Western Forest. The night wrapped the trees in silence.
Leaves rustled gently in the breeze, but none of them noticed. Every breath, every movement could decide the outcome of the battle.
Eren stood firm, sharp eyes scanning the terrain. He sensed chakra moving at breakneck speed. A chill ran down his spine—not from the cold, but from instinct warning him of imminent danger.
*Whoosh!*
Kakashi dove down from above, activating Chidori only at the final moment.
A streak of lightning flashed behind Eren, shrieking like a thousand birds. Chidori!
Kakashi descended from a high branch, thunder crackling around his hand. The sound echoed through the forest. Electric light wrapped around his arm like the fangs of a thunder god. His gaze was razor sharp—this was the decisive moment.
In a tenth of a second, Eren had to choose: evade or confront.
He knew his Armament Haki couldn't fully block Chidori. Evading? Too late.
Only one choice left—face it head-on!
Eren performed a hand seal with incredible speed. Giant tree roots erupted from the earth, weaving together a massive wooden shield.
Chidori pierced through!
The lightning blade ripped through the Wood Style defense like a hot knife through butter. Branches burned and shattered.
But Eren gritted his teeth, pouring all his strength into a Titan-enhanced punch—the force of a monster behind it.
*BOOM!*
Chidori struck Eren's chest!
It went in only five centimeters before being stopped by hardened muscle and Haki.
And Eren's fist?
A violent gust burst from the punch, blowing back Kakashi's cloak and silver hair. But Eren retracted the final blow, stopping just short of contact. The shockwave pushed Kakashi gently back.
The forest fell deathly silent.
Everyone held their breath.
Kakashi landed, retracting his hand. His eyes were still sharp but held a hint of awe.
Eren exhaled, locking eyes with him.
Satoru finally spoke, breaking the silence:
"I declare the elder brother victorious."
---
**Battle Analysis**
Obito, Gai, and Rin erupted in chatter.
"That was terrifying!" Obito gasped. "Kakashi's still as tricky as ever, but Eren... he's like an unstoppable beast!"
Satoru nodded, his tone calm and instructive.
"Alright. Let's break down what we can learn."
**1. Shadow Clones & Chakra Suppression**
"Kakashi used shadow clones to spread across the field and lowered his chakra signature to avoid Eren's detection. He knew he was facing someone far stronger and relied on tactics to level the field."
Satoru glanced at Kakashi:
"That was smart. A shinobi must think clearly when outmatched."
Obito blinked and shouted:
"So... Kakashi only beats me because he's sneakier, not stronger?!"
Kakashi smirked:
"I use my brain to teach the brainless."
"HEY!"
Everyone laughed. Satoru then continued, more seriously:
"However, this tactic burns through chakra fast. Kakashi, you noticed that, right?"
"Yes, Sensei."
**2. Trap Detection through Observation Haki**
"Eren sensed the hidden mud trap with Haki. Despite Kakashi's concealment, he picked up the chakra fluctuations underground."
Eren added:
"It felt like something was flowing underneath me. I didn't ignore it."
"That's key," Satoru nodded. "Never underestimate an opponent. Stay alert. Never shut off your Haki."
**3. Seizing Opportunity with Chidori**
"Kakashi timed Chidori perfectly. He didn't reveal his move too early."
Then Satoru turned to Eren:
"But you made a mistake."
"You trusted your power too much and allowed Kakashi to dictate the battlefield. You could have broken the setup with Wood Forest Jutsu, but you played into his plan."
Eren went quiet, clearly reflecting.
---
**The Final Lesson**
Satoru looked at all four students:
"This shinobi world is fragile. Life and death are separated by a thread."
"Don't make me lose any of you. Understand?"
They all nodded firmly.
Satoru's gaze lingered on Rin, and his heart grew heavy.
If he wanted to protect these children, he'd have to face the darkest powers of the shinobi world.
The Mist wanted to use Rin as a Jinchuriki.
Madara and Black Zetsu—who knew when they might move?
Satoru sighed.
Indeed, the ancients were right: the more bonds you have, the heavier your heart becomes.
**END OF CHAPTER 86**