Naruto: The legend of Kiba

Chapter 32 Kiba vs Kakashi (part 3)

Kiba and Kakashi separated briefly after their clash, each retreating to strategize. The two young ninjas were clearly exhausted, panting heavily from their intense battle.

Kiba's mind raced, considering his next move against the formidable Kakashi. He discarded several plans, knowing they wouldn't work against someone of Kakashi's caliber. The future Copy Ninja and Sixth Hokage wasn't someone easily outmaneuvered.

Both fighters were on edge, knowing the next move could decide the fight. Namikaze Minato observed with a hint of pride and concern, noting that Kiba had pushed Kakashi into a serious fight.

This is the first time I've seen Kakashi pushed this hard. Kiba might be a worthy rival.

Homura, watching the battle, was astounded by the high level of skill on display. The use of clones, shadow clones, and substitution techniques was impressive, reflecting elite Chunin or even Jonin-level tactics.

"He's tying with Kakashi! Amazing..." Uchiha Obito murmured.

Rin Nohara looked on, worried for Kakashi. "Kakashi, don't lose..."

Hirohiko and Yukina watched intently, while Uzumaki Kushina's expression grew serious.

On and off the field, the tension was palpable.

Alright, let's end this with one final blow!

Kiba and Kakashi's eyes locked, both grabbing kunai and charging at each other.

"Ding!"

Their kunai clashed, sparking as they collided, and the two darted past each other.

Kakashi suddenly spun mid-run, throwing his kunai at Kiba's back. Sensing the attack, Kiba swiftly turned, deflecting Kakashi's kunai with his own.

"Click!" Both landed, and without pause, Kiba dashed toward Kakashi like an arrow.

Kakashi remained calm, pulling a smoke bomb from his pouch. It exploded with a "bang," enveloping the area in white mist. Kiba lost sight of him.

A smoke bomb? Where will he come from—above or in front?

Kiba's eyes narrowed, his charge unimpeded by the smoke. Suddenly, Kakashi burst from the mist, rushing straight at him!

He's coming head-on? No, this has to be a trap!

Kiba instinctively blocked as Kakashi's kunai sliced through the air. Sparks flew as their blades met.

This is a setup!

"Snap!"

Kakashi grabbed Kiba's kunai-wielding hand with his other hand and hurled him into the air, tossing his kunai simultaneously.

Mid-air, Kiba spotted the incoming kunai and twisted to avoid it.

Dodge it!

Kiba's reflexes screamed at him, but he hesitated.

No!

Kiba threw his kunai, intercepting Kakashi's with a "ding," the blades clattering to the ground. Another Kakashi emerged from the smoke, aiming a kick at Kiba, who barely avoided it.

If I had dodged sideways, that kick would've landed solidly!

That kick would've smashed me to the ground, allowing the real Kakashi to subdue me instantly!

As expected of Kakashi—the one rushing from the smoke was a clone. He substituted it right as I threw my kunai, launching his true attack. Brilliant!

Kiba somersaulted, landing in the smoke.

"Boom!"

Kakashi's clone exploded into white mist, the real Kakashi landing with a calculated frown.

Kiba entered the smoke, just as planned. He saw through my tactics!

But...

What you anticipated, I foresaw too! This smoke bomb is the real trap!

Kakashi swiftly formed a hand seal, his eyes glinting with determination. As he landed, he completed the seal and pressed his hands to the ground.

Oh no!

Mid-fall, Kiba felt his feet hit air. Off-balance, he tumbled to the ground.

This hole—he used the smoke to obscure it, ensuring I'd misjudge and lose balance, replicating the effect of that kick!

I fell into my own trap!

Kiba hit the ground, dust swirling. The white smoke slowly cleared, revealing the battlefield.

He'll attack any second now!

Kiba struggled to stand but felt a sharp pain in his right foot.

I sprained my ankle!

Sweat trickled down Kiba's face as he rose on one leg, scanning the clearing smoke.

Where will he come from? This isn't good!

No one around—above?

Kiba glanced up—only the clear sky.

No way! Copying my move?

He smiled wryly, looking down. A hand shot from the soil, gripping his foot. The scenery grew taller.

Earth Style: Hiding Like a Mole!

So that's it—the earlier feint was to lure me into the smoke. Though he couldn't see me, I couldn't see him either, making the heart decapitation technique viable. Using the pit I created, he ensured my balance was compromised.

Well played, Kakashi!

Kiba glanced down, seeing a shuriken at his chin. Kakashi, panting behind him, had executed his plan flawlessly.

Kakashi's voice was strained but firm. "It's over, Kiba. You've lost this round."

Kiba felt the tremor in Kakashi's hands, evidence of their mutual exhaustion.

Obito and Rin sighed in relief. They felt their victory was assured.

On the other side, Hirohiko and Yukina exchanged disappointed glances. Uzumaki Kushina closed her eyes and sighed, thinking, Did we still lose in the end?

Homura, believing the fight was over, patted Namikaze Minato's shoulder with a smile. "I never thought we'd see Taki Kiba's technique win. Kakashi... He's beyond praise!"

But Namikaze Minato wasn't smiling. He watched the field with a keen eye.

No! Not necessarily! Kiba's expression—he still has a move! Kakashi, be careful!

Kakashi's eyes widened as he realized something. "This isn't over, is it?"

Before he finished, the Kiba stuck in the ground exploded into a cloud of white mist, leaving a half-buried log behind.

Substitution!

Kakashi spun around instinctively but froze.

A kunai was inches from his neck.

Kiba, standing on one foot, smiled confidently. "You underestimated me, Kakashi. I used a substitution here, with that log as the decoy."

You foresaw my move and countered it with a substitution technique?

Kakashi, shocked and impressed, exhaled deeply, lowering his kunai.

"Clatter."

"I have no more tricks."

"I yield," Kakashi admitted, acknowledging his opponent's skill.