After Mutsuki intervened to save the injured Konoha Ninja, his disciples also took action to assist the Konoha Ninja in battling the Hidden Rock Ninja.
They didn't possess the same level of strength as Mutsuki, so the three of them worked together and didn't stray far from him.
Initially, all three of them seemed a bit lost because the scene was extremely chaotic. Even Kakashi, who had the most experience among them, had never faced such a large-scale battle before, with thousands of ninjas engaged.
However, having recently experienced a difficult life-and-death struggle, although they were momentarily confused, their combat abilities were still intact.
Some of the Hidden Rock Ninja saw the three of them, small in stature and looking like newcomers to the battlefield, and immediately attacked them with Kunai.
Guy immediately entered the state of Stone Breathing and activated the Eight Inner Gates.
"Eight Inner Gates, Open!"
Simultaneously using the Breathing Technique and the Eight Inner Gates greatly enhanced Guy's physical abilities.
Swish!
"Konoha Great Whirlwind!"
Guy's Chakra erupted from his feet, disappearing in a Body Flicker Jutsu in front of the Hidden Rock Ninja, then swiftly delivering a Whirlwind Kick, sending the Hidden Rock Ninja flying.
"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Flower Nail Crimson!"
Obito enhanced his Fire Release abilities with Flame Breathing, swiftly hurling three flaming Kunai towards the airborne Hidden Rock Ninja.
Boom! Boom! Boom!!
As the flaming Kunai hit the Hidden Rock Ninja, explosions immediately ensued, engulfing his body in intense flames.
The high temperature and explosive power of Fire Release, coupled with the Kunai's piercing force, turned the attacked Hidden Rock Ninja into a charred corpse that fell from the sky under the combined assault of Obito and Guy.
"Let's just stick to battling as we did before." With one enemy successfully dealt with, Obito's perplexed expression faded from his eyes.
"You shouldn't have used Ninjutsu just now; throwing Shuriken and Kunai directly would have sufficed," Kakashi shook his head and remarked.
Initially prepared to attack with Shuriken, Kakashi only refrained upon seeing Obito employ Ninjutsu, knowing most ninjas wouldn't withstand bombardment from Fire Release.
"Why not? Using just weapons doesn't feel like finishing them off in one go," Obito asked, puzzled.
He believed that if you could neutralize an enemy, it should be done in one strike to prevent any unforeseen circumstances during battle.
"It's fine during normal sparring and against just a few enemies, but look around—there are so many enemies here. You should conserve your Chakra as much as possible," Kakashi expressed his viewpoint.
Although he hadn't experienced a chaotic battle involving thousands of ninjas, Kakashi believed in preserving stamina on the battlefield, achieving maximum results with minimal physical exertion and Chakra usage.
For example, like what Obito just did, even without using Fire Release, if he and Obito use ninja tools together, the enemy might not die immediately but will be seriously injured. Such injuries on the battlefield are almost equivalent to death.
"Guy, you too, don't expend too much physical energy," Kakashi continued, addressing Guy.
Total Concentration Breathing and the Eight Inner Gates are both excellent techniques for enhancing strength, but they also consume a lot of physical energy.
Obito glanced at the battlefield, unsure how many enemies remained, and had to admit that Kakashi's words made a lot of sense.
Warfare was completely different from their previous battles. He dared to guarantee that expending too much chakra and physical energy here would definitely not be a good idea.
Guy nodded in agreement with Kakashi's viewpoint and decided that unless they encountered exceptionally strong enemies, he would not use Total Concentration Breathing or open the second gate.
Actually, Kakashi had one more thing he didn't say: if the enemy's strength and status were high enough, it would still be meaningful to expend more energy to kill them. However, that was not something they should currently consider given their current capabilities.
Kakashi drew his White Fang tanto from his back. Compared to using Ninjutsu, finishing off enemies with a blade was evidently more energy-efficient.
In his mind, he had already ruled out using the high-cost Ninjutsu techniques Purple Electricity and False Darkness. While both were powerful, using them twice would leave him without Chakra.
From his ninja tool pouch, Obito took out a standard-issue Kunai, preparing to conserve Chakra for critical moments when Ninjutsu was necessary.
He also had the birthday Kunai Mutsuki gave him, but Obito worried about damaging it during battle, so he didn't bring it out.
Even without using Ninjutsu, the three of them were skilled in Taijutsu, and with their seamless cooperation, they easily defeated the Hidden Rock Chunin, even when facing the same number of opponents.
However, compared to them, Mutsuki's efficiency was clearly faster. With a casual Great Dragon Fire, he effortlessly eliminated a Hidden Rock Jonin, then swiftly slew several Hidden Rock Ninja with a standard Kunai as if slicing through melons and chopping vegetables.
"Yumi-sensei is really amazing. But why didn't Yumi-sensei use that large-area Fire Release from before? Is it because of concern for injuring comrades?" Obito marveled at Mutsuki's swift kills but also harbored a slight doubt in his heart.
"Yumi-sensei surely has his own considerations. Let's be more cautious ourselves; it seems we've been targeted," Kakashi quickly reminded.
Kakashi directed more attention to their surroundings and suddenly noticed several Hidden Rock ninjas deliberately or unintentionally approaching their direction.
No sooner had Kakashi finished speaking than five Hidden Rock ninjas immediately surged towards them.
One Hidden Rock ninja was intercepted by a Konoha ninja on the way, but four others continued their charge towards them.
"Such strength at such a young age; they must be Konoha's geniuses. Take them out first!" shouted the foremost Hidden Rock ninja leading the charge.
Always attentive to his disciples, Mutsuki observed this scene and assessed the strength of the four Hidden Rock ninjas: one Jonin with 5,000 Chakra and no Mastery skills, and three Chunin with 3,000 Chakra each. After this quick appraisal, Mutsuki continued with his own actions.
The leading Hidden Rock Jonin, upon approaching Guy, swiftly extended his fist, gathering a large amount of Chakra in his right hand, and then began Nature Transformation.
"Earth Release: Rock Fist!"
The right fist of the Hidden Rock Jonin was covered in earth-yellow rocks, greatly increasing both its hardness and power.
However, Guy was prepared early on. Chakra condensed at his feet, propelling him several meters away at extreme speed.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Obito and Kakashi swiftly hurled Shuriken.
Clang! Clang!
The Rock Fist of the Hidden Rock Jonin had high hardness; swinging his rocky fist wide, he deflected all incoming Shuriken.
At this moment, the other three Chunin also reached an effective attack distance, spitting out sharply pointed stones at the three of them at extremely fast speeds.
"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Kakashi swiftly formed seals, causing a thick wall with a dog's head motif to rise from the ground, blocking all incoming flying stones.
Although conserving Chakra was his initial suggestion, this situation clearly wasn't the time for that.
"Whoever bullies a few kids thinks they're something special."
One of the Konoha ninjas saw young ninjas from his village being surrounded and wanted to help Kakashi and the others against the Hidden Rock.
However, he clearly overestimated his own strength. Engaging in close combat with the Hidden Rock Jonin, he ended up being punched and flew out, coughing up blood. The Hidden Rock Chunin continued to spit out flying stones as reinforcement.
"Gate of Rest, open! Second Gate of the Eight Inner Gates!"
Seeing the Konoha ninja who wanted to help them injured, Guy immediately activated the Second Gate of the Eight Inner Gates, concentrating his breath and swiftly catching the injured Konoha ninja.
"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Jutsu!"
Obito swiftly formed seals, concentrating chakra in his throat and spitting out numerous small fireballs that neatly bypassed Guy's body, destroying the incoming flying stones.
Guy landed behind the Earth-Style Wall and gently placed the injured Konoha Chunin down.
"Sorry about that, I acted recklessly. Didn't expect the enemy's strength to be so formidable," the injured Konoha Chunin apologized sincerely to the three of them.
He really ended up being more of a hindrance; not only did he fail to relieve the pressure on the three of them, but he also caused them to use ninjutsu for rescue.
"Senpai, you did your best. Leave the rest to us!" Guy gave a thumbs-up to the Konoha Chunin, flashing a bright smile.
"Even if he's Rock Fist, my Fire Release ninjutsu will melt him down," Obito said confidently in his abilities with Fire Release.
Kakashi gave a meaningful glance to Guy and Obito, both of whom nodded in understanding.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
Obito suddenly leaped out and expelled a blazing fireball three meters high.
"Stone Breathing, Total Concentration Breathing!"
Immediately after, Guy focused his breath to its limit, pushing his physical strength to its utmost limit, bursting out under cover of the Great Fireball.
Kakashi split off a Shadow Clone and charged out from the Earth-Style Wall, while his main body used Earth Release to slowly approach the Hidden Rock Jonin from underground.
While Obito and the others were making their attack, the three Hidden Rock Chunin arrived behind the Hidden Rock Jonin.
They combined their Earth Release ninjutsu to block Obito's Great Fireball, but in doing so, they failed to react to Guy's sudden attack.
"Extreme: Konoha Strong Whirlwind!"
Guy appeared next to the four Iwa-nin, channeling all his strength into his legs and delivering an extreme kick.
Boom! Boom! Boom!!!
Three Hidden Rock ninjas were sent flying and coughing up blood, while only the Hidden Rock Jonin managed to withstand the blow, but his Rock Fist showed a slight crack.
"How is this possible? He's so fast!"
"Such incredible strength. Could he actually be a short middle-aged ninja in disguise?"
The severely injured Hidden Rock Chunin were filled with disbelief. Guy appeared no older than ten, yet his physical prowess was abnormally strong.
They couldn't fathom how someone could train their body to such a degree, even starting from before birth.
"Pure Taijutsu actually possesses such power; he must be eliminated!" thought the Hidden Rock Jonin, deeply surprised.
He realized that if he relied solely on Taijutsu, he might be beaten by a child not even ten years old before him, despite being a Jonin himself.
The Hidden Rock Jonin had a premonition that if Guy survived this war, he would undoubtedly become a renowned Taijutsu powerhouse in the ninja world.
To eradicate this future threat, the Hidden Rock Jonin unleashed his strongest power and launched a devastating assault against Guy.
However, Obito and Kakashi were not idle bystanders; they would not allow the Hidden Rock Jonin to attack Guy without retaliation.
"Flame Breathing, Total Concentration Breathing!"
Obito also focused his breath to the utmost limit, harnessing his strongest power. He swiftly hurled two Shuriken imbued with flames. If the Hidden Rock Jonin intended to attack Guy, he would have to face these two high-temperature Shuriken head-on.
There were still some Shuriken left in Obito's pouch, but he was concerned that launching too many might affect Guy negatively.
But what Obito didn't anticipate was that the Hidden Rock Jonin would indeed choose to withstand his Shuriken and simultaneously attack Guy, who had just unleashed a powerful attack and was unable to immediately retreat.
"If killing this person means getting injured, it's worth it," thought the Hidden Rock Jonin.
With no chance to dodge, Guy erupted with chakra, concentrating all his strength into his fist, meeting the immense Rock Fist of the Hidden Rock Jonin head-on.
Boom!
The sound of an explosion echoed, the powerful force shaking the ground where both stood, raising clouds of dusty yellow soil.
Guy's right fist became bloody, while cracks covered the massive rock fist of the Hidden Rock Jonin.
Simultaneously, Obito's flaming Shuriken also pierced the body of the Hidden Rock Jonin.
Although the Hidden Rock Jonin employed Hardening Jutsu, it was evidently not as proficient as Gari's. The Shuriken, carrying high-temperature flames, successfully penetrated the abdomen of the Hidden Rock Jonin, splattering blood that sprayed onto Guy.
The pain of the high-temperature weapon piercing his body, the agony of flames burning his flesh—despite having the rock-like willpower, the Hidden Rock Jonin's face couldn't help but contort. However, he knew that now was the most crucial moment. He gritted his teeth through the pain, focused his mind to control his chakra, and repaired the injured arm that wielded the Rock Fist. He intended to unleash another Rock Fist towards Guy.
But Kakashi wouldn't let him have his way. He thrust a kunai towards the Hidden Rock Jonin's head.
The Hidden Rock Jonin had to divert his attention to deal with Kakashi's attack.
Meanwhile, Guy did not miss the opportunity to strike again, concentrating his strength with his uninjured arm.
The Hidden Rock Jonin barely managed to block the attacks from both, but suddenly felt a tremendous pulling force from underground, dragging his entire body below.
"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Flower Nail Crimson!"
Obito hurled a flaming kunai towards the exposed head of the Hidden Rock Jonin.
Boom!
An explosion rang out, and the Hidden Rock Jonin's head vanished into the ground.
"Great coordination!" The injured Konoha ninja, who had thought to lend a hand, happened to witness the three swiftly and cleanly dispatching their opponents. Unable to contain his admiration, he exclaimed aloud.
Throughout the encounter, the roles were clearly defined: Guy handled close-quarters combat and dealt with the weaker Hidden Rock Chunin, while Obito provided Fire Release cover and support, and Kakashi lurked in the shadows, waiting for the opportune moment to strike decisively.
He couldn't help but feel the stark difference in abilities between individuals. As an adult ninja wanting to help, he nearly got taken out, while the three kids he thought were in danger actually saved him by eliminating the enemies.
Having taken down a formidable opponent, Kakashi felt a slight relief. Then, he noticed a somewhat familiar figure in danger, someone who seemed to be his former teammate from long ago.
"Thunder Breathing, Total Concentration Breathing, Flash!"
Kakashi immediately unleashed the full power of his Breathing Technique, slashing with lightning speed. Ryuken only felt a streak of yellow lightning flash through, and then the enemy before him was split in two.
He was about to thank this powerful ninja when suddenly he felt that the person's back seemed very familiar. When Kakashi turned around, his former teammate couldn't help but show an extremely shocked expression.
"Kakashi, it's you."
"Why wouldn't it be me?" Kakashi looked around cautiously, replying calmly.
Ryuken ultimately chose not to bring up past matters and simply thanked Kakashi.
Kakashi nodded slightly, then immediately ran to check on Guy's condition.
"Haha, just a scratch, won't affect my fighting." Guy quickly bandaged his injured hand with a bandage, then laughed heartily.
"He really has changed, completely different from before." Watching Kakashi, Guy, and Obito interacting, Ryuken couldn't help but sigh.
In fact, Ryuken had sensed something when he encountered Kakashi on the road twice before, but he hadn't expected Kakashi to have changed so much.
"Next, let's be careful and prioritize rescuing our comrades," Kakashi suggested.
As soon as Kakashi finished speaking, there was a sudden tremor, and in the distance, an incredibly dazzling explosion erupted.
"Could it be Ninjutsu? But what Ninjutsu could have such immense power?" Kakashi looked towards the source with a puzzled expression.
Amidst this commotion, many Hidden Rock Ninja surged out, attempting to rescue the critically injured Gari.
Konoha Ninja responded without hesitation, using various Ninjutsu to attack the Hidden Rock forces. They took advantage of the opportunity to kill several Hidden Rock Ninja, and Gari, who was already severely injured, was left in critical condition.
Mutsuki also followed suit, unleashing a moderately powerful Fire Release before beginning to restore his Chakra.
His primary objective on the battlefield had been achieved. Once he returned to Konoha, his status would transition from a Special Jonin known for teaching to a formidable Jonin renowned for both teaching and strength.
Next, Mutsuki planned to observe the battles at the top-level battlefield, particularly interested in seeing Jiraiya and the Jinchuriki in action.
He wanted to know how high a Jinchuriki's Chakra could rise during battle and observe Jiraiya's current level when fighting at full strength.
After resting for a while, Mutsuki took out his Kunai and swiftly killed every Hidden Rock he saw.
One Hidden Rock Jonin with eight Chunin attempted to overwhelm Mutsuki with numbers, but they were all incinerated by Mutsuki's Fire Release.
Already weakened by the loss of Gari, a powerful asset, and further diminished by casualties incurred while rescuing the critically injured Gari, the Hidden Rock forces had no one capable of stopping Mutsuki. The previously balanced situation shifted to a disadvantage.
"Retreat!"
The Hidden Rock commander reluctantly issued the retreat order and fired the signal flare for retreat.
Although the outcome of the top-level battle had yet to be decided, if they didn't retreat now, they might not have another chance.
The Hidden Rock forces began to fight while withdrawing.
Mutsuki nodded inwardly. Retreat was good; only by retreating could he rightfully move to another battlefield.
The Konoha ninjas pursued for a while but eventually stopped, fearing they might fall into an ambush if they ventured too deep.
"You all return to camp and rest well. I'm going to support Jiraiya-sama and the others," Mutsuki said to his three disciples.
He left behind a Shadow Clone to protect his disciples and then followed several other Konoha Jonin to support Jiraiya.
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