Once Rockruff had fully recovered, the final battle was about to begin.
"Although you have the advantage of evolution, Rockruff is very cunning. You must be extra careful in battle," Obito reminded Charmeleon.
It was true that Charmeleon had evolved, but it had been born much later than Rockruff. Rockruff had trained for longer, not only mastering its own abilities well but also learning Kakashi's Lightning Release Chakra Nature Transformation.
"Fire dragon!" Charmeleon crossed its arms and snorted out a blast of hot air through its nostrils, exuding the bearing of a great general.
"It says it'll win," Zorua translated.
Obito's face darkened. Why did this feel strangely familiar? Whose shadow was he seeing? Might Guy's?
"Charmeleon versus Mane Rock." Referee Kakashi began announcing the names of the contestants.
Charmeleon and Rockruff walked into the open battlefield together. The moment their eyes met, each could see the other's desire for victory.
If I lose to an unevolved Rockruff, that naturally evil Obito will definitely laugh at me mercilessly! Charmeleon thought, and its claws instinctively tensed.
Kakashi has put so much effort into training me, and I was born first. I absolutely can't lose! Rockruff's gaze was resolute.
"Begin!"
The moment Kakashi's voice fell, both Charmeleon and Rockruff sprang into action.
"Shadow Clone!"
While running, Rockruff used Chakra to create five identical illusory clones. They ran at high speed, crossing paths and swapping positions, making it difficult to tell where the real body was.
Charmeleon had initially wanted to open with Smokescreen to obscure Rockruff's vision, but Rockruff's clones made it hesitate.
It could not even tell which one was the real Rockruff. Would Smokescreen even be useful?
"Quick Attack!"
Whoosh!
Just as Charmeleon was trying to determine which Rockruff was the real one, Rockruff burst forth with Chakra and charged