Chiya vs. Kakashi

Danzō continued, "Surely you have heard of the great name of the Copy Ninja, Hatake Kakashi. Jonin Yuhi Kurenai says your strength has already surpassed her, your teacher. Today, as long as you can hold out against Kakashi for the duration of one incense stick, you shall pass the Chunin examination.

"At the same time, if you can demonstrate sufficiently powerful strength and earn the recognition of our Konoha F4 and the elite Anbu present, you may be promoted to Jonin by exception."

"I understand, Lord Danzō," Chiya said solemnly.

"Then take your positions," Danzō said, his face remaining gloomy as he waved his hand impatiently.

The Konoha F4 sat in the VIP seats. Yuhi Kurenai and Uchiha Itachi, dressed in Anbu attire, stood to the sides of Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō, respectively.

The remaining Anbu continued to lurk in the surrounding trees.

A large open space was cleared in the center of the field, and Chiya and Kakashi stood twenty paces apart.

An Anbu stood between the two to act as the referee.

"Then let us begin," Sarutobi Hiruzen said to the referee.

"Begin," the referee shouted, drawing out the syllable before leaping backward to exit the combat zone.

Chiya and Kakashi simultaneously formed the Tiger Seal with their right hands to show respect to their opponent.

"Start." The moment the referee's voice fell, Chiya moved. His hands formed seals rapidly, and suddenly, his entire figure transformed into cherry blossom petals and vanished before everyone's eyes.

Genjutsu. Three Absolute Cherry Blossoms, activate!

Genjutsu, is it? This child's strength has grown to this extent already. Sarutobi Hiruzen formed a seal to disrupt his own chakra, dispelling the influence of Chiya's genjutsu.

As for the others, with the exception of Uchiha Itachi, who possessed the Mangekyo Sharingan, they all followed suit with similar actions.

Unanimously, they felt a sense of shock at Chiya's mastery of genjutsu.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.

A flash of a blade cut through the air, accompanied by the sound of steel slicing through the atmosphere.

Before the genjutsu had fully dissipated for most of those present, a pure white blade broke through the air. Chiya's figure appeared alongside it, the sharp edge thrusting directly toward the top of Kakashi's head.

So fast. It's not just the speed, but the seals and the power—all of it is exceptional.

Kakashi was suddenly startled, the lazy look in his eyes vanishing instantly. Daring not to harbor any further contempt, he immediately drew the katana from his back to parry.

Shatter! Kyōka Suigetsu. Chiya thought to himself.

He had no intention of breaking Kakashi's katana; instead, he deliberately restrained his strength. While everyone present had their eyes fixed on the Zanpakuto, he released Kyōka Suigetsu.

He then continued to swing his blade, engaging Kakashi in taijutsu.

Kyōka Suigetsu and Kakashi's katana collided repeatedly, sending sparks flying through the air.

"Not only genjutsu, but his taijutsu and Body Flicker Technique have also reached a very high level. Even among Jonin, he is a standout. Kurenai, it seems you have taught a good student," Sarutobi Hiruzen said from the judge's seat, stroking his goatee and commenting with the air of someone sitting firmly on a high perch. He turned his head toward Yuhi Kurenai.

The other two Hokage advisors also showed varying degrees of admiration in their eyes.

As for Danzō, his expression was unreadable, and no one knew what he was thinking.

As for Uchiha Itachi, he was becoming increasingly astonished.

Possessing the Mangekyo Sharingan, his perception had long since surpassed everyone else present.

He vaguely sensed that Chiya seemed to be hiding something and had not yet exerted his full strength.

"Lord Hokage, you flatter me. I only provided some insignificant help. That Chiya has such strength today is primarily due to his own efforts." Yuhi Kurenai knew her own limits; hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen's praise, she hurriedly offered an explanation.

While the two were speaking, Chiya and Kakashi had already exchanged dozens of blows, utilizing various ninja tools and the Body Flicker Technique, occasionally even employing the Three Body Technique.

To the eyes of ordinary people, they could only see two afterimages constantly colliding in the air, creating sparks of fire.

Finally, as the incense was about to burn out, the two tacitly stopped their taijutsu exchange. Because the taijutsu Chiya had displayed was on par with Kakashi's, and their control over timing was evenly matched, continuing the fight would yield no significant result.

Doing so would only allow the incense to burn out, resulting in a victory for Chiya without a true conclusion.

"Senior Kakashi, you truly live up to the name of the Copy Ninja. How impressive!" Chiya used honorifics while his hands formed seals rapidly.

"Likewise. Be careful, Chiya, the next attack is coming." A hint of approval flashed in Kakashi's eyes. He thrust his katana into the ground and, while forming seals rapidly, sighed inwardly: Excluding Kekkei Genkai, this is a genius who does not lose to Uchiha Itachi.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"

Kakashi took a deep breath, and a massive fireball erupted from his mouth, as dazzling and radiant as a giant sun.

After finishing his seals, Chiya stood frozen in place, allowing the fireball to engulf him.

"Chiya!" Seeing this, Yuhi Kurenai thought Chiya had failed to dodge the attack and shouted in agitation.

"Rest assured, Chiya's strength is even greater than you imagine," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, his expression remaining calm and composed as he explained. Although he had been away from the battlefield for a long time, he still possessed the necessary discernment.

"Yes, Lord Hokage." Hearing this, Yuhi Kurenai realized she had lost her composure and apologized hurriedly.

Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand dismissively and continued to watch the battle between Chiya and Kakashi.

As the flames dissipated, the spot where Chiya had stood was left with a shallow crater. Chiya lay curled up in the pit, covered in wounds and seemingly having lost consciousness.

"Did I succeed?" Kakashi muttered, walking toward the crater to inspect it.

Just as he was about to approach, the Chiya in the crater suddenly went poof and dissipated into smoke. It was a Shadow Clone.

"Earth Style: Double Suicide Decapitation Technique."

The next instant, with a cry of surprise, Kakashi was dragged into the ground. In less than a second, only his head remained exposed above the surface.

"Senior Kakashi, it seems I have won this time." Chiya's figure slowly rose from the ground.

"That is not necessarily true." Kakashi's voice suddenly sounded from behind Chiya, and as he finished speaking, a katana was already pressed against his neck. Meanwhile, the 'Kakashi' who had been pulled into the ground by the Double Suicide Decapitation Technique went poof and dissipated into smoke.

"How did you see through it? Was it the Sharingan?" Chiya did not turn around, nor did he show any signs of panic, speaking calmly.

"Yes." Kakashi did not deny it. "From the moment you began weaving hand seals, I could tell you were preparing the Headhunter Jutsu and a Shadow Clone."

"Although the Headhunter Jutsu is suitable for sneak attacks, on another level, it is also the most suitable technique for evading direct ninjutsu attacks."

"To be able to think of combining two techniques, and to execute them in such a short amount of time—Chiya, I must say, you are truly remarkable."