haki as soon as possible.

Extreme Lightning Release Sword Arts combined with Armament Haki; Kakashi didn’t believe this still couldn’t break Might Guy’s Golden Skyline; if this still didn’t work, then he could only ask Muzuki.

Obito looked at the smug Might Guy, then at the unwilling Shisui and the dejected Kakashi.

“Next time, I must win everything.”

Obito didn’t want to be one of the dejected ones three months from now.

He preferred to be the one laughing and receiving Rin Nohara’s blessings; then Obito pondered how to defeat Might Guy, as Might Guy would be a formidable opponent if he wanted to achieve victory three months later.

The three defeated individuals, by coincidence, began to ponder strategies to deal with Might Guy.

PS: I’m much better today, but I was still a bit sleepy while writing; I originally wanted to write 8k, but ended up stopping at 7k. I’ll try harder tomorrow.