After all, a few months ago during the internal turmoil, Konoha's number of Jonin sharply decreased.
In terms of personnel deployment, corresponding changes will naturally be made.
"Moreover..."
"Moreover?"
"It's nothing."
Minato's face was filled with worry, clearly troubled by something.
The Hidden Cloud signs from the Land of Lightning are suspicious, likely unfavorable to Konoha.
During the previous Jonin meeting, the Hokage revealed information to them: if the Hidden Cloud also intervenes in Konoha's battlefield, as the Third Hokage, Hiruzen would personally step in to stop the Third Raikage of Hidden Cloud.
At that time, the village's strength would become even more vulnerable.
Konoha's forces committed to the Hidden Rock and Hidden Sand battlefields are close to half, and although the Third Kazekage is missing, it gives Konoha a good signal.
However, the Third Tsuchikage from Hidden Rock, known as the 'Both Scales' Kekkeitota Dust Style Ninja, has yet to appear on the battlefield; the intimidation from this Third Tsuchikage is comparable to that of a Tailed Beast.
At the gate of Konoha Village, Lin was already waiting here, but did not see Obito anywhere.
There's no need to say; he must be lost again, helping an elderly lady in need.
Until it was almost departure time, Obito arrived late, panting as he stood before the three.
"Always the last to arrive. Can't you just save your compassion for those old ladies lost on the road a little later?"
Kakashi stared at Obito with dead fish eyes.
"Alright, Kakashi, don't say such things to Obito. As long as he's not late, everything is fine."
Minato defended Obito.
But Obito still snorted coldly at Kakashi, then stood aside with a sulky face, indicating he didn't want to stand beside him.
The four of them started their journey on the path of executing their mission, rushing through the giant forest outside Konoha.
"Minato-sensei, what is the content of this A-Class Mission we're executing?"
Obito asked excitedly.
After all, this was his first time undertaking a high-difficulty A-Class Mission in his life, so it held great significance.
Moreover, since he was executing A-Class Missions now, S-Class Missions wouldn't be too far off.
Become a Chunin, a Jonin, then the Hokage, and after that... hehe...
Realizing what he was thinking, Obito quickly coughed, pretending to be serious.
"Intercept the enemy along the coastal region."
"The coast?"
"The specific reason among them is quite complex; we'll know when we get there."
After Minato finished speaking, Obito stopped asking questions.
"However, are the four of us really enough?"
Kakashi asked.
Unlike Obito, who was immersed in his fantasies, Kakashi knew that during an A-Class Mission, they would definitely encounter Jonin level ninjas of Minato's caliber, potentially more than one.
"Don't worry, we have other teams coordinating with us. And when we encounter Jonin, I'll prioritize handling them."
Minato's eyes became earnest.
What remarkable confidence. Kakashi thought to himself.
But he also understood that Minato had the capability to confidently make such remarks.
The elusive Space-Time Ninjutsu, for any ninja without countermeasures, whether Genin or Jonin, meant only one fate if they couldn't react—death.
◎
In the canyon by the coast, accompanied by a piercing bird-like sound, flashes of electricity illuminated everything in front.
Then, a thunderous explosion blew apart the rock wall at the top of the canyon, breaking into countless huge stone chunks that fell towards the road below.
The enemies below became chaotic, suddenly starting to dodge the massive stones falling from above.
If hit by one, it wouldn't be a joke.
Seeing the rock fall attack caused by his Ninja Technique disorganize the enemy's formation, Kakashi immediately drew the White Fang Short Knife from his back, channeling Lightning Attribute Chakra into the blade, coating its surface with a pale blue luminescence and fine, hair-like lightning swirling around it.
Kakashi's eyes reflected the blue lightning, a mighty power unmatched by his young body, giving the enemies an immense pressure.
"That knife is—"
The enemies seemed to recognize the short knife with a legendary name; it was too renowned to ignore.
However, just as he uttered those words, his chest was already cut open by the blade, accompanied by a stunning crimson hue, the battle had begun.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
What was expelled from his mouth was a one-meter diameter fireball, the strongest Ninja Technique Obito could unleash with all his might.
Thinking it could destroy the enemy, but the enemy directly dodged the fireball with Instantaneous Body Jutsu, then approached Obito at extreme speed, grinning savagely, ready to end his life with a Kunai.
The knife blade charged with fine electricity pierced the air, stabbed into the side of the enemy's neck, and then emerged from the other side.
The enemy's body simply fell down, and Kakashi, with his inverted dead fish eyes, glanced at Obito, even without words, seemed to mock his weakness.
After dispatching this enemy, Kakashi's steps didn't stop as he moved to attack the remaining enemies, to eliminate them early on.
Obito was unwilling to see Kakashi shine brightly in battle; that was a level of strength he couldn't achieve no matter how hard he tried.
Why does the difference in strength grow so wide among peers?
Obito could only grit his teeth and continue fighting.
He decided to train himself even harder after returning.