As the combat training entered the stage where chakra was used, the battles between Shisui and Obito became even more intense. Using chakra with the breathing techniques made a huge difference in the strength and intensity of their battles.
Enhanced strength, speed, and accelerated chakra nature transformation directly increased their combat capabilities. When Obito and Shisui fought, it was a continuous blaze of flames.
When Mokutsuki first arrived, Obito had more chakra than Shisui due to his older age. However, Shisui’s diligent training and the awakening of his Sharingan had long since surpassed Obito in chakra capacity.
With Shisui outmatching him in taijutsu and chakra, Obito felt even more pressure during the second phase of their training. He couldn’t hold out for long on the first day before being defeated.
With pressure comes motivation. Especially when Rin was watching during breaks, Obito’s desire to perform well pushed him to improve his breathing technique quickly, allowing him to last longer against Shisui.
On the last day of the second training phase, Obito found himself at a disadvantage right from the start, and as Shisui’s calm and swift attacks continued, his disadvantage grew.
When he felt he was on the verge of losing, Obito used Full Concentration Breathing to fend off Shisui’s attacks.
However, Shisui could also use Full Concentration Breathing, so Obito only prolonged his defeat.
“Damn it, Rin is watching. I can’t lose too badly,” Obito thought, noticing Rin’s presence. This realisation rejuvenates his tired body, making him calmer and more focused.
The sudden burst of potential and calm demeanour made Obito believe he was about to break his losing streak.
Unfortunately, Shisui didn’t give him any chances. With a steady and flawless technique, Shisui ultimately wore Obito down until he was exhausted and lost.
“Even though you didn’t win, you did very well, Obito. It seems like you’ve improved a lot,” Rin comforted him.
“Haha, really?” Obito’s slight disappointment vanished instantly, replaced by a big, goofy smile.
“Yes, you’re doing well. After the third phase, we’ll review and practice a bit more, and you should have the breathing technique down,” Mokutsuki said with a nod.
After comforting the defeated Obito, Mokutsuki didn’t forget to acknowledge Shisui, who maintained his undefeated record. With a gentle smile, he said, “I can see that you’ve been working hard, Shisui. Not just in your breathing technique, but your taijutsu has also improved significantly.”
“Yes, I’ve been practicing taijutsu at home recently,” Shisui replied with a happy smile, pleased to receive Mokutsuki’s recognition.
“Obito, would you like to go visit Kakashi tonight?” Rin asked.
If Rin had left out a sure name, Obito would have agreed without hesitation, but with Kakashi included, Obito had to think it over.
Obito often asked Mokutsuki about his chances of winning after each improvement to ensure he could defeat Kakashi in their next battle.
Currently, Mokutsuki judged that while Obito had a chance, it was slim. He would need Kakashi to be careless, himself to perform exceptionally, and a bit of luck to win. So, Obito was still being prepared to challenge Kakashi.
“Let’s go. We’ve been training hard, and we could use a break,” Obito finally agreed.
With tomorrow’s third training phase, Obito suspected it might be rough, so he decided to enjoy the evening.
Even though Shisui was restricted from using his Sharingan, Obito knew that even without it, Shisui was a formidable opponent. Facing Shisui with no restrictions on jutsu, Obito figured that a three-minute period would be a success.
That evening, Obito and Rin headed to Kakashi’s house.
This trip turned out to be fortunate for Obito. He would have missed a great opportunity if he hadn’t agreed.
During their visit, they learned two pieces of good news: Kakashi wasn’t home, and Obito enjoyed some alone time with Rin.
“Maybe he’s out for a walk?” Rin suggested.
“I don’t think so. He should still be on a mission. I came looking for him about half a month ago and saw his teammates calling him for a mission,” Obito said with a smile.
“When was that?” Rin asked curiously.
Obito thought momentarily and replied, “About half a month ago. This mission seems to be taking a long time.”
“Half a month, huh? Being a full-fledged ninja isn’t easy,” Rin nodded, feeling slightly sorry.
Obito and Rin spent several hours together, enjoying various activities before finally parting as night fell.
“Ha, Kakashi, you can just stay on missions,” Obito chuckled on his way home.
…
At the Hokage’s office, a fatigued-looking ninja walked in with Kakashi.
“Hokage-sama, please allow me to resign from my position as a jonin instructor,” the tired ninja said, bowing deeply.
“I don’t want to be an instructor anymore.”
“Was there an incident, Toda?” Hiruzen Sarutobi asked, frowning slightly as he puffed on his pipe.
“I couldn’t protect my students. I’m not a competent teacher,” Nagatomo Toda said, lowering his head.
“But you are a competent ninja. At least the mission was completed,” Kakashi interjected.
Hiruzen had a general idea of what had happened. There must have been an unexpected event during the mission. Although the mission was completed, Nagatomo Toda lost two students, with only Kakashi surviving.
Nagatomo Toda glanced at Kakashi but ultimately said nothing.
“If that’s the case, take some time to rest, Toda,” Hiruzen nodded.
He understood Nagatomo Toda’s feelings. As a young Jonin, it was his first time leading a team, and it was natural to be deeply attached to his students.
“Thank you, Hokage-sama. I’ll take my leave,” Nagatomo Toda said, leaving Kakashi in the office.
Watching Kakashi’s indifferent expression, Hiruzen took a deep puff from his pipe, feeling a headache coming on.
He glanced at some documents and saw there needed to be a team to assign Kakashi to. He would have to wait until the academy students graduated to form new teams.
“Kakashi, you’ve had a tough mission. Take some time to rest. I’ll assign you to a new team later,” Hiruzen said after some thought.
“Alright,” Kakashi nodded and left.
“He still hasn’t moved on…” Hiruzen thought, watching Kakashi’s retreating figure. Two years ago, Kakashi wasn’t like this. But after the incident last year, everything changed.
(End of Chapter)
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