Konoha, Training Ground 43.
Under the moonlit sky, seven chūnin—Might Guy, Sarutobi Asuma, Yūhi Kurenai, Mitarashi Anko, Kotetsu, Genma, and Ebisu—gathered at the center of the training ground. Their solemn gaze was fixed on the tall and well-built Uchiha Kaien, who faced off against the stoic Hatake Kakashi. While they were schoolmates, their relationship was distant, with Kakashi graduating from the academy shortly after joining. Nonetheless, Kaien was one of the few classmates he had a good rapport with.
"Kakashi, care for a taijutsu match?" Uchiha Kaien proposed, his smile hinting at someone's instigation and his personal interest. Losing wouldn't matter much since Kakashi was already the shining genius of Konoha, but winning would earn Kaien fame.
In his ANBU phase, Kakashi Hatake was going through a dark period in his life. His words were short and cold, reflecting his indifference.
A gentle breeze rustled, causing a leaf to slowly descend. Amidst the serious onlookers, the two combatants vanished in an instant.
Boom, boom!
Kakashi and Uchiha Kaien reappeared, already engaged in close‑quarters combat. The onlookers had initially underestimated Kaien but soon realized their mistake as their expressions grew serious.
Every present individual was a chūnin, and even Asuma, Kurenai, and Anko were elite among them. The combat between Kakashi and Kaien seemed like a blur of movements and afterimages.
In terms of taijutsu alone, both fighters had surpassed the level of chūnin.
"So fast!" Uchiha Kaien marveled secretly. It was no wonder Kakashi became a jōnin at the age of twelve. If not for the protagonist's plot armor, this talent would be considered abnormal.
Kakashi's speed was impressive. Analyzing the original story, Kakashi leaned towards a speed‑based style, transitioning from swordsmanship in his early days to the Raikiri later on.
With exceptional chakra control and insane talent, he embodied the essence of a protagonist template.
Similarly, the battling Hatake Kakashi was astonished. The inconspicuous Uchiha Kaien from their school days had grown remarkably strong.
"So fast! No, not just fast, but also strong!"
Kakashi's expression turned solemn. Uchiha Kaien was not only swift but also possessed formidable strength. Each punch felt like a heavy cannon, causing Kakashi's arms to grow numb.
Deep in thought, Kakashi marveled secretly. Was this the power of a bloodline user?
Awakening a bloodline or evolving could temporarily enhance one's strength, leading to a period of explosive growth. Therefore, Kakashi was astonished by Uchiha Kaien's rapid progress in just six months, especially after unlocking and evolving his Sharingan to the second tomoe.
With a loud bang, the two combatants quickly disengaged. In terms of taijutsu, they were evenly matched, showcasing their awe‑inspiring skills.
"So fast!" Might Guy, watching from the sidelines, stared at the battlefield with fiery eyes. Only by opening the Eight Gates would he stand a chance in such a taijutsu battle.
As the two separated, Uchiha Kaien, who was retreating, revealed a smile. His hands swiftly formed a dazzling series of hand seals.
Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!
In the blink of an eye, Uchiha Kaien completed the hand seals for the C‑rank ninjutsu—Snake, Ram, Monkey, Boar, Horse, Tiger. His ninjutsu surprised Kakashi Hatake as he unleashed it, creating shock among the spectators.
Chakra gathered in Kaien's throat as he spat out a massive fireball. A three‑meter‑tall fireball rolled forward, engulfing the training ground in intense heat.
The onlookers were astonished at the scene. Even Anko, who had witnessed high‑ranking ninjas unleash their jutsu, murmured in disbelief, "How can it be so fast!"
It's important to note that the speed of performing hand seals is related to the speed of chakra manipulation within the body. Besides innate talent, it comes from rigorous training. Although this was just a C‑rank ninjutsu, the speed at which it was released astonished them.
Although they had seen high‑level ninjas perform their jutsu, Uchiha Kaien's speed surpassed that of an ordinary high‑ranking ninja.
Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!
Kakashi quickly formed his own hand seals to counterattack, but Kaien's ninjutsu had already been unleashed by the time he finished his seals.
In an instant, the two Great Fireballs collided. However, due to the close proximity, Kakashi quickly moved backward after releasing his jutsu.
With a loud bang, flames burst forth, covering the area. At this point, Kakashi Hatake revealed his Sharingan—the Three Tomoe in his left eye. His face bore a solemn expression, now considering his opponent an equal.
Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu!
The spectators on the sidelines marveled at Kakashi's combat experience. When the Great Fireballs collided, he had already retreated to the lake in the training ground. Swiftly forming hand seals, his speed was remarkable, although not as fast as Kaien's.
Tiger‑Rat‑Dragon‑Rooster‑Dragon‑Sheep—the six hand seals were completed in an instant. Suddenly, a shark‑shaped water bullet with a diameter of two to three meters surged towards Uchiha Kaien at high speed.
Kakashi possessed extensive combat experience from years on the battlefield and his time in the ANBU. This was something Uchiha Kaien lacked at the moment.
However, to the astonishment of the onlookers, Uchiha Kaien chose not to dodge Kakashi's ninjutsu. Instead, he rapidly formed hand seals, surprising everyone.
Fire Release: Head Hard
As soon as the hand seals were completed, chakra gathered in Kaien's mouth. In the instant he exhaled, a large‑scale fire jutsu surged forth.
Roaring sounds echoed.
Kakashi Hatake, standing on the lake, observed clearly with his Sharingan. As soon as he saw Kaien forming hand seals, he realized things were going south. This was a B‑rank fire ninjutsu!
Reacting instinctively, Kakashi hastily formed hand seals, preparing to use his advantage on the lake to unleash a restraining Water Style ninjutsu.
However, the surging B‑rank ninjutsu rushed towards him, directly colliding with Kakashi's previously released C‑rank Water Dragon Bullet. In an instant, sizzling sounds filled the air as steam rose. The powerful flames evaporated the water bullet while relentlessly advancing.
"It's too late!"
Kakashi's hands were too late to release another ninjutsu. However, his wealth of combat experience allowed him to control his chakra in his legs. In an instant, he submerged himself in the water.
Rumbling sounds filled the air.
The entire lake was engulfed in flames, casting a red glow on everyone's faces. Excitement and astonishment sparkled in their eyes.
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