Chương 59: Chapter 59: Target, Kannabi Bridge
Three days later.
Outside a dense, lush forest, Minato sat on a rock, waiting for his students. The usual smile on his face was missing today.
The war between Iwagakure and Konohagakure had escalated into an all-out conflict, with armies pressing hard against the borders of the Land of Fire. The high-ranking combat forces of the village had been dispatched to the frontlines, leaving Konohagakure in a dire state of manpower.
Out of necessity, Minato had no choice but to send his students... to the battlefield.
Kakashi was the first to arrive, greeting his sensei with a nod.
"Minato-sensei."
Minato returned the gesture with a slight nod.
"Kakashi."
A while later, Rin and Obito appeared, walking hand in hand.
"Good morning, Minato-sensei!" Rin greeted with a bright smile.
"You two…" Minato blinked in surprise before his expression turned complicated.
Under different circumstances, he would have been delighted to congratulate them. But now...
Kakashi glanced at the pair, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
That idiot finally confessed to her, huh?
Then it hit him.
Wait a second.
Kakashi's expression froze. If those two were together now, didn't that leave him as... the only single one in the team?!
Being single wasn't a big deal—or at least, that's what Kakashi always told himself. He'd never been particularly interested in romance. But what was unbearable was being surrounded by couples while still single.
Even worse, his two closest friends were now a couple. And he'd have to third-wheel with them on missions. Every. Single. Day.
Kakashi's eyes widened in silent despair.
How... how could this happen?!
"Minato-sensei, good morning! Kakashi, what are you glaring at me for?" Obito asked, puzzled by Kakashi's intense stare.
"Hmph," Kakashi scoffed, refusing to answer.
Obito was utterly confused.
What did I do to piss him off?
Rin reached into her bag and pulled out a small medical kit, holding it out to Kakashi with both hands.
"Kakashi, this is a gift from Obito and me. Congratulations on becoming a jōnin!"
Kakashi accepted the kit and tucked it into his pouch.
"Thanks, Rin."
Minato took out a kunai from his pouch, managing a small smile.
"Here, Kakashi. This is a special kunai I had custom-made for you. It's a bit heavier than usual, but once you get used to it, it's very effective."
He tossed the kunai toward Kakashi, who caught it and slid it into his belt.
"Thank you, Minato-sensei."
"Hey! What about me? Why aren't you thanking me too?!" Obito protested, clearly displeased.
Kakashi shot him a sidelong glance and scoffed again, leaving Obito dumbfounded.
What's with this guy today?
Once the team was assembled, Minato led them forward. With the situation at the frontlines dire, there was no time to waste.
As they moved, Minato explained,
"With Konoha's forces stretched thin, we'll need to split up to maximize efficiency. Kakashi, you'll lead the team and handle the mission. I'll operate separately."
Kakashi nodded.
"Understood, Minato-sensei. But what exactly is our mission?"
Minato turned back to them.
"I'll explain the details soon. Let's keep moving for now."
They stopped midway to rest, gathering around a flat rock as Minato spread out a map.
"The Land of Earth is currently attacking Kusagakure. It's only a matter of time before they push into the Land of Fire. To prevent this, your mission is to infiltrate enemy territory and destroy Kannabi Bridge, their key supply route."
The mention of Kannabi Bridge sent a shiver down Obito's spine. The name itself gave him an ominous feeling, as if fate were trying to warn him.
"So, we're cutting off their supply lines," Kakashi murmured.
Minato nodded.
"Exactly. Once we reach the border, we'll split up. I'll attack the enemy directly to create a diversion, allowing you to infiltrate and complete the mission. Afterward, retreat immediately."
Rin's expression turned serious as she nodded.
"Understood, Minato-sensei."
Minato's gaze softened as he looked at their young faces.
"Stay safe, all of you. Promise me you'll come back in one piece."
The atmosphere grew heavy. Everyone understood the peril of their task; a single mistake could mean disaster.
Sensing the tension, Obito grinned and puffed out his chest.
"Don't worry, Minato-sensei! I'll protect both of them!"
Kakashi scoffed.
"Who needs your protection?"
The group pressed on, eventually reaching a peculiar forest. The trees here were massive, with trunks wide enough to rival small buildings. Enormous mushrooms dotted the landscape, their sheer size making it seem as though one could feed a family for months.
Kakashi raised his hand, signaling the others to stop.
"There's an ambush ahead," he said quietly.
Minato closed his eyes, his senses sharpening.
"Twenty enemies. But most are likely shadow clones. Be careful."
Kakashi's eyes lit up with determination.
"I'll handle the attack. The rest of you provide support."
Minato frowned.
"Don't be rash, Kakashi. Stay back and support instead."
But Kakashi ignored the advice, forming seals as a fierce electrical aura crackled around him. The air was filled with the sound of a thousand birds chirping as lightning danced on his fingertips.
"With this jutsu, I can take them all out in one go!"
Before he could charge forward, Minato blocked him with an outstretched arm.
"No, Kakashi. Not yet."
Obito placed a hand on Kakashi's shoulder, his tone uncharacteristically serious.
"Listen to Minato-sensei, Kakashi. This jutsu isn't ready yet. There's no need to take unnecessary risks."
Kakashi hesitated but eventually relented, letting the crackling lightning dissipate.
"Fine. Obito and I will take point. Rin, you stay back and provide cover."
Minato smiled in approval.
"Good teamwork. Let's go."
With that, the team sprang into action, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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