Kakashi put on a thoughtful expression.
Did he not know what Obito was scheming? Obito clearly wanted to take advantage of Charmeleon's evolution advantage to rack up a few more wins.
"I think that works," Kakashi said after thinking it over.
Although Obito's motives were impure, it would indeed be quite beneficial for the Ninja Beasts' training, so Kakashi saw no problem with it.
"Little Beauty won't be participating." Nohara Rin withdrew Feebas from the competition.
Feebas simply could not fight right now. It could still bump into something with its body in the water, but on land, it was completely incapable of combat.
Nohara Rin would not force Feebas into a meaningless battle just to save face.
The other disciples all nodded. There was really nothing they could do about that.
"Youth needs more battles!" Might Guy believed combat could also be part of training.
"Zorua has no problem with it." Shisui nodded as well.
"That makes exactly four, so we can use the rules from our usual sparring matches," Obito said excitedly. He was already getting impatient.
The other disciples had no objections.
The drawing results came out quickly. Charmeleon was number one, Zorua was number two, Rockruff was number three, and Riolu was number four.
Obito felt slightly disappointed. He had hoped Charmeleon would beat Rockruff senseless in the first round.
Don't lose to Riolu, Obito silently cheered Rockruff on.
If Rockruff lost in the first round, Charmeleon would not get to face it in the second.
If Charmeleon failed to defeat Rockruff, Obito would still have regrets even if Charmeleon became the strongest Ninja Beast among the disciples, because Kakashi would have an excuse then.
Riolu gave Obito a rather speechless look.
"This is our bond!" Might Guy laughed at Kakashi.
Kakashi smiled helplessly. There were