Naruto: The Second Chance of Obito Uchiha
Chapter 17: Heroes of the Leaf
The gates of Konoha opened as the battered members of Team Minato returned home.
Their uniforms were torn.
Dust and dried blood covered their flak jackets.
Despite their injuries, they walked with their heads held high.
Word of the destruction of Kannabi Bridge had already spread throughout the village.
Leaf shinobi stopped what they were doing to watch them pass.
"They're the team that destroyed the bridge."
"I heard they completed the mission without the Yellow Flash."
"They're only teenagers…"
Obito scratched the back of his head.
"I don't like everyone staring."
Kakashi didn't even look up.
"You'll get used to it."
Rin laughed softly.
"I don't think either of you likes attention."
Inside the Hokage Tower, Hiruzen Sarutobi listened as Minato finished his report.
"The mission was successful."
"The bridge was destroyed, and Iwagakure's supply route has collapsed."
Hiruzen nodded.
"And Team Minato?"
"They accomplished the mission despite being heavily outnumbered."
Minato allowed himself a faint smile.
"They exceeded my expectations."
Shikaku Nara stepped forward with another report.
"The destruction of Kannabi Bridge forced Iwagakure to abandon several offensives."
"The pressure on our western forces has eased significantly."
Jiraiya let out a low whistle.
"Three young shinobi changed the course of an entire campaign."
Later that afternoon, Team Minato entered the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen stood and looked at each of them.
"You have all served the village with honor."
His eyes settled on Rin.
"Your medical support saved numerous lives."
Rin bowed respectfully.
"Thank you, Lord Third."
He turned to Kakashi.
"Your leadership under extreme circumstances ensured the mission's success."
Kakashi simply nodded.
Then Hiruzen faced Obito.
"The reports speak highly of your actions."
"They also mention something unusual."
Obito remained calm.
"Sir?"
"Several witnesses claim you fought two veteran jonin while coordinating your entire team."
The room fell quiet.
Obito smiled sheepishly.
"I had good teammates."
Minato hid a smile.
That answer sounded exactly like the Obito he had hoped his student would become.
As the team left the tower, they found Might Guy waiting outside.
"There you are!"
Guy pointed dramatically at Kakashi.
"I heard about your mission!"
"Kakashi! Our rivalry burns brighter than ever!"
Kakashi sighed.
"I just got back."
Guy ignored him and turned toward Obito.
"And you!"
"I've heard amazing things!"
Obito blinked.
"About me?"
Guy gave him a thumbs-up.
"Any friend of my eternal rival must also possess the flames of youth!"
Obito looked at Kakashi.
"…Can I pretend I don't know him?"
Kakashi answered immediately.
"Please."
Even Rin couldn't hold back her laughter.
Over the next several days, Team Minato remained in Konoha to recover.
Rin spent most of her time assisting at the hospital, learning advanced medical techniques from experienced medics.
Kakashi divided his time between missions and training.
The Chidori had proven effective…
But dangerous.
Standing in the training field, he drove the lightning-covered hand into a stone boulder.
The rock shattered instantly.
Kakashi looked at his hand.
"It's still incomplete."
From behind him, Obito spoke.
"You slow down just before the strike."
Kakashi turned.
"You noticed."
Obito nodded.
"Without eyes that can predict a counterattack, you have to hesitate."
Kakashi crossed his arms.
"I know."
"If I charge at the wrong moment, I'll leave myself completely exposed."
Obito remained silent for a few seconds.
Then he smiled.
"Want a training partner?"
The two Special Jonin spent the afternoon sparring.
Kakashi repeatedly used Chidori.
Obito activated his three-tomoe Sharingan, dodging by the smallest margins.
Again.
Again.
Again.
After nearly an hour, Kakashi stopped.
"I'm still missing something."
Obito nodded.
"The technique itself isn't the problem."
"It's your vision."
Kakashi looked at him.
"You sound like you've analyzed it before."
Obito quickly shrugged.
"I've just watched you enough."
Kakashi accepted the explanation, though he wasn't completely convinced.
Elsewhere in the village, news of Team Minato's mission reached the Uchiha Compound.
Fugaku Uchiha silently read the report.
"So…"
"The son of the Uchiha who was once considered a late bloomer has become a Special Jonin."
One elder frowned.
"Should we invite him back into clan affairs?"
Fugaku folded the report.
"No."
"Let him continue serving under Minato."
"The battlefield is shaping him into something remarkable."
That evening, Minato visited Team Minato one final time before receiving his next assignment.
"You've all grown."
He looked at Kakashi.
"You've become a capable leader."
He turned to Rin.
"Your confidence as a medical ninja has increased."
Finally, he looked at Obito.
"You've stopped trying to prove you're strong."
Obito smiled.
"I realized something."
Minato tilted his head.
"What's that?"
"The strongest shinobi aren't the ones who seek recognition."
"They're the ones others can rely on."
For a moment, Minato simply smiled.
"I couldn't have said it better myself."
Just as the conversation ended, an ANBU operative appeared.
"Lord Minato."
"A priority message from the Hokage."
Minato accepted the scroll and read it.
His expression became serious.
"The war isn't over."
He looked at his students.
"We've received intelligence that Kumogakure is increasing its activity along the northern border."
Jiraiya had also requested reinforcements.
A new battlefield was about to open.
And Team Minato's next mission would place them against an entirely different enemy—shinobi from the Hidden Cloud, whose speed and Lightning Release rivaled Konoha's best.