223 CH - 218 Just relentless practice…

Uchiha Obito, the former hero of Konoha. Later, due to certain reasons, he defected from Konoha, and it was speculated that he was involved in the Nine-Tails Attack on Konoha.

All Konoha ninjas watched closely as the black-haired figure slowly emerged from below the stage. The familiar silly demeanor and that distinctive right eye confirmed their suspicions—it was indeed Obito. The hero who had turned the tide of the Battle of Kannabi Bridge, securing victory for Konoha—Uchiha Obito.

"Isn't this a breach of the rules?" Ebisu beside him exclaimed dramatically, "Wasn't it agreed upon that the Uchiha clan and the Uzumaki clan couldn't participate?"

However, With a solemn expression, Nara Shikaku hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "The agreement at that time stipulated that the Uzumaki clan from the Grass Village and the Uchiha clan from Konoha couldn't participate, but it did not include... Uchiha Obito, who had already defected from the village. Therefore, the Grass Village has not violated the terms."

However, he couldn't help but feel surprised that the Grass Village would send a rogue ninja from Konoha to face Konoha itself. Weren't they concerned about potential complications?

Originally, he anticipated that the Grass Village's Minister of Finance, Kakuzu, would participate in the second round. After all, this individual's mysterious abilities had not been fully analyzed by Konoha, and he seemed to possess a regenerative ability. To prevent his participation, money was specifically spent.

Therefore, the expectation was that the next participant from the Grass Village would be another student of the Grass Village's leader—Konan. She was a female ninja with a secretive technique similar to the Grass Village's leader. This technique held significant power, especially after the Grass Village successfully eliminated the Third Mizukage. The village was on high alert against this paper technique, which showed no fear of water or fire. Thus, Kakashi was specifically chosen to ensure victory in the second round.

However, unexpectedly, Uchiha Obito was sent by the Grass Village. This raised questions about the level of trust the Grass Village had in a rogue ninja. Nara Shikaku felt a bitter taste in his heart and muttered, "It appears... this round will be perilous."

Hearing Shikaku's words, the other Konoha ninjas fell silent as well. They understood Shikaku's concern. Compared to Kakashi, Obito was more proficient in using the Mangekyou Sharingan. After all, it was… originally Obito's eye.

Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Uchiha Obito waved his hand and slowly made his way towards the dueling platform.

However, compared to the previous round's match, the opening of this round was less extravagant. Due to Konoha fulfilling their financial obligations, the Grass Village also complied with the requirements and refrained from making it overly grand.

This left Obito extremely disappointed. He had prepared for a grand entrance to showcase his capabilities to Kakashi.

But... Where were the spotlights? The background music? The mysterious aura? There was nothing. They didn't even allow him to wear the Flame Dragon Armor he had purchased. It was despicable.

Nevertheless, Obito still warmly waved to the crowd, while Kakashi and the other familiar Konoha ninjas covered their faces in embarrassment. Obito remained the same old guy.

Prompted by the host's reminder, Obito hurried forward and took his place on the stage, his gaze fixed on Kakashi. "Long time no see, Kakashi," he greeted, hands on his hips. "Hahaha! Are you Surprised to see me? Impressed, Huh? Well, prepare yourself to face defeat at my hands. Perhaps it's wise to surrender now and spare yourself the trouble."

"Idiot!" Kakashi exclaimed, feeling a flush of embarrassment as he covered his face.

"Hey hey, still as cocky as ever, huh?" Obito retorted, raising an eyebrow and glaring at Kakashi with familiarity. "Let me enlighten you, I've undergone significant changes."

"Idiot," Kakashi rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath.

"You have no idea what I've mastered at the academy. I could defeat you with just one eye," Obito proclaimed loudly, his irritation evident.

"Idiot," Kakashi repeated, though Obito's declaration gave him pause. Despite his dismissive tone, Kakashi couldn't shake off a sense of caution. After all, the Grass Village had recently showcased its formidable prowess to the entire ninja world. Who knows what Obito might have learned during his time there? Especially with his current air of confidence... No, he had always exuded this level of assurance.

After a brief silence, Kakashi shook his head and spoke again, "Still an idiot."

Even though he said it, this familiar banter brought back memories.

"You're still as annoying as ever. But I've changed," Obito declared proudly, casting a glance at Kakashi before addressing the audience in a lowered tone, "I've heard you've been having a rough time in Konoha lately. How about it? Why not join me? I hold a special status in the Grass Village now. Even the village leader treats me with deference. If it weren't for his pleas, do you think I would have appeared here?"

Is he slowly adopting the ways of the Grass Ninja? But... why the hesitation just now? And Why did he lowered his voice at the end?

Upon hearing Obito's proposition, Kakashi regarded him with a mixture of emotions and responded with seriousness, "I will never betray Konoha."

Obito sighed, "You're such a stubborn one... still clinging to that Will of Fire?"

"Sorry," Kakashi replied, his expression firm.

"No need to apologize to me. Forget it," Obito dismissed with a wave of his hand, shedding his nonchalant demeanor as he fixed his gaze on Kakashi, "It seems Konoha has returned that eye to you?"

As his words fell, Kakashi remained silent. Instead, he raised his ninja headband, revealing a left eye similar to Uchiha Obito's. The entire arena, including the electronic screens, zoomed in on the unexpected revelation, prompting gasps of amazement from the uninitiated audience. Both combatants activated their Mangekyou Sharingan, locking eyes in a powerful gaze.

The atmosphere, initially reminiscent of old friends reconnecting, swiftly shifted to one of tension. Sensing the heightened intensity, the host, eager to maintain the momentum, interjected, "This competition is brought to you by Grass Village Milk..."

"Now, the duel officially begins!" Following a brief advertisement break, the competition kicked off without delay.

Mubuki resumed commentary, "Both sides initiated simultaneous attacks, employing identical combat and kunai techniques. Not only do they share similar eyes, but their combat styles mirror each other!"

"What's the connection between these two? Why did they exchange such a profound glance just now? While the specifics elude us, the palpable bond between them is apparent to all!"

"Let's delve into these mysteries together in the upcoming showdown!"

Kakashi and Obito exchanged simultaneous twitches of their mouths. What nonsense was this commentator spouting? Who in the world shared a passionate bond with him? As the two engaged in combat, the accompanying music swelled once more, and the audience erupted into continuous cheers, rallying behind the competitors.

Even in Konoha, the chakra-powered speakers, procured at considerable expense, had been resounding since the outset, "Go Kakashi!"

"They're locked in a grappling match! Zeroing in on each other as their targets!" Mubuki exclaimed excitedly once more. Suddenly, the space surrounding the pair distorted. "What's happening? Why have they vanished from our sight?"

With his words trailing off, a hush fell over the audience as they gazed at the now-empty arena. Even Rin... clenched her fists tightly, her gaze fixed on the battlefield. She understood that if Kakashi conceded, it spelled defeat for Konoha.

And Obito... he wouldn't capitulate easily either. Surrendering meant jeopardizing his graduation and being saddled with a mountain of extra homework.

In a blink, the two combatants reappeared, entwined in a grappling match. In contrast to the previous spectacle of the Flame Dragon Kick and Flame Dragon Slash, this round seemed like a straightforward ninja skirmish. However, for some inexplicable reason, it felt even more intense and nerve-wracking than the earlier display.

Keen observers noted a striking similarity in the movements of the two fighters. From the outset, they employed identical techniques and taijutsu, with their speeds nearly indistinguishable.

The relentless intensity of the battle left the onlookers breathless. In a surprising turn, the two, initially engaged in close combat, abruptly separated, each swiftly weaving hand seals.

During this brief respite, Kakashi couldn't help but acknowledge... that his once 'idiot' companion had undeniably grown stronger. The only viable strategy seemed to exploit Obito's known weakness – ninjutsu.

It was a well-known fact that since graduating, Obito struggled with hand seals. His execution was slow, and more often than not, his attempts to release ninjutsu ended in failure due to accidents during the process.

At that pivotal moment, the Konoha ninjas on the stage observed with bated breath. Their apprehension heightened as they witnessed Obito seamlessly weaving hand seals akin to Kakashi. However, a collective sigh of relief escaped them.

Obito's familiar pattern of behavior remained unchanged. They were well aware that despite his newfound strength, Obito's proficiency in hand seals lagged behind. His enhanced abilities were primarily attributed to the awakening of his bloodline limit.

Side by side, the two combatants locked eyes, their hands executing seals at an astonishing speed imperceptible to the untrained eye.

Yet, just as their seal-forming speeds appeared evenly matched, Kakashi discerned a sudden acceleration in Obito's movements.

Before he could react, "Fire Style: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!" Obito unleashed a torrent of flames, splitting into three distinct trajectories - front, left, and right - hurtling towards Kakashi. Forced to abandon his own seals mid-execution, Kakashi swiftly countered.

"Earth Style: Earth Flow Wall!" A colossal stone barrier, adorned with the likeness of a dog's head, materialized, intercepting the fiery onslaught. A deafening crash reverberated as sand and dust billowed, capturing the attention of all present.

After what felt like an eternity, the tumult subsided. Kakashi, gasping for air as though drained of every ounce of energy, regarded Obito with astonishment. With a wry smile, he exclaimed, "Since when did your hand speed skyrocket like that?!"

Obito came to a sudden halt, his demeanor shifting. Following a pregnant pause, he lifted his head, eyes narrowing slightly. A sigh escaped him, laden with the weight of reluctant remembrance and pain. "No secret to it, just relentless practice," he muttered.

Kakashi regarded him with confusion, noticing a flicker of unease clouding Obito's expression. It was as if... he harbored a deep-seated fear of recalling something unpleasant.