In his impatience, Asuma left an opening.
His straight punch missed, pitching his body forward and leaving his chest wide open.
Obito's eyes lit up.
What a chance!
He pushed off with his right foot, spun, and unleashed a textbook Konoha Whirlwind.
Thud!
His foot slammed squarely into Asuma's chest.
Asuma grunted and stumbled back three steps before barely steadying himself.
His chest burned with pain.
Silence fell around them.
Guy watched with his blood pumping, almost shouting out loud. Kurenai Yuhi covered her little mouth, her eyes wide.
Obito... actually kicked Asuma back?
Asuma stood there, his face alternating between pale and livid.
The top student in class, knocked back by the dead last? How humiliating!
He gritted his teeth and glared at Obito. "You... you..."
"What about me?" Obito brushed off his trouser leg. "Are we still fighting? If not, admit defeat."
Asuma's eyes went red. Admit defeat? Never!
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
He formed hand seals and opened his mouth, spewing a fireball.
This time, he put everything into it. The fireball was larger and hotter than usual, roaring toward Obito.
Obito remained calm at the sight. He grinned and formed hand seals of his own.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
He spat out a fireball too. The two fireballs collided in midair.
Boom!
Flames exploded, sending waves of heat in every direction.
But everyone could see that Obito's fireball was bigger, fiercer, and burned more intensely!
Asuma's fireball was like an egg hitting a rock, instantly swallowed and crushed.
Obito's fireball continued hurtling toward Asuma without losing momentum.
Asuma froze. He stared wide-eyed at the approaching fireball, his mind utterly blank.
How was this possible?
How could Obito's Fire Release be stronger than his? How did that dead last know the Great Fireball Technique too?