"Okay, let's help you drag him down!!"
Hearing that Kakashi was about to use a new ninjutsu, Obito and Harano Rin exchanged glances and nodded. Without hesitation, they moved into position, guarding Kakashi's body with serious, tense expressions.
"Hmph! That brat thinks he can use ninjutsu while hiding behind his friends?"
The Iwa-nin narrowed his eyes at the three young Leaf genin. With a smirk, he drew a handful of kunai and hurled them straight at Obito and Rin.
"Let's see what kind of tricks you're playing, little gremlins!"
The kunai cut through the air with a high-pitched whistle. Just as they closed the gap—barely two or three meters away—the Iwa ninja sneered and swiftly formed hand seals.
"Kunai Shadow Clone Technique!!!"
"Bang! Bang! Bang!!"
The handful of kunai suddenly multiplied mid-air, transforming into dozens that rained down like a deadly shower of steel—just like a blossoming storm.
"Crap!!!"
Obito's eyes widened. Rin's face tightened in alarm.
Without hesitation, the two sprang into action. Back to back, they deflected, parried, and blocked. Sparks flew as metal clashed against metal, each impact ringing out sharply through the forest.
"Ding! Ding! Ding!"
The chaotic sound of kunai striking kunai filled the woods. Despite being overwhelmed, Obito and Rin held their ground, forming an unbreakable barrier to protect Kakashi. Only after deflecting the final barrage did the two of them exhale in exhaustion, their faces pale with relief.
"That was close…"
"Tch. Brats—you've chosen death."
The Iwa-nin's gaze turned cold and deadly. With a swift series of hand signs, he prepared to unleash his signature jutsu.
"Earth Style: Earth Dragon Bullet Technique!!!"
He stomped his right foot, and from the torn soil, an earthen dragon erupted, roaring forward with fierce momentum—its jagged body tearing a path straight for the trio.
"Kakashi! Are you done or not?!" Obito shouted urgently.
"Damn it! Rin, get behind me!"
Seeing the earthen beast barrel toward them, Obito glanced back—Kakashi still hadn't moved, still gathering chakra.
Gritting his teeth, Obito yanked Rin behind him and quickly formed hand seals.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!!"
He inhaled deeply and released a blazing fireball nearly one meter in diameter. The sphere roared through the air, hurtling toward the earth dragon with searing heat.
"BOOM!!"
The forest trembled as fire and earth clashed. For a brief moment, the blazing orb managed to stall the advancing dragon. But the creature pressed forward relentlessly, piercing through the flames and continuing its unstoppable advance.
"Dammit!!! It broke through…"
Obito froze, his heart sinking. The massive earth dragon was almost upon them. They had no time left to dodge. Rin, pale and trembling, stood behind him.
"So… this is the end?"
Obito thought bitterly, casting one last glance at the girl beside him. He clenched his teeth, preparing to shove her away at the last moment—at least she could survive.
But then—
"Obito, Rin—get back!! I've got this!"
Kakashi's voice rang out clearly from behind them.
"Kakashi…?!"
"Unison Strike — Chidori!!"
Zzzzt…!
Suddenly, an intense, crackling sound filled the woods. A flash of bright blue electricity surged from Kakashi's palm. The air around him screamed with power, like a thousand birds chirping in unison—loud, wild, and alive.
"Break through!!!"
With a fierce cry, Kakashi dashed forward. Electricity danced around his body like a living storm. In a single breath, he pierced the heart of the earth dragon.
"ZRRRT—ZRRZZZRT!!"
Crackling lightning exploded as Kakashi's Chidori met solid earth. His arm was like a blade, cutting through stone as if it were paper. The dragon's massive form was split cleanly in two—its body shattered, falling apart into rubble.
"No way!!! That brat cut through my jutsu?!"
The Iwa ninja's eyes widened in disbelief. He stumbled backward, stunned.
But Kakashi wasn't done yet.
Gritting his teeth, he surged forward, channeling even more chakra into his limbs. The thunder chakra flowed through him, sharpening his reflexes and enhancing his speed.
"You're not escaping!! Chidori!!!"
With a fierce roar, Kakashi's body blurred. He shot forward like a bolt of lightning, the ground splitting beneath each step.
"You're finished!!!"
BOOM!!!