Chapter 62: Whoever Moves Lin Will Die!

The next morning, deep in the bamboo forest...

"We'll split into two groups from here. Everyone, stay sharp and give it your all!" Minato said, coming to a stop as he prepared to part ways with his team.

"Yesterday's enemies were likely just scouts. The real confrontation will be a full-scale battle, so stay alert!"

"Yes!" the four responded in unison before quickly separating into their respective groups.

Minato vanished in a blur, his speed unmatched, while the three members of Kakashi's squad—Kakashi, Obito, and Lin—moved rapidly toward their target.

Along the way, they encountered several ambushes. However, thanks to Kakashi's keen perception and combat instincts, he detected the traps before they could spring and eliminated each enemy swiftly and precisely.

By evening, after a full day of relentless movement and battle, the trio slowed down, walking cautiously through the darkened forest.

"Kakashi, I'll admit it—you're really strong," Obito said, catching his breath.

"But we're a team. You have to give me a chance to fight too!"

After experiencing a few intense battles, Obito had finally begun to relax. The initial tension was melting away, replaced by determination. He no longer wanted to just be an observer—he wanted to prove himself.

"I don't mind," Kakashi replied from the front, his voice casual though his eyes stayed sharp. "I just like finishing things quickly."

He paused for a second before adding, "But since you asked, I'll wait for you next time so we can attack together—wait, be careful!"

Before he could finish, a row of sharpened bamboo spikes fell from above, aiming straight at them!

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

At the same time, a short and skinny Rock Shinobi leaped from hiding and flung a flurry of shurikens with deadly precision.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"

Obito took a deep breath and released a massive fireball that exploded through the falling bamboo, burning it into ash midair.

"Good job, Obito!" Kakashi called out, deflecting all incoming shurikens with swift strikes.

"As a reward, that guy's all yours. Be careful."

"Heh, don't worry, Captain! If I had more chances like this before…" Obito clenched his fists, his joints cracking with excitement.

He had been holding back for so long—finally, a real fight was his!

Kakashi smirked, watching him.

This kid… give him a little light, and he shines on his own.

With me nearby, that Rock Shinobi won't get the upper hand. It'll be good experience for Obito.

Unbeknownst to them, deeper in the shadows, another Rock Shinobi with a grotesque expression quietly formed hand seals.

"Ninja Art: Camouflage Concealment Technique."

His body shimmered and vanished into the surrounding environment.

Suddenly—

"Ah!!!"

A piercing scream rang out behind them. Kakashi and Obito's eyes widened as they spun around.

A ferocious Rock Shinobi had appeared out of nowhere, holding Lin, who had been knocked unconscious by a sneak attack. His grip on her was tight, his expression cold.

"We're taking this one," he growled. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he dropped a smoke bomb, vanishing into the mist along with the short, thin shinobi.

"Damn it!" Obito shouted, immediately trying to give chase.

But Kakashi grabbed his arm, stopping him.

"Kakashi, what are you doing? Let go! We have to save Lin!"

Kakashi's eyes were calm but sharp, filled with murderous resolve.

"Lin's a medical ninja. They've clearly gone through a lot of trouble to capture her. That means they want information—likely our battle plan."

He stepped forward, voice icy.

"They won't kill her. Not right away."

Obito stared at him, his rage starting to cool as he processed Kakashi's words.

"I marked Lin with the Flying Thunder God technique," Kakashi added. "If they lay a hand on her…"

A violent aura burst forth from him.

"I'll kill every last one of them."

Obito's expression changed. He knew Kakashi would never abandon Lin. If he said he had a plan, then he must be confident.

"Alright. Let's go."

Kakashi took the lead, dashing between tree trunks like a shadow, with Obito following close behind.

An hour later…

"There!"

Kakashi came to a stop. Ahead of them was a large cave entrance carved into the mountain—more than ten meters high and half-shrouded in vines.

Obito exhaled and slapped both cheeks with his hands, trying to psych himself up.

"Alright… we've got this. We will rescue Lin!"

"Shh," Kakashi hushed him. "Keep it down."

Obito's loud declaration echoed in the stillness, like a firework in a quiet night.

Inside the cave, Lin was tied to a wooden stake, eyes closed but alive. In front of her, the short and thin Rock Shinobi was using Genjutsu, attempting to pry information from her subconscious.

Around them, dozens of Rock Shinobi lounged in the cavern. Some leaned against stone walls, cleaning weapons, while others sat cross-legged, meditating or resting.

Then—pop! pop! pop!

Obito's earlier slaps echoed again, reaching the ears of those in the cave.

The leader of the group frowned.

"Sounds like we've been followed. I'll go take care of them. You, keep the Genjutsu going—don't stop."

He formed hand seals and disappeared into the shadows once more.

Outside, Kakashi placed a hand on Obito's shoulder.

"I planned to sneak in... but since we've already been exposed—hold tight!"

Before Obito could respond, his vision blurred.

When he opened his eyes again, he was inside the cave, standing behind Lin!

"Obito, untie Lin and protect her. Leave the rest to me."

As soon as he finished, lightning surged from Kakashi's right hand—Chidori!

The flash lit up the cavern, momentarily blinding the Rock Shinobi performing Genjutsu.

Thump!

A heartbeat later, the shinobi looked down in disbelief.

His chest was pierced clean through. He collapsed.

"One," Kakashi said coldly.

The remaining Rock Shinobi were stunned—but only for a moment.

"Damn brat! I'll kill you!"

"Everyone, attack!"

"Kill him!"

They charged in unison.

Kakashi didn't respond. He didn't need to.

He flung several marked kunai across the cave. The moment they hit the ground, he vanished—reappearing behind another enemy.

"Two."

One by one, he cut them down.

"Earth Style: Earth Rolling Dumpling!" a shinobi shouted, lifting a giant boulder and hurling it at Kakashi.

"Three."

Another pair erected an earth wall and prepared a trap.

"Earth Style: Earth Wall!"

"Earth Style: Mudfall Technique!"

A massive amount of wet clay descended from a swirling vortex above the wall.

But none of it mattered.

The cold, grim voice continued echoing through the cave like a reaper's chant.

"Four."

"Five."

"Six."

Another shinobi launched himself forward.

"Take my punch!"

"Seven."

"Watch out!" one yelled too late.

"Eight."

"I'll kill you!" the final fighter roared desperately.

"Nine."

In the end, only one Rock Shinobi remained.

He sat slumped against the stone wall, trembling. His weapon was on the ground, forgotten. His eyes stared at Kakashi, wide and filled with absolute terror.

"D-Don't come any closer!"

Kakashi glanced at him, then calmly dispelled the lightning from his hand.

This one was no longer a threat. He had already broken.

A coward who lost his will at the moment of truth didn't deserve to die under Chidori.

Kakashi stepped forward and casually sliced across the man's neck with a kunai.

Blood bubbled up. The shinobi gasped, eyes rolling back, and collapsed lifeless to the ground.

"It's over."

Kakashi, covered in blood, turned and looked at Lin, now untied and safely standing beside Obito.

He gave her a gentle smile.

Relieved, Lin was just about to say something when—

Obito's face changed.

His Sharingan, still active, spun wildly.

"Kakashi—watch your back!"

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