Return, Return, Return!

"Between the Tsuchikage and the Hokage, who was stronger?"

Shisui continued to ask curiously.

The Ninja Academy teachers said that the Third Hokage had mastered the most ninjutsu of any Hokage. He was one of the strongest ninja in the current Ninja World and was hailed as the Professor of Ninjutsu.

If the Tsuchikage was as strong as the Hokage, and Brother Mai could defeat the Tsuchikage, didn't that mean Brother Mai was even stronger than Lord Hokage?

"Uh..."

Uchiha Mai still felt that Tsuchikage Ōnoki was a little stronger. Whether at his peak or after declining from it, Ōnoki's Dust Release was simply too threatening.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was an all-rounder. At his peak, his chakra reserves were vast, and he could flexibly wield every type of ninjutsu and combine them.

His taijutsu was exceptional as well. With the Adamantine Staff in hand, he was no weaker in close combat than some top-tier taijutsu ninja.

But after declining from his peak, not only had his chakra reserves diminished, he could no longer effortlessly use combination ninjutsu, and his physical strength had dropped considerably too.

He had gone from being an all-rounder who scored ninety in every subject to one who scored eighty-five in every subject—capable, but not outstanding.

"The Hokage was still a little stronger," Uchiha Mai answered against his conscience.

"Oh, then that's still amazing."

Shisui said admiringly, "Brother Mai was able to injure the Tsuchikage, so you must be stronger than him.

By that logic, Brother Mai was as strong as Lord Hokage."

"You can't do the math that simply."

Uchiha Mai was slightly speechless. Aren't you putting me over the fire? He rapped Shisui on the head and said, "There are many unexpected factors on the battlefield.

There were too many coincidences involved in my injuring Ōnoki.