"Really…"
Kenya's pupils narrowed slightly as the system's notification tone echoed in his mind.
He quickly calculated the progress of his system's unlock after eliminating another Anbu operative. Compared to Sarutobi Shinnosuke—the pinnacle of a Jōnin—the current Asuma was noticeably weaker. Yet, the system granted him a higher unlock for defeating Asuma than it had for Shinnosuke.
Aside from Asuma's greater influence in the original story, Kenya couldn't think of any other reason.
Puff!
Asuma's body hit the ground heavily.
Even though none of the remaining three were sensory–type shinobi, from this close range it was obvious—Asuma was beyond saving.
"Asuma!"
Kakashi's face froze in shock.
The situation had spiraled far beyond anything they imagined.
They had assumed Uchiha Kenya's strength was only about equal to Kakashi's—around the peak of Jōnin level. With three Jōnin on their side, defeat had seemed impossible.
And yet, who would have thought? After the death of Sarutobi Hiruzen's eldest son, now the second son had fallen as well…
"Although I bear no personal grudge against you," Kenya said coldly, his gaze sweeping across the remaining three, "sooner or later, you will stand opposite me."
Step by step, he walked toward Kakashi. Not only because Kakashi was the strongest of the group, but also because of the nature of his Zanpakutō—Kyōka Suigetsu.
Kyōka Suigetsu's ability twisted perception—sight, sound, touch, even taste—hypnotizing its target into mistaking one reality for another.
For example, the killing blow against Asuma: under Kyōka Suigetsu's influence, Asuma had mistaken Kakashi for Kenya.
In other words, Kyōka Suigetsu was nearly invincible in group combat.
That was why, in the original Bleach, Aizen could toy with entire squads of captains at once—his blade sowed chaos, scattering the enemy like puppets.
In team battles, Kyōka Suigetsu was even more dangerous than in single combat.
For Kenya, whose strength was still developing, this was the most cautious and effective way to fight. He had no intention of following Aizen's reckless path of courting death.
Kakashi's brow furrowed as Kenya approached.
To be honest, without a powerful bloodline, Kakashi's chakra reserves couldn't compare to Kenya's Uchiha heritage. Raikiri, his S-rank ninjutsu, was chakra-intensive, and after using it twice already—on top of their prolonged battle—his chakra was nearly gone.
Behind him, Kurenai moved to weave hand seals, but Kakashi sharply cut her off:
"Stop, Kurenai! Your genjutsu won't work on him!"
Fear darkened his voice. "If I'm right, Asuma didn't even notice Kenya's movements. He suddenly turned his blade on me because of that illusion…"
Kakashi's face grew grim. "His illusionary technique may already rival Uchiha Shisui's."
Kurenai and Genma's expressions shifted in shock.
Kenya and Shisui were the same age, often compared when they were younger. Though Kenya was talented, he had never been considered in Shisui's league. Yet now Kakashi was saying this renegade had reached that same terrifying height?
"Hatake Kakashi, I admire your keen observation," Kenya said coolly, drawing his blade. A chilling light shimmered along the edge. "But it's a pity…"
Kakashi's expression hardened. He poured out the last of his chakra, lightning sparking violently in his right hand. I can only release one more shot…
"Raikiri!!"
For the third time, Kakashi charged, lightning tearing across the field.
Just as their strikes were about to collide—
A flash of green and red cut between them, the ground shattering beneath the newcomer's step.
Rumble!!
The shockwave rivaled Kenya's own power.
Kenya steadied himself with spiritual energy, retreating lightly, almost elegantly.
"You are…" His eyes narrowed.
"Guy!" Kakashi exclaimed.
The green tights, the bowl-cut hair—Kakashi recognized him instantly.
Might Guy's body was flushed with blood flow, chakra surging so intensely that his hair whipped in the wind.
Kenya's gaze sharpened. "Congested skin… the Third Gate of the Eight Gates is already open?"
"Ugh…"
Kakashi's body gave out, Raikiri draining the last of his chakra and stamina.
"Kakashi!"
Seeing his lifelong rival and friend collapse, Guy immediately caught him.
"Be careful, Guy! He's coming!" Genma shouted.
Ignoring the warning, Guy looked up just in time to see Kenya's next move.
Kenya kicked Asuma's body toward him.
"!"
Guy reflexively caught the corpse, carefully pulling back his strength so as not to harm it further.
But that split second of distraction was all Kenya needed. In a blur, he appeared behind Kurenai.
Before she could react, his fist sank into her abdomen. Her eyes rolled, consciousness snuffed out as she collapsed.
Kenya bent down, slinging her limp body over his shoulder.
At that moment, Izumo and Kotetsu arrived on the scene.
What they saw left them completely stunned.