Chapter 31: Kakashi quickly retreated
Clang!
A metallic clash rang out as Uchiha Ren intercepted Kakashi's lightning slash with a kunai just in time to save his comrades. However, Kakashi wasn't using his family's secret technique, which would have drained too much chakra against three elite Uchiha members.
Boom!
Failing to land his strike, Kakashi quickly retreated, landing cautiously and eyeing the three Uchiha members. He thought rapidly, strategizing his escape. The Sharingan consumed too much chakra and had already used up a significant portion with the Chidori.
Without using the Sharingan, fighting three Uchiha members was even more dangerous. He had to rely on strategy rather than brute strength.
"What would Shikamaru do in this situation?" Kakashi wondered. Shikamaru's brilliance had always left a strong impression on him.
"Be careful this time," Ren warned his comrades. "No more underestimating him."
"Yes, we understand," the other two nodded, feeling a cold sweat at their near defeat. They had underestimated Kakashi, thinking only his lightning jutsu was powerful.
"You three against one is unfair! Why don't one of you fight me one-on-one?" Kakashi shouted, trying to bait them.
"Hah! Do you think we're foolish enough to fall for such a trick?" Ren scoffed. "That's child's play for Uchiha elites."
"Alright then, if one-on-one isn't an option, I guess I'll have to turn it into three-on-three," Kakashi replied with a smirk.
Poof! Poof!
Kakashi created two shadow clones, positioning them to surround Ren.
"Haha, Hatake kid, I wonder how you became a Jonin. Using shadow clones in this situation to waste your chakra? Do you think your clones can match us?" Ren laughed, his initial respect for Kakashi turning to disdain.
"Exactly! This kid must be out of his mind!" laughed the injured Uchiha Tenpū.
"He wants a one-on-one fight? Let's indulge him. Take out his clones first!" Ren commanded, deciding Kakashi's chakra was spread too thin to be effective.
"Sure! I'll take this one," Uchiha Tenpū and Uchiha Yōju agreed, each charging at a clone while Ren attacked the original.
"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!"
Ren spat a massive fireball toward Kakashi.
Whoosh!
A scorching fireball roared toward Kakashi while Uchiha Tenpū and Yōju attacked the clones—fireballs and kunai, respectively.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The three Kakashis were forced to dodge, narrowly avoiding the relentless attacks, but could not counter.
However, the distance between the Uchiha members was gradually increasing.
"Haha! You're done for, Hatake kid!" Tenpū laughed, launching another attack.
"Die, you fool!" Kakashi's voice was cold as he formed a hand seal. "Shadow Clone Jutsu: Release!"
Poof! Poof!
Kakashi's clones vanished before Ren and Yōju, revealing that the real Kakashi had been fighting Tenpū all along.
"Not good!"
"Trouble!"
Ren and Yōju's eyes widened in realization, but it was too late.
Clang!
Kakashi seized the opening created by the dispersed clones, darting towards Tenpū with incredible speed. His sword, charged with lightning, struck swiftly.
Squelch!
Blood sprayed as Kakashi's blade found its mark, slicing through Tenpū's defenses.
Tenpū screamed as Kakashi's blade cut deep into his side, the Chidori-enhanced strike proving too much for him. He staggered, collapsing onto the ground.
"Tenpū!" Yōju shouted, rushing to his fallen comrade, but it was too late. Tenpū's eyes rolled back, and he lost consciousness from the shock and blood loss.
Ren's eyes blazed with fury, "You'll pay for that, Hatake!"
Kakashi, breathing heavily, knew he had to finish this quickly. His chakra was almost depleted, and fighting against two Uchiha elites was pushing his limits.
"Let's end this!" Ren growled, his Sharingan spinning furiously as he charged at Kakashi.
"Bring it on," Kakashi muttered, his own Sharingan analyzing Ren's movements.
The two clashed in a flurry of strikes and parries, each trying to outmaneuver the other. Kakashi's experience and Ren's fury made for a deadly combination.
Yōju, seeing an opening, threw several kunai at Kakashi's blind spot.
"Not so fast!" Kakashi twisted, deflecting the kunai with his blade, but the effort left him open to Ren's attack.
Boom!
Ren's punch landed squarely on Kakashi's chest, sending him flying back. Kakashi struggled to get up, gasping for breath, knowing he couldn't take much more.
"You're finished, Hatake," Ren sneered, advancing with Yōju.
As things seemed dire, a mighty wind blew through the forest, momentarily blinding the Uchiha duo.
"What's this?" Ren shielded his eyes, confused by the sudden change.
From the trees, a tall figure emerged, clad in the robes of the ANBU Black Ops.
"You've done well, Kakashi. Leave the rest to me," the figure said, calm and authoritative.
"Sensei..." Kakashi breathed a sigh of relief, recognizing his teacher, Minato Namikaze, the Yellow Flash of the Leaf.
Ren and Yōju froze, realizing they were now facing the legendary shinobi. The tables had turned.
"Let's see how you handle me," Minato said, his eyes narrowing as he prepared to unleash his formidable power.
The battle was far from over, but with Minato's arrival, the outcome was no longer in doubt.