Chapter 222: Obito's Training Mission Completion
"I really lost."
Kakashi felt a dazed emptiness when Obito's Kunai pressed against his throat and Mugetsu announced Obito's victory.
Just half a year ago, when Obito had asked for help practicing movement techniques, Kakashi could defeat him instantly with a single Body Flicker kick.
Half a year could feel long—181 days of training and growth—but it could also feel painfully short, short enough that Kakashi could still vividly recall effortlessly beating Obito again and again not too long ago.
And now, the genius who had never lost to a peer had been defeated three times in just over a month.
He lost first to Might Guy, his tireless rival; then to Uchiha Shisui, an undeniable prodigy; and now, to Uchiha Obito—the same Obito he had once bested countless times before.
Each defeat had been fair. None of his opponents had won by chance—they had overpowered him with genuine strength.
But accepting those losses didn't mean he accepted defeat.
Kakashi's pride burned quietly beneath his calm expression. Guy and Obito had once been so far beneath him, and Shisui was two years younger. How could he be satisfied losing to them?
"Don't get too cocky," Kakashi said evenly, brushing dust from his uniform. "You may have won once, but I've beaten you more times than I can count. I'll win it back soon."
He admitted this defeat, but he would not continue losing. He knew why he'd fallen behind—two years spent being shackled by rules and responsibilities instead of pushing himself forward.
That era was over. From now on, Kakashi would live by his own resolve. He didn't need anyone's recognition; he only needed to uphold his own beliefs.
"Stop bragging. You don't stand a chance against me now that I have the Sharingan," Obito said, his grin wide and unrestrained.
Although it was only a single victory, it carried more meaning than all of Kakashi's past triumphs combined.
"Then wait and see," Kakashi replied, the faintest smirk visible beneath his mask.
This time would be different. He would make Obito and Guy witness the true growth rate of a genius.
With his natural talent and Mugetsu's guidance, Kakashi was certain his strength would rise faster than ever.
Mugetsu, watching the two boys brimming with spirit, smiled faintly. Passion and rivalry were powerful motivators—together, they would push both of them to new heights.
[Disciple Uchiha Obito's training mission completed. Rewards: Chakra +2500, Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique (Mastery Level), Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Flower Claw Crimson (Proficient Level)]
Another 2,500 Chakra. Mugetsu was now only about 4,000 short of his goal of 50,000.
While the reward was simply Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique, Mugetsu was never one to complain about a Mastery-level Ninjutsu.
[Disciple Uchiha Obito has received an optional life mission]
[Life Mission: It is not those who become Hokage who are recognized by everyone, but those who are recognized by everyone who can become Hokage.]
[Main Goal: Become the Hokage of Konoha Village]
[Mission Progress: 0]
[Mission Rewards: Determined by mission completion and strength growth during the mission period. Settlement occurs every 10% progress increase.]
[Note 1: Automatic failure if Uchiha Obito betrays the village, or if Konoha is destroyed.]
[Note 2: Life missions are extremely difficult. Once confirmed, you can only proceed to the next life mission after completion. Please choose carefully.]
[Note 3: Higher difficulty yields greater rewards.]
Mugetsu pondered the mission. It wasn't impossible, but it certainly wouldn't be easy.
If Minato became the Fourth Hokage and didn't die unexpectedly, and if Danzo's anti-Uchiha faction was eliminated, Obito would have a real chance.
After some thought, Mugetsu decided to accept it. He suspected Obito might later trigger a mission related to ending the war or bringing peace to the world, and this one could very well connect with Shisui's.
If Obito truly became Hokage, the tension between the Uchiha Clan and Konoha could finally be resolved.
He also believed that this mission's progress would advance naturally—rising through the ranks, earning recognition, and gaining influence were all essential steps toward becoming Hokage.
Meanwhile, Kakashi also triggered a new cultivation mission.
[Disciple Kakashi Hatake's training mission set]
[Training Mission: Defeat Uchiha Obito, Uchiha Shisui, and Might Guy in combat to become the strongest among Mugetsu's disciples.]
[Rewards: Determined by mission completion and strength growth during the mission period.]
This was the first mission Mugetsu had seen that required defeating three people, but upon reflection, it made sense—it represented Kakashi's goal to reclaim his position as the strongest among his peers.
Still, it wouldn't be easy. The gap between them was small, but even if Kakashi trained hard, Obito and Guy wouldn't slack off. Unless Kakashi achieved a breakthrough in Lightning Breathing, surpassing them in a short time would be nearly impossible.
"Rin, wasn't I amazing just now?" Obito asked eagerly, rushing over to her.
"You were incredible! You even defeated Kakashi. If our classmates heard about this, they'd be shocked!" Rin said with genuine admiration.
Had Might Guy not beaten Kakashi first, Rin would have been even more astonished. After all, Kakashi's strength back in the Academy had left a lasting impression on everyone.
"It's nothing worth bragging about," Obito said with a grin, trying to sound modest but failing miserably. "Now that I've awakened my Sharingan, beating Kakashi is only natural."
"The power of the Sharingan… impressive indeed," Might Guy said enthusiastically. "When I can open the Second Gate at will, I want to experience that strength too!"
"Uh…" Obito's grin faltered. If he had to fight Guy, the outcome wouldn't be so certain.
Kakashi's burst speed was short-lived—but Guy's sustained power and speed while using the Eight Gates and Rock Breathing were terrifying.
"Haha, we'll see," Obito said awkwardly. "I still need to get more used to the Sharingan's power."
He couldn't outright refuse in front of Rin—it would make him look afraid—but agreeing too quickly might lead to an embarrassing loss.
"Second Gate, huh…" Shisui murmured, feeling a wave of pressure. After a single mission, Kakashi, Obito, and Guy had all made leaps in strength, while he could feel himself being left behind.
After resting until one-thirty in the afternoon, training resumed. Obito and Shisui practiced Total Concentration Breathing, Might Guy worked on rehabilitation exercises, and Kakashi continued to refine his mastery.
"Mugetsu-sensei, I've developed a technique that combines Lightning Breathing with my family's sword style, but it has many flaws. Could you please take a look?" Kakashi asked during training.
One reason for his loss to Obito was that Thunderclap Flash had too many weaknesses. If the opponent could see through the trajectory, the technique would be ineffective. Moreover, its overwhelming speed didn't match his reaction time, leaving him unable to defend against counterattacks.
"Show me once," Mugetsu nodded.
"Thank you," Kakashi said respectfully before drawing his White Fang Short Sword. He shifted his breathing rhythm and focused.
"Thunderclap Flash!"
Whoosh!
Lightning flared from Kakashi's feet with a thunderous roar, and his body shot forward like a bolt of lightning, parallel to the ground.
Boom!
The tree in his path split cleanly in half and crashed down.
"Do you feel like your reaction speed can't quite keep up with your movement speed?" Mugetsu asked after a moment of thought.
He could see Kakashi's potential in this area. He had already taught him Purple Lightning, a technique that didn't rely on the Sharingan, and now Kakashi had created a move too fast for even himself to control.
"Yes. And the trajectory feels too linear. If my opponent reads it, it becomes useless," Kakashi admitted.
"The trajectory isn't the issue," Mugetsu replied calmly. "Once your burst power grows, one Flash won't be enough—you'll be able to unleash three, even six in succession. The real issue is your reaction speed."
He continued, "There are two main solutions. The first is mastering Lightning Release Chakra Nature Transformation to strengthen your nervous system. That will enhance your reaction time. The second is learning the ultimate secret of Breathing Technique—Transparent World."
"When your Lightning Breathing reaches the Constant State, you'll be able to train your nerves."
"Constant State…" Kakashi murmured. The term was familiar. Obito and Shisui were already working toward that stage.
"Then how can I master Transparent World?" he asked after a pause.
He knew that Obito and the others had trained their Breathing Techniques for over half a year before even starting Constant State training. If it took him that long, he might not reach that level for another year—and Obito's arrogance would only grow in the meantime.
"I can't say for sure," Mugetsu said. "It depends on your individual comprehension. Some train their entire lives and never reach it, while others seem born for it."
He didn't go into detail about Transparent World because it was notoriously difficult. It required mastery of a forbidden-level Breathing Technique and an almost perfect level of control. The gap in difficulty between basic Breathing Techniques and Transparent World was like that between basic Ninjutsu and Nature Transformation.
If Lightning Breathing ever reached perfection, Kakashi's problem would already be long solved. At that point, not even ten Thunderclap Flashes would pose an issue.
Of course, Mugetsu knew it was possible to comprehend Transparent World without perfect mastery, but that path was even harder—one that demanded exceptional talent and instinct.
"Is it really that difficult? It might take a lifetime to master," Kakashi said, clearly shocked.
"Otherwise, it wouldn't be called the ultimate secret of Breathing Technique," Mugetsu replied with a small smile. "Here—attack me."
Kakashi didn't hesitate. He swung his blade sharply at Mugetsu.
"You're going to cut my left arm," Mugetsu said the instant Kakashi moved, stepping aside effortlessly.
"Now you're aiming for my thigh."
"Next, you'll stab toward my heart."
Each time, Mugetsu's words came before Kakashi's attacks, as though he could see them before they happened. His movements weren't fast, but his timing was flawless—Kakashi couldn't even graze his clothing.
Kakashi's astonishment grew with every failed strike. Mugetsu wasn't relying on raw strength or Chakra—it was pure, refined reaction speed and awareness.
"This is just one aspect of Transparent World," Mugetsu explained. "It can also reveal an enemy's weaknesses and allow you to draw out your full power."
Just hearing his teacher's words made Kakashi's heart race. If he could master such an ability, even Obito's Sharingan would be insignificant.
"If, one day, your mind feels completely clear—when you can see and control every muscle and blood vessel in your body—you will have entered the Transparent World," Mugetsu said quietly.
Kakashi nodded solemnly, committing his teacher's every word to memory.
"Although you can't fix the problem immediately, there are ways to lessen it," Mugetsu continued. "You can undergo special training to improve your reaction speed."
Reaction time could indeed be enhanced through practice, but only to a limit. Reaching the reflexes of Minato or the Fourth Raikage through training alone was unrealistic—it could only take one so far.
"And remember," Mugetsu added, "don't use Thunderclap Flash recklessly in battle. If the timing isn't perfect, it'll backfire. Once or twice per fight is enough."
Obito had countered Kakashi's move largely because of the Sharingan—and because he had seen the technique before.
"Thank you for your guidance, sensei. I understand now," Kakashi said, bowing slightly.
"Keep working hard. As long as you dig deep into your potential, you'll one day master the Transparent World," Mugetsu said encouragingly.
Encouragement cost nothing, and Mugetsu preferred to give it freely. Even if it was difficult, who could say what the future might hold?
Driven by his determination to surpass Obito, Kakashi threw himself into Lightning Breathing training with renewed focus.
"Mugetsu-sensei, next school year, I also want to go on missions with you," Shisui said after training.
"I feel like I need to experience real combat outside the village," he added. Watching Obito and the others grow so much from missions had made it impossible for him to stay still.
"If I'm still in charge of the interns by then, there's no problem," Mugetsu agreed.
Real missions would be the best training for Shisui. If everything went smoothly, by the third semester of next year, his Chakra should surpass seventy thousand—enough to ensure his safety in the field.
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