Chapter 150: Unexpected

As the combat training progressed into the Chakra utilization phase, the battle between Shisui and Obito became even more intense.

The difference between using Chakra and not using it in Breathing Techniques was like night and day.

With increased strength and speed, along with accelerated Chakra Nature Transformation, these were direct enhancements to their combat prowess.

During the climax of Obito and Shisui's battle, flames practically never ceased.

Ninjutsu of the same elemental nature followed a one-to-one cancellation principle, meaning a flame transformed with one unit of Chakra could counteract a flame with one unit of Chakra.

When Mutsuki first arrived, Obito had a bit more Chakra due to his older age, but as time passed, Shisui trained more diligently and even activated his Sharingan, surpassing Obito in Chakra.

Unable to match Shisui in Taijutsu and now falling short in Chakra as well, Obito felt greater pressure in the second phase of the battle. On the first day, he couldn't hold out for long before being defeated.

Pressure breeds motivation, especially when Rin would glance at the battle during rest breaks. Obito's desire to perform well drove him to push his limits, and his Breathing Technique Proficiency level increased day by day. He managed to hold out a bit longer against Shisui, relying on his more proficient Breathing Technique.

As the second phase of training reached its final day, Obito found himself at a disadvantage from the start, and Shisui's composed and swift attacks only widened the gap. Feeling close to defeat, Obito had to resort to using Total Concentration Breathing to block Shisui's assaults.

However, Shisui was also capable of Total Concentration Breathing, and Obito's efforts only delayed his inevitable loss.

"Damn it, Rin-chan is watching. I can't afford to lose too embarrassingly," Obito thought as he noticed Rin's presence. Suddenly, his exhausted body seemed to regain some vitality, and he became more composed.

The sudden surge of potential and his calm demeanor made Obito believe for a moment that he might break his losing streak. Unfortunately, Shisui didn't give him any openings, maintaining a steady and flawless performance until Obito finally succumbed to exhaustion.

"Although you didn't win, Obito, you did really well. You seemed much stronger than before," Rin reassured.

"Haha, is that so?" Obito's slight disappointment vanished instantly, replaced by a grin.

"Yes, good job. After the third phase ends, we'll do some review exercises, and you should have Breathing Technique down by then," Mutsuki nodded.

After consoling the defeated Obito, Mutsuki naturally didn't forget to acknowledge Shisui's undefeated record. With a gentle smile, he remarked, "Shisui, it's evident that you've been putting in a lot of effort in your training. Not only in Breathing Technique but also in Taijutsu. You've made significant progress lately."

"Yeah, I've been practicing Taijutsu after returning home recently." Shisui, pleased to receive recognition, flashed a happy smile.

"Obito, do you want to go find Kakashi to hang out tonight?" Rin asked.

If Rin hadn't mentioned Kakashi, Obito would have readily agreed, but with Kakashi involved, Obito had to think about it for a moment.

In order to ensure a hundred percent victory against Kakashi in the next battle, Obito, after improving, would ask Mutsuki about his chances against Kakashi. Currently, Mutsuki judged that he might win, but the likelihood was slim. It would depend on Kakashi's carelessness and Obito's exceptional performance, so Obito wasn't planning to challenge Kakashi for the time being.

"Let's go together. Training has been quite exhausting lately; we could use some relaxation," Obito eventually agreed.

Tomorrow would mark the beginning of the third phase of combat training, and Obito felt he might have a tough time, so he decided to enjoy the night first.

Even though Shisui was restricted from using Sharingan, Obito wouldn't stand a chance against him without it. Faced with Shisui, who had unleashed the restrictions on Ninjutsu, Obito felt he could hold out for three minutes, which would be considered a success.

That night, Obito and Rin went to Kakashi's house together to find him.

This visit made Obito grateful that he had agreed to accompany Rin today; otherwise, he would have missed the opportunity.

During this trip, Obito received two pieces of good news: Kakashi wasn't home, and he could enjoy some quality time alone with Rin.

Rin thought for a moment and said "Could he be out for a walk?"

"I don't think so. He's probably still out on a mission. I remember coming to see Kakashi once before, and I happened to run into his teammate calling him to do a mission together" Obito said with a smile.

"When was that?" Rin asked curiously.

"Let me think... It was probably about half a month ago. This mission seems to be quite lengthy" Obito recalled.

"Half a month, huh? Being an official ninja isn't easy" Rin nodded, feeling somewhat regretful.

Then Obito and Rin spent several hours playing around before parting ways and heading home as the night grew deeper.

"Ha ha, Kakashi, you should take on more missions" Obito's mouth couldn't contain his grin as he walked home.

At the Hokage's office, a tired-looking ninja walked in with Kakashi.

"Hokage-sama, please allow me to resign from my position as Jonin instructor" the weary ninja bowed and said.

"I don't want to serve as a Jonin instructor for the time being."

"Kaden, has something happened?" Third, with a slight frown, exhaled a cloud of smoke, inquiring.

"I failed to protect my students. I'm not a competent sensei," Nagatoma Kaden said, bowing his head.

"But you are a qualified ninja, at least the mission was completed," Kakashi said.

Hiruzen probably had an idea of what had happened. There must have been an unexpected event during the mission. Although the mission was ultimately completed, both of Nagatoma Kaden's students died, leaving only Kakashi alive.

Nagatoma Kaden glanced at Kakashi, hesitated for a moment, and ultimately remained silent.

"In that case, Kaden, take some time off," Hiruzen sighed and nodded.

He could somewhat understand Nagatoma Kaden. Nagatoma Kaden was a young Jonin, and those two students were the first ones he had ever mentored. It was normal to have a deep emotional connection.

"Thank you, Third-sama, for your understanding. I'll go rest now," Nagatoma Kaden replied to Sarutobi Hiruzen's response and left directly, leaving Kakashi behind in the Hokage's office.

Observing Kakashi's indifferent expression, Hiruzen sighed, feeling a bit troubled. He glanced through some documents but found no suitable teams to assign Kakashi to. He would have to wait for new teams to form with graduates from the academy and freshly graduated Genin.

"Kakashi, this mission has been tough. Take some time off. I'll arrange for you to join a new team in a while," Hiruzen suggested after some thought.

"Alright," Kakashi nodded and then turned to leave.

"He hasn't emerged from the shadows yet..." Sarutobi Hiruzen watched Kakashi's departure, reminiscing about how Kakashi used to be two years ago. Since the incident last year, he had changed.

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