https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-149-The-Powerful-Girl-Nohara-Rin/12558017/
Chapter 150: Unexpected
Chapter 150: Unexpected
As the combat training progressed to the stage of utilizing chakra, the battles between Obito and Itachi became even more intense.
The difference in strength between fighting without chakra and with chakra was like night and day.
Greater strength and speed, coupled with accelerated chakra nature transformations, were all direct boosts to one's combat prowess.
During the climax of their battles, Obito and Itachi's clashes were often fiery and relentless.
Same-attribute nature transformation jutsu followed the principle of one-to-one cancellation, meaning that a small amount of chakra converted into fire could defend against an equal amount of chakra-infused fire.
When Mu Yue had first traveled back in time, Obito, being older, had a slightly larger chakra reserve than Itachi. However, Itachi's diligent training and the awakening of his Sharingan had long since surpassed Obito in terms of chakra control.
Falling short in taijutsu and now also in chakra control, Obito felt even greater pressure during the second phase of training. On the first day, he was once again defeated before long.
With pressure came motivation, especially since Nohara Rin was also observing the battles during their breaks. Obito's desire to show off in front of her fueled his determination, and his proficiency in the breathing technique improved day by day. Relying on his more skilled breathing control, Obito managed to hold his own against Itachi for a longer period.
On the final day of the second stage of training, Obito found himself at a disadvantage from the start, and Itachi's calm and swift assaults only widened the gap.
Faced with imminent defeat, Obito had no choice but to resort to total concentration breathing to counter Itachi's relentless attacks.
However, Itachi was also capable of total concentration breathing, so Obito was merely prolonging his inevitable loss.
"Damn it, Rin is watching. I can't afford to lose too badly," Obito muttered to himself during the battle, noticing Nohara Rin's presence. His originally weary body seemed to regain some vigor, and he also became calmer.
The sudden surge of potential and his calm demeanor in battle made Obito believe that he might finally break his record of zero wins.
Unfortunately, Itachi gave him no opportunity to turn the tables. Itachi's solid and steady fighting style left no openings, and in the end, Obito succumbed to exhaustion and lost once more.
"You didn't win, but you put up a great performance, Obito. I feel like you've gotten much stronger since before," Nohara Rin said consolingly.
"Hehe, do you really think so?" Obito's momentary dejection vanished, and he smiled sheepishly.
"Yes, you did well. After the third stage, we'll review and practice some more, and you should have the breathing technique down pat," Mu Yue nodded in agreement.
After comforting the defeated Obito, Mu Yue didn't forget about Itachi, who had maintained his undefeated record. She smiled gently and said, "It's clear that you've been diligently training, Itachi. Not only have you improved in the breathing technique, but your taijutsu has also shown significant progress recently."
"Yes, I've been practicing taijutsu at home lately," Itachi replied, delighted to receive recognition from the person he admired.
"Obito, do you want to go hang out with Kakashi tonight?" Nohara Rin asked.
If Nohara Rin had invited him alone, Obito wouldn't have hesitated to agree instantly. However, with Kakashi included, Obito needed to think it over.
Determined to ensure his victory over Kakashi in their next battle, Obito decided to ask Mu Yue about his chances of winning against Kakashi after he had made some progress.
Currently, Mu Yue assessed that he had a slim chance of winning, but it was still possible if Kakashi let his guard down and Obito performed exceptionally well and got lucky. Thus, Obito chose to hold off on challenging Kakashi for the time being.
"Let's go together. Training has been tiring lately, so it'll be a nice break," Obito finally agreed.
With the third phase of combat training starting tomorrow, Obito anticipated a challenging day ahead and decided to enjoy this evening's respite.
In the evening, Obito and Nohara Rin went to Kakashi's house to look for him.
Obito was glad he had agreed to Nohara Rin's invitation earlier, or he would have missed this opportunity.
On this trip, Obito received two pieces of good news: one, Kakashi wasn't home, and two, he could enjoy some alone time with Nohara Rin.
"I wonder if he went out for a walk?" Nohara Rin said thoughtfully.
"I don't think so. He's probably still out on a mission. The last time I came to look for Kakashi, I happened to run into his teammate who called him away for a mission," Obito said with a smile.
"When was that?" Nohara Rin asked curiously.
Obito recalled, "It must have been over half a month ago. His mission this time seems to be taking a while."
"Over half a month? Being a full-fledged ninja isn't easy," Nohara Rin nodded, feeling a bit disappointed.
Then, Obito and Nohara Rin spent several hours together, wandering around and only parting ways when the night grew deeper.
"Haha, Kakashi, feel free to take on more missions," Obito said, unable to contain his smile as he made his way home.
...
At the Hokage Building, a weary-looking ninja entered the Hokage's office alongside Kakashi.
"Hokage-sama, please allow me to resign from my position as a Jonin instructor," the tired ninja said with a bow.
"I don't want to be a Jonin instructor for the time being."
"Hotoda, what happened?" The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, asked with a slight frown, puffing on his pipe.
"I failed to protect my disciples. I am not a qualified teacher," Hayato Hotoda said, looking down.
"But you are a qualified ninja. At least the mission was completed," Kakashi said.
Hiruzen Sarutobi probably understood what had happened. The mission must have taken an unexpected turn. Although the mission was ultimately accomplished, both of Hayato Hotoda's disciples had perished, leaving only Kakashi alive.
Hayato Hotoda glanced at Kakashi, opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately remained silent.
"In that case, Hotoda, take some time to rest," Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed and nodded.
He could somewhat empathize with Hayato Hotoda, who was a young Jonin. These two disciples were his first students, and it was natural for him to have formed a deep bond with them.
"Thank you for your understanding, Hokage-sama. I shall take my leave now," Hayato Hotoda said and left immediately after receiving Hiruzen Sarutobi's reply, leaving Kakashi alone in the Hokage's office.
Watching Kakashi's indifferent expression, Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, feeling a headache coming on as he puffed on his pipe.
He glanced at the documents and noticed that there weren't any suitable teams for Kakashi to join, so he would have to wait for new teams to be formed after the Ninja Academy students graduated or when recent graduate genin formed teams.
"Kakashi, this mission must have been exhausting for you as well. Take some time to rest, and I'll assign you to a new team after a while," Hiruzen Sarutobi said after some thought.
"Yes," Kakashi nodded and turned to leave.
"Still hasn't emerged from the shadows..." Hiruzen Sarutobi muttered as he watched Kakashi's retreating back. Kakashi hadn't been like this two years ago. Ever since that incident last year, he had changed.
(End of Chapter)
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