Asuma was angry and wanted to retaliate.
But in the end, Asuma can only look to Kakashi for help.
"Momochi Zabuza!"
"You only rely on my injuries."
"You think you strength surpasses mine?"
"I admit, Hoshigaki Kisame is very strong. But I don't acknowledge you."
"You're just taking advantage of my serious injury."
Kakashi noticed Asuma's tough situation, but now Kakashi himself is overwhelmed.
Among the current many methods, Kakashi only has Fire Release and ninja tools to attack from a distance.
However, Fire Release is countered by Water Release.
And relying on ninja tools alone to defeat Hoshigaki Kisame is simply impossible.
But, another problem arises.
Once in close proximity, Kakashi's Lightning Release and Taijutsu can indeed gain the upper hand.
However, Hoshigaki Kisame's Chakra Absorption Technique, along with Kiriichimonji, pose an even greater threat.
Kakashi grits his teeth.
The next moment, his movement stops.
He pushes his legs against the ground.
Directly changing his direction, he actively charges towards Hoshigaki Kisame.
Getting close indeed carries great risk, but now Kakashi has no other choice.
Not getting close means certain death for Asuma.
Getting close, there's still hope for victory.
Hoshigaki Kisame raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Water Release: Water Prison Jutsu!"
A water sphere formed into a Water Prison, blocking Kakashi's path.
Kakashi dodged.
Hoshigaki Kisame seized this opportunity to approach from the side and attack Kakashi with a thrust of his sword.
"Ding!"
Kakashi pulled out a Kunai to counter. However, after the collision, Kakashi's expression changed.
On one hand, Hoshigaki Kisame's strength is beyond Kakashi's expectations. On the other hand, Kakashi feels the sharpness of Kiriichimonji.
His Kunai, after just one collision, showed a significant gap. With one strike, the second round of their confrontation begins.
Collisions occur at an extremely fast pace. Back and forth. Their figures intertwine. The sound of collisions continues to ring out.
Afterimages appear and disappear one after another. Kakashi was wary of Hoshigaki Kisame's Chakra Absorption Technique and Kiriichimonji.
Hoshigaki Kisame also harbored a certain level of fear towards Kakashi's Lightning Release.
Konoha's ANBU Ninja, who are observing covertly, gazed at the battlefield with uncertain expressions.
"If nothing unexpected happens, this Hoshigaki Kisame should be the most talented among the younger generation of the Hidden Mist Village."
"To be able to contend with Kakashi to this extent, he is indeed very strong."
"However, the Ninjato in Hoshigaki Kisame's hands has greatly assisted him."
"Kiriichimonji!"
"When did the Hidden Mist Village acquire such a Ninjato?"
"Could it be forged by their village's blacksmith recently?"
"Because of the disastrous defeat of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist?"
"The abilities of this Ninjato are truly sinister."
"We must report to the village and raise awareness about this Ninjato."
"Once injured, it would put one at a significant disadvantage."
"Just like the current Asuma."
Konoha ANBU Ninja glance towards Asuma's direction, frowning.
"Asuma's condition is extremely poor."
"I'm afraid he won't last much longer."
"But the village's support has not arrived yet."
Hoshigaki Kisame looked towards Kakashi across from him, suddenly a hint of fierceness appears on his face.
"The genius of Konoha, Hatake Kakashi, truly lives up to his reputation."
"But today, what I want is to defeat you!"
Both of their strengths have been understood by each other during their recent confrontation.
Both are among the best of their generation.
Continuing with the current situation, and with the relatively conservative fighting styles, their battle might not yield any definitive outcome, unable to determine a true victory or defeat.
This is not what Hoshigaki Kisame desires.
Nor is it something Hoshigaki Kisame can accept.
"The expectations of Mizukage-sama for me are not just this!"
"This battle, I must win!"
"To not disappoint Mizukage-sama's expectations!"
Hoshigaki Kisame lowered his head and glances at Kiriichimonji in his hand.
"Kiriichimonji, I'm counting on you!"
"Now, you're the only one who can help me!"
"Soma, assist me!"
Raising his head again, Hoshigaki Kisame's expression changed.
Kakashi's heart skipped a beat, sensing a bad feeling.
However, just as Kakashi prepared to respond, it was already too late.
Facing Kakashi's attack, Hoshigaki Kisame chose not to dodge this time.
Instead, he directly received Kakashi's attack with his own body.
However, Hoshigaki Kisame not dodging doesn't mean he did nothing.
"Chakra Absorption Technique!"
The moment their bodies touched, Hoshigaki Kisame used the Chakra Absorption Technique.
Kakashi felt a pulling force being exerted onto him.
A portion of his own Chakra was being absorbed.
If Kakashi, who already has Sharingan transplanted, were here, Hoshigaki Kisame's Chakra Absorption Technique would have a greater impact.
But this also caused Kakashi's movements to falter.
At the same time.
Kiriichimonji in Hoshigaki Kisame's hand stabbed toward Kakashi.
Kakashi did his best to dodge. But he couldn't evade completely.
"Spurt!"
A wound appeared on Kakashi's shoulder. Blood continuously flew out.
Kakashi attempted to control his muscles, concentrating Chakra at the wound.
But there's no effect.
"So, this is the power of Kiriichimonji."
Kakashi looked at Kiriichimonji in Hoshigaki Kisame's hand, his vigilance reaching its peak.
Hoshigaki Kisame revealed a smile.
"It worked!"
"Soma, thank you!"
With Hoshigaki Kisame's momentum rising, he attacked Kakashi even more fiercely.
Kakashi fell into a disadvantage. But it's not Kakashi who panicked. It's Asuma who panics more.
Facing Zabuza's attacks, Asuma has no way out, his injuries getting worse.
He hoped that Kakashi can gain the upper hand and support him.
But now, even Kakashi is in a disadvantageous position.
"Is Kakashi not even a match for Hoshigaki Kisame?"
"Is the genius of the Hidden Mist Village so strong?"
"Chidori!"
A sharp cry rings out.
However, facing such a powerful Lightning Release Ninjutsu, Hoshigaki Kisame still chose to exchange blows.
"Chakra Absorption Technique!"
At the same time, Kiriichimonji stabs forward.
Kakashi has another wound on his body.
But blood is also splattering from Hoshigaki Kisame's body.
Asuma showed a panicked expression.
"This is madness! They're all mad from the Hidden Mist Village!"
Blood stained Hoshigaki Kisame's expressionless face.
"Hatake Kakashi, today, I will prevail!"
Kakashi's figure started to sway.
The burden of two continuously bleeding wounds is too much for Kakashi.
"Falling to me and Kiriichimonji, you need not blame yourself!"
Suddenly, a series of breaking sounds echoed.
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