Distracted

After the Battle of Mount Tenmoku, undercurrents stirred throughout the shinobi world. For the first time, the leaders of the major ninja villages took note of Nara Tsukimi, quietly guarding against the rise of Konoha's young prodigy.

The turmoil beyond the village did not reach Konoha. The day after the mission ended, the group finally had a rare chance to rest. Asuma, Kurenai, Kakashi, Obito, and Rin gathered at Tsukimi's Courtyard to chat. After a relaxed afternoon, they went their separate ways.

Only Kakashi lingered. He turned to Tsukimi, wanting another sparring match. Ever since Tsukimi had beaten the silver-haired boy at school, their matches over the past two years had gone both ways.

But Tsukimi and the others had graduated early and become ninja. With everyone busy on missions, chances to spar had grown scarce. Now that they all had free time, Kakashi did not want to waste the opportunity.

Tsukimi did not refuse, but he needed time first. He wanted to absorb what he had gained from the battle and get used to the Shadowkhan's improved capabilities and the Shadow Realm's new abilities.

They agreed to fight in three days.

Three days passed in a flash. Tsukimi went alone to Orochimaru's residence and swiftly completed their transaction. He handed over the finished Living Puppet and the full set of core data, sending it all into Orochimaru's underground laboratory. Now he only had to wait for the research results.

Afterward, Tsukimi returned to his courtyard. He had barely stepped inside when footsteps sounded outside.

Kakashi arrived on time, accompanied by Asuma, Obito, Kurenai Yuhi, and Rin. With nothing else to do, they had come to watch the match.

As for Obito, he had come specifically to mock Kakashi once he lost.

Sure enough, the moment they entered the courtyard,