"What about our current mission?"
Kakashi asked calmly, his gaze fixed on Minato.
Minato's expression remained perfectly composed as he replied,
"This mission takes top priority."
"Which means the village has ordered us to suspend our current assignment."
"Our top priority now is to bring this intel back to Konoha."
The three nodded in understanding. Minato's expression then grew visibly more serious.
"We leave immediately."
With the mission brief delivered, Minato led the way out of the room. The four-man team quickly departed Hachishi District, heading toward Lake Siburo.
Trailing behind Minato, Veigar Koshima felt a twinge of anxiety. An A+ rank mission was practically on par with an S-rank—bordering on the edge of a true nightmare.
Missions like this typically required multiple jōnin to ensure success.
But now, Minato's squad was expected to complete it solo.
No wonder Minato had called this one particularly troublesome.
In truth, assigning such a mission to Minato's team had been a reluctant decision by Hiruzen Sarutobi.
First, because Minato's team happened to be geographically closest. This was a race against time.
Second, due to the upcoming genin graduation exams, many shinobi had been reassigned as instructors, leaving the village critically understaffed.
After over an hour of high-speed travel, Minato's team arrived near Lake Siburo, located on the border of the Land of Fire.
Their immediate task: locate the Konoha shinobi carrying the intel, and escort them safely back to the village.
Given their position, an encounter with Sunagakure forces could occur at any moment. A secret Suna outpost was reportedly hidden nearby.
"Sensei, how are we supposed to find the Konoha shinobi?"
Veigar's question clearly troubled Minato as well. He didn't know who they were looking for—not even whether the contact was male or female.
All they knew was that the rendezvous point was around Lake Siburo, and the shinobi would approach them using a predetermined code phrase.
"Haaah…"
After a moment of contemplation, Minato exhaled slowly, calming his thoughts before saying,
"We'll need to make them come to us."
"In other words, we need to create a disturbance."
Create a disturbance?
That part was easy in theory—but it was also the most dangerous part of this mission.
Though they were technically still within the Land of Fire, the area was crawling with Sunagakure shinobi.
How could they generate a disturbance large enough to draw the contact without alerting enemy forces?
Minato's gaze swept over Veigar, Kakashi, and Shōgetsu before he continued:
"Rest for thirty minutes. Regain your strength. Then we'll seek out the Suna shinobi and create the disturbance."
The three immediately understood his plan and responded in unison:
"Yes, Sensei!"
A brutal confrontation was likely inevitable.
The team sat where they stood, closing their eyes in silence to recover their strength.
The half hour passed quickly.
Minato was the first to open his eyes. His expression was sharp as he addressed Veigar, Kakashi, and Shōgetsu:
"Alright. Time to move."
"Prepare your ninja tools. Stay in a ready-to-fight state."
"What's coming may be the toughest battle yet."
"Remember: the mission is important—but your survival comes first."
At that moment, the care in Minato's words filled the three with a deep sense of security.
"Yes, Sensei!" they replied in chorus.
A few moments later, seeing that everyone was fully prepared, Minato gave the command:
"Move out!"
In an instant, the team leapt to the treetops, speeding toward the inner reaches of Lake Siburo.
The area earned its name from a massive lake situated along the Fire Country's border. Downstream, a towering waterfall plunged dozens of meters down a sheer cliff.
Because of the lake's proximity, the local air was thick with moisture—far more humid than most regions of the Fire Country.
This high-moisture environment was ill-suited to fire-release users like Shōgetsu Uchiha but highly advantageous for someone like Kakashi.
As a result, Shōgetsu now trailed right behind Minato, his Sharingan already active, scanning the area with razor-sharp vigilance.
Veigar and Kakashi flanked the rear, taking up defensive positions on either side.
"Sensei, I've spotted something."
While running, Shōgetsu suddenly spoke in a low, serious tone.
"Stop."
At once, Minato raised a clenched fist—an unspoken signal to halt.
Shff, shff, shff.
The team halted in sync, landing on nearby branches and forming a tight formation.
"Sensei, there's a faint footprint on that tree to the left," Shōgetsu said quietly, turning his gaze toward the trunk. "It's nearly faded due to the humidity, but my Sharingan still caught it."
Minato followed his gaze, then nodded.
"Veigar, activate your sensory technique."
Without replying, Veigar immediately performed the Chakra Sensing Jutsu.
"Sensei, no chakra signatures within 250 meters."
After several seconds of focused scanning, Veigar whispered his report.
Minato's expression twitched slightly.
Veigar's sensory range has improved…
A flicker of thought passed through Minato's mind before he issued another order:
"From here on out, be prepared to encounter Suna shinobi at any moment. The mission parameters could change at any time—stay sharp."
The three nodded silently. Even without Minato's warning, they wouldn't dare lower their guard.
"Maintain formation."
"Keep moving."
With Minato's command, the team advanced once again. His tone alone revealed how cautious he truly was.
They moved in formation: Shōgetsu tracking signs of movement with his Sharingan, Veigar sweeping for chakra fluctuations, all in sync to avoid ambushes and prepare for whatever lay ahead.
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