Chapter 6: You Won't Even Call Me 'Senpai' (2/2)

With that, Kakashi had no choice but to continue.

Battle Commences!

Whoosh!

Kakashi initiated the attack, as the Hatake Sword Technique emphasized striking first!

Wakaho appeared relaxed on the surface, but his focus was absolute. His single-tomoe Sharingan tracked Kakashi's movements while he mentally noted each action.

This was the Hatake Sword Technique passed down through generations!

Once White Fang committed seppuku and Kakashi became withdrawn, it would be lost!

Every glimpse and bit of knowledge was valuable.

Clang—

Kakashi's aggressive assault, with his kunai angled at 30°, swung downward!

Wakaho, though not as fast, had the advantage of the Sharingan's ability to preemptively react, blocking Kakashi's attack with his kunai.

Kakashi shifted tactics, transitioning from a downward slash to a sweeping strike, adding a spinning kick for good measure.

Wakaho, anticipating the change, abandoned the block and performed a sidestep and crouch to evade perfectly.

Kakashi continued to vary his attacks.

Wakaho responded accordingly.

The battle turned into a contest between the Hatake Sword Technique and the Sharingan.

Wakaho managed it with ease. His single-tomoe Sharingan, limited by the system's constraints, had to remain as such for four years.

Yet, the accumulation of experience and familiarity with these eyes was not limited by the system.

Wakaho's chakra expenditure was minimal, akin to his usual rabbit-catching exercises.

Meanwhile, Kakashi expended all his strength with each attack, his stamina visibly depleting!

It was only after Kakashi's repeated failed attacks and his labored breathing that Wakaho's notes began to form a coherent system of techniques...

'He has superior strength, but why is he always on the defensive?'

Kakashi distanced himself, gasping for air, feeling something was amiss.

"You know why the Uchiha clan is the strongest in Konoha?"

At this moment, Wakaho spoke softly.

Kakashi, reluctant to speak and disrupt his breathing rhythm, could only shake his head.

This action allowed Wakaho to perfect his smug expression...

"Because in the face of these eyes..."

"An enemy's weaknesses are magnified."

"And an enemy's strengths..."

"Become nourishment for these eyes!"

Whoosh!

As Wakaho's words ended, he charged at Kakashi with his kunai, attacking with a powerful downward strike.

Kakashi's eyes widened in shock; this was his own move!

Quickly raising his kunai to block, Kakashi found Wakaho had already changed tactics again, converting the downward slash into a sweep—just as Kakashi had done moments earlier!

Clang—

Kakashi managed to block this attack, but his eyes were filled with astonishment!

Clang—

Wakaho attacked again, forcing Kakashi to block hastily!

Clang—

This strike was mere inches from Kakashi's neck, and he barely managed to block it, a flicker of terror crossing his face.

He saw his own moves reflected in Wakaho...

And it seemed Wakaho had intentionally slowed down, as if waiting for him?

"Enough, Kakashi."

Wakaho sheathed his kunai, placing it back into his pouch, and performed the解除 (Release) hand seal.

Kakashi, slightly dazed, looked at Wakaho's smile and, eventually, performed the same Release seal.

"I've lost..."

"Senpai."