"The goal is the bridge…"
Hearing Minato's words, Kakashi looked at his companions, his brows slightly furrowed. "Sensei, then the mission we're carrying out this time… is it also a sneaking mission?"
"Yes," Minato replied with a firm nod. His voice was calm but grave. "The mission of this trip is extremely important. It could determine whether the war between our Fire Country and the Earth Country ends early… so you must not be careless."
His tone deepened as he emphasized, "I'll say it again. Team Kakashi, your objective is to infiltrate the enemy's rear area and completely destroy the bridge that serves as their only supply route—Kaminobi Bridge. Once the mission is complete, retreat quickly and avoid unnecessary conflict."
"Yes, Sensei!" The three young shinobi responded in unison, their expressions turning serious under the weight of their teacher's words.
Uchiha Obito raised his hand, hesitating slightly. "Sensei, what about you? Aren't you acting with us this time?"
Minato glanced at him and shook his head, pointing to another spot on the map. "Unlike your team, I will head directly to the front line to support our combat troops and divert enemy attention. My movements will act as your cover."
He rolled the map closed and looked at them solemnly. "This is an S-class mission… the first one for your squad. I trust all three of you—but remember, caution and coordination are key."
Kakashi stood straight, his usual aloofness replaced with resolve. "Understood."
Minato gave a small smile. "You're all my students. I've watched you grow. I believe you'll carry out this task perfectly."
He reached into his ninja pouch and pulled out a special kunai, its handle engraved with a unique three-pronged symbol. "Kakashi… this kunai is marked with my Flying Thunder God technique. I'm giving it to you as a reward for your promotion to jōnin."
Kakashi received it respectfully, a flicker of surprise flashing in his visible eye.
Then Minato turned to the others. "Rin, Obito—during this mission, follow Kakashi's lead. He is your captain. No matter what happens, don't act on your own. That's an order."
"Yes!" they answered together.
"The battle up front is tight. I'm heading off now… the rest is up to you."
With that, Minato's figure blurred and vanished, leaving only swirling dust where he once stood.
As silence settled, Rin Nohara suddenly remembered something. She fumbled inside her pouch, hesitating as a blush crept up her cheeks. Then, summoning her courage, she walked up to Kakashi.
"Kakashi…" she said shyly, holding out a small cloth-wrapped package. "These are military food pills. I made them myself… congratulations on becoming a jōnin."
Kakashi, calm and expressionless as always, took the gift and nodded. "Thank you, Rin."
"No… no need to thank me…" Rin said, her smile blooming as the tension in her chest finally relaxed.
Watching from a few steps away, Obito nearly exploded. Damn it! He clenched his fists. He accepted Rin's handmade food pills without even blinking!
He gritted his teeth. If only those pills had been meant for me…
Before he could sulk further, Kakashi turned and walked over to him. "Hey."
"Huh? What?" Obito stiffened.
Kakashi extended a hand, his tone neutral. "Where's my gift?"
What the hell?! Obito nearly screamed. This guy actually came over here asking for a gift?!
He quickly recovered and gave a half-smirk. "Uh, sorry! I, uh, left it behind when we rushed out."
Kakashi didn't blink. "No worries. We're still teammates."
"Ugh! You—!" Obito choked, fuming as Kakashi walked away, totally unfazed.
Greedy bastard… I wouldn't give you a gift even if I had one!
Kakashi looked at the rising sun, then turned back to the team. "Sensei's already gone to the front. Let's move."
He tightened the strap on his ninja pouch and began walking in the direction of the bridge marked on the map.
Rin turned to Obito, gently patting him on the shoulder. "Come on, Obito. Let's go."
Obito stared at Kakashi's retreating figure. This time… I won't let you hog all the credit.
Clenching his fists, he took a deep breath and broke into a light run. "Just wait, Kakashi! This time, I'll be the one to stand out!"