An Unexpected Decision

"Elementalization?"

Upon hearing Yun Xi's explanation, a flash of curiosity crossed Uchiha Itachi's face.

Clearly, Uchiha Itachi did not yet understand what exactly the elementalization Yun Xi had mentioned earlier entailed.

However...

He knew that the Yun Xi before him now had undergone a world-shaking transformation compared to the Yun Xi from before!

"Although I don't know what exactly elementalization means."

As Yun Xi slowly walked toward him, Uchiha Itachi decided to stop overthinking it. Looking at Yun Xi with a serious expression, he slowly spoke, "But I think I understand why you have such immense confidence!"

"Heh, my confidence isn't just because of this!"

Yun Xi said with a laugh, then immediately accelerated!

His hands crossed, completing the hand seals in an instant!

In the blink of an eye...

The ninjutsu Yun Xi had been brewing was successfully unleashed!

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"

As the chakra in Yun Xi's mouth transformed into a ball of orange-red fire, a terrifying burning sensation could be felt throughout the surrounding dozen meters...

At the same time, because the temperature of the Great Fireball Technique released by Yun Xi was so high, the surrounding low-lying shrubbery and leaves instantly withered and turned yellow from the heat...

From this, it was evident.

In this state, Yun Xi's strength...

Was terrifyingly powerful...

"This kind of Fire Style ninjutsu..."

"It should require at least a Jonin-level ninja to unleash it."

If the previous Yun Xi had brought shock to Uchiha Itachi, then the feeling Yun Xi gave him now was only one thing!

And that was terror!

As the most outstanding genius of the Uchiha clan, the Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique was one of the fire ninjutsu Uchiha Itachi was most familiar with.

He was even more familiar with it than the Sharingan...

Feeling the Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique released by Yun Xi, Uchiha Itachi found it hard to believe.

A youth around the level of a Chunin could actually perform a feat that even he could not!

Although.

In the eyes of most people.

A Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique was merely a basic fire ninjutsu that utilized fire-attribute chakra and converted it into a fireball through hand seals.

But in reality, wanting to unleash this ninjutsu required more than just talent.

More importantly, one had to pay attention to the details during the release process to fully bring out the power of the technique...

And Yun Xi...

The Great Fireball Technique he released was done in a completely unreasonable way.

Uchiha Itachi had seen Yun Xi's hand seals earlier.

There was no technique to speak of at all.

But...

Relying on the strange flame energy within his body, Yun Xi had forcibly infused the flames from his own body into the Great Fireball Technique the moment his chakra transformed into fire.

This resulted in Yun Xi's Great Fireball Technique only looking like a Great Fireball Technique.

In terms of release method, power, and difficulty, it was completely different from a normal Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!

"Your ninjutsu is very strong!"

Realizing how different Yun Xi was, a flash of seriousness appeared in Uchiha Itachi's eyes.

Facing Uchiha Itachi's praise, a look of embarrassment crossed Yun Xi's face.

Because...

In essence.

This so-called Great Fireball Technique only used the hand seals of the Hokage.

The fundamental reason it could be so powerful was because of the Flame-Flame Fruit that Yun Xi used...

Which was also Yun Xi's greatest trump card at the moment!

"This can also be considered one of my abilities."

After some thought, Yun Xi ultimately decided not to tell Uchiha Itachi about the Flame-Flame Fruit, offering only a brief explanation instead.

"Let me see just how powerful this ability of yours truly is."

Seeing that Yun Xi did not elaborate, Uchiha Itachi did not press the matter.

Instead, he stood his ground and began weaving hand signs at a speed invisible to the naked eye!

"Fire Style!"

"Great Fireball Technique!"

This time, Uchiha Itachi chose to unleash the same jutsu as Yun Xi!

However.

The Great Fireball Technique released by Uchiha Itachi was slightly different from the one Yun Xi had used.

Yun Xi's Great Fireball Technique was purer.

Furthermore, the color of the flames was a vibrant orange-red.

One could sense the energy contained within the flames just by looking at that color.

But the Great Fireball Technique released by Uchiha Itachi was different.

Although the temperature of his flames was not as high as Yun Xi's.

Both the size and the speed of the fireball were significantly more formidable!

Simply put.

Uchiha Itachi's Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique was more refined, whereas what Yun Xi had released was merely pure flame energy!

"BOOM!"

As the two Great Fireball Techniques collided, a thunderous roar echoed through the sky.

A massive sea of fire erupted in their wake.

The powerful flames, released under two different modes, fused directly together.

The resulting explosion was powerful enough to rival some large-scale fire-style ninjutsu!

"You truly have a unique talent when it comes to fire-style ninjutsu."

Watching his own Great Fireball Technique ultimately cancel out with Yun Xi's, a helpless, bitter smile flashed across Uchiha Itachi's face.

He then continued, "If we were the same age, I would be no match for you."

"Itachi, don't say that; I was just using a trick."

Hearing such high praise from Uchiha Itachi, Yun Xi felt a bit embarrassed. Although he could hold an advantage in fire-style ninjutsu thanks to the Flame-Flame Fruit.

In terms of overall strength...

The current Yun Xi was definitely no match for Uchiha Itachi at the same age!

As a peerless genius, the likes of which the Uchiha clan had not seen in a century, Uchiha Itachi was capable of far more than just fire-style ninjutsu!

Even if Uchiha Itachi were to suppress his own strength to the level of a Chunin, in terms of comprehensive combat ability.

Yun Xi would still fall short...

Unless...

Yun Xi activated his Sharingan...

But.

That was basically impossible...

Other abilities were one thing, but the fact that Yun Xi possessed a Sharingan...

He really didn't know how to explain that to Uchiha Itachi.

"No."

Looking at Yun Xi before him, Uchiha Itachi seemed to see a reflection of his former self.

Hardworking...

Brave...

And carrying a hint of stubbornness...

"Sparring with you today has been the most shocking experience I've ever had."

"You are very strong. Even an average Jonin would likely be no match for you if they were caught in your surprise attack. If given enough time, it is not impossible for you to become a Kage Level powerhouse."

"But the enemies I must face are definitely not ones you can handle right now, so I cannot agree to your request..."

Something Yun Xi never expected happened!

Even after putting on such a brilliant performance during the spar with Uchiha Itachi.

Uchiha Itachi had actually rejected his request!