Chapter 337: Growing Within Battle
Uchiha Dali had no idea that at this very moment, his every move, every strike, was being watched by a mysterious powerhouse tens of thousands of light-years away.
That person was not merely spectating, but had magnified the light screen and was focusing specifically on Uchiha Dali's techniques, analyzing them almost frame by frame, trying to uncover some sort of pattern or flaw.
Of course, this mysterious figure wasn't only analyzing Uchiha Dali's techniques and abilities—he was equally interested in Ōtsutsuki Kyōshiki's moves and powers.
After observing for a while, the mysterious powerhouse muttered to himself again:
"Looks like Kyōshiki, that guy, is the same as me—just one step away from touching that realm."
"Heh… too bad you've been delayed. That makes this my perfect chance to completely surpass you."
"But this kid's mode is really bizarre. He clearly only has a single transformation, yet he can fight evenly with Kyōshiki in his third stage, not falling behind, and even…"
As he spoke to himself, continuing to watch closely, the mysterious figure soon reached another conclusion.
"He seems to be able to grow within battle…"
At this moment, a look of doubt and uncertainty flashed in the mysterious powerhouse's eyes.
He had seen countless strong figures, including many peerlessly gifted geniuses.
But someone who could continue to grow during battle—adapting swiftly to a powerful enemy, then raising his own strength rapidly to match the opponent—this was something he had never seen before.
"This kid might be the more suitable target…"
After watching a while longer, the mysterious figure began muttering again:
"The most suitable target for my reincarnation."
"If I can make him my vessel, then once I complete my final reincarnation, I will surely reach that realm! Perhaps… I might even surpass it!"
The mysterious figure grew increasingly fervent as he spoke.
A person who could grow at any moment during battle—this body's potential was practically infinite, or perhaps, it truly was infinite.
What kind of temptation was that?
It was a lure greater than the energy of a star!
Even so, though his heart was burning with desire, the mysterious powerhouse did not act immediately.
It wasn't time yet.
He kept his eyes locked on the battle unfolding within the light screen, continuing to analyze the abilities and techniques of both Ōtsutsuki Kyōshiki and Uchiha Dali.
"Fight. Best if the two of you end up destroying each other. That way, I can sweep you both up in one go, hehe…"
Such were the thoughts he silently entertained.
But at this very moment, he wasn't the only one who had noticed Uchiha Dali's secret—Ōtsutsuki Kyōshiki himself had realized it too.
The fact that Uchiha Dali could actually grow rapidly during battle left Kyōshiki deeply shaken.
"Just a moment ago, this brat couldn't even keep up with my speed—barely managing to defend against my attacks. But now, not only can he follow my rhythm completely, he even has the space to counterattack! That's impossible!"
"Could his talent… really be that overwhelming?"
Kyōshiki found it hard to believe.
He began seriously observing Uchiha Dali's changes in strength. The more carefully he watched, the more he confirmed his suspicion. And that only made him feel more unsettled and shocked.
How could such an existence be possible?
"Looks like this form of yours isn't much after all."
Having gradually adapted to his opponent's power and rhythm, Uchiha Dali once again became calm and unhurried.
He smiled playfully as he launched his counterattack, mocking his opponent with words.
But as soon as he spoke, Kyōshiki stopped his assault, retreating to put some distance between them.
Uchiha Dali also halted, looking at him leisurely.
In truth, he was already approaching his limit.
A dull pain was spreading through his body.
"Ultra Instinct can help me adapt to the rhythm of my opponent's attacks, but in the end, this body of mine can't fully keep up with the intensity of such power."
"After clashing with him head-on so many times, the accumulated damage in my body is finally bursting out…"
Uchiha Dali clearly recognized these problems.
Although it looked like he was fighting Kyōshiki evenly—perhaps even holding a slight advantage—he couldn't completely ignore the damage from his opponent's blows.
After all, his opponent was a being close to godhood.
Even the simplest physical strike carried enough force to obliterate several planets with ease.
Under such attacks, the wear and tear on his body was beginning to show as fatigue and pain.
"I admit, I did underestimate you before."
"What's your name?"
Only now did Ōtsutsuki Kyōshiki finally ask Uchiha Dali's name.
It was clear that from the start, he had never truly regarded him as a worthy opponent. Only after failing to defeat him for so long did he remember to ask.
"Then what's your name?"
Uchiha Dali asked back, feigning ignorance.
"Heh, we're both rude fellows. Fine then—I'm Ōtsutsuki Kyōshiki, your destined nemesis."
"That introduction's a bit chūni. I'm Uchiha Dali."
"Uchiha Dali? You're not an Ōtsutsuki?"
"Of course not. But you can call me Ōtsutsuki Dali if you want, doesn't matter—it's just a name."
Uchiha Dali shrugged casually.
Hearing this, a glint of appreciation flickered in Kyōshiki's eyes.
Setting aside the fact that they were enemies, he genuinely liked the boy's attitude.
He himself didn't care much about names either. As the other said, a name was just a label—call it whatever you want.
"What is that ability of yours? I've never seen such power."
Kyōshiki tilted his chin at Uchiha Dali.
He was now deeply curious about Ultra Instinct.
And another thing he couldn't ignore—how Uchiha Dali was able to grow so rapidly in battle.
It seemed he didn't need to absorb any external energy at all, yet could still keep progressing without end.
That was almost unthinkable.
"You mean this?"
Uchiha Dali pointed to the silvery-white lines glowing across the surface of his body.
Kyōshiki immediately nodded.
"It's called 'Self-Mastery Divine Art.'"
"Self-Mastery Divine Art?"
Kyōshiki was momentarily stunned. Sure enough, it was a power he had never heard of—not a technique of the Rinnegan. He had long since developed every Rinnegan ability to its limit, and nothing like this existed among them.
"Another name works too—you could call it 'Ultra Instinct.'"
Uchiha Dali added.
Kyōshiki nodded again, then pressed on curiously:
"What else can you do? Show me everything you've got."