Yun Xi's Strength

"Body Replacement Technique!"

While Uchiha Itachi was lost in thought, the Fire Dragon unleashed by Yun Xi had already arrived before him.

The searing heat interrupted Uchiha Itachi's contemplation.

Seeing this, Uchiha Itachi did not choose to disperse Yun Xi's ninjutsu through a direct counter-attack; instead, he relied on a perfectly timed Body Replacement Technique to dodge the attack entirely.

"As expected of Uchiha Itachi..."

Watching Uchiha Itachi, who had already appeared atop a tree branch, Yun Xi immediately offered his praise.

From the very beginning of this sparring session, Yun Xi had never expected to defeat Uchiha Itachi, even though Itachi had suppressed his own strength to the Chunin level.

Yet, Yun Xi had not anticipated that even under such circumstances, Uchiha Itachi could still handle his attacks with such nonchalance...

And appear exceptionally composed while doing so...

"When engaging anyone in combat, the disparity in strength only determines the outcome of a direct confrontation, while tactics and the control of rhythm during battle are the most important factors."

Seeing Yun Xi stop his assault below the tree, Uchiha Itachi did not take the initiative to attack either, but spoke slowly, imparting his combat experience to Yun Xi.

"I understand, but I believe that in the face of absolute power, any trick is useless!"

Unfortunately.

Yun Xi did not agree with Uchiha Itachi's viewpoint!

Indeed, Uchiha Itachi's combat techniques were of great help for battles below the Kage Level.

In duels at that level, what mattered more was the control of combat rhythm, and battles were often concluded through close-quarters combat.

In reality, not many ninjutsu were actually cast...

Therefore, possessing rich combat experience was crucial.

But...

When it came to battles at the Kage Level and above.

These so-called combat experiences seemed somewhat redundant.

Especially in the later stages of Shippuden, even if you were proficient in extensive assassination experience and understood how to kite during a fight...

What if your opponent was a powerhouse from the Uchiha clan who simply activated Susanoo...

In such a situation.

Any combat experience would appear so fragile...

"Is that what you think?"

Upon hearing Yun Xi's thoughts, a flicker of curiosity flashed in Uchiha Itachi's eyes, and his aloof face showed a hint of confusion.

Although what Yun Xi had just said was strange, Uchiha Itachi pondered it for a moment...

It seemed that was indeed the case...

If one encountered an enemy weaker than oneself.

One could simply steamroll them; there was no need for any schemes at all.

And when encountering an enemy stronger than oneself...

These so-called techniques were completely useless!

"Hehe, the kind of combat experience you're talking about is only suitable for sneak attacks."

Just as Uchiha Itachi was deep in thought, Yun Xi had already launched his second assault!

"Like this, for example?"

Facing Yun Xi, who was now standing behind him, Uchiha Itachi did not show any signs of nervousness. After making a playful remark, he immediately formed hand seals!

After a flurry of hand seals that moved like phantoms...

Uchiha Itachi, who had been right in front of Yun Xi, simply vanished!

"This reaction speed..."

If Yun Xi's speed could be considered excellent compared to other Chunin.

Then Uchiha Itachi's speed...

Was absolutely top-tier!

"Daydreaming in the middle of a fight isn't a very good habit, you know."

Before Yun Xi could even react, Uchiha Itachi's figure appeared behind him once again...

In just a few short seconds.

Yun Xi, who had initially been extremely proactive, instantly found himself in a passive position in this battle.

"Is this the true strength of Uchiha Itachi?"

Feeling the cold metallic sensation against his neck, a ripple of surprise washed over Yun Xi.

From start to finish.

Uchiha Itachi had never unleashed any offensive ninjutsu during their spar, relying solely on a few kunai and shuriken to launch his attacks.

Yet, even under these circumstances...

Yun Xi was actually being suppressed to such a degree.

This caught Yun Xi somewhat by surprise.

Before proposing the spar, Yun Xi had actually already anticipated the outcome...

But he hadn't expected it to be this miserable...

"Give up. If this weren't a spar but a real battle, you would be dead."

Seeing Yun Xi remain silent for a long time, Uchiha Itachi took the initiative to speak, urging Yun Xi to surrender.

"If it were a normal situation, I would indeed have lost."

Realizing the outcome of the battle, Yun Xi smiled.

If this were an ordinary spar, he might have given up.

But not this time!

If he gave up now, Uchiha Itachi would absolutely never agree to let him get involved in the Uchiha Clan Downfall incident.

"But everyone has their own trump cards..."

Having made his decision, Yun Xi no longer hid his true ace.

No sooner had Yun Xi finished speaking than an inexplicably scorching aura slowly surged from within his body...

And Uchiha Itachi, standing beside Yun Xi, caught a faint scent of flames!

"So hot!"

In just a few seconds, the sharp kunai that had been pressed against Yun Xi's neck began to heat up.

Realizing that something was wrong, Uchiha Itachi immediately discarded the kunai in his hand, then said to Yun Xi in a concerned tone: "Yun Xi, don't do this, this is just a spar!"

Clearly, Uchiha Itachi had also sensed the abnormality within Yun Xi's body.

It was just that Uchiha Itachi assumed Yun Xi might be planning to win this fight by forcibly erupting with power, which was why he tried to persuade him otherwise.

He intended to end the spar right there.

But...

That was not what Yun Xi was thinking at all!

Seeing that Uchiha Itachi wanted to end the spar, Yun Xi immediately spoke to him in an anxious tone: "Don't, this state is my true strength, and it won't cause any harm to my body!"

"Really?"

Clearly, looking at the steaming Yun Xi before him, Uchiha Itachi still found it hard to believe.

"Really!"

Seeing that Uchiha Itachi was still worried, Yun Xi spoke up immediately, then distanced himself once more to explain: "Just treat this state of mine as a unique Kekkei Genkai."

"Hmm..."

Hearing this explanation, Uchiha Itachi slowly nodded.

Then, he slowly activated his Sharingan...

"What!"

One look was all it took!

It left Uchiha Itachi feeling as if his worldview had been shaken!

Under the gaze of the Sharingan, Yun Xi in this state was glowing with a strange, fiery red hue, and a powerful surge of chakra was manifesting on the surface of his body.

It could be said that at this moment, Yun Xi was no longer human.

He was a manifestation of pure chakra...

"Yun Xi, what exactly is going on?"

Initially, after hearing Yun Xi's explanation, Uchiha Itachi had naively believed this was merely a fire-style Kekkei Genkai.

But in reality...

It was clearly not the case...

"This is called Elementalization, and it can be considered part of my Kekkei Genkai's abilities."

Watching the look of shock on Uchiha Itachi's face, a mysterious smile appeared on Yun Xi's lips.