"Really lost." After Obito's kunai was held against him and Mokgetsu announced Obito's victory, Kakashi felt a moment of disorientation.
Just half a year ago, when Obito came to him for help practicing body technique, Kakashi could instantaneously defeat Obito with a single step of the Instant Body Jutsu.
Half a year is long, stretching to a full 181 days; half a year is short, so short that Kakashi still feels as if not long ago he was easily defeating Obito many times over.
Kakashi, who had never lost to anyone his age, had lost three times in just over a month.
He lost to Might Guy, who always considered him a rival and worked hard; he lost to Uchiha Shisui, who was even more of a genius than himself; and today he lost to Uchiha Obito, who he had defeated countless times before.
For these three losses, Kakashi accepted the outcome, as none of his opponents won by luck, but rather by defeating him with solid strength.
But accepting it doesn't mean he lost his desire to win; in fact, he's quite unwilling to accept his own downfall because, at the start, Might Guy and Obito were clearly much weaker compared to him, and Shisui is clearly two years younger.
"Don't get too cocky, you only won once, and I have already beaten you countless times, I'll win it back soon." Kakashi dusted the dirt off himself and said lightly, looking at Obito's arrogant and flamboyant smile.
He admitted his own failure but wouldn't allow himself to keep failing. He knew the reason for his defeat; for the past two years, he had been too complacent, always caught up in so-called missions and ninja rules without proper cultivation.
It's different now, Kakashi only intends to be himself. He doesn't seek recognition from everyone; he just needs to uphold his own beliefs.
"Don't talk big. With my Sharingan, you stand no chance." Obito ignored Kakashi's tough talk and continued to smile proudly.
Even though he only won once, he felt that this win was more valuable than all of Kakashi's previous wins combined.
"Just wait and see." Under Kakashi's mask, the corners of his mouth slightly curved upwards.
This time is different—he wants to show Obito and Might Guy the growth speed of a genius.
With his exceptional talent, plus Mokgetsu's guidance, Kakashi believed his strength would quickly rise.
Mokgetsu smiled at the spirited two, thinking that having determination and goals was good, as it would speed up their strength improvement.
[Disciple Uchiha Obito's cultivation task completed, rewards: Chakra +2500, Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu (Master Level), Fire Release: Impatiens Claw Red (Proficient Level)]
Another 2500 Chakra reward, now Mokgetsu was just over 4000 Chakra short of his small goal of 50,000.
Although it's a Great Fireball, Mokgetsu doesn't mind having more Master Level Ninjutsu.
[Disciple Uchiha Obito received a selectable life task]
[Life Task: It's not being Hokage that earns everyone's recognition, but being recognized by everyone that allows one to become Hokage]
[Main Goal: Become the Hokage of Konoha Village]
[Task Progress: 0]
[Task Reward: Depends on task completion and strength growth during the task; settlement every ten percent progress]
[Note 1: Automatic failure if Uchiha Obito defects from the village, or if Konoha is destroyed]
[Note 2: Life tasks are extremely difficult; once set, only upon completion can the next life task be triggered; choose carefully]
[Note 3: The higher the difficulty, the greater the reward]
Mokgetsu pondered over Obito's life task. It's not very difficult if you think about it, but it's also not simple.
If Minato becomes the Fourth Hokage and does not die unexpectedly, and if the Uchiha forces led by Danzo disappear, Obito still has hope of becoming Hokage.
Despite thinking Obito might trigger some future task about ending war in the Ninja World for peace, Mokgetsu decided to accept this task since it could interlink with Shisui's task.
If Obito becomes Hokage, the conflict between the Uchiha Clan and Konoha could be resolved.
Moreover, Mokgetsu felt that the progress of this task might increase fairly quickly.
If Hokage is the endpoint, then advancements in Obito's position and gaining public voice on the battlefield might all increase task progress, as these are essential steps to becoming Hokage.
Aside from Obito triggering a life task, Kakashi also successfully triggered a cultivation task.
[Disciple Hatake Kakashi sets a cultivation task]
[Cultivation Task: Defeat Uchiha Obito, Uchiha Shisui, and Might Guy in battle to become the strongest among Mokgetsu's disciples]
[Reward: Depends on task completion and strength growth during the task]
It's the first time Mokgetsu saw a task requiring defeating three individuals, but after some thought, he realized the task is essentially about winning first place in Mokgetsu's team competition.
Mokgetsu could only say this task was a bit difficult; although the difference between them wasn't very large, even if Kakashi works hard in cultivation, Obito and Might Guy won't inexplicably slack off.
Unless Kakashi suddenly gains some special insights into the Breathing Technique, surpassing them in a short time would be challenging.
"Rin, wasn't I amazing just now?" Obito couldn't help but run up to Nohara Rin and ask.
"Amazing indeed, you even defeated Kakashi. If the classmates knew, they'd be shocked." Nohara Rin exclaimed in surprise and praise.
If it weren't for Might Guy's precedent, Nohara Rin would have been even more surprised.
Because back when Kakashi was in the Ninja Academy, his performance was overwhelmingly strong, leaving a deep impression on Nohara Rin.