Gai's eyes narrowed at Kakashi's words (he even knew Kakashi's wily ways and that he was playing right into Kakashi's hands and he still frowned and snorted and grudgingly admitted to himself that damnit, Kakashi was right! It was not a fair match!). Still, perhaps given the circumstances, fair might be overrated. Gai was sure Kakashi could forgive him this instance of a unbalanced challenge if Gai didn't count it to their tally.

"My apologies, Obito! I was focused on preventing his escape!" Noting Obito's tactic, however, Gai did his best to make Kakashi's side as exposed to the prodding and tickling as possible. "Come! I will hold him in place for your counterattack!"