Chapter 23: Kakashi: It Seems Holding Back Won't Be Enough!

Chapter 23: Kakashi: Going Too Easy Might Not Work!

"Teacher, why don't they set more traps?" Mami asked, puzzled.

"Neji, what do you think?" Guy turned his gaze toward Neji. The significant effort put in today was primarily for Neji's benefit, so he wanted to hear his student's perspective.

"They can't hide them," Neji replied coolly. "As a Jonin, his insight is far superior to ours."

Lee nodded gently from the side, wearing an expression that clearly said, "I agree."

Guy smiled and said, "Exactly. Analyzing the situation of both sides and formulating the most suitable plan is a quality a ninja must possess. But Neji, you only pointed out one aspect. Another reason is that they cannot waste their stamina."

"Stamina?" Neji frowned slightly. He hadn't considered this, but normally, wouldn't it be unnecessary to save time by skimping on stamina?

"They didn't have breakfast, and they have expended a lot of energy by now. They are at most at half their normal capacity. Therefore, they must make trade-offs. Their current traps are primarily used for cover during a retreat; they have a very specific purpose."

Neji activated his Byakugan to look closely. Indeed. The rows of tree spikes were mostly along the retreat route. By comparison, they hadn't considered so much before their battle with Guy. In terms of tactical thinking, he had already lost a move.

*This guy...* He watched the battlefield in silence.

At this moment, Kakashi was wandering about, his posture casual, as if he were completely indifferent to the surprise attacks from Chiba and the others.

"Yo, you’ve got patience, I’ll give you that. But mind the time. If you can't get the bells within a certain period, you lose regardless. So, I’m not the one who should be in a hurry," Kakashi said offhandedly.

Tenten’s heart pounded, but since Chiba hadn't made a move, she had to suppress the urge to act. Chiba was very calm. The current Kakashi was not relaxed at all; the moment they acted, he would be able to instantly counter, leaving them with no chance. Therefore, they had to wait!

*Icha Icha Paradise*, huh? So you like reading? A faint smile touched the corner of Chiba’s mouth. Once you get to the good part, your focus will surely waver. Even if you can guard against most attacks, it will still be better than now.

Both sides were patient. Kakashi narrowed his eyes slightly. He had located one person, but the presence of the other two remained undetected. The one he had found... it should be Tenten, right? The Gekko clan’s talent for concealment was quite good. As for Chiba, this kid couldn't be treated as a normal Genin; otherwise, he wouldn't have thought about recruiting him into the Anbu before his own departure. Aside from chakra levels, Yagyu Chiba had already met the standards of a Jonin in several areas. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Chiba could be rated as a "Special Jonin" right now. Therefore, the main threats were Chiba and Gekko Kazuha. Tenten was merely the bait.

He continued to read silently while observing and guessing the hiding spots of Chiba and Gekko Kazuha. The three of them wouldn't be too far apart.

Regardless, the moment one was caught, the others would surely launch their attacks in response.

Kakashi closed his book. If he kept reading, he would reach the exciting part, but he had to stop. His opponents were not ordinary Genin.

However, the moment he snapped the book shut—

*Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!*

Kunai knives flew from the shadows, and dozens of them, manipulated by steel wires, rapidly encircled Kakashi.

*Too reckless!* Kakashi was startled. This little girl named Tenten didn't seem like an average person either. However, if it were only kunai, it would be quite easy...

Kakashi dodged rapidly, but soon, he realized things were not that simple.

*Chakra wires? Dual-manipulation of kunai!*

Dozens of kunai seemed to come to life, constantly colliding and shifting, locking him in place. Kakashi’s expression turned cold as he quickly formed hand seals.

"Ninjutsu: Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!"

A gale roared. The fierce wind raged, sweeping up dust, leaves, and kunai. The swirling grit and foliage obscured his vision, making it impossible to see Kakashi’s figure for a moment.

"Switch positions!" Chiba realized things were looking bad and secretly refined his chakra.

The next moment—*Boom!*

A figure burst from the ground and rushed forward. *So fast!* Chiba had only just reacted, but the opponent was already close by. *Is this what a Jonin is?*

Kakashi’s gaze was cold, a kunai gripped in his hand. "Taijutsu: Shadow Leaf Dance."

In an instant, a figure appeared behind him. But the next moment—*Boom!*

"So fast!" Neji was somewhat shocked. It wasn't just Kakashi; Yagyu Chiba’s speed was also remarkable. He had launched that strange chakra-sphere ninjutsu in an instant, and with a backhand move, he had wiped out the opponent's Shadow Clone. If it were him... even with the Rotation, he wouldn't have been able to block a ninjutsu attack generated that quickly.

*So strong!*

"That kid's Rasengan is already as terrifying in speed as the Fourth Hokage's," Guy couldn't help but turn serious.

"Is that the Fourth Hokage's technique?" Mami asked, turning her head.

"No. Although the result is the same, this technique was created by Chiba-kun based on his own ideas," Lee immediately corrected for Chiba.

*Self-created?* Neji felt even more shocked. *That guy...*

"Move a bit forward; the crucial moment is coming!" Guy leaped onto a tree in front.

At this moment, Kakashi’s real body had just burst from the ground, lunging toward Tenten. Tenten was in the middle of jumping from one tree to another and had no way to dodge. In a split second, wires flew out, sticking to Tenten and manipulating her like a puppet, allowing her to avoid Kakashi's direct strike.

However, Tenten froze in place, unable to move.

"Genjutsu: Hell Viewing Technique!" Kakashi deliberately spoke the name of the jutsu. "Still not attacking? Although you have a bloodline limit, you must be nearby. Perhaps if you keep waiting, a better opportunity will arise, but don't you care even if she dies?"

Kakashi shunshinned to Tenten’s side, using his kunai to cut through most of the chakra wires. Gekko Kazuha hadn't found the optimal moment, but as Kakashi said, she had to act to save Tenten, or Tenten would die.

Just as the kunai was about to pierce Tenten—a blade, like a phantom, slashed silently toward his neck.

*This is... the Transparency Technique?*

Kakashi felt goosebumps rise, but he soon realized that the opponent had not mastered the complete version; she only possessed the ability to completely erase her presence. She must have used a Transformation Jutsu to hide among the trees earlier.

He couldn't worry about Tenten anymore. He kicked backward, striking the hand Gekko Kazuha used to hold her blade. Although Kazuha held the blade tightly, the force of the kick was immense, knocking her hand and blade aside.

At this moment, Chiba arrived. Furthermore—

*Cling, cling, cling!*

*Hm? Damn it!* The genjutsu had been dispelled by Chiba! Hearing the bells, Kakashi immediately realized the situation was dire. He chopped down with his hand to deflect Tenten’s arm, instantly snatched back the bells, and used a Body Replacement Technique to tactically retreat.

Hiding in the shadows, a bead of cold sweat trickled down Kakashi’s forehead.

These three could not be underestimated. Going this easy might not be enough!