Chp-37: A Challenge from Kakashi Hatake

After a night of deep sleep, Satoru woke up with a body still aching all over.

"I didn't expect the aftereffects of the Tyrant Mode to be so persistent. My chakra has mostly recovered, but the muscle damage will need some time to heal."

Grimacing slightly, Satoru leaned against the bedpost with one hand while massaging his side with the other. If anyone saw him now, they might suspect he had gone through an intense "battle" the previous night, leaving his body severely drained.

After a simple breakfast, Satoru felt a bit better. "I'll have to ease up on my training for a few days. Once my body recovers, I can continue."

With a few days left until his next mission with Shibi, Satoru decided to take a stroll through the village.

The village was still bustling with life, with children playing and chasing each other on the streets. Satoru looked towards the sky beyond the village walls, feeling a sense of melancholy.

"How long can these peaceful days last? The Third Great Ninja War is likely just around the corner."

In the past, Satoru wouldn't allow himself any relaxation, feeling the impending war like a sword hanging over his head. But the unintentional discovery of the Tyrant Mode yesterday gave him a bit of confidence in facing the unknown future.

"It's been a while since I've had Ichiraku Ramen."

Stealing a bit of leisure amidst the busyness was also a pleasure. Satoru smiled.

Just then, he saw Anko running towards him, out of breath.

"Something's wrong, Satoru. Rin is fighting Kakashi!"

The smile on Satoru's face instantly froze.

"Isn't that white-haired kid the son of White Fang?"

"It must be. I've heard he's the most talented among the new generation in the village. That Uchiha girl holding out this long must be quite something, too."

"Heh, an Uchiha girl against White Fang's son. This is exciting..."

In front of the mission assignment centre, a circle of ninjas gathered and discussed animatedly.

A short sword sliced through the air in a white arc, clashing repeatedly with kunai at a speed almost invisible to the naked eye. Sparks and the sound of metal clashing filled the air.

Rin's Sharingan spun rapidly, and her expression grew more serious after blocking a slash.

Kakashi's swordsmanship was formidable, each strike targeting her weak points. Without the aid of her Sharingan, she might have already been defeated.

"This guy has improved so fast."

Rin gritted her teeth slightly. She had always competed with Kakashi during their time at the ninja academy. She never expected that a few years after graduation, the gap between them would widen so much.

"Why has Kakashi become like this? Even if Rin mentioned his father, it shouldn't have provoked such a violent reaction."

Guy, watching from the crowd, was worried. Both Rin and Kakashi were his classmates, and he didn't understand why they suddenly started fighting.

"I think I remember your name. Uchiha Rin, right? You shouldn't have mentioned that man's name. He's nothing but a worthless failure who couldn't even complete his missions."

"Tch!" Kakashi's words infuriated Rin.

"In terms of strength, I greatly respect White Fang. But I never expected his son to be so good at verbal sparring."

"Bastard! I told you not to mention that man's name."

Unexpectedly, Kakashi's anger flared at Rin's words. He jumped back to create some distance and formed hand seals at high speed.

A sound like a thousand birds chirping filled the air as lightning crackled around Kakashi's hand, which he held in his other hand.

"A lightning-style jutsu? Let's see how it compares to my fire style."

Rin's eyes narrowed slightly, and she began forming hand seals just as quickly. Phoenix Sage Fire Technique! A B-rank fire-style jutsu is the strongest fire jutsu she could currently use.

"Is that technique? Has Kakashi lost his mind?"

"This is reckless. That technique isn't fully mastered yet. Does he want to kill her?"

Some ninjas in the crowd recognized Kakashi's jutsu and felt a tightening in their chests.

With a piercing sound, Kakashi's body turned into a lightning-fast blur, charging straight at Rin.

Rin's hand seals were nearly complete, and she showed no fear, only a fierce determination. Chakra surged to her throat, ready to unleash a searing attack.

Suddenly.

Smack!

A dull thud echoed as a figure intercepted Kakashi's lightning-encased hand just a meter from Rin. Rin's lips parted, and the fiery jutsu was seconds away from being unleashed.

"Close call; I made it in time."

Satoru breathed a sigh of relief. The sudden movement had caused him to feel a stabbing pain in his unhealed muscles. He grimaced slightly.

He firmly grasped Kakashi's wrist with one hand while his other shoulder pressed against Kakashi's chest, stopping his attack.

"Satoru, what are you doing here?" Rin asked, surprised.

Then, as if remembering something, she looked annoyed.

"Hey, do you know how dangerous that was? I was about to unleash my fire jutsu."

Ignoring the pain in his muscles, Satoru gritted his teeth and said, "If I hadn't come, things would have gotten messy."

He subtly glanced at Kakashi's hand, still feeling a residual shock. Chidori, an A-rank lightning jutsu! I didn't expect Kakashi to have developed this technique already. But he can't fully control it yet.

If he hadn't intercepted that attack, Rin would have been in real danger!

Meanwhile, Kakashi also turned his gaze to the suddenly appearing Satoru.

"He discovered the weakness of my Chidori and cleverly intercepted it with his body. The Byakugan, huh? No wonder he could do it."

Seeing Satoru's eyes, Kakashi looked thoughtful.

"What happened? Why are you two fighting?" Satoru asked.

Rin glanced at Kakashi. "I was just checking for suitable missions at the assignment centre and happened to meet him. I tried to greet him, but I mentioned his father, and he immediately attacked."

She still didn't fully understand how she ended up fighting Kakashi.

"I told you not to mention that man. He's nothing but a worthless failure who couldn't even complete his missions," Kakashi said coldly, devoid of any emotion.

"See?" Rin shrugged helplessly.

Satoru sighed. "It seems Kakashi hasn't moved past that incident yet."

Indeed, he had often heard about Kakashi clashing with his teammates, even coming to blows. It wasn't until later that he started getting along with Obito that he gradually began to change.

Kakashi suddenly pointed his sword at Satoru, speaking coldly.

"Since you intercepted my attack, you can be my opponent."

The atmosphere, which had just started to calm, tensed up again as all eyes turned to Satoru.

"Satoru..." Anko clenched her fists in worry.

"That bastard Kakashi, doesn't he care about his comrades?" Guy spat angrily. He would have already stepped in to fight Kakashi if he thought he could beat him.

Satoru looked helpless. It seemed he had no way out. The pain in his muscles hadn't subsided, and he was far from his full strength.

But if he refused, Kakashi wouldn't let it go easily. Besides, he sensed a faint, hidden gaze locked onto them.

In that case...

Satoru turned to face Kakashi, his expression serious.

"Let's get this straight, Kakashi. Challenging me comes with a price. Don't blame me if you get hurt."