Uchiha Obito was irritated by Kakashi's cold attitude.
Uchiha Obito pointed at Kakashi unhappily and questioned, "How did you become a Jōnin? It's unbelievable!"
Kakashi glanced at Uchiha Obito dismissively. "I don't want to hear that from you."
Uchiha Obito said angrily, "I am Uchiha Obito from the Uchiha clan! One day I will surpass you! Just wait until my Sharingan awakens."
Kakashi's expression was clearly sarcastic. "Heh, the Uchiha clan? What's so special about the Uchiha clan? Even those who awaken their Sharingan aren't that powerful. Besides, my teacher's Sharingan awakened very early, earlier than any of you Uchiha. Sensei, when did your Sharingan awaken?"
Sora smiled and played along with Kakashi. "When I was nine years old."
Kakashi said mockingly, "Did you hear that? Don't brag about being an Uchiha. You're already twelve and still haven't awakened your Sharingan. Even if you do awaken it, you might not become any stronger."
Uchiha Obito was nearly furious but couldn't refute Kakashi's words.
Moreover, Uchiha Obito was very afraid of Sora.
After all, the rumors that Sora had targeted the Uchiha clan were known to everyone in Konoha.
Obito had heard that many clan members were killed by Sora, making his name taboo within the Uchiha clan.
Nohara Rin once again tried to smooth things over. "Really, you two, stop arguing."
Namikaze Minato also intervened. "Alright, it's time to explain the mission."
Namikaze Minato unfolded a map of the ninja world and began his explanation. "Look at this line. The Land of Earth has withdrawn from the Land of Grass and moved to the Land of Rain. Our enemies are the ninjas of Iwagakure.
On the enemy's front line, intelligence reports indicate that thousands of ninjas are preparing to invade the Land of Fire. Our Konoha defense force is already engaging them. The Land of Fire borders the Land of Rain, so we must act quickly before the enemy advances further."
Nohara Rin said solemnly, "If they're making such an obvious advance, it means their supply lines must be very secure."
Namikaze Minato nodded and said, "That's why this mission targets... Kannabi Bridge."
Namikaze Minato pointed to a location on the map.
Sora saw where Namikaze Minato was pointing and instinctively glanced at Uchiha Obito.
Noticing Sora's gaze, Uchiha Obito shuddered.
Sora withdrew his gaze and became thoughtful.
So, Uchiha Obito would soon meet Uchiha Madara.
As for Kakashi, Sora wasn't worried that Kakashi would receive Uchiha Obito's Sharingan. Sora was very confident in Kakashi's strength.
Namikaze Minato continued describing the mission. "To defeat the enemy at the front line, we need many ninjas. As the team tasked with disrupting their operations, we can only carry out this mission with a small elite force."
Kakashi frowned and asked, "A bridge? So this is an infiltration mission?"
Namikaze Minato nodded. "Yes. Kakashi's team, your mission is to sneak behind enemy lines, destroy the bridge they use to transport supplies, block their support capabilities, and then leave immediately. Sora, do you have anything to add?"
There was nothing wrong with the plan Namikaze Minato had outlined, so Sora replied, "No, your instructions are clear."
Uchiha Obito asked, "What about you and Sora-sensei?"
Namikaze Minato replied, "Sora and I will go directly to the front line to attack the enemy. Our presence will also serve as a diversion for your team. In short, Kakashi is the captain, and Sora and I will accompany you to the border before we split up. Now, let the mission begin!"
Namikaze Minato stretched out the back of his hand. Uchiha Obito, Nohara Rin, and Takei Katsuhiko also extended their hands, stacking them on top of Minato's.
Then the four of them looked at Sora and Kakashi expectantly.
Sora turned his head away, pretending not to notice.
Kakashi imitated Sora, turning his head away and muttering, "Isn't that childish?"
Seeing that Sora and Kakashi weren't cooperating, Namikaze Minato and the others could only cheer themselves up.
...
As the captain, Kakashi walked at the front of the group.
Suddenly, Kakashi stopped and made a hand signal.
Sora and the others immediately halted.
Sora was pleased with Kakashi's leadership.
Hidden in the woods ahead was an Iwagakure Jōnin known as "Demon Leech."
Leech was one of Iwagakure's elite shinobi, highly skilled in swordsmanship and known for his incredible speed.
On this solo reconnaissance mission, he skillfully used the Shadow Clone Technique, demonstrating great talent in hiding and surveillance.
Demon Leech was also observing Sora and the others.
When he spotted Sora and Namikaze Minato, Demon Leech looked horrified.
That's... no... how is that possible...
Demon Leech decided to confirm the situation first.
He created twenty Shadow Clones and positioned them throughout the woods.
Sora had already pinpointed Leech's location through his Observation Haki and had also detected the twenty Shadow Clones scattered around.
Namikaze Minato knelt on one knee, touching his fingertips to the ground, using a sensing technique to assess the surrounding area.
"One person?... Wait, everyone be careful. There are twenty-one enemies, probably Shadow Clones."
Kakashi looked toward the woods with sharp eyes. "That seems right."
Kakashi turned to Sora beside him. "Sensei, I'm going to attack. Please cover me!"
Before Sora could respond, Namikaze Minato advised, "Don't rush in, Kakashi. You should provide support and let me handle this."
Kakashi ignored Namikaze Minato and kept his eyes on Sora.
Sora smiled and said to Kakashi, "Go ahead. I've got your back."
Sora then said to Namikaze Minato, "Kakashi is the captain. As captain, Kakashi has the right to decide how to proceed. During an operation, the captain has absolute command authority. Right now, even I don't have the right to interfere with Kakashi's decisions."
Kakashi began forming hand seals, and as he did so, he said proudly, "Perfect timing. I want you to see the technique I developed inspired by your Thunder Breath jutsu. My new ninjutsu, Chidori!"
Kakashi concentrated high-intensity electrical current formed from Lightning Style chakra in his hand, creating a sound like a thousand birds chirping.
Uchiha Obito, Nohara Rin, and Takei Katsuhiko stared at Kakashi's Chidori in amazement.
What incredible chakra.
Sora pursed his lips when he saw Kakashi's Chidori.
He hadn't expected Kakashi to develop the Chidori already.
Originally, Kakashi was supposed to develop this Lightning Style ninjutsu after discovering he couldn't integrate Lightning Style chakra into the Rasengan.
Now, it was Kakashi who had developed the Chidori, inspired by the Thunder Breath technique.
Just as Kakashi was about to step forward, Namikaze Minato reached out and stopped him.
Kakashi looked at Namikaze Minato with annoyance. "Even if there are many enemies, I can defeat them in an instant with this jutsu. Besides, I'm the captain now, and the team must follow the captain's orders. Isn't that the rule?"
Hearing Kakashi's words, Namikaze Minato lowered his hand.
The moment Namikaze Minato withdrew his hand, Kakashi rushed forward.
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