Kakashi didn't spend long contemplating. After a brief rest, he stood up again, ready to spar with Uchiha Kai.
Kai was equally willing. This kind of friendly battle let him quickly refine what he had learned. Though neither could go all out and land killing blows, both were open to testing their limits.
Not only Kai and Kakashi, but even Might Guy came to mind. Kai briefly considered calling him over. Despite being a pure taijutsu specialist, Guy's physical prowess was extraordinary.
Kai's Mangekyō Sharingan allowed him to see Guy's rapid movements clearly, but his body still struggled to respond fast enough. Even so, Kai reasoned that his newly awakened Mangekyō had drastically enhanced his physical synchronization and reaction speed—enough to keep up for now.
The benefits of the Mangekyō Sharingan were staggering. Illusion techniques (genjutsu) became far more potent and subtle, making them harder to detect. The dynamic visual acuity improved dramatically, allowing Kai to read minute shifts in enemy movement. Certain ninjutsu would also see significant amplification, though the extent depended on the user.
But the price was obvious—activating the Mangekyō took a physical toll. There were no explicit notes in the original records about physical enhancement, but from Uchiha Madara's own remarks, Kai had inferred that the Sharingan could influence physical attributes along different evolutionary routes.
One possible route was an increase in chakra capacity, like that of Madara's brother, Uchiha Izuna. Kai guessed he didn't belong to that category. After all, he wasn't known for immense chakra reserves and had to resort to stimulants during the final stages of intense battles. His chakra growth remained slow.
Still, Kai was satisfied. His Mangekyō offered enhanced agility—exactly what his fighting style favored. Speed, after all, meant survival.
"At least now I can run fast enough to survive."
Kai blocked Kakashi's sudden strike, scanned the surroundings in an instant, and locked on to the real Kakashi, who had hidden using Earth Release. With a quick movement, Kai destroyed the shadow clone and closed the gap to the original.
Kakashi, knowing he'd been discovered, emerged from the ground without hesitation to re-engage. But under the Mangekyō's suppression, he was caught mid-Chidori. Kai grabbed his wrist and pressed his blade gently against Kakashi's neck.
"I lost again," Kakashi sighed. "It's still too much to go head-to-head with a true Uchiha and that eye."
"You're already strong—stronger than many Uchiha. Once you're more accustomed to it, I might not be able to tell who'll win," Kai replied with a smile, withdrawing his blade. He knew he had the edge today, but he wasn't arrogant about it.
After all, the Kakashi of the future—Hatake Kakashi—was a man who stood against gods. The one who pushed the limits of the Sharingan, despite not being an Uchiha. He'd one day gain a Mangekyō of his own.
Kai had no illusions: defeating that Kakashi would be no easy feat. So why not enjoy the present, while Kakashi was still catching up?
"Maybe," Kakashi muttered, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Maybe your advice is worth considering. Swordsmanship... it might suit me. But..."
"Worried that using a sword might disrespect Obito's eye?" Kai looked at him flatly. "The Sharingan excels at insight. Just because most Uchiha favor ninjutsu doesn't mean we neglect close combat. Why not try it? Combine the Sharingan's perception with your genjutsu and ninjutsu. Forge your own path—one that merges your legacy with Obito's."
Kai stopped, watching as Kakashi fell into thought. A small smile crept onto Kai's lips.
It seemed he was getting through to him.
Maybe Kakashi saw him as a placeholder for Obito. That didn't bother Kai. In the end, what mattered was the result.
Kai's motivation wasn't purely altruistic. The path he suggested to Kakashi was one he had once envisioned for himself. He no longer needed to develop the Sharingan—his had already evolved—but he still sought advanced genjutsu. Kakashi could serve as a kind of experiment.
If Kakashi succeeded, Kai could study and adopt elements of his growth. He didn't plan to imitate the Hatake clan's sword style entirely, but he could extract the essence.
Especially since Kai didn't want to spend years perfecting everything himself. Like how Kakashi's development of Chidori had inspired Kai, he was content to let others "plant the tree," while he reaped the fruit.
There was another benefit. If Kakashi joined the ANBU, a stronger Kakashi would serve Kai's broader ambitions.
If things went according to plan, Kakashi could play an essential role in Kai's future strategies. Kai might even support his rise—if it aligned with his interests.
"I understand," Kakashi said at last, looking up with resolve. "I'll seriously consider it. Thanks, Kai."
"It's nothing," Kai waved his hand with a grin. The two turned to leave the forest together.
But as they walked, they spotted a child standing on the edge of a cliff, several hundred meters away. Both paused, confused.
"Who's that kid?" Kakashi asked.
"Beats me," Kai replied. "I don't recognize him. Could be from another branch."
But before they could get closer, the child suddenly jumped.
Both of them froze in shock.
A moment later, they dashed to the cliff's edge and looked down. Kai squinted at the figure climbing down the rocky face with a kunai.
His eyes narrowed.
That kid...
Was he seriously considering throwing a kunai at him?