Seeing that Sakura's attack was futile, Sasuke took out a kunai and charged at Kakashi. Facing Sasuke, who also possessed the Sharingan, Kakashi did not dare to be careless this time. He too pulled out a kunai from his Ninja Tools pack. The two moved back and forth, up and down, matching each other in speed and strength, with Sasuke proving to be Kakashi's equal.
Both having the advantage of the Sharingan, they could predict each other's next move, making it difficult to determine the winner in their Taijutsu clash.
Moreover, since Kakashi was not a member of the Uchiha clan, prolonged use of the Sharingan was a significant burden on his body.
"How impressive."
Sakura and Naruto were amazed at Sasuke's ability to fight Kakashi on equal terms.
"If Kakashi didn't use the Sharingan, he probably wouldn't show signs of fatigue so quickly," observed Satoru, who was watching the battle. From the beginning of the fight, Kakashi had been using the Sharingan, which, despite its convenience, was also a considerable strain.
Even without the Sharingan, it wasn't certain that Kakashi would lose the fight.
After several exchanges, Kakashi gave up the Taijutsu contest with Sasuke, as he gradually began to fall behind and felt an indescribable sensation of being surpassed by his student, which was somewhat uncomfortable.
"Amazing, Sasuke."
Seeing Kakashi willingly step back, Naruto and Sakura quickly praised Sasuke.
Hearing the praise, Sasuke couldn't help but show a proud expression on his face.
After all, everyone likes to be complimented, and Sasuke, with his proud nature, was no exception.
"Kakashi, if you don't show your true strength soon, you'll really be surpassed by your student," Satoru couldn't stand it any longer. His brother was now embarrassingly underperforming, possibly due to his reluctance to go all out against his student, displaying less than half his true capability.
Of course, Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke were also not performing at their full potential.
Kakashi glanced at Satoru without saying much and instead pulled down his forehead protector, covering the exposed Sharingan.
Seeing this, Sasuke, who had spent the most time with Kakashi, immediately became alert.
"Be careful, Kakashi is getting serious."
Sasuke warned Naruto and Sakura, knowing that Kakashi without the Sharingan was the most formidable.
"Abandoning the Sharingan might actually make him even stronger."
Hearing Sasuke's words, Sakura and Naruto also realized that Sasuke was not making baseless claims, and their expressions grew more solemn.
Kakashi extended his right hand, and a short, white light blade formed in his palm.
Seeing this move, Jiraiya and Tsunade, who were nearby, all showed grave expressions, clearly sensing the threat from the light blade.
"This is simply a high-density lightning condensation, even more powerful than the Thunder Sword left by the Second Hokage."
Jiraiya spoke up, being well-informed, he naturally knew how the short sword in Kakashi's hand was formed, but it was precisely because he knew the principle that he felt amazed.
"Being able to condense something intangible into a tangible form, Kakashi's mastery of Lightning Release chakra must be no less than that of the Raikage of the Hidden Cloud Village. Moreover, even the Raikage might not be able to condense Lightning Release chakra into such a form."
Tsunade stared at the short sword in Kakashi's hand and said seriously, "Lightning nature chakra, as the most violent of all chakra natures, is nearly impossible to focus its power together without leaking out."
And yet, this nearly impossible feat has now been accomplished by Kakashi.
This also shows just how terrifying Kakashi's talent is; he is now fully qualified to succeed the position of Hokage.
And he is the best candidate for Konohagakure village after the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato. Neither Jiraiya nor Tsunade are more qualified than Kakashi.
Because to become Hokage, it takes more than just strength, but Kakashi possesses any quality that a shadow should have.
Unfortunately, Minato will not be leaving the position of Hokage anytime soon, and Kakashi has no desire to become Hokage, which is also a fortunate thing, as there will be no conflict between teacher and student over this matter.
"However, we should be able to see the long-unseen Hatake sword technique from Kakashi, right? I wonder how much of Sakumo-senpai's sword technique Kakashi has learned."
A look of anticipation appeared on Jiraiya's face.
"What is this?"
Naruto's eyes widened as he looked at the white short sword in Kakashi's hand, beneath its calm exterior lay an extremely violent aura.
"That's just a short sword condensed purely from Lightning Release chakra."
Sasuke explained, he had wanted to learn this move too, but he could never control Lightning Release chakra as precisely as Kakashi.
To learn this move, one needs not only talent but also experience.
Even Kakashi has only recently perfected this move. As the inheritor of the Hatake sword technique, having an indestructible sword that can appear at any time couldn't be more fitting.
"Oh?"
A sound of surprise came from Satoru's mouth. Through his Rikugan, he observed in much more detail than the others, so he knew how difficult it was to condense such a short sword.
"It seems that Kakashi has been quietly getting stronger during my absence, he's really rolling up his sleeves."
"Be careful, you guys."
With that, Kakashi charged forward, holding the lightning short sword, and Naruto took out a Kunai to meet the attack first.
"Idiot, get out of the way."
Seeing Naruto's action, Sasuke immediately shouted anxiously.
But Sasuke's voice was already too late, the speed at which the two opposing people collided was extremely fast.
The collision between the short sword and the Kunai was over in an instant. Under Naruto's shocked gaze, his Kunai was cut through as easily as tofu.
Naruto bent backward, narrowly dodging the attack, but still a few of his blond hairs were sliced off.
Just as Kakashi was about to strike Naruto again, Sasuke, wielding a long sword, blocked Kakashi's path. The long sword, with a hardness similar to the Kunai, successfully blocked Kakashi's short sword.
"Did you also infuse your weapon with Lightning Release chakra? Increasing its resistance to Lightning Release and its practicality, that's a good method," Tsunade nodded and praised.
(End of Chapter)
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