For every 30 POWER STONES there will be an extra chapter!
An extra chapters for reach 30 power stones has been released (4 today)!!
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To counter the upcoming attacks from the Iwa-nin, Konoha also needed to split its forces into smaller units, primarily organized into traditional squads, to spread out and guard against any potential infiltration routes the Iwa-nin might use.
Dividing forces came with risks. If the Iwa-nin didn't opt for an infiltration plan and instead launched a full-scale frontal assault, Konoha's forces at the front lines could be overwhelmed. Therefore, this plan required intelligence support.
Once again, the critical task of gathering intelligence fell on Minato's shoulders. In order to prepare for all scenarios, the split squads needed to be deployed in advance. After much discussion, the teams responsible for defending the rear lines were decided. These teams had to be in place to intercept the elite forces of the Iwa-nin, and among them was Minato's Team 7.
The night was quiet and still.
Before heading out on his mission, Minato called for Team 7 to pass on some important instructions.
A small campfire built from wood crackled softly, its weak light illuminating the young faces of Team 7's members.
Minato sat on a fallen log, holding a thin branch which he used to poke at the fire, causing small sparks to jump up now and then.
"Kakashi, I'm leaving the team in your hands," Minato said seriously, looking at Kakashi with his bright blue eyes, their color tinged with the reflection of the firelight.
"Mm." Meeting Minato's serious gaze, Kakashi nodded solemnly.
Though Kakashi was only twelve years old, he had already become a jōnin. Under the personal guidance of his father, Hatake Sakumo, his mastery of blade techniques, combined with his proficiency in Lightning Release, made him even stronger than most other jōnin.
Compared to his teammates Obito and Rin, Kakashi's status as a jōnin had placed him far ahead in terms of strength.
"Don't worry, Sensei! As long as I'm here, I'll definitely protect Kakashi and Rin," Obito said with a grin.
Kakashi shot Obito a glance with his lazy, deadpan eyes and said, "Who was it that cried earlier today?"
"That was because I had sand in my eye!" Obito's face turned red as he loudly defended himself.
Kakashi shrugged indifferently and remarked, "Seems like sand really likes your eyes."
"You—!" Obito pointed at Kakashi, his face filled with anger.
"All right, you two!" Rin quickly stepped in to mediate, her expression slightly helpless.
"Fine, for Rin's sake, I won't argue with you," Obito huffed, turning his head away in frustration.
Watching Kakashi and Obito's usual bickering, Minato smiled wryly before his expression became serious again. "Kakashi, I know you're confident in your abilities, but I want you to consider your teammates' capabilities. If you encounter an enemy too strong to defeat, don't hesitate to retreat, even if it means failing the mission. Got it?"
Kakashi's eyes flickered, and after a moment of hesitation, he slowly nodded.
Noticing Kakashi's reluctance, Minato sighed inwardly. Kakashi was an exceptionally talented ninja, becoming a jōnin at the age of twelve. But because of his youth, he still had trouble fully understanding his role and the responsibilities that came with it.
"And you, Obito, Kakashi is your captain now, so stop always going against him."
Obito pouted, looking unconvinced, but muttered, "Got it."
"Rin, take care of them," Minato added with a gentle smile toward Rin.
"Mm." Rin smiled back and nodded.
"All right, I'm heading out on my mission. Remember, don't act recklessly." After giving them his final reminder, Minato left the Konoha outpost, leading a squad of elite ninja to gather intelligence.
After Minato departed, Kakashi removed the sword from his back and held it in his hands. This sword was a gift from his father when Kakashi became a jōnin. It was forged in the style of the White Fang's blade and could channel chakra, enhancing its power.
Kakashi quietly observed the short sword in his hands, reflecting on Minato's earlier words. He didn't fully agree with them.
"Completing the mission is what matters most."
This belief had taken root when his father, after failing a mission, had been ostracized and slandered by his comrades.
Although his father never said much about it, Kakashi had seen the exhaustion and sadness in his father's eyes back then. Fortunately, his father had eventually overcome the gloom, but the experience had left a lasting impact on Kakashi, planting this idea deep in his mind.
Mission or saving comrades…
His father had chosen the latter and was shunned by his comrades for it. So, the correct choice should be the mission…
A ninja's value was measured by their ability to complete missions. Despite the many tasks his father had accomplished for the village, one failed mission, and one that failed because he saved his comrades, had still led to such unfair treatment.
"Kakashi, what are you thinking about?" Rin asked, noticing his troubled expression.
"Hm?"
Kakashi raised his eyes to look at Rin sitting next to him. He shook his head slightly and replied, "It's nothing."
Rin pursed her lips, a little worried.
Obito stood up, crossing his arms and glaring sideways at Kakashi. "Hey, Kakashi, just because you're a jōnin, don't think you can boss me around."
Kakashi looked up at Obito and said indifferently, "Just don't hold us back."
"What did you say?!"
Obito was furious and shouted, "Are you kidding me? I'm an Uchiha!"
"But you're weak," Kakashi pointed out bluntly.
"That's only because I haven't awakened my Sharingan yet! Once I do, I'll definitely surpass you, no doubt!" Obito glared at Kakashi with determination.
Kakashi remained unmoved and retorted, "A truly strong Uchiha doesn't rely on the Sharingan."
"You...!" Obito clenched his fists in anger. "You're so annoying!"
"Enough, you two! Did you forget what Sensei just said?" Rin stood up angrily, glaring at the two of them.
Seeing Rin upset, Obito quickly shut his mouth.
Kakashi turned his head, staring into the distance in silence.
Rin sighed, feeling helpless. She wished the two could get along, but they seemed destined to clash. No matter how hard she tried to mediate, they never stopped bickering.
Meanwhile, battles continued elsewhere on other fronts.
Suna-nin had been facing defeat ever since their strongest Kazekage in generations went missing.
However, the tide began to turn thanks to the sibling duo of Chiyo and Ebizō.
Ebizō devised a well-thought-out plan to counter Konoha, and combined with Chiyo's mastery of poisons, they delivered a crushing defeat to Konoha in a battle, reversing Suna's disadvantage and pushing back Konoha's forces.
Chiyo's complex poisons caused great trouble for Konoha.
In response, Tsunade was dispatched to the battlefield to provide support.
Back in the village, Kushina was growing restless as she watched Konoha send every available ninja to the frontlines, even newly graduated genin. Meanwhile, she was stuck in the village, feeling useless.
Though Kushina had developed some resentment towards Konoha due to Ye Zi's experiences, it was still her home. For the sake of this home, she couldn't just sit around and do nothing.
So, she sought out the Third Hokage.
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Currently on Chapter 234 - Ye Zi's Arrival and the Trapped Snake