CHAPTER 121

With Jiraiya's support, Namikaze Minato felt much more at ease.

Still, the idea of cooperating with the Uchiha clan weighed heavily on him.

Even so, pressure often breeds motivation, and Minato already knew what he needed to do.

First, he would use the intelligence Kai Uchiha had gathered from Loess — a senior Iwa-nin — to prepare for the upcoming strategic meeting.

This time, Minato intended to act more decisively; armed with solid intel, he hoped to strengthen his political standing within Konoha's increasingly tense environment.

As for Kai Uchiha himself, he was currently deep in the Land of Grass, still tracking the Kirigakure forces that had infiltrated the region.

Fujiu Hangpei — an unfortunate young ninja assigned to their squad — had been gravely injured early in the mission.

Though he survived, his injuries forced him to withdraw, effectively reducing the size of Kai's team.

Yet strangely, the team's cohesion only improved after his departure.

Now, the squad operated as five: Uchiha Kai, Hatake Kakashi, Hyūga Aya, Imai Kenta, and Nohara Rin.

Kai, the de facto leader, guided them through Iwa-controlled territory.

"I didn't expect us to come full circle," Kakashi remarked with a dry chuckle as he surveyed his teammates. "Same members, and you're captain again."

"Familiarity is a strength, right?" Kai shrugged. "Besides, we're a lot stronger now — two swordsmen with us, and no serious injuries."

Indeed, they were in good shape: no injuries, no significant chakra depletion, and they'd even eliminated several Iwa-nin along the way.

Their morale was high despite the grim surroundings.

Although the mission ahead — tracking down the missing Kiri forces — would still be grueling, it was easier to endure with light spirits.

However, searching through the dense forests of the Land of Grass proved frustrating.

Even with Byakugan and Sharingan at their disposal, the terrain made detection difficult.

Kai couldn't keep his Sharingan active at all times without draining chakra, and Hyūga Aya, similarly, couldn't maintain Byakugan for hours on end without exhaustion.

Their abilities were powerful, but even the finest sensory jutsu had limits under harsh conditions.

"Maybe... we should split up?" Kai finally suggested after two days of tedious, fruitless searching.

"This is enemy territory," Aya said cautiously, frowning. "If anyone encounters Kiri alone, they'll be easy prey."

"First, this is the Land of Grass — neutral ground, technically," Kai countered. "Second, sticking together means we miss too many details. We've covered so little ground that we might never find them at this rate."

Aya bit her lip, reluctant but unable to refute his logic.

Their current pace was abysmal, and morale was starting to crack.

Even though the end of the war seemed near, every mission still carried deadly risks — especially now, when desperation might drive hidden enemies to act more recklessly.

Kai glanced at his team. He didn't hate the Land of Grass in particular — he despised the endless battles that small nations were forced to host.

The Five Great Shinobi Countries waged their wars here, indifferent to the devastation they left behind.

Refugees, war orphans, shattered villages — they were an accepted cost of maintaining "peace" in the major powers' eyes.

"I agree with the captain," Kakashi spoke first, practical as ever. "We're wasting time. Let's split up but stay within signal flare range."

"I'll follow orders," Rin added softly after glancing at Kakashi.

"Well, reconsideration might be nice," Kenta Imai said, half-joking as usual, but he offered no serious objection.

Aya gave Kenta a sharp, skeptical look, but said nothing.

Secretly, she still worried about Kai Uchiha's true intentions — a war-hardened Uchiha with unusual strategic instincts could be dangerous.

But she chose to trust her teammates, at least for now.

"Alright," Kai finalized the plan, scanning the group.

"Kakashi and Rin, you move west together. Kenta, cover the east. Aya, take the north. I'll head south. Everyone keeps a flare ready — but only use it if absolutely necessary."

"Yes!" they chorused.

Without wasting time, Kai turned and disappeared into the dense undergrowth, moving toward his assigned sector.

The others exchanged quick glances before scattering to their own areas.

Everyone understood the risk: signal flares were visible to allies — and to enemies like Iwa-nin or Kiri-nin alike.

Alone in the forest, Kai moved swiftly and silently, checking for tracks.

He didn't activate his Sharingan yet — it was too early, and conserving stamina was essential.

He knew the truth:

Kirin (Kiryū in some adaptations) — the Kiri hunter group they pursued — wasn't randomly operating here.

Their mission was connected to Kakashi and Rin, and possibly to events involving Uchiha Obito.

Kai intended to stay close enough to intervene at the right moment if things went wrong.

He deliberately chose a direction near Kakashi's patrol zone and subtly moved Hyūga Aya farther away — not out of distrust for her, but to minimize variables he couldn't control.

Kai considered removing Aya or manipulating her at some point, but such plans required patience.

Timing, setting, and opportunity all had to align perfectly.

For now, he would wait.