Chapter 336: Kyōshiki's Stage Three
The figure watching the battle between Uchiha Dali and Otsutsuki Kyōshiki was tens of thousands of light-years away, hidden in a pitch-black void.
This place looked like an ordinary starfield, no different from other star-strewn regions of the universe.
Through a transparent light screen that blended perfectly into the surrounding deep-space backdrop, the mysterious man could clearly see the real-time fight between Uchiha Dali and Otsutsuki Kyōshiki.
When he saw signs that Otsutsuki Kyōshiki had begun to use a third mode, the man couldn't help but show a trace of surprise.
On his clean, smooth chin, those blade-like thin lips curled slightly as he let out an amused chuckle: "Didn't expect this kid could actually force that guy to use a third form. Not bad…"
"But that state is interesting. It looks like it relies entirely on the body's instincts to fight and dodge the opponent's attacks. So, Kyōshiki's combat-developed modes lose their effectiveness against that?"
"Interesting."
After muttering to himself, he returned to watching the match attentively.
On the screen, Uchiha Dali dealt calmly with Otsutsuki Kyōshiki's assaults.
After trying repeatedly and failing time and again, Otsutsuki Kyōshiki finally realized that in his current state he could not beat Uchiha Dali.
So he did not hesitate and immediately chose to activate a new mode.
"Kid, this is a mode no one has ever seen before. It's not my strongest state, but it'll be more than enough to deal with you!"
"Just wait to die! This time, even if you beg for mercy, I won't spare you!"
Having said that, Otsutsuki Kyōshiki charged at Uchiha Dali again, and during the process his body began to change once more.
His previously muscular, hulking frame suddenly became very compact and delicate, visibly shrinking by at least two to three times.
At this moment, Otsutsuki Kyōshiki looked like a child.
However, seeing his transformation, Uchiha Dali felt a deep unease, and his expression instantly grew grave.
Because the aura emanating from Otsutsuki Kyōshiki now far exceeded that of his earlier brawny form.
If one were fooled by this childlike appearance and let down their guard, the consequences would be unthinkable.
"I didn't expect this guy to be hiding so many forms. After transforming into each one, his combat power skyrockets—almost geometrically!"
"It seems the Otsutsuki clan, when evolved to later stages, each becomes monster-level. No wonder Otsutsuki Shibai could transcend the constraints of the flesh and ascend directly to a higher dimension in a soul state…"
While Uchiha Dali was observing Kyōshiki's changes and inwardly shocked, Otsutsuki Kyōshiki had already launched a new round of attacks at him.
After transforming into the third form, his speed, strength, and explosive power all rose to an entirely new level.
In an instant he was in front of Uchiha Dali and delivered a punch.
Although Uchiha Dali was still in the state of Ultra Instinct (Sign), he almost couldn't withstand that punch.
Their fists collided in midair; the brutal force left neither side gaining any advantage.
"Oh? Looks like you're done for!"
Seeing that Uchiha Dali did not gain the upper hand in that clash, Otsutsuki Kyōshiki sneered with relish.
He then unleashed a torrential barrage of attacks on Uchiha Dali.
For a time, a flurry of fist shadows and gusts of wind filled the space.
The surrounding void began to warp slightly under his assault, clearly visible even against the pitch-black backdrop.
This scene surprised Uchiha Dali again.
More importantly, he sensed a lingering, nearly overwhelming pressure that was hard to resist.
"The Ultra Instinct (Sign) state can no longer be on par with that guy in this form…"
Uchiha Dali quickly realized the problem.
Although Ultra Instinct is indeed very powerful, that level itself is divided into sub-stages—entry, advanced, early attainment, mastery, and so on.
The gap in strength between each of those stages is huge.
Right now, the Sign state is the entry stage of Ultra Instinct.
It can utterly crush Kyōshiki's previous form, but it cannot threaten Kyōshiki after he transforms further.
That means their fight will either fall into a stalemated war of attrition, or Uchiha Dali must find a way to further break through his own limits.
He was working on it.
His heaven-defying comprehension began to kick in.
In his mind he kept replaying and analyzing Kyōshiki's attack trajectories—every move and technique was recorded.
However, Kyōshiki easily saw through Uchiha Dali's small maneuvers.
"You've developed the Rinnegan's abilities pretty well; you even mastered that move."
"But no matter how many times you replay it, it's useless—because the one standing before you is a god!"
"An existence beyond your reach!"
Kyōshiki sneered and, having finished speaking, launched a new round of assaults at Uchiha Dali.
This time his speed was even faster, and the power behind his punches even stronger than before.
Clearly, he hadn't fully unleashed the strength of this mode earlier—he had been holding back.
Feeling the mounting pressure, Uchiha Dali simply stopped thinking of anything else and closed his eyes.
Just like when he first awakened Ultra Instinct.
He quickly entered a realm of selflessness.
In this state, his body perfectly operated on instinct, bypassing conscious thought and fighting on its own.
Although it didn't fully restore Uchiha Dali to a clearly dominant position, facing Otsutsuki Kyōshiki's Stage Three onslaught, Uchiha Dali ultimately held his ground.
Far away, tens of thousands of light-years distant, the mysterious powerhouse watching was also somewhat surprised at Uchiha Dali's performance.
"Not bad—this mode can actually withstand Kyōshiki's Stage Three…"
"Looks like another person capable of challenging my position has appeared."
"Heh. But Kyōshiki's abilities don't stop here. How far can you go? Show me more of your skills so I can have a good look."
Muttering to himself, the mysterious powerhouse enlarged the light screen and began to study Uchiha Dali's movements closely.