Looking at the person beside him, who had turned even more grim upon hearing these words, Shimura Yanjun,
Sarutobi Expansion did not cease his speech despite his companion's darkened expression. Instead, he continued, "With your current strength, you have no chance of seeking revenge against Uchiha Toshiro unless you train diligently for several years."
"Unless..."
As he spoke, he lowered his voice and gestured for Shimura Yanjun to come closer, indicating that he had something confidential to say, not meant for public ears.
"Unless what?"
Narrowing his eyes at Sarutobi Expansion, who was feigning mystery, Shimura Yanjun couldn't restrain his curiosity and leaned in. He wondered what kind of scheme the other party had up his sleeve.
Seeing Yanjun comply, Sarutobi Expansion felt immense satisfaction. Usually, with his cold, intimidating demeanor, Shimura Yanjun was not easy to handle. But at this moment, he's playing right into Sarutobi's hands.
Within his small group, Shimura Yanjun had always been somewhat rebellious, boasting about his strength. Even after being taught a lesson by Uchiha Toshiro previously, he remained defiant, always seeking a chance to reclaim his dignity.
However, contrary to his desires, he lost once again facing Uchiha Toshiro. This moment was perfect for Sarutobi Expansion to consolidate power. Despite being only thirteen or fourteen years old, he had significant ambitions and had formed a small faction over the years.
This opportunity was perfect to control Yanjun, who often did not heed his commands. Behind Yanjun were also many followers. How to deal with Uchiha Toshiro later didn't concern him; the priority was to keep Yanjun appeased. Later consequences could be dealt with when they arose.
As for the present, Toshiro, who was battling in the arena, was oblivious to the drama unfolding in the stands. Otherwise, he would have laughed heartily at their naivety. When the Third Great Ninja War ends, who knows how these people will feel about their current actions?
Locking onto his opponent, Toshiro slowly raised his katana, its tip pointing directly at Kakashi. Chakra within him surged, and a faint red glow emerged on the blade. With further control over his chakra, the red aura erupted into fierce flames. The brilliant firelight and the intense heat filled the air around Toshiro, even Kakashi could feel it.
This was an advanced chakra application from the Uchiha style swordsmanship. By altering the nature of fire chakra, the slashes carried the characteristics of intense heat, radiation, and crucially, explosive properties. It was a perfect blend of chakra and swordsmanship.
This sword technique wasn't exclusive to fire chakra. It could adapt to wind, lightning, earth, and water attributes. However, most clan members typically utilized fire, wind, and lightning.
Seeing his opponent gathering strength, Kakashi wasn't to be outdone. Injecting his chakra into the White Fang short sword, small lightning currents began to dance wildly around the blade.
This was the application of lightning release taught by his father, enhancing the power of his thrusts significantly in combat. Although Kakashi had practiced, he had never used it in real battle. Today was the perfect opportunity to unleash it without reservation.
"Hatake Style: Fang."
With both having completed their preparations, orange-red flames with blazing heat and bluish-white lightning crackling filled their weapons. As Kakashi unleashed his chakra-imbued White Fang short sword, the combined lights of blue and orange-red blinded the spectators.
The subsequent explosion and the rising dust filled the arena.
"This is too much!"
Seeing the fragmented ground and occasionally falling rubble in the arena where the two clashed, the young ninjas were shocked.
Swordsmanship alone had caused such destruction, comparable to a ninjutsu clash.
Amidst their amazement, a figure emerged from the dissipating dust, tumbling out. It was none other than Kakashi.
"Did Kakashi win?"
Before anyone could voice their question, Kakashi, still rolling to dissipate force, forced himself into a half-kneel, ready in a defensive posture. But before he was fully prepared, a pristine katana was already at his throat.
"The difference in physical conditioning led to a disparity in our recovery time post-impact. And this became the key point of victory and defeat!"
Having said this, Toshiro did not press further. He sheathed his katana and extended a hand to Kakashi. Seeing this, Kakashi hesitated briefly before mirroring Toshiro's action, sheathing his short sword and taking the offered hand to stand up.
"The victor... Uchiha Toshiro... both sides perform the sign of reconciliation!"
Seeing neither of the contestants seriously harmed, Minato Namikaze let out a huge sigh of relief. This was the best outcome.
Throughout the match, he had to constantly remind himself to remain impartial. He feared he might have intervened prematurely to end the exam. Thankfully, his worries never materialized. Kakashi, although pale and barely able to stand, seemed just overexerted and merely needed a good rest. Uchiha Toshiro, on the other hand, appeared to have some strength left, even managing to help Kakashi up. Thus, no further issues were expected.