Konoha Village, Training Ground 22.
Two golden figures stood opposite each other, smiling at each other.
A few figures nearby watched them with anticipation.
"Who do you think will win?" Obito couldn't help but turn to Kakashi and the others and ask.
Mokgetsu and Namikaze Minato were both teachers for him, Kakashi, and Nohara Rin. In the eyes of many Konoha Ninjas, Namikaze Minato and Mokgetsu were considered some of the strongest among Konoha's new generation of ninjas, so Obito was curious about other students' predictions of the battle result.
As a staunch follower of Mokgetsu's teachings, Obito naturally sided with Mokgetsu.
He believed that the all-powerful Sage Mokgetsu would not lose to anyone in a one-on-one battle, even though Obito had seen Namikaze Minato kill Jonin like cutting grass.
"If it's a practice battle, Mokgetsu Sensei should win." Kakashi thought for a moment and replied.
As a mutual student of both, Kakashi was well aware of their strengths. Namikaze Minato was extremely powerful but was mostly strong due to his extraordinary speed. Without the Flying Thunder God Jutsu, Namikaze Minato wasn't weak, but he wasn't the Yellow Flash either.
Mokgetsu's strength, however, was all-encompassing. Losing a Breathing Technique or a Nature Transformation or even a Secret Technique wouldn't greatly affect Mokgetsu, as he had too many techniques at his disposal.
Mokgetsu had mastered seven Chakra Nature Changes, was proficient in numerous Five Release Ninjutsu, and had developed a series of powerful Secret Techniques, including Breathing Techniques and Armament Aura.
When Kakashi considered Mokgetsu as his imaginary enemy, he found he couldn't pinpoint any weakness in Mokgetsu, even with all the secret intel he knew, unable to gain advantage in battle.
"Only absolute hard strength might defeat Mokgetsu Sensei." Kakashi thought to himself.
He believed only ninjas like the Third Hokage, Third Tsuchikage, and Third Raikage who were incomparably strong in hard strength might surpass Mokgetsu.
"What if it's not a practice battle?" Obito didn't think a real combat scenario would differ greatly from a practice fight.
"If not a practice battle, it might not conclude. Minato Sensei would want to leave, and Mokgetsu Sensei couldn't stop him." Kakashi replied.
Unless Namikaze Minato and Mokgetsu fought to the death, even Mokgetsu would find it hard to kill a ninja proficient in Flying Thunder God.
Obito thought seriously for a moment about this.
"I think it's Mokgetsu Sensei." Shisui recalled something about Namikaze Minato and answered.
Though their reputations and accomplishments were similar, Mokgetsu had a low-key personality, leading Shisui to believe Mokgetsu's strength couldn't be measured by fame or accomplishments.
"Though it seems similar, if I had to choose, it'd definitely be Mokgetsu Sensei." Might Guy said with a big laugh, showing his big white teeth, and gave a thumbs-up to Mokgetsu.
"I feel like Mokgetsu Sensei will win." Nohara Rin said after pondering.
Nohara Rin's thoughts were simple; she felt that with Armament Aura, Namikaze Minato would find it difficult to harm Mokgetsu.
Additionally, Mokgetsu had not only mastered the Flying Thunder God but also had an explosive Breath of Thunder Chakra Mode, so his speed might not be inferior to Namikaze Minato.
Comparing this, Nohara Rin felt Mokgetsu seemed a more comprehensive version of Namikaze Minato, thus believing Mokgetsu had a greater chance of winning.
"Everyone's thoughts are similar, but Minato Sensei is pretty good too, so let's just watch without cheering for Mokgetsu Sensei." Obito reminded, to prevent any awkwardness for Namikaze Minato.
Kakashi looked at Obito exasperatedly, "A normal person wouldn't cheer during a practice match."
Mokgetsu and Namikaze Minato were good friends; if someone actually did so, it would be quite awkward.
"What if someone did?" Obito was a bit unconvinced.
Kakashi ignored Obito and turned his attention to the upcoming battle.
"Though it's a practice fight, I hope you'll go all out, Minato. Don't hold back worrying about injuring me." Mokgetsu said.
Even though Minato was still growing, his Flying Thunder God Jutsu was already highly proficient, making him a speed-specialized ninja. If Mokgetsu could handle Minato's attacks skillfully, there'd be no speed-type ninja in the current Ninja World Mokgetsu couldn't counter.
"Even if you hadn't told me, I planned to go all out. After all, you've even managed to kill a Jinchuriki." Minato replied with a smile.
"Moreover, Kushina is watching."
Though Kushina couldn't watch onsite, due to her strong request, coupled with Sarutobi Hiruzen's interest in Mokgetsu and Namikaze Minato's battle, Kushina gained the right to watch the fight from the Hokage Office alongside Sarutobi Hiruzen.
The Hokage Building was within barriers, ensuring Kushina wasn't affected by Nine-tails' Chakra.
At that moment, Kushina was complaining to Sarutobi Hiruzen unhappily.
"Why are there pictures without sound?"
Kushina watched Mokgetsu and Namikaze Minato's mouths moving, wanting to know what they were saying and if they mentioned her.
"This ninjutsu can only achieve this level." Sarutobi Hiruzen explained.
Monitoring from such a long distance was challenging enough; Kushina was expecting too much.
"Fine, I'll just settle for watching then." Kushina saw they stopped talking, seemed ready to start fighting, and stopped worrying about the details.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed slightly and focused on Minato and Mokgetsu in the crystal ball.
If not for Kushina's unique status, Sarutobi Hiruzen might have wanted to eject her from the office to use his ninjutsu in peace without her constant chatter.
"The battle begins!"
Following the guest referee Kakashi's call, Mokgetsu and Namikaze Minato immediately began forming hand seals on the spot.