At dawn the next day, Kakashi, Obito, and Rin came to find Mirai.
"Mirai, we're heading back to the village today."
Rin's voice carried a hint of sadness, her usual energy subdued.
Mirai frowned slightly, puzzled. "Did you get assigned a new mission already?"
Kakashi nodded. "That's right. But we can't disclose the details."
Obito stepped forward with a smug grin, his tone carrying a touch of pride.
"It's an S-rank classified mission this time!"
"Just wait. It won't be long before we're hailed as heroes of the village."
Hearing this, Mirai immediately recalled something.
An S-rank mission for Kakashi's team at this point in time could only mean one thing—the mission to destroy the Kannabi Bridge.
Thinking about it, Mirai couldn't help but issue a warning.
"S-rank missions are always perilous, especially during these times. Be extra careful, all of you."
In the original timeline, Kakashi lost his left eye to an Iwagakure ninja during this mission. Rin almost didn't make it back alive, and Obito... this was the beginning of his tragic descent into darkness.
And now... with all the changes Mirai had introduced into this world, the butterfly effect could lead to unforeseen consequences.
"Don't worry, Mirai." Kakashi's gaze was resolute as he spoke. "I'll take care of both of them."
The lessons and wisdom Mirai had imparted to Kakashi had given him clarity. No matter what happened, he would never abandon his comrades.
Hearing this, Obito smirked, though his words came as a retort.
"Hah! Kakashi, don't get too full of yourself."
"Ever since I awakened my Sharingan, I'm not the same person I was before. If you hold me back, don't expect me to go easy on you."
Kakashi offered his straightforward response, "Idiot."
"What did you just say, Kakashi?!"
"What are you going to do about it?"
"You... That's it! Today, I'm taking you down!"
"Bold words coming from someone who refuses to ditch those ridiculous goggles. At least take them off if you want to look less childish."
"Ahhh!!!"
Rin, unusually silent amidst their bickering, gave Mirai a complex look. Finally, as if summoning all her courage, she stepped forward.
"Mirai, we're leaving soon. I don't even know if we'll survive this mission. C-c-can I... hug you?"
Mirai blinked, caught completely off guard. Of all things, this was not what he'd expected from Rin, especially since they hadn't interacted much.
But he wasn't one to refuse such a request. Opening his arms, he gave Rin a gentle hug. With a soft chuckle, he said,
"You'll come back alive. I believe in you."
As he spoke, he took out a sealing scroll from his pouch.
"This contains Amaterasu's black flames. If you face something you can't handle, summon it. Just make sure you don't burn yourself."
After releasing Rin, Mirai noticed the sudden quiet. Looking up, he saw Kakashi and Obito staring at him, dumbfounded.
"Don't get the wrong idea. I was just respecting her wishes," Mirai said, his tone matter-of-fact. "I'm just that considerate. Boys like me are rare, you know."
"Oh, and keep this between us. Not because I'm afraid of Kurenai getting jealous or anything. It's just that if word gets out, every girl in the village might want a hug too, and that'd be exhausting."
Kakashi stared at him, and for a moment, an epiphany crossed his face. So this is how you master the art of smooth-talking.
"Mirai, your way with words... Teach me," Kakashi asked earnestly.
Mirai smirked. "That kind of charm can't be taught. You're either born with it or you're not."
Kakashi quietly pulled out a small book. "How about a trade?"
Mirai glanced at the cover—a risqué illustration stared back at him. His expression shifted instantly.
"Bribing me with this? You insult my integrity."
In one swift motion, he snatched the book and tucked it into his pouch.
"Alright, farewell for now. Let's meet again next time."
Without another glance, Mirai strode off, leaving a dismayed Kakashi behind.
Obito, meanwhile, remained silent, stealing a glance at Rin, who wore a dreamy smile. His Sharingan, gleaming with a single tomoe, spun faintly as if mirroring his complicated feelings.
...
Land of Fire – Frontline Battlefield
In the midst of battle, a group of Konoha ninja crouched behind a dirt mound, despair written across their faces.
"Where's the reinforcements? We can't hold on much longer!"
"Damn it, is this really the end? I can't accept this."
"We're out of chakra and tools. Prepare for an all-out final stand!"
As they gazed at the army of Kirigakure shinobi gathering ahead, the group braced for the worst.
Then, their hearts sank further as dozens of Kirigakure ninja began weaving signs.
"Water Style: Great Waterfall Jutsu!"
The combined attack surged forward, a tidal wave large enough to blot out the sky.
Despair clutched at the Konoha shinobi's throats. There would be no chance for a final stand—this was annihilation.
Just as the colossal wave was about to crash down, a shimmering wave of golden sand surged forward, shielding the Konoha group from above.
BOOM!
The impact shook the earth, but the sand barrier held firm.
When the chaos settled, a figure descended from the air, perched atop the shifting sands.
A boy with a cold, unreadable expression landed gracefully, the sands retreating into the gourd at his waist as if commanded.
The Konoha ninjas stared in awe.
He had blocked that devastating attack... alone.
And that entrance—wasn't it too cool to be fair?
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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