Kakashi Hatake grew more anxious the more he thought about it. He knew his father was watching him from the raised platform, yet his performance had been barely satisfactory, so he instinctively looked toward Hatake Sakumo. Sure enough, Hatake Sakumo was watching him, but there was no displeasure on his face, only some encouragement in his eyes.
Although Hatake Sakumo was somewhat dissatisfied with Kakashi Hatake's performance, he also knew this was because Kakashi had always been too outstanding and had never lost. This could serve as a test for Kakashi Hatake. If he could overcome it himself, Kakashi would surely become even more outstanding. With that thought, Hatake Sakumo gave Kakashi Hatake an encouraging look when he glanced over.
For Kakashi Hatake, that encouragement did help. He had always taken his father as his goal, and seeing his father still encouraging him in this situation lifted a weight from his heart. He also began reflecting on the earlier fight. He had indeed been reckless. Close combat was Ye Feng's strength, yet he had stubbornly insisted on attacking him at close range. It had been utterly foolish.
Having realized this, Kakashi Hatake changed his approach. He took out a smoke bomb and threw it between himself and Ye Feng, enveloping them both in smoke, then used the Shadow Clone Technique. His shadow clone moved forward to attack, while Kakashi Hatake himself retreated and began forming hand seals.
"Finally figured it out? But do you really think blocking my vision means I can't 'see' you?" Seeing the change in Kakashi Hatake, Ye Feng felt his little bit of help had not been wasted. Still, Kakashi Hatake was thinking far too simply. Ye Feng accelerated straight into the smoke.
Ye Feng suddenly appeared behind Kakashi Hatake as he was forming hand seals.