Kisame was currently filled with depression. Although he had made it to the final three, whether it was Kakashi, known throughout the world, or Obito, who had defeated Guy, both were the strongest among the strong.
Especially since these two were not only Konoha ninjas, but also belonged to the same squad, they definitely had a tacit coordination.
They would definitely team up to deal with him first.
He was really unlucky.
So, after the match began, he didn't dare make any rash moves at all. He just shrank in a corner, taking a defensive stance.
But the situation was beyond his expectations.
Kakashi and Obito didn't even look at him, and just started fighting each other.
And right from the start, they went all out.
Kakashi directly coated his hands and sword with flowing lightning, slashing toward Obito.
That speed was even close to that of Guy in his Gate-opening state.
Obito, on the other hand, kept flying across the field, using kunai with jutsu formulas and seals that had been marked on the ground in advance.
For a while, many examinees in the stands who didn't have very sharp eyesight couldn't see anything clearly. They could only see two streaks of light, one black and one blue, crossing and flashing in various positions.
Followed by continuous clanging sounds—"ding!" "ding!" "ding!"—of weapons colliding.
Everyone couldn't help but hold their breath and widened their eyes.
This had already surpassed many people's understanding of Chunin-level combat.
The Third Hokage also nodded. Obito and Kakashi's strength had already steadily reached Jonin level. Adding Rin and Minato, Squad Seven had, without notice, already become full Jonin-level members?
In his eyes, they were already an absolute ace squad.
As for Kisame on the field, he was dumbfounded. Although he was very confident in his own strength, from the exchange between Obito and Kakashi, he deeply realized a truth.
He wasn't a match for either of them.
These two hadn't even shown their best in their previous battles with others, only now were they going all out.
He now completely didn't dare to interfere, because he was sure that the moment he did, he would ruin their fun and be torn apart by them together.
After a round of high-speed battle that many people couldn't even see clearly, Kakashi and Obito finally clashed once more.
Obito, being careless for a moment, dodged Kakashi's blade but failed to avoid the follow-up punch, getting knocked flying and crashing to the ground.
Obito immediately got up, looking a bit disheveled, panting heavily, and with a serious expression on his face.
"Kakashi, as expected, you're still stronger than me. Seems like in a pure speed fight, I'm not your match."
"But I won't give up so easily. In that case—take this!"
Saying that, he formed hand seals.
"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"
Immediately, a massive fireball spewed from Obito's mouth, heading toward Kakashi.
Kakashi's dead-fish eyes rolled up slightly. Obito insisted he play along and stage a battle that looked intense and brilliant—an "exhibition match."
Since that was the case, he clapped both hands to the ground: "Earth Style: Earth Shaking Wall!"
A wall of earth rose in front of him, even carved with a dog's head on it.
The massive fireball collided with the wall, erupting in a fierce shower of sparks.
Now, the audience on the stage could finally see clearly and all exclaimed, "So strong!"
"That was amazing, both of them used their jutsu just right!"
"No wonder they're the genius graduates of the ninja academy!"
Kakashi was so embarrassed he could dig out a three-bedroom apartment with his toes, but still followed the script, slipping into the earth wall.
As Obito finished his Fire Style attack and rushed forward, Kakashi suddenly broke through from the wall.
This time he wasn't holding a sword, but instead had gathered a ball of crackling lightning in his hand, emitting a constant screeching noise.
"Chidori!"
Obito was almost hit by this move. At the last moment, his entire body suddenly flickered, appearing at another position near Kakashi's feet.
"Kakashi, I win!", Obito said with a smile and threw a punch.
Kakashi's body was struck, flying backward.
The audience on the stage held their breath. This dazzling battle had thoroughly satisfied them.
So… Obito actually turned the tide and defeated Kakashi?
Of course… not.
In that instant, the flying Kakashi dispersed into a puff of white mist with a "poof."
"It's a Shadow Clone!"
The audience on the stage shouted.
Kakashi's figure had already silently appeared behind Obito, kunai pointed at his neck.
Obito showed a frustrated expression, "Still lost, huh… Kakashi, if you were an enemy, I wouldn't have had time to react just now."
"Beautiful!"
"Amazing!"
"Kakashi—wow!"
The audience erupted in enthusiastic cheers, as if the two's battle was the final showdown, completely forgetting the fact that Kisame was still standing off to the side.
Guy's blood was also boiling, "Obito wasn't lying. Kakashi is stronger! So Kakashi's actually this powerful, even Obito isn't his match!"
"I've got to work even harder to catch up to Kakashi!"
On the arena platform, the proctor looked at Obito: "So, you're forfeiting?"
Obito nodded: "Mm, I forfeit."
The proctor announced: "Obito is eliminated. Two remain."
Obito's figure immediately leapt toward the stands, returning to Rin's side.
At this moment, Kakashi finally looked at Kisame.
Kisame broke out in a cold sweat.
He had thought of some combat strategies. Like creating massive Water Style attacks to flood the arena, allowing him to attack more freely underwater.
But Water Style was naturally countered by Lightning Style. What if Kakashi electrified the water? Wouldn't he become a grilled shark?
With inferior strength and an elemental disadvantage, there was no point in fighting.
After thinking it over, he said helplessly: "I also forfeit."
Seeing this, the proctor wasn't surprised and announced: "This Chunin Exam's final winner—Kakashi."
Another round of cheers erupted from the stage. This exam made Kakashi's genius reputation even more deeply rooted in people's hearts.
Rin covered her mouth, giggling, "Obito, why did you make Kakashi act with you?"
Obito glanced at Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was watching from the highest seat, "Too much fame causes lots of trouble sometimes. Kakashi's already caught in it. One more drop won't hurt."
"But Rin, you really stood out in this exam. The Third Hokage must've noticed you."
Rin smiled, "Didn't Teacher Minato want that anyway? Just blame it all on Roran, and we're good."
"Since Sara's already become the Purple-Robed Dragon King, there's no hiding it. Besides, we all lost our memories in Roran, so even if the Third wants to ask something, he won't get anything…"
Obito nodded and sighed, "It really is a useful excuse."
———
Just like that, the Chunin Exam came to an end. Afterwards, most of the candidates who had entered the tower and participated in the third exam were promoted. Surprisingly, only Anko and Gekko Hayate were eliminated.
The two had performed too poorly in battle. Even if the proctor wanted to lower the standards, he couldn't.
As for why so many were promoted this time, aside from the fact that this batch's quality truly met the standard, the more important reason was; Sunagakure, after completely driving away Kumogakure, finally couldn't hold back. A large number of troops gathered and advanced toward the Land of Fire, toward Konoha Village.
Konoha, in the end, was dragged into the battlefield…
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