With a wave of the referee's hand and a command, Kakashi and Shisui instantly transformed into two afterimages, rushing towards Kakashi ( Shisui ) in front of them.
Like mirror images, they both simultaneously drew their Ninja Blade from their backs.
Suddenly, Shisui Uchiha's Ninja Blade was wreathed in scorching flames, while Kakashi's White Light Chakra Sabre crackled with pale blue lightning. The two Uchiha Style Swordsmanship and White Fang Swordsmanship, attacking each other fiercely.
In an instant, clanging and sparks flew as Shisui stabbed Kakashi's arm with his Ninja Blade, while Kakako blocked with his Ninja Blade and then used the blade to stab Shisui's thigh.
Both attacked from exquisite angles, yet both reacted with exceptional combat awareness, managing to defend themselves. Their evenly matched attacks resulted in a temporary stalemate. However, it was clear that Kakashi currently held a slight advantage.
This situation left the onlookers in awe.
"I really didn't expect Kakashi and the others to be so strong. Their swordsmanship is so airtight and flawless; if they attacked me, I wouldn't be able to defend myself at all. I'd probably be defeated by their swordsmanship in just a few moves. No wonder they're all genius ninjas with such strong family traditions and outstanding talent."
"Yes, and besides their swordsmanship, their movements were extremely efficient and concise, without any unnecessary hesitation. This fully demonstrates the combat skills of both sides, which is truly impressive."
"It seems there's more to it than that. I don't know if you've noticed, but their eyesight is exceptional. To me, their swordsmanship is flawless, but to them, it seems to have flaws. Every move they make is aimed at those flaws that I can't see. It's incredible!"
"That's for sure. They all possess the Sharingan, which allows them to see the weaknesses in the enemy's movements. It can only be said that the Sharingan is indeed Kekkei Genkai that the Uchiha should protect."
What I didn't expect was that Kakashi, who isn't from the Uchiha Clan, could use the Sharingan to a level comparable to a true Uchiha ninja. Is this the talent of a genius ninja?
Kōki could hear the surrounding ninjas' analysis clearly, but he wasn't concerned with the difference in their talents; instead, he was analyzing their chances of winning.
Keep in mind that he was the one who proposed this duel; if Kakashi were to lose, it would be like shooting himself in the foot.
No matter how you look at it, Kōki feels that Shisui has the upper hand.
Despite Kakashi's current physical advantage due to his age, which gives him a slight edge in swordsmanship, he's still capable of winning.
However, Kōki knew that such a small advantage couldn't change anything at all.
Although Kōki himself never fought Shisui, his clones certainly gave Shisui a good beating.
Therefore, he knew perfectly well that Shisui still had that unique Body Flicker Technique he hadn't used. If Shisui were to use that Body Flicker Technique, Kakashi's situation would be even worse.
Seemingly confirming Kōki's idea, or perhaps feeling that he couldn't defeat Kakashi through swordsmanship alone, Shisui gave up on the swordsmanship contest.
With a swing of his arm, he forced Kakashi back using the Uchiha Style Swordsmanship.
After creating some distance, Shisui smiled and looked at Kakashi not far away, saying, " Kakashi- senpai's family swordsmanship is indeed powerful; I have no way to break it for the time being. But for the sake of the Uchiha's reputation, I have no choice but to use other methods to defeat Kakashi- senpai. Please be careful, Kakashi- senpai."
Upon hearing Shisui's words, Kakashi's eyes sharpened instantly, and he tightened his grip on his Ninja Blade.
He had to admit that Shisui, who was a few years younger than him, put considerable pressure on him. Through their swordsmanship exchange just now, he realized Shisui apart from Shisui's age, which made him seem like a ninja, his other skills far surpassed those of an ordinary ninja.
Now, listening to Shisui's words, it was clear that he had even more powerful methods to use. This made him dare not underestimate Shisui at all.
However, while he valued Shisui, it did not mean he was afraid of him.
He is also a genius ninja of the younger generation, and he has his own pride.
Furthermore, the vision of Obito was still attached to him, making it even more impossible for him to admit defeat.
Seeing Kakashi's serious expression, Shisui felt a pang of melancholy.
In fact, he didn't object to Kakashi possessing the Sharingan. Moreover, the Sharingan was given to him voluntarily by his clansmen due to their deep bond, which made him even less willing to take action.
He believed that the Sharingan was the embodiment of the Will of Fire, symbolizing the fusion of his clan and Konoha, and the beginning of his clan's integration into Konoha. Therefore, if possible, he even hoped to let Kakashi win.
But there was no other way; he had to win this battle because it symbolized the face of the Uchiha Clan. Even though he was Uchiha ninja loyal to Konoha, he couldn't sever his clan's mark.
Fortunately, to his relief, the clan leader, who was also loyal to Konoha, had decided to give the Sharingan to Kakashi regardless of the outcome of the duel.
Therefore, his current actions are simply to bring glory to the Uchiha Clan, without having to go against his Will of Fire.
Thinking of this, Shisui's eyes narrowed, and he held the short Ninja Blade horizontally in front of his chest with his right hand, while his left hand rested on the back of the sword.
" Kakashi- senpai, this is Ninjutsu I created myself. I hope you can withstand it."
As soon as he finished speaking, a scene that surprised all the ninjas present unfolded.
Suddenly, without warning, several identical Shisui appeared beside Shisui.
" Shadow Clone Technique?" Kakashi asked in surprise, looking at the several Shisui Uchiha in front of him.
He wasn't surprised that Shisui knew the Shadow Clone Technique, but rather that he would use such a technique that indirectly weakens the original Shadow Clone.
It's important to understand that when using the Shadow Clone Technique, the user's Chakra is divided equally among the Shadow Clone. Although the Chakra returns to the user after the clones are destroyed, the Chakra that returns is somewhat diminished. In other words, the technique still weakens the user.
Kakashi couldn't understand why Shisui would use such a foolish strategy.
The ninjas watching were just as puzzled as Kakashi. How could Shisui, who seemed so experienced, make such a basic mistake?
Only Kōki looked uneasy.
Because he knew that Shisui's technique was not a simple Shadow Clone Technique, but a unique, specially made Body Flicker Technique of his own.
A technique that allows a person to transform between physical form and illusion, causing enemies to misjudge the situation.
As expected, Shisui's next words proved Kōki's guess.
Shisui shook his head slightly, saying confidently, "No, this isn't the Shadow Clone Technique, but a specially crafted Body Flicker Technique. Perhaps my explanation isn't clear enough for Kakashi- senpai; you'll understand after we've fought."
The next moment, several Shisui Uchiha rushed towards Kakashi.
Seeing this, Kakashi also got into a fighting stance, ready to defend himself.
Although he didn't know the effects of Shisui's technique, he believed that as long as he was careful, there wouldn't be any problems.
However, the moment Kakashi clashed with Shisui's group, he regretted it.
Because he discovered that things were not as simple as he had thought.
Those that appear to be Shadow Clone are not Shadow Clone at all. Or, to be more precise, each clone can be Shisui's true form, or it can be an untouchable illusion.
In just a moment, he felt Shisui's attacks coming from all directions around him. What was even more serious was that his Sharingan couldn't distinguish which of Shisui's attacks were illusions and which were real.
He suddenly felt immense pressure and was unable to retaliate; he could only defend himself.
Fortunately, he also possesses the Sharingan, allowing him to detect and defend against the ubiquitous attacks in time.
So although he appeared quite disheveled under Shisui's attacks, he remained resilient and did not fall instantly.
The sudden change in the battle situation left the onlookers in shock, and they kept exclaiming in surprise.
"What kind of Ninjutsu is this? How can it be so special? Could such a technique really be created by a ninja who isn't even ten years old?"
"That's terrifying! To be able to constantly shift between reality and Ninjutsu without anyone noticing anything amiss—that's truly terrifying. That's the genius of the Uchiha Clan, Shisui Uchiha!"
The ninjas around were all seasoned veterans. Their strength might not be great, but their eyesight was exceptionally sharp. After all, those without sharp eyesight would hardly survive on the battlefield.
They could all see how terrifying Shisui's unique Body Flicker Technique was.
From a certain perspective, using this special Body Flicker Technique is like increasing the user's strength several times over.
Orochimaru, Uchiha Fugaku, and others in the crowd were also somewhat surprised by the technique Shisui displayed, but their excellent combat intuition allowed them to make a general guess about the principle behind it.
They speculated that Shisui used his Body Flicker Technique, which allowed him to move so fast that he could leave afterimages, to constantly approach Kakashi, launch attacks on Kakashi, and then quickly escape before Kakashi could react. He would then decide whether his next attack would be a feint or a real attack based on Kakashi's reaction.
By constantly shifting tactics to disrupt the enemy's judgment, causing them to inadvertently reveal a weakness, and then delivering a fatal blow, this is a Ninjutsu that highly tests one's talent.
"This is bad. If this continues, I'm doomed to lose."
Kakashi thought to himself as he continuously parried Shisui's attacks.
Shisui's attacks were extremely unpredictable, forcing him to maintain constant focus, which could easily lead to mental fatigue.
If Kakashi makes a mental lapse, defeat can happen in an instant.
Therefore, he had to change this situation.
Thinking this, Kakashi took advantage of the gap in Shisui's attack and leaped into the air. Seeing this, Shisui did not let the opportunity pass and jumped with all his might, approaching Kakashi was unable to gain any leverage in the air, at an extremely fast speed.
But this is exactly the situation Kakashi wants.
Kakashi's spirits lifted, a glint of light flashed in his eyes, and his hands Hand Seals. He then took a deep breath and exhaled forcefully. " Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
The next moment, a powerful tornado was spewed from Kakashi's mouth, rushing towards Shisui in the air with a howling force.
Shisui was no fool; faced with Great Breakthrough's attack, he instinctively used the Body Flicker Technique to dodge.
However, just as he was about to activate the Body Flicker Technique, he suddenly realized that he was in mid-air, surrounded by air, and had no way to gain any leverage.
Under such circumstances, his Body Flicker Technique was completely restricted.
He instantly realized that Kakashi's jump into the air was intentional, a ploy to lure him into jumping as well, thus breaking his Body Flicker Technique.
This made him secretly marvel; as expected of Konoha's renowned genius, he discovered the flaw in his Body Flicker Technique so quickly.
However, he is Shisui Uchiha, and even with his Body Flicker Technique restricted, he is not so easy to deal with.
Besides, this restriction is only temporary. Kakashi will eventually have to land on the ground. As long as he is on the ground and can prevent Kakashi from jumping into the air, his Body Flicker Technique will remain unbreakable.
Of course, we need to deal with Kakashi's Wind Release first.
Therefore, we saw Shisui One-Handed Hand Seals, then take a deep breath, his chest bulging high, and then exhale forcefully.
Fire Style: Dragon Fire Technique
A massive crimson fire dragon, radiating intense heat, spewed from Shisui's mouth, its ferocious head swirling as it crashed into the tornado in front of it.
With a "whoosh," the fiery dragon collided with the storm in mid-air, releasing a powerful airflow that caused the surrounding ninjas to instinctively cover their faces with their hands.
After the strong winds subsided, they saw Shisui and Kakashi land on the ground.
Immediately afterwards, Shisui used the Body Flicker Technique again, rushing towards Kakashi to surround him.
" Kakashi- senpai, your tactic of jumping into the air to restrict my Body Flicker Technique was brilliant, but I won't give you another chance to escape now. If you have no other choice, you should surrender."
It wasn't that Shisui looked down on Kakashi, but rather that he was extremely confident in his Body Flicker Technique, especially after discovering that Kakashi could only dodge his Body Flicker Technique by jumping into the air. This made him even more certain that Kakashi had no other way to counter his Body Flicker Technique, which is why he spoke up to advise him.
But Kakashi wasn't about to give up so easily.
Kakashi's eyes narrowed, he smeared his right thumb to the corner of his mouth, then quickly Hand Seals and slammed his hand on the ground.
" Summoning Technique "
With a loud shout from Kakashi, a thick cloud of white smoke suddenly appeared. When the smoke cleared, a black Ninja Dog appeared in front of Kakashi.
Then, looking at Shisui charging towards him, Kakashi said calmly, "Your Body Flicker Technique is indeed unexpected and very powerful. Those attacks, a mix of reality and illusion, caused me considerable suffering, but ultimately it's just one body attacking at supersonic speed. Therefore, even if I can't keep up with your speed, as long as I can accurately pinpoint each real attack, your Body Flicker Technique is nothing to worry about. For this reason, I've found some helpers specifically for tracking."
"Is that so? Kakashi- senpai, since you're so confident, then let's give it a try."
If it were an ordinary ninja, their unique techniques being exposed would surely cause them to waver. However, Shisui completely ignored Kakashi's words and continued to surround Kakashi with more than a dozen afterimages.