Chapter 93: The Grass Country Battlefield
"How far are we from the front line indicated in the intel?" Liumu asked Minato directly.
"Half a day's journey."
After speaking, Minato stowed the map back into his pack, his expression turning thoughtful. "Time is running out. Every minute we delay increases the danger for our forces there."
Seeing Minato's resolute look, Liumu already guessed his intention. "Same plan as before, Liumu. You protect Team 7 and advance to the front line. I'll move ahead to control the situation."
Liumu didn't doubt the "Yellow Flash's" capabilities. But according to his memories, it was after Minato left first that Obito's trio were ambushed. To prevent a repeat tragedy, Liumu couldn't leave Team 7. However, he still created a Shadow Clone. "My clone will accompany you. As long as they are under my protection, it's fine."
Using a Shadow Clone wasn't a lack of trust in Minato's ability, but to accelerate the pace on the front line. Currently using the Kizaru template, his ability to ignore physical attacks could play a significant role in battle.
Minato nodded. In a flash, he was gone before Obito could even voice his objection.
"We don't need protection!" Obito, having calmed his stomach, protested to Liumu. "The front line is tense and needs more manpower. You've already eliminated the enemies here. What danger could we possibly face?"
Hearing this, Liumu was momentarily speechless. The recent slaughter had left a residue of killing intent in his eyes. He stared directly at Obito. "Why do you assume these were all the enemies lying in ambush here? Do you think the enemy is as foolish as you? Do you understand the concept of reconnaissance? Do you know what an advance team is? If another enemy appears, can you protect everyone?"
The rapid-fire questioning carried a sudden, fierce anger. After a moment, Liumu realized his outburst, took a deep breath, and said, "I'm sorry. I got a little carried away."
This was the first time since his rebirth that Liumu had employed such brutal methods, killing on such a scale. The overwhelming bloodlust had momentarily affected his mind. Fortunately, he'd regained his senses in time.
"Truthfully, I believe in my heart that you can protect this team. But before you awaken the Sharingan, it's still too early to say." The Sharingan had always been a sore point for Obito. As a Chunin, he still hadn't awakened it. Most Uchiha his age had succeeded, except him...
A flicker of pain crossed Obito's face. The observant Rin noticed immediately. She stepped forward, gently taking his arm. "Liumu is right. It's not just him. Kakashi and I believe in you too."
Kakashi, now 12, had surpassed Liumu in rank, having been promoted to Jonin. Yet even he knew that in terms of actual combat prowess, Liumu remained the one he looked up to. The sheer scale of the earlier Light Release bombardment and its chakra cost were beyond Kakashi's own capabilities. Though Kakashi outranked Liumu, in this critical moment, Liumu's orders took precedence.
Squatting slowly, Liumu pinched the bridge of his nose, contemplating his next move. In the original timeline, Obito's tragedy was indeed regrettable. Yet, in that battle, Obito awakened his Sharingan, and Kakashi completed his own transformation. To nip that war in the bud now would be a different kind of tragedy for both Obito and Kakashi.
The enemy was in the shadows, they were in the light. To execute his plan, he would have to take some risks.
Three Days Later
Kakashi's trio rested beside a treehouse. As Rin unpacked rations, she said to Kakashi, "I'm sorry, Kakashi. We left in such a hurry, I didn't have time to properly congratulate you on becoming a Jonin."
Kakashi shook his head slightly. The path to Jonin had involved too much. The simple thrill of promotion from childhood was long gone. Becoming a Jonin meant a heavier burden, more to face in the future. His time in ANBU had taught him what it meant to be "human." He didn't mind Rin's apology.
Seeing this, Obito snorted softly and looked away. Kakashi glanced at him, his tone flat, almost joking. "What? Not going to give me a congratulatory gift for my promotion?"
Obito: "..."
Just then, a strange sound came from the tree trunk they were gathered around. Instantly alert, the three wartime veterans sprang to action. Kakashi drew his short sword, positioning himself in front of Obito and Rin, eyes scanning their surroundings.
Obito, behind him, looked at Kakashi's back, his expression darkening. Kakashi was a Jonin, a rank earned through his own ability. He himself, though a Chunin, as an Uchiha who hadn't awakened the Sharingan… envy? Obito didn't deny it. But after envy? Things remained as they were. Kakashi was still a genius, still the object of others' admiration.
"Obito!" Kakashi's sharp voice cut through his thoughts, eyes fixed ahead. "Focus! We're a team. We can't afford to lose anyone. You, me, Rin—from the day we entered Team 7, we've been a unit. I've always believed in you. No matter who's missing, this team wouldn't be a complete Team 7!"
Swish!
Countless kunai suddenly shot from the surrounding branches. Kakashi's hands tightened on his sword. His arms became a blur, the blade whirling.
Ting! Ting-ting-ting!
Sparks flew as every kunai was deflected in the blink of an eye. His gaze sharp, Kakashi suddenly thrust his sword into empty air. Blood welled forth. The space around the blade扭曲ed, and a figure slowly materialized. Looking at the broken blade in Kakashi's hand, the man gasped, "Could you be… the rumored… Konoha's White Fang?"
As the figure slid down, Kakashi wiped the blood from the corner of his eye. "That was my father."
The ambush thwarted, Kakashi noted the Iwagakure forehead protector and remained vigilant. "Be careful. They can blend their bodies into the surrounding environ—"
Before he could finish, an almost imperceptible sound materialized behind Obito.
(End of Chapter)
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