Naruto Shadow Mage

"Shadow?"

Reflecting on Koshino's words, Kakashi's slightly narrowed eyes suddenly noticed that Koshino's shadow had indeed vanished!

Then, under the solid binding, Kakashi strained to glance at his feet with his peripheral vision and quickly discovered that Koshino's missing shadow was actually not far behind him, using the Shadow Imitation Technique!

At this moment, the reason Kakashi couldn't control his movements became glaringly obvious!

During the chaotic clash with Koshino's shadow clones and shadow split techniques, Koshino, who had been steadily recovering his strength, had his actual shadow split move to sneak behind Kakashi.

Then, when Kakashi was heavily exhausted and low on chakra, the premeditated trump card was revealed!

So, as Koshino's victorious smile reflected in Kakashi's narrowed black eyes, even the proud Kakashi couldn't help but admire Koshino.

After all, defeating a Jonin-level opponent at the age of four was not something just anyone could achieve!

Meanwhile, Koshino, having secured the victory, felt only a slight sense of triumph. What filled his heart was mainly a sense of gravity and caution.

"Sigh!"

"It was just a test. Kakashi didn't use his full strength. Even if I won, it doesn't mean much."

"In a real life-and-death battle, with Kakashi's full power, I would probably have died several times over by now."

Koshino's eyes were serious and cautious, replacing the joy of victory, indicating that even he was aware of the vast gap between himself and a Jonin.

Why did Koshino consider his clash with Kakashi just a test?

Because Kakashi hadn't even used the Sharingan he got from Obito nor his signature jutsu, which Koshino hadn't managed to force him to reveal.

If Kakashi had gone all out from the start...

Heh!

Koshino wouldn't have had the chance to use his Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu and Shadow Split Technique to drain Kakashi, and Kakashi wouldn't have given him any opportunity to strike!

Kakashi's self-created S-rank jutsu, Raikiri, was an indisputable kill move.

With the Sharingan obtained from Obito, Kakashi's Raikiri became even deadlier. It could lock onto an opponent's position and instantly cut down a Jonin, let alone someone far weaker like Koshino.

Moreover, when Koshino used his shadow clones and shadow split techniques to drain Kakashi, Kakashi's apparent hesitation suggested he was holding back.

In a real fight, how could shadow clones and shadow splits delay a Jonin like Kakashi?

Kakashi could easily use the Body Flicker Technique to escape the encirclement after Koshino used the Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu and Shadow Split Technique, then perform a Raikiri and win.

The more Koshino felt Kakashi was holding back, the more unsettled he became.

Knowing this victory was purely luck, Koshino mentally prepared himself to train harder in the future to overcome Kakashi genuinely.

But for now!

With thoughts of Kakashi's smug attitude in his head, Koshino prepared to "teach" Kakashi a lesson for once.

"Kakashi, is it time to admit defeat now?"

"As long as you acknowledge I deserve Lord Minato's guidance, I can let you off."

"But before that, you must apologize!"

"And remember, the apology must be sincere, or I won't accept it!"

"Apologize? Dream on!"

Hearing Koshino's taunting words, Kakashi sneered, "Nara Koshino, you really think you've won?"

"Didn't your clan elders teach you that the Shadow Imitation Technique isn't invincible?"

"Crack!"

"Crack!"

As Kakashi spoke, Koshino didn't show any signs of tension.

But when Kakashi, despite the Shadow Imitation Technique's hold, regained control of his hands and began forming seals, Koshino's pupils constricted!

"Is this the power of a Jonin?"

"To resist the Shadow Imitation Technique and still form seals?"

"I really underestimated Jonin! No, I underestimated Kakashi!"

Feeling a tinge of bitterness, Koshino realized he had no chakra left from the previous battle. If the shadow split move hadn't restrained Kakashi, Koshino would have lost.

Who would have thought that even with his successful maneuver, Kakashi still had a counterattack?

Especially noticing Kakashi forming the Ox, Rabbit, and Monkey seals, Koshino's eyes widened in alarm!

Because the sequence of Kakashi's seals was for a very famous A-rank jutsu from the original story!

A simplified version of Raikiri!

Chidori!

"Zzz!"

"Zzzla!"

Sure enough, as Kakashi finished forming the seals, Koshino saw Kakashi's right hand take a tiger-claw stance, and a dazzling silver lightning sparked in his palm!

The sound of the lightning crashing together resembled the chirping of a thousand birds!

What else could it be but Kakashi's Chidori?

Unbeknownst to Koshino, Chidori shouldn't even exist at this point.

As an Anbu, Kakashi needed to perform jutsu covertly. The noise from Chidori was too loud, revealing Kakashi's location to anyone nearby.

The reason Kakashi used Chidori now was due to Koshino!

Having depleted his chakra in the previous battle, Kakashi lacked the energy for Raikiri. But, spurred by Koshino's provocation, Kakashi quickly developed the simplified version, Chidori!

With A-rank Chidori in hand, the radiant lightning shattered Koshino's Shadow Imitation Technique with a "crack."

As the black shadow returned to his feet, Koshino's forehead was drenched in cold sweat.

Facing Kakashi's Chidori, Koshino felt the shadow of death looming over him for the first time!

"Damn! Am I going to die?"

"With my speed, there's no way I can survive Chidori!"

"No! I can't give up!"

"If I faced such danger on the battlefield, would I just sit and wait for death?"

His eyes slightly dazed, Koshino briefly entertained thoughts of giving up under the pressure of Chidori.

But that thought vanished in an instant!

Koshino's eyes regained their sparkle as he faced the threat of Chidori, achieving a mental breakthrough!

Unfortunately, a mental breakthrough held no power against Chidori!

Even with newfound courage, Koshino had no way to counter Kakashi's Chidori!

The next second, as Kakashi's right hand glowed with Chidori, and his feet erupted with chakra, propelling him forward, Koshino bit his lip, tasting the tang of blood. Yet, he could only watch as Kakashi's Chidori neared his chest!

But just as Kakashi's Chidori was about to pierce Koshino's chest, potentially ending his life in a trivial spar, a loud shout from a distance saved Koshino at the last moment!

"Kakashi!"

"Stop!"

"Boom!"