The Counterbalance of the Five Elements – Lessons from Legendary Ninjas
After blowing his students' minds with the lesson on battle rhythm, Satoru-sensei crossed his arms, standing in the middle of the forest, his gaze sweeping across his three disciples.
"Rhythm isn't just found in swordsmanship. It's the foundation of every battle."
He bent down, picked up a small stone from the ground, tossed it into the air, and caught it rhythmically as he continued speaking.
"Do you all know why the Second Hokage—Senju Tobirama—is famous for his mastery of Water Release?"
Obito pouted, looking unimpressed.
"Because he was strong, obviously."
Satoru-sensei glanced at Obito, chuckling lightly.
"True, but that's not the real reason."
He tossed the stone upward once more, then with a precise flick of his wooden sword, deflected it so that it landed perfectly in his palm.
"The real reason is that Water Release counters Fire Release, which happens to be the Uchiha clan's signature element."
The three students were stunned, especially Obito.
Satoru-sensei continued calmly:
"The Second Hokage knew that his greatest enemy would be the Uchiha, so he spent his life mastering Water Release to gain the upper hand in every battle against them."
He turned his gaze to Obito, his expression unreadable.
"So, tell me—what would you do if you had to fight an Uchiha far stronger than yourself?"
Obito frowned, hesitated for a moment, then muttered:
"Isn't the answer just to… get stronger than them?"
Kakashi glanced at Obito and shrugged nonchalantly.
"If being stronger was all it took, then weaker opponents would never stand a chance."
Obito clenched his jaw, annoyed but unable to argue back.
Gai rubbed his chin, nodding thoughtfully.
"So, aside from battle rhythm, we also need to understand how chakra elements interact to counter our enemies."
Satoru-sensei nodded approvingly.
"Exactly! Unless there's an overwhelming difference in chakra reserves, elemental counters play a crucial role in every battle."
Strength Isn't Everything – The Art of Turning Weakness into Power
Satoru-sensei lowered his voice, his sharp gaze intensifying.
"But understand this… being stronger isn't everything."
He took a step closer, his voice dropping into a serious tone.
"In every fight, there are strengths and weaknesses. Even when facing an opponent far stronger than you, there will always be a way to win."
The three students leaned in, fully focused, hanging onto his every word.
Satoru raised his hand, clenching it into a fist.
"When you face a stronger enemy, use their own desire to win against them."
He smirked slightly, a cunning glint in his eye.
"The strongest fighters often underestimate weaker opponents. Their overconfidence is their biggest weakness."
He pointed directly at Obito.
"Obito, if you're up against someone way stronger than you—someone who's determined to crush you instantly—what would you do?"
Obito hesitated before gritting his teeth and answering.
"I… I'd fight to the end!"
Kakashi sighed and shook his head.
"Then you'd die."
Obito whipped around, fuming.
"Can you stop saying things like that so bluntly!?"
Satoru-sensei chuckled but quickly regained his serious demeanor.
"Obito, if you're weaker, you need to play the role of the prey."
The three students blinked in confusion.
Gai tilted his head.
"Play the role of the prey? Sensei, what do you mean?"
Satoru-sensei smirked.
"Make your enemy think they're in control of the fight… when in reality, it's you leading them."
He swung his wooden sword lightly, sending a gust of air brushing past the students' faces.
"A predator is only strong when the prey runs. But if the prey lures the predator into a trap… then who's really in control?"
Obito's eyes widened, as if something had finally clicked.
The Test – Obito vs. Kakashi
Satoru-sensei smirked and suddenly pointed at Kakashi.
"Kakashi, you're stronger than Obito, right?"
Kakashi nodded without hesitation.
Obito immediately snapped.
"HEY! Do you have to say it like that!?"
Kakashi just shrugged, completely indifferent.
"It's just the truth."
Obito clenched his fists, his irritation bubbling over.
"Just you wait! I'll show you!"
Satoru clapped his hands together, refocusing the students' attention.
"Alright, time for a test. If Obito can land a single hit on Kakashi, he wins."
Obito blinked in surprise before his eyes lit up with fiery determination.
"I'll prove you wrong, Sensei!"
Kakashi looked utterly unconcerned, hands casually tucked in his pockets. It was clear he didn't take the challenge seriously.
Which only fueled Obito's frustration even more.
"This guy… He really thinks I can't touch him!?"
On the sidelines, Gai was practically vibrating with excitement.
"Satoru-sensei! Can I fight you!?"
Satoru chuckled lightly, though inwardly, he was sweating bullets.
"Why do I always make things harder for myself…?"
He took a deep breath and waved his hand.
"Alright. Let's begin."
Kakashi stood still, completely relaxed, his sharp eyes watching Obito like a hawk.
Obito clenched his fists, determination burning inside him.
"I won't let you look down on me anymore, Kakashi!"
And then—
He charged forward, kicking off the most important fight of his life.
(To be continued in Chapter 15 – The Battle of the Young Shinobi!)