A Week Later
Throughout the week, Kakashi's team completed several missions, but during this time they also continued to investigate the incident that had happened to Kakashi. However, after a week of investigations, all their efforts proved futile, as they found neither clues nor any other evidence.
They were almost ready to give up when Rin and Obito, along with Minato, sat in the shade of a tree waiting for Kakashi to start their missions.
Obito: We need to go to Kakashi's house. He's been delayed for too long. What if he's under a genjutsu and we don't know it? - said Obito, lying on the grass in the shade of the tree with the others.
Rin: Obito, Kakashi said he would let us know immediately if he got caught in a genjutsu again.
Minato stood up, looked at both of them, and said: Obito might be right; Kakashi has always been the first to arrive. - Rin and Obito nodded, and the two set off for Kakashi's house.
Minato, for his part, disappeared before their eyes. Simultaneously, Rin and Obito glanced at each other and hurried to Kakashi's house. When they arrived at Kakashi's home, they saw him sitting by the door, a look of shock in his eyes.
Obito, seeing him, exclaimed joyfully: Hey! You need to let us know if you're not coming today! If you apologize to Rin, who waited for you for two whole hours, then maybe I'll forgive you, - he said, half-jokingly and turning away.
Kakashi looked at them and said in a quiet voice: It happened again. - Hearing his words, both of them widened their eyes in surprise.
Rin immediately reacted: What happened? Did someone get hurt? - She run to Kakashi and sat next to him, offering support. Seeing this, Obito bit his lip and clenched his fist.
Kakashi: Hurt... my backyard. Minato-sensei is there now. - Kakashi stood up and went with them to his backyard. Rounding the house, they immediately noticed their sensei standing with a complicated expression on his face. When Kakashi and the others arrived, Obito was the first to react.
Obito: Oh my God, Kakashi, did you do all this? Genjutsu isn't supposed to make someone stronger, right?! Could Kakashi really be so strong now that he ripped these trees out by their roots?!
Yes, before them lay more than a dozen trees uprooted, some cut by something sharp, and others shattered. There were cracks in the ground in several places.
Kakashi: This wasn't here yesterday. When I woke up today, I saw all this. It means someone put me under genjutsu again last night.
Rin and Obito exchanged looks, realizing the seriousness of the situation.
Obito sighed and said: So what are you going to do, Kakashi?
Kakashi shook his head, clutching it as if trying to recall the previous night: I don't know who or what is behind this. Nothing comes to mind.
Obito suddenly said quietly: Kakashi, could it be the same person who made you attack Guy a week ago?
Kakashi nodded: Yes, it's probably him, - he said, looking at the bruises on his hands.
Minato: For now, let's start by examining the surrounding area. Maybe we'll find some clues that will help us understand what happened.
Kakashi nodded in agreement.
All four of them set out along the perimeter, investigating the site of the destruction. They found traces of chakra that belonged to Kakashi.
Obito noticed: These traces look a bit strange. It seems like the attacker used some special ninjutsu.
Kakashi looked toward Obito: Yes, you're right. My body can't cut or shatter trees like this.
Minato: No, you are mistaken. No special technique is needed if the person is physically very strong. Now, you three head to the Hokage's residence while I continue to investigate here. - The three nodded and left.
Minato examined the entire perimeter but found only tracks leading to Kakashi. Finishing his inspection, he disappeared using the Flying Thunder God Technique and instantly appeared inside the Hokage's residence.
Meanwhile, from the perspective of Minato's team.
Kakashi, Obito, and Rin arrived at the residence and saw Might Duy, Minato, and the Hokage in conversation. Seeing them arrive, the group stopped talking, and Minato approached them.
Minato: You have a new mission. - Minato then looked towards the Hokage.
Hokage: You must escort and guard a convoy of merchants traveling to the Land of Wind.
Rank: C
Kakashi, upon hearing this, said: We're not ready. I can tell from the look on our sensei's face. He's not going with us, right?
Hokage replied: Correct. A jonin from the Hyuga clan will accompany you. Minato will be busy for some time, so another jonin will be assigned to you temporarily. - Hearing this, Kakashi frowned and began to contemplate the mission.
Kakashi: Can we decline? - Kakashi asked immediately after hearing this.
But Obito intervened: Kakashi, what's wrong with you? This is our first challenging mission! We'll be leaving the village! Plus, you're a chunin, and a jonin will be with us.
Kakashi: Exactly. We'll be leaving the village, and our sensei won't be with us because we're weak. We can't take this risk. Also, we can't rely on the strength of a jonin we don't even know, - Kakashi said harshly. Obito pointed at Kakashi and added: We should accept the mission! I will definitely protect everyone, - he said with a laugh and a determined tone.
Kakashi turned irritably to look at his sensei, who smiled gently: Kakashi, even if I'm not there, you are capable of completing this mission. It's quite easy and will give you some valuable experience, - said Minato. The Hokage also joined the conversation.
Hokage: Kakashi, you assessed the situation and made the right conclusions. I'm impressed, but you are perfectly suited for this mission, - he said in a wise and instructive tone.
Kakashi: We agree, - he said, and Obito and Rin rejoiced.
Kakashi and the others were descending the stairs when Duy looked at Minato and said: Please don't forget what I told you.
Minato: I haven't forgotten, Duy. - Minato stayed in the Hokage's office.
Might Duy descended the stairs and passed by Kakashi's squad, where they were met by a jonin from the Hyuga clan.
He introduced himself: My name is Shinoichi, and I am the jonin who will be leading the squad, - he said with a smile.
Obito looked confusedly toward Might Duy, who was about to leave: You're not coming with us? - Might Duy gave a crooked smile, scratched his head, and said: No, I'm in a hurry, so do your best on the mission, kids. - He then left, descending the stairs.
Just as Obito wanted to ask why, Kakashi interrupted him, and they went to meet the merchants near the gates. Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office:
Hokage: Minato, do you really want to follow your plan, even if it means sacrificing Kakashi's trust?
Minato: Hokage-sama, I can't just leave it like this. I have a theory, and it can only be tested by those with the Byakugan.
Hokage: I trust you, Minato, so make sure there are no sacrifices.
Minato: Understood.
From Kakashi's perspective.
At noon, Kakashi, Rin, Obito, and Shinoichi gathered at the entrance to Konoha.
Shinoichi: Remember, everyone, our task is to ensure the safety of the merchant convoy to the border of the Land of Wind, - he said in a serious tone.
Shinoichi: Stay alert and stick together. - After this, they met with the merchants who were transporting over seven wagons of goods.
The journey was long; they had already covered half the distance. It had been three days since they set out for the Land of Wind. Ordinary shinobi like Kakashi and the others could reach the border in three days, but because there were many merchants and goods, they moved slowly.
The lead merchant informed them that they needed to rest in a village an hour away because their horses were tired and needed a break. After an hour's walk, they reached the village, where they were warmly welcomed.
Soon, the merchants settled down for lunch, sitting in the shade of the trees and preparing to eat.
Kakashi: I have a feeling someone is watching me, - Kakashi whispered, looking into the forest.
Obito: I'm on guard duty, so don't worry about trivial things, - Obito boasted.
Suddenly, several kunai flew out from the trees, aimed at Obito's back. Kakashi barely reacted in time and deflected most of the kunai, except for a few that struck his shoulder. Four people emerged from the forest, dressed in various rags.
Kakashi: They don't have headbands; they're bandits! Kakashi, Obito, and Rin quickly moved to protect the merchants. Shinoichi stepped in to confront the four bandits.
The bandit who looked like the leader said: If you want to live, leave and let us have the merchants! - he shouted maliciously
The bandit: Young ninja from Konoha are inexperienced, and we together are stronger than you, Konoha ninja! - The bandit threatened Shinoichi. The villagers noticed the situation and began hiding in their homes.
Shinoichi prepared for battle, while Kakashi and the others took defensive positions near the merchants. The bandit immediately ordered his three subordinates to attack Kakashi's squad, while he engaged Shinoichi.
Rin: We'll protect you, don't be afraid, - she assured the merchants.
Bandit: You don't know who you're dealing with, - taunted another bandit.
Kakashi: Wait, you're not at their level. They're all Chunin. We need a plan to handle them, - said Kakashi coldly.
Obito: Rin, stay behind me! - said Obito, trembling with fear.
Kakashi glanced toward Shinoichi and saw him fighting the bandit leader.
Kakashi: Tsk, Obito, Rin, you take on one of them, and I'll handle the other two, - he said.
Obito and Rin responded in unison: Got it! - Shinoichi observed with his Byakugan, monitoring Kakashi's chakra.
Kakashi engaged in combat with two Chunin…
Pov Sam:
While Sam was training and doing physical exercises, a system screen appeared.
Sam: A mission from the system?
Mission for the owner: Hold out for 2 minutes until the sealing technique is fully removed.
Optional task: Eliminate 7 Konoha shinobi.
Navigation: 6m from you
[Killing] – 3 points each
[Defeating] – 1 point each
[Accept] [Decline]
Sam: Accept.
From the perspective of others:
Shinoichi looked at Kakashi's body: His chakra is fading! He's dying, idiots, remove the seal! - Shinoichi shouted.
Suddenly, Kakashi's body stood up by itself, and everyone felt a sense of danger.
One of the bandits who wanted to approach and help Kakashi froze in place, seeing Kakashi's body stand. He then said: What the heck! - At that moment, Rin ran towards Kakashi. They didn't expect Kakashi to get up.
Rin: Kakashi, run! - Kakashi slowly looked at her, and as she approached, he lightly struck the back of her neck, causing her to fall unconscious.
Sam: One down. - Sam looked around and saw four people dressed in rags, appearing like bandits. Sam remembered the mission involved eliminating seven Konoha ninja, but he only saw Rin, Obito, and one shinobi in Konoha uniform.
Sam: All these people are my enemies. I just need to defeat these six, - Sam thought, having knocked out Rin.
Sam looked at his chest and saw a red seal there. He tried to rip it off, but it shocked him with electricity.
Notification*
Passive skill - Trained Eye activated.
[You lose 2 health points every second]
Sam: Activate Combat Mode and Combat Desperation, - he thought.
[Your combat skills are temporarily enhanced]
[Your health is below 50%] – you gain a 5% bonus to damage and resistance.
[You lose 24 stamina points per second]
Obito: Rin! - shouted Obito, immediately attacking Kakashi, holding a kunai.
Sam easily dodged and struck Obito in the throat, causing him to fall to the ground writhing in pain. Sam took Obito's kunai, and suddenly someone called out to him.
Rin: Kakashi, what's wrong with you? - she looked at him with pain.
Sam ignored her and looked towards the others.
Notification* You gained 2 points
Sam: These bandits are very dangerous. Kakashi isn't even eight yet. Physical strength alone won't help, - he thought, swallowing hard as he looked at the bandits.
Kakashi instantly appeared in front of the first bandit, slashing his face with a kunai. The bandit tried to dodge but was knocked back.
Sam dodged another attack, grabbed his opponent's arm, and threw him over his shoulder to the ground. Then, with all his might, he punched the bandit in the stomach, causing him to lose consciousness. Sam then had to defend against a third opponent.
The third bandit was more agile and managed to punch Sam in the stomach and grab his wrist, attempting to break it. However, he failed as Sam drove a kunai into his leg. The bandit's grip weakened, and Sam spun his body to break free, landing on the ground and taking a defensive stance while breathing heavily.
The kunai had pierced deeply, causing the third bandit to writhe in pain. Watching this, Sam felt uneasy.
Sam had dealt with the three Chunin.
Notification* You received 3 points
Health: 110/260
Stamina: 170/410
Chakra: 20/130
At that moment, when Sam looked toward Shinoichi and the bandit, he felt tension from them, knowing their power levels reached that of Jonin. They charged at him, understanding what he could do to three Chunin if they didn't.
They saw in his eyes that he was analyzing them. Sam remained silent, watching the fist flying towards his face.
Sam blocked the bandit's punch with both hands. The bandit unexpectedly met resistance, realizing his attack had impacted Sam's entire body. Due to this attack, Kakashi's nose started to bleed, his body felt numb, and he was knocked back but managed to maintain his balance.
Sam quickly jumped back, dodging the next attack from the bandit, and simultaneously delivered a swift kick to Shinoichi's stomach, who attacked him from behind. Shinoichi, approaching from behind, grabbed his leg and struck Kakashi, sending him flying three meters away.
Shinoichi: Why is he moving?
Sam, having been thrown back, spun in the air and fell face-first to the ground, immediately getting back into his stance. His arms were relaxed and slightly lowered due to exhaustion.
Notification*
[Stamina] - The owner's stamina is depleted, and he can no longer use Combat Desperation.
At that moment, Shinoichi appeared behind him and struck. Sam looked back and got hit in the face, flying several meters away.
Sam's eyes showed a bit of worry; if he didn't hold out for another 10 seconds, he would surely fail the mission.
The bandit suddenly gathered all his strength to punch Sam in the face and simultaneously seal him with another seal.
Sam: You'll only seal Kakashi; I won't suffer from your attack, Konoha ninja, - Sam said. The bandit's palm with the seal stopped a few centimeters from Sam's face. Sam looked at Duy's shocked face.
Bandit: Who are you?!
Sam: It doesn't matter who I am; what's important is who you are... - Sam said, coughing up blood.
Sam: My name is Samuel, remember it. If we ever meet again, greet me as a friend. You're a good father, Might Duy...
Sam looked at his stats again.
Health: 76/260
Stamina: 2/410
Chakra: 20/130
Duy: You! - Duy wanted to seal, but Sam's words stopped him.
Sam: This is my first loss, - he said as Kakashi's body fell to the ground. In an instant, he found himself in his own space.
Sam: I'm surprised he didn't use his gates; otherwise, I would have immediately shifted to my space. Good thing I bought some time with words.
Sam: But why are Konoha ninjas attacking Kakashi's squad? - His thoughts were interrupted by a notification.
Notification*
Mission for the owner: Hold out until the seal technique is fully removed - completed.
[Reward] - [Store] - available. [Inventory] - available. [15 points] - received.
Additional task: kill/defeat 7 Konoha shinobi - 5 out of 7 completed.
[Reward] - 20 points.
Sam: Store? Interesting, - he said, opening it. Sam opened the store and saw that items were for sale. They were divided into several categories.
[Artifacts]
[Weapons]
[Armor]
[Support]
[Summon]
[Accessories]
Sam: Wow, there are tens of thousands of items, and they're all for points, - he thought, sitting on his couch.
Sam: The store includes not only weapons from the Naruto world but weapons from the collections of all killers in all worlds? You must be joking, - he said, his mouth open.
To confirm this, Sam typed what he was looking for – Death Note. It appeared before Sam, and he looked at the price and laughed.
Sam: Damn, I'll never be able to earn that many points.
[Death Note] - 330,000 points.
Sam: System, you never cease to amaze me with ways to kill, - he said, astonished.