Asuma had fallen for it entirely because he understood the gap between his own strength and Itachi's. So when that slim chance of victory appeared, he could not resist.
Itachi had clearly seen through Asuma's mindset and set this trap specifically for him, winning the match without even using his Mangekyō Sharingan techniques.
With Asuma conceding on the spot, the second round came to an end as well.
After two rounds of competition, Guy and Asuma had been eliminated from the four Hokage candidates, leaving only Kakashi and Itachi for the final battle for the position of Sixth Hokage.
Since the candidates needed time to rest, the final third-round match was scheduled for the afternoon.
Inside Kakashi's lounge.
The advisors and elders, including the Third Hokage, had gathered to discuss the afternoon's match.
Utatane Koharu frowned. "Uchiha Itachi seems even stronger than we expected!"
Jiraiya nodded gently. "Yes. I never expected him not to use even his Mangekyō Sharingan's Susanoo in that match!"
Asuma sighed helplessly. "I'm sorry. I was careless."
The Third Hokage shook his head. "No, you did not lose because of carelessness. Itachi had clearly grasped your state of mind. From the very beginning, you were at a disadvantage in the battle of wits."
Orochimaru, leaning against the wall with his arms folded, spoke with the air of an outsider. "Against an opponent like Itachi, who has practically no weaknesses, anyone with inferior raw strength will find it difficult to defeat him! And fighting a Mangekyō Uchiha one-on-one? Heh, is there anything more foolish?"
When it came to dealing with Mangekyō Uchiha, Orochimaru undoubtedly had the most right to speak.
It could be said that he had set his sights on every Uchiha with a Mangekyō Sharingan, but all he had gained was humiliation. There was not