"Transformation."
After landing, Naruto and his shadow clone instantly transformed into a Wind Demon Shuriken. However, before Naruto could throw the shuriken, Kakashi appeared directly behind him.
Kakashi's hand held the one with the Wind Demon Shuriken, while his other hand pressed Naruto's head.
"That's enough."
Kakashi spoke, inwardly noting how much Naruto had grown taller.
In their previous battle, Kakashi had seen this posture, but it gave him a completely different feeling. It was as if he was facing a different person.
"Furthermore, your Shadow Clone technique and timing have greatly improved."
Kakashi glanced backward, and at that moment, Naruto appeared behind him, holding a kunai and pointing it at Kakashi's lower back. A triumphant smile played on Naruto's face.
Jiraiya, who was observing from the sidelines, let out a surprised sound. Naruto's progress and combat intelligence were beyond his expectations.
"Not bad."
Tsunade also praised Naruto.
In the office, Minato watched with a contented smile. Although Naruto's talent might not compare to his own, he hoped his child would lead a safe and peaceful life. He couldn't protect Naruto forever, but he could at least protect him for most of his life.
"You've grown, Naruto, but your impatience hasn't changed a bit."
As Kakashi finished speaking, his form dissipated into smoke before Naruto's eyes. For someone as cunning as Kakashi, the Shadow Clone technique was one of his specialties.
"Damn, he tricked me."
Sasuke's Three Tomoe Sharingan continuously scanned the surroundings.
"Left, up, right—none of those."
"Sakura, Kakashi is underground."
Sasuke analyzed Kakashi's position and immediately informed Sakura.
Kakashi excelled in Lightning Release, but Earth Release could counter it. So, facing Kakashi hiding underground, Sasuke's Lightning Release would be less effective. It made more sense for Sakura to force Kakashi out.
"Understood."
Sakura agreed.
She punched the ground, causing it to crack and upheave. Countless chunks of earth flew up, even shaking Naruto, who stood behind her. The destructive force astonished both Naruto and Sasuke. Although they knew Sakura had been studying medical ninjutsu and superhuman strength under Tsunade, they hadn't expected her power to be this immense.
Meanwhile, Kakashi, hidden below the ground, was equally shocked.
"Such terrifying strength."
"Her aura and strength are just like Tsunade's."
Jiraiya, observing from a tree trunk, was speechless. He had thought Tsunade was the only female ninja of this caliber in the ninja world, but now there was a second one.
"Kakashi-sensei."
Sakura addressed him.
"Hmm?"
Kakashi responded, puzzled.
"I've found you."
Suddenly, a cacophony of bird-like cries filled the air. A blue lightning bolt flashed beside Sakura.
"Chidori."
Sasuke leaped high into the air, aiming a Chidori at Kakashi underground. Judging by the power of this Chidori, Sasuke was truly determined to defeat Kakashi.
"Wow, so fast."
Both Naruto and Sakura were astonished by Sasuke's speed. They hadn't even reacted, and Sasuke was already beside Kakashi.
As the Chidori approached, Kakashi felt a sense of helplessness. He hadn't expected that one day his own technique would be used against him.
At the same time, he sensed the danger. He knew the power of the Chidori all too well. Even with Tsunade-sama present, he might not survive a direct hit.
As Sasuke's Chidori descended, the ground erupted in another intense explosion, creating thick dust. But Sakura and Naruto remained vigilant; they knew Kakashi-sensei wouldn't be easily defeated.
Kakashi's form emerged from the smoke, slightly disheveled. Although he bore no injuries, his clothes were worse for wear.
"Tch."
Seeing his attack fail, Sasuke grumbled in frustration.
However, Fugaku, observing from the sidelines, nodded in satisfaction. While Sasuke's talent might not match Itachi's or Shisui's terrifying abilities, he was still a prominent Uchiha ninja. Among the Uchiha clan, he ranked as one of the strongest, just below Fugaku himself.
Having also inherited Kakashi's Lightning Release secrets, Sasuke demanded caution. Even without Mangekyou Sharingan, Fugaku wouldn't be guaranteed victory against Sasuke.
"Impressive."
Sakura praised Sasuke. She genuinely liked him, regardless of his actions. Everything Sasuke did seemed right in her eyes.
"Sasuke, I taught you the Chidori, but not to use it against your own comrades."
Kakashi rubbed his forehead, exasperated.
"But now you're our enemy."
Sasuke rolled up his sleeve, revealing runes inscribed on his skin. With a swift motion, he clapped his other hand.
Countless Shuriken, threaded with fine wire, materialized.
This was the unique Uchiha technique for manipulating Shuriken.
The Shuriken rained down from above, aiming at Kakashi.
"Looks like I have to get serious."
Kakashi's face showed rare seriousness. He pressed both hands to the ground.
"Earth Release: Five-Directional Earth Wall."
Earth walls rose from all sides, enclosing Kakashi. The walls extended, covering even Kakashi's head.
Despite the Lightning Release-enhanced Shuriken, Kakashi's earth wall remained unbroken.
"It's a hard turtle shell, Sakura." Sasuke remarked.
"Understood."
Sakura immediately grasped Sasuke's intention. She took over the attack position, delivering a powerful punch to the earth wall. Kakashi's form flew out from behind the wall.
"Amazing."
Naruto couldn't help but admire the seamless coordination between Sakura and Sasuke. He wanted to join them, fighting side by side once more.
(End of this chapter)
----