Chapter 119: The Third Hokage's Headache
"A secret technique... that chakra nature flooding his body, is it Yin Release nature transformation? To have developed such a unique nature transformation is truly remarkable. That nature transformation technique allows parts of his body, or even his entire frame, to exert special effects in an instant. His arms can be reinforced for power and attack speed, and that final stage—a full-body reinforcement—it's as if his entire physical form has become something different, undergoing a special transition!"
Kakashi's Sharingan was wide open, observing every detail of the battle. The fundamental ability of the Sharingan was to see through a ninja's chakra, which, combined with its extraordinary dynamic vision, had earned him the titles of the "Copy Ninja" and "Konoha's Technician."
He knew Tonbo Tobitake wouldn't invite them to spar for no reason. From the moment the fight began, he had kept his Sharingan active to witness every change. Tonbo's abilities left him in awe. Kakashi considered his own talent to be quite decent for Konoha, yet in all these years, he had only developed the lightning-style Chidori—and even that required the Sharingan to reach its full potential.
But what about Tonbo? This was just one of many original jutsu he had invented, and every single one was highly practical.
In Kakashi's view, Tonbo, as a Genjutsu specialist, didn't strictly need to develop such attack-enhancing Taijutsu. With his Body Flicker, kunai, and shuriken skills alone, he could defeat most Jonin. Not to mention his primary discipline—Genjutsu. Kakashi held Tonbo's Genjutsu in the highest regard; even his own Sharingan-based Genjutsu was ineffective against him and would often be reflected back. Tonbo was a true master of Genjutsu in Konoha.
"Tonbo is clever, though. Developing this kind of technique must be a countermeasure against specific types of ninjutsu, though I don't fully understand why he's pushed it to this level."
Kakashi didn't entirely dismiss Tonbo's approach. He considered the possibilities. Most likely, Tonbo felt that one day his Genjutsu and Ninjutsu might fail, and he would need Taijutsu to bridge the gap. In this regard, Kakashi felt inferior. Since copying over a thousand jutsu, he hadn't developed a new technique of his own in a long time. He focused more on integrating what he already knew and expanding his versatility.
Once Tonbo finished tending to Guy, Kakashi stepped forward.
"Guy, you lost again."
Guy stood up and gave Tonbo a thumbs-up. "He's just too strong. As expected of a man fit to be a Division Head."
"It's my turn to fight you now. Do you need to rest?" Kakashi looked at Tonbo.
"No need. My chakra reserves are higher than yours, so this makes it a bit more fair," Tonbo joked.
"..." Kakashi stared back with his signature dead-fish eyes, speechless.
"Haha! Good luck, Kakashi! Defeat him! You are my eternal rival, after all—don't go losing to him!" Guy laughed as he walked to the sidelines.
The two remaining ninjas faced each other with interest. They backed away to a set distance and exchanged the Seal of Confrontation, signaling the start of the spar.
Tonbo: "Kakashi the Technician, Kakashi the Copy Ninja... so many titles. I don't even have one yet. Let me see if you've improved at all these past two years, old classmate."
Their last spar had been two years ago. They fought occasionally, but Kakashi spent most of his time in the Anbu and rarely had the leisure for it. He was far busier than a Division Head of the Analysis team.
"To be honest, I didn't want to come, but I also wanted to see your progress."
Kakashi's hands began to blur into signs. "Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
A massive sphere of flame erupted from his mouth. Tonbo was not to be outdone, intercepting the attack with a Water Style: Water Encampment Wall. As the steam cleared, a giant Fuma Shuriken sliced through the air toward him.
Swoosh!
Performing a one-handed seal, Tonbo threw his own Fuma Shuriken, which multiplied into countless clones in mid-air. Clang clang clang! Not only did he intercept Kakashi's attack, but he also launched a counter-offensive. This was the advantage of a sensory ninja—always staying one step ahead.
However, Kakashi was no weakling. The dynamic vision of the Sharingan allowed him to match Tonbo's pace. He used a Substitution Jutsu to negate the Shuriken Shadow Clone technique.
This time, Tonbo didn't plan on using Genjutsu. His progress in that field over the last two years was mostly reflected in his "Phantasmal Taijutsu." His other Genjutsu hadn't seen a breakthrough yet. The only revolutionary progress he had made was another Yin Release nature transformation completed six months ago. However, the application of that technique was unfinished; he still needed time to complete the first spell of "Phantasmal Deception: Heaven and Earth Weather." It wasn't purely Genjutsu anymore, but a special secret technique combining nature transformation with illusion.
Bang! Bang!
The two used ninja tactics—ninjutsu trades, taijutsu, shuriken traps, and breath-concealment—to a masterful degree. Compared to the warrior-like brawl with Guy, the fight with Kakashi was a traditional ninja battle. It was about stealth, ambushes, traps, and counters.
One was the Copy Ninja who knew over a thousand jutsu. The other was the Mind-Reading Ninja who, while not knowing a thousand, certainly knew hundreds. Both were ninjas who had mastered five or more nature transformations, making the cycle of elemental counters a dizzying spectacle.
Rumble!
Fighting without restraint, the back hills were occasionally rocked by explosions. Other times, it was deathly silent, as if they were in a field of a thousand ambushes, with a blade ready to strike from behind at any second.
"As expected of my eternal rival! This is brilliant!" Guy watched, his blood boiling. The passion of the day kept his spirits high. He already wanted another round.
Watching the three-way battle through his crystal ball, Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled. The juniors of yesterday had all grown up. Whether it was Guy, Tonbo, or Kakashi, they were all young men he had watched grow, and they had all made outstanding contributions to Konoha. It was proof that his "spark" had been passed down. And these juniors would continue to pass it on.
"Tonbo and Kakashi are fine, but Guy is a real headache. Can't he just be a normal Jonin? He's always coming to ask for an Anbu position. Is that really a job for you, Guy?"
Looking at Guy made Hiruzen's head ache slightly. Over the years, Guy had never given up on his initial dream; every few weeks, he would come to ask for a position in the Anbu. It wasn't that he didn't trust Guy, but Guy's personality was far too loud and distinct—he simply didn't fit the role. Fortunately, the frequency of his requests had decreased in the last two years, giving Hiruzen a rare bit of peace to spend with his grandson.
Thinking of his grandson, he shifted the focus of his Telescope Technique to the Ninja Academy. Today was the first day of school—the time to pass on the Will of Fire. Before school let out this afternoon, he, as the Principal, would personally explain to the future of Wood Leaf what the Will of Fire truly meant.
Looking at Iruka teaching and the hardworking children in the crystal ball, he felt immensely gratified. What vibrant little youngsters. This is exactly why I must do my best to prevent war from coming, he thought.
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