Kakashi finally began to understand why his father, Hatake Sakumo, held Yin Jie in such high regard.
Swift reflexes, skillful and powerful ninjutsu—and this was without Yin Jie activating the Uchiha Clan's famed Kekkei Genkai, the Sharingan.
Still, Kakashi did not panic. He calmly planted his blade into the ground, rapidly formed hand seals, and pressed both hands against the earth.
"Earth Style: Earth-Style Wall!!!"
In an instant, an earthen wall rose from the ground, blocking the fireball just before it reached Kakashi.
Of course, this "Earth-Style Wall" did not have a dog head on it. After all, the still-young Kakashi did not yet possess such advanced chakra control—or the leisure to fool around in battle.
"Boom!!!"
The fireball collided with the earthen wall in an instant, producing a massive cloud of smoke.
The edges of the wall, battered by the impact and scorched by the intense heat, shattered in numerous places.
But in the end, the Earth-Style Wall standing before him barely managed to protect Kakashi.
However, before Kakashi could breathe a sigh of relief—
The next instant.
Yin Jie charged straight into the still-lingering smoke, circling around the earthen wall and breaking through the haze as he lunged toward Kakashi's side.
"!!!"
Kakashi's expression changed slightly. Yin Jie's smooth, relentless waves of attacks left him struggling to keep up.
But then, his pupils abruptly contracted.
Because what burst out of the smoke in his line of sight was merely a kunai with an outer garment tied to it!!!
"Bang!"
The real Yin Jie flashed into existence behind Kakashi and delivered a heavy kick that sent him flying into the earthen wall, completely shattering the already crumbling barrier into rubble.
The smoke, which had gradually thinned, billowed up once more as the earthen wall collapsed, concealing Kakashi within it.