Obito concentrated chakra in his hand and quickly converted it into Fire Attribute Chakra, fierce flames blossoming in Obito's hands, with every punch and clap carrying intense heat.
Faced with such an Obito, Shisui seemed difficult to withstand and could only keep dodging. However, due to Obito's rapid deployment of a large-scale Fire Release, he was injured, and the scales of victory gradually tilted towards Obito.
"It seems like Obito is going to win," Nohara Rin felt that Obito had a significant advantage.
Compared to Shisui, not only was Obito the one with the upper hand, but he also had not a single injury on him.
"Not necessarily," Kakashi shook his head and then expressed his opinion.
"Shisui shouldn't be suppressed like this, even if Obito wins, it shouldn't be so easy."
Kakashi couldn't see what trick Shisui had hidden, but he was certain Shisui definitely had something up his sleeve.
This battle was going way too smoothly for Obito, so smoothly that Kakashi thought Shisui might be faking it.
"Is this the bond between close friends? I feel the same way," Might Guy laughed heartily and gave Kakashi a thumbs-up.
Might Guy had a feeling that Shisui was intentionally showing weakness to the enemy, even willing to get hurt at times without using Ninjutsu.
"Fire Release: Flame Fist!"
Obito clenched his fist and concentrated a large amount of chakra, preparing to end the fight with a Fire Release Nin-Taijutsu.
The Breath of Flame Chakra Mode was indeed powerful, but the consumption was also significant. Obito found himself unknowingly having used up two-thirds of his chakra.
But something unexpected happened: the fire fist he swung out was caught by Shisui with his palm, or more accurately, Shisui's blackened palm.
Obito was slightly stunned for a moment, then immediately realized it was the Armament Secret Technique Mokgetsu had taught them.
Obito instantly wanted to explode all the Fire Attribute Chakra he had concentrated on his fist, as he thought Shisui was about to lose, so he hadn't used too much force.
However, Shisui anticipated Obito's intentions and immediately slammed Obito onto the ground fiercely, the immense force stirring up a cloud of dust and fallen leaves.
Obito had no time to care about the stinging pain from his palm and back; he gathered large amounts of chakra at his throat and then spewed out a massive amount of fire at Shisui. Using Shisui's evasive maneuver as an opportunity, Obito quickly got back on his feet.
But quickly, Shisui used the Instant Body Jutsu to close in again; if Obito dared to use Ninjutsu, he would surely suffer Shisui's Armament Iron Fist, forcing Obito into another Taijutsu battle with Shisui.
Although it doesn't require hand seals, Ninjutsu still requires a bit of time to cast, and that's exactly what Obito was lacking right now.
The situation had completely reversed, with Shisui pressing down on Obito. Obito, with his injured right fist, could not surpass Shisui's Armament-enhanced Taijutsu.
"So it was mastering Armament, no wonder he would use such a strategy," Kakashi realized.
The earlier injuries Shisui sustained were not just to mislead Obito but also to conserve chakra for using Armament; this Secret Technique required a considerable amount of chakra.
"It's already over," Kakashi had already foreseen Obito's defeat in his heart.
Overall, Obito's comprehensive strength was still stronger than Shisui's, even though Shisui had learned Armament Haki.
Obito lost because of intelligence and complacency; if Kakashi had Obito's strength, he'd have a seventy-five percent chance of defeating Shisui.
As Kakashi predicted, Obito soon lost.
"I lost," Obito admitted defeat, facing the black-glowing Flaming Kunai before him.
"Shisui wins," Nohara Rin announced the victor of the first battle and went to both of them to perform healing.
With the battle concluded, the stone in Shisui's heart was lifted; winning one match meant no punishment.
The Obito in Breath of Flame Chakra Mode was stronger than he imagined; under normal combat, Shisui was almost certain to lose.
"Got to hurry up with Breathing Technique training," though victorious, Shisui felt even more urgency within.
Obito had the Breath of Flame Chakra Mode, Kakashi had mastered the Transparent World, and Might Guy, while like him didn't yet have advanced Breathing Technique abilities, had the powerful Eight Gates.
While Armament was strong, his current chakra couldn't support using other Ninjutsu to the fullest while using Armament.
"It's just one loss, nothing to be overly concerned about. Just work hard for next time," Nohara Rin gently consoled Obito, who was silent with his head down.
"Haha, indeed, it's just one battle," Obito lifted his head, forcing a pained smile, "I don't mind."
Lie; Obito minded to the point of wanting to cry, having talked big before the battle and then losing to Shisui, who was slightly weaker than him. Various emotions burst inside Obito; he felt ashamed, frustrated, and regretful.
He wanted to travel back to the start of the battle to give himself a good smack on the face—why so confident? Ultimately becoming the 'strong among the weak' in a battle supposedly of the strong over the weak.
Despite the sadness, he put on a brave face in front of Nohara Rin—that was his final stubbornness.
Seeing Obito on the verge of tears, Nohara Rin hesitated, choosing in the end not to speak, thinking that perhaps this was for the best.
Obito took several deep breaths, trying to calm himself, but the more he thought about it, the more enraged he became.
However, he wasn't mad at anyone else but himself, for underestimating Shisui during the fight.
"Don't be upset," Kakashi patted Obito on the shoulder.
Obito was somewhat surprised, not expecting Kakashi to not seize the chance to mock but rather to comfort him, "Kakashi, you..."
Before Obito could finish, Kakashi continued, "Whenever you're upset, just think about the test papers and assignments coming up. It'll certainly make you feel worse."