Orochimaru decided to entrust the task of monitoring the Cloud Ninja Outpost to Shindai and his team.
Lord Jiraiya thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Very well. There are no other missions for Kakashi and his team right now, so let them take this one."
After Jiraiya and Orochimaru discussed how to wipe out the Cloud Ninja in one fell swoop, Jiraiya left the tent and summoned Shindai, Kakashi, and Rin.
Inside Lord Jiraiya's tent.
Shindai curiously asked Obito, who was beside him, "Obito, why did Lord Jiraiya send for us?"
Obito shrugged and said, "I don't know either, but since he's gathered all of us, it must be to give us a mission."
Shindai exclaimed in shock, "What? We just got back from a mission, and now we have to do another one?"
Obito replied to Shindai, "That's normal, Shindai. You don't think we get a few days off after every mission, do you?"
Rin Nohara also said, "Sometimes, if there are no missions, we can rest, but if there are missions, there's no time to rest. We have to go immediately to the next one. I remember one time, we did three missions in a row in a month, without a single day of rest."
Obito recalled, "Yeah, it was like two investigation missions and one surveillance mission, right? As soon as we reported back from the previous mission, we immediately got another one. That time was really exhausting."
Kakashi, with his deadpan eyes, looked at Shindai and said, "Shindai, you don't need to worry. As I said before, our missions basically don't involve combat. They are usually observation-based missions like investigation or surveillance."
Shindai sighed and said, "What if it really does involve combat?"
"That would be great!" Obito clapped his hands excitedly. "I can't wait to get a combat mission. My fighting spirit is already thirsting for action!"
Shindai and Kakashi both rolled their Byakugan at Obito.
Shindai retorted, "You? When I was hiding in the bushes in the Land of Rivers, I saw you freeze in fright. It was Kakashi who saved you."
Obito's face instantly turned bright red. "N-Nonsense! Who was scared stiff! Kakashi was just being overly helpful. At that time, everything was clearly within my control. A few Sand Ninja and Stone Ninja? I could have taken care of all of them by myself!"
Kakashi sneered and said nothing.
But Kakashi's laugh angered Obito. Obito slammed his hand on the table, shoved his face close to Kakashi's, and angrily said, "Kakashi! What are you laughing at?!"
Kakashi just stared at Obito, not saying a word, but the mockery in his expression was clearly visible.
Rin Nohara rubbed her head, a headache starting. It was happening again.
Rin Nohara had always been the mediator between Kakashi and Obito, and she had intervened in their arguments countless times, becoming quite skilled at it.
Just as Rin Nohara was about to try and calm Kakashi and Obito, something unexpected happened this time.
"Wow! Kakashi, your expression is so punchable! Obito, if it were me, I wouldn't be able to stand it. If it were me, I'd just punch him!"
Shindai directly fanned the flames, looking like he enjoyed the drama.
Shindai had no malicious intent; he just wanted to stir things up when he saw such a tense situation.
Provoked by Shindai, Obito's right fist instantly clenched.
And Kakashi even tilted his head slightly, as if daring him to try.
This punchable expression made Obito lose his temper instantly. "Hey, I've got a short fuse!"
Obito made to strike, but Rin Nohara, quick as a flash, grabbed his arm. "Obito, don't do that!"
Obito struggled forcefully. "Rin, let go! If I don't punch Kakashi today, I'm not an Uchiha!"
Shindai clapped enthusiastically. "Obito, you're such a man now! Truly worthy of being a genius among the Uchiha! I feel like I'm starting to idolize you! If there were any girls here, they would definitely idolize you too!"
Obito subconsciously glanced at Rin Nohara.
So… Rin must really idolize him right now, right?
Rin Nohara glared at Shindai and said, "Shindai, stop fanning the flames!"
Kakashi suddenly said, "Idiot!"
The word 'idiot' made Obito suddenly get fired up again. "Kakashi! Today, I swear on the Uchiha name, I'll fight you!"
Rin Nohara said helplessly, "Kakashi, you stop adding to the chaos too!"
Just then, Jiraiya entered the tent and, seeing the scene before him, exclaimed in surprise, "Is it this lively?"
Shindai, like a loyal subordinate—no, he was a loyal subordinate—rushed to Lord Jiraiya's side and started tattling, "Lord Jiraiya, Obito and Kakashi are fighting, and no matter how much I tried to persuade them, it was useless. Honestly, I can't stand it when teammates argue with each other. Doesn't it harm our unity? Lord Jiraiya, I am heartbroken by such matters. I feel I am not suited to remain in such a disunited team. I request to become a close guard by Lord Jiraiya's side and protect Lord Jiraiya's safety!"
Obito, Kakashi, and Rin Nohara stared at the 'righteously indignant' Shindai, dumbfounded.
Wasn't Shindai the one who started fanning the flames from the very beginning?
How could Shindai have the nerve to say that his persuasion was useless?
Obito tremblingly raised his finger and pointed at Shindai, too shocked to say a word.
Shindai put on a stern face and said, "Obito, I know you're ashamed, but I won't forgive you and Kakashi! I cannot tolerate acting with a disunited team!"
"I'm going to fight you, you shameless bastard!"
Obito's already red face was now a dark reddish-black, and he wanted to rush at Shindai and punch him.
Rin Nohara, who had been holding Obito, actively let go, her meaning clear.
And Kakashi, for the first time, supported Obito so strongly, wanting to land a solid punch on Shindai's face to see just how thick Shindai's skin was!
Shindai hid behind Lord Jiraiya. "Lord Jiraiya, they're angry and embarrassed, and they want to bully me! Quickly, save me!"
Lord Jiraiya's mouth twitched.
He had pretty much figured it out by now.
There was no way Shindai would have tried to persuade them. Judging by Obito and the others' expressions, Shindai was very likely the one who had fanned the flames.
He truly would go to any lengths to stay in the safe Konoha Garrison.
Lord Jiraiya grabbed the charging Obito. "Alright, that's enough bickering. I don't need anyone to protect my safety. Now, I have a mission for you all."
After Lord Jiraiya put Obito down, he said sternly, "A surveillance mission. Minato Team is to depart immediately for the Cloud Ninja Outpost you previously investigated. Monitor their every move, and if they make any unusual movements, report their actions to us immediately!"