Danzo continued, “Surely you have heard of the reputation of Hatake Kakashi, the ‘Copy Ninja.’ Jōnin Kurenai Yuhi claims your strength already surpasses hers.
Today, if you can hold your own against Kakashi for the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn, you will pass the Chunin assessment.
Furthermore, if you can demonstrate truly formidable strength and gain the approval of our high command and the elite Anbu present, you may be promoted directly to Jōnin.” “I understand, Lord Danzo,” Chiya said solemnly.
“Then take your positions,” Danzo said with a sullen face, waving his hand impatiently.
The “Konoha F4” sat in the VIP area.
Kurenai Yuhi and Uchiha Itachi, dressed in his Anbu attire, stood to the sides of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura, respectively.
Other Anbu remained hidden in the surrounding trees.
A large clearing was cleared in the center, with Chiya and Kakashi standing twenty paces apart.
An Anbu operative stood between them as the referee.
“Begin,” Hiruzen commanded.
“Combat…
start!” the referee shouted, stretching the final syllable before leaping backward out of the engagement zone.
Chiya and Kakashi simultaneously formed the Tiger seal with their right hands, a gesture of respect toward an opponent.
“Start!” The moment the command was given, Chiya moved.
His hands blurred through a series of seals, and suddenly, his form transformed into cherry blossom petals, vanishing from everyone’s sight.
Genjutsu: Three Absolute Cherry Blossoms activated!
“Genjutsu, eh?
So, the boy’s skills have grown to this level…” Hiruzen formed a seal, disrupting his own chakra to dispel the influence of Chiya’s technique.
The others, save for Uchiha Itachi with his Mangekyō Sharingan, followed suit, all secretly stunned by the level of Chiya’s genjutsu mastery.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh…
A flash of steel cut through the air, followed by the sound of a blade slicing the wind.
Before the majority of the spectators had even fully dispelled the illusion, a pure white blade broke through the air.
Chiya’s form reappeared, his blade thrusting directly toward the top of Kakashi’s head.
So fast…
and it’s not just speed; his seal speed and power are also top-tier.
Kakashi was genuinely startled.
The lazy look in his eyes vanished; he dared not underestimate the boy any longer and immediately drew the tantō from behind his back to parry.
“Shatter, Kyōka Suigetsu!” Chiya whispered internally.
He had no intention of breaking Kakashi’s blade, so he deliberately held back his strength.
While everyone’s gaze was fixed on the clash of blades, he released his Shikai.
Then, he continued to exchange taijutsu blows with Kakashi.
The Kyōka Suigetsu clashed repeatedly with Kakashi’s blade, sparks flying in the air.
“Not just genjutsu; his taijutsu and Body Flicker technique have reached an incredibly high level.
Even among Jōnin, he’s a standout.
Kurenai, it seems you’ve taught a fine student,” Hiruzen commented from the judge’s bench, stroking his goatee with a relaxed, masterful air as he turned to Kurenai.
The two other advisors also showed varying degrees of admiration.
Danzo, however, had a complex expression, his thoughts unreadable.
As for Uchiha Itachi, his shock grew.
Possessing the Mangekyō Sharingan, his insight far surpassed everyone else present.
He vaguely sensed that Chiya was hiding something and was not yet fighting at full power.
“You are too kind, Hokage-sama.
I have only provided trivial assistance; Chiya’s current strength is largely due to his own efforts.” Knowing his own limitations, Kurenai quickly downplayed the credit as soon as she heard Hiruzen’s praise.
As they spoke, Chiya and Kakashi had exchanged dozens of blows, utilizing various ninja tools and Body Flicker techniques, occasionally interspersing the Three Body Technique.
To the average observer, they were but two blurring shadows colliding in the air, throwing off sparks.
Finally, just as the incense was about to burn out, the two stopped their taijutsu duel by unspoken agreement.
Chiya’s performance matched Kakashi’s—both were equal in technique and timing.
To continue would yield no decisive result and would only lead to the incense burning out, allowing Chiya to win by default.
“Senior Kakashi, you are truly deserving of the name ‘Copy Ninja’!
Incredible!” Chiya used a polite tone, his hands blurring into seals.
“The feeling is mutual.
Be careful, Chiya; the next attack is coming.” A glint of approval appeared in Kakashi’s eyes.
As he thrust his blade into the ground and formed rapid seals, he thought to himself: Excluding Kekkei Genkai, this is a genius who doesn’t lose to Uchiha Itachi.
“Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!” Kakashi took a deep breath and exhaled a massive fireball—so dazzling and bright it felt like a miniature sun.
Chiya finished his seals and stood rooted to the spot, letting the fireball engulf him.
“Chiya!” Kurenai cried out in alarm, thinking he hadn’t managed to dodge the attack.
“Rest assured; Chiya’s strength is even greater than you imagine,” Hiruzen explained with a calm, composed expression.
Though he had been away from the battlefield for a long time, his eye for talent remained sharp.
“Forgive me, Hokage-sama,” Kurenai quickly apologized, realizing she had overreacted.
Hiruzen waved it off and continued to watch.
As the flames dissipated, a small crater remained where Chiya had been standing.
Chiya was curled up in the pit, covered in wounds and seemingly unconscious.
“Is it over?” Kakashi muttered, walking closer to examine the pit.
Just as he approached, the Chiya in the pit poofed into a cloud of smoke.
It was a Shadow Clone.
“Earth Style: Headhunter Jutsu!” In the next instant, with a sharp cry, Kakashi was dragged underground; in less than a second, only his head remained exposed.
“Senior Kakashi, it seems I’ve won this time,” Chiya said, rising slowly from the ground.
“That remains to be seen.” Kakashi’s voice suddenly sounded from behind Chiya.
As the words finished, a blade was already pressed against his neck.
Meanwhile, the ‘Kakashi’ who had been dragged underground by the Headhunter Jutsu poofed into a cloud of smoke.
“How did you see through it?
The Sharingan?” Chiya didn’t turn around, nor did he show any panic, speaking calmly.
“Yes,” Kakashi didn’t deny it.
“From the moment you started your seals, I could see you were preparing the Headhunter Jutsu and a Shadow Clone.
While the Headhunter Jutsu is meant for sneak attacks, on another level, it is also the best technique to evade a frontal ninjutsu assault.” “That you were able to combine two techniques and execute them in such a short time—Chiya, I have to say, you are truly remarkable.” 🔥 Want More Chapters?
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