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Ever since that conversation with the Third Hokage, Minato had clearly felt the shift in his missions.
Whether it was on the western front with Mei or the northern front with Orochimaru, the missions assigned to him had become far more frequent and involved far more people.
Even on the eastern front, he had been sent to provide support multiple times.
Minato understood. The village was deliberately building his battle record and reputation.
Even Taiichi had been recalled to the village and kept out of sight because of these needs.
If Minato hadn't already spoken with Taiichi about their respective ideals and knew that Taiichi had no interest in the position of Hokage, he might have genuinely worried that Taiichi would misunderstand the situation.
According to Kakashi, Taiichi was also part of the insurance for this mission. With the ability to call on Taiichi at a critical moment, Kakashi and the others' safety was basically guaranteed.
"Alright. But don't get careless. The battlefield changes in an instant. No safety measure is ever one hundred percent guaranteed."
Minato gave his final warning, fulfilling his duty as their teacher.
Soon the specific mission orders were issued.
Kannabi Bridge was located in the Land of Grass but sat close to the border with the Land of Earth. It spanned a deep canyon and served as the fastest route between the two countries.
If Iwagakure wanted to quickly transport supplies to their front-line forces in the Land of Grass, this bridge was the ideal chokepoint. Otherwise they would have to take a long, costly detour.
Because of this, countless supplies crossed the bridge every single day.
A bridge this important was heavily protected by Iwagakure. At least one full platoon of shinobi was stationed there year-round.
Minato's team had one clear objective: destroy the bridge at all costs.
Inside an empty tent in the Konoha camp.
Minato spread out a large map he had received from the mission office. His squad members gathered around it.
He looked over the people assigned to this mission.
Kakashi, Obito, and Rin formed one team. At this moment their eyes were filled with eager anticipation.
The other team was led by Akimichi Choza. They were also staring intently at Minato.
"This is Kannabi Bridge," Minato said, pointing to the bridge near the Land of Earth on the map. "Our mission is to destroy it and cut Iwagakure's supply line.
This is a critical step toward ending the western front, but you all need to understand the difficulty and the risks.
The bridge lies behind Iwagakure's main camp and is heavily protected.
According to the latest intelligence, there are at least six jonin openly stationed here. We have no idea how many more might be hidden."
Minato's tone was heavy as he explained the importance and danger of the mission. He made it clear that they needed to be prepared to make sacrifices if necessary.
Akimichi Choza's massive body stood steady as a rock. His deep voice rumbled in reply.
"Understood, Minato Jonin. Just give the orders. Even if we have to risk our lives, we'll complete the mission."
He was making a solemn vow. Behind him, his three teammates wore equally determined expressions, ready to give everything.
On Kakashi's team, Obito straightened his chest. His face was flushed with a mix of excitement and tension. He spoke before Kakashi could.
"Minato-sensei, we're the same. Just give us the orders. We won't let you down."
Kakashi frowned and elbowed Obito in the side, hissing under his breath, "Idiot. Let sensei finish."
Rin also tugged on Obito's sleeve, signaling him to rein it in. There were other people present. As a team member, jumping in like that was already out of line.
Minato nodded. His finger slid south of Kannabi Bridge.
"Choza, your team will launch a diversion from here first. Draw away and pin down part of their forces."
Then his finger moved to the north side of the bridge as he looked at Kakashi's group.
"Your team will launch a surprise attack from here. Try to break through as far as possible and make it look like you're going to blow up the bridge. But if you meet heavy resistance, retreat immediately."
"Minato Jonin, shouldn't we switch tasks with Kakashi's team? Their part is far more dangerous. It would be better if we handled it."
Choza was thinking of Kakashi and the others. As the senior, he naturally wanted to take on more of the burden.
But Minato knew Kakashi's team carried Taiichi's life-saving trump card, so he was quite confident in their safety.
"Choza, don't worry. They have ways to protect themselves. They can handle this mission."
Choza didn't push further. After all, the first time could be seen as concern for juniors. A second time would be questioning his captain's judgment.
Minato's gaze returned to Kakashi's three students. Feeling the weight in their teacher's eyes, Kakashi met it with a calm look of his own.
"Sensei, we'll follow the plan strictly. If necessary, we'll use that."
He was referring to the specially modified Flying Thunder God kunai that could summon Taiichi—their final insurance.
A trace of relief flashed through Minato's eyes, but it was quickly overshadowed by gravity.
He emphasized again, "The battlefield changes in an instant. Remember—your first priority is to survive. I'll handle the bridge myself. Your main job is to draw the enemy's attention."
Minato swept his gaze over everyone once more.
"Once the plan succeeds, withdraw immediately along the predetermined route. Do not engage in prolonged fighting!"
His stare was especially sharp when it landed on Obito. Obito shrank his neck under the look but still nodded firmly.
"Move out!"
Under the cover of night, the entire group silently left the Konoha camp and slipped toward Kannabi Bridge deep behind Iwagakure lines.
Experienced as they were, they skillfully avoided Iwagakure's strict patrol routes, moving through rugged mountains and dense forests.
After a full day and night of grueling travel, their target finally appeared at the edge of their vision.
Kannabi Bridge spanned a deep canyon like the spine of some colossal beast.
Its body was built from solid rock and steel, looking massive and menacing in the dark night.
At both ends of the bridge, Iwagakure watchtowers rose high. Shinobi in brown armor were clearly visible.
Even at night, faint movement could be seen on the bridge—supply carts and shinobi moving back and forth.
"It's… huge."
Obito swallowed unconsciously. His earlier excitement had been dampened by the sight before him. Could simple explosive tags really destroy a bridge this massive?
"Alright. Rest here. We move at 4 a.m. sharp."
"Yes!"
Except for those on watch, everyone found a hidden spot and closed their eyes to rest.
Time ticked by. By 4 a.m.—when people were at their most exhausted—Konoha's forces were already wide awake and ready.
By now the bridge surface itself was empty. Only the watchtowers around it still had Iwa-nin on alert.
"Move!"
Minato gave a low command. Choza led his team south and disappeared into the forest. Kakashi's three students headed north toward their designated position.
Ten minutes later, shortly after Kakashi's team reached their spot, a furious shout rang out from the watchtower on the south side of the bridge.
"Who's there?!"
No one answered. Instead, a massive shadow suddenly swelled in the darkness and charged toward the watchtower at the bridgehead with crushing momentum.
Several flares shot into the sky. Only then did everyone see what it was—a rapidly rolling meatball, as tall as the watchtower itself.
Partial Expansion Jutsu: Meat Tank.
With a thunderous crash, the watchtower was smashed to pieces. How many Iwa-nin died inside was unknown.
Immediately after, wind blades and fireballs flew out one after another, exploding across Iwagakure's positions and causing even more chaos.
"Enemy attack! It's Konoha shinobi!"
"Protect the bridge! Stop them!"
Shouts rose from all directions as large numbers of Iwa-nin poured out of their defensive positions.
Taking advantage of the chaos caused by Choza's team, Kakashi's eyes sharpened.
"Go!"
He was the first to leap from cover. Obito and Rin followed close behind. Instead of charging straight at the bridge, they moved quickly along the cliff edge beside the bridge structure.
Their target was the most critical support pillar beneath the bridge.
Along the way they threw explosive tags onto the bridge itself, preparing to create more chaos later.
Kakashi's team moved like three gusts of wind, nimbly dodging falling rocks and stray arrows as they rapidly approached the bridge pier.
Just as they were about to reach it, a highly provocative voice rang out from the shadows beneath the pier, dripping with mockery.
"Hmph. A few little rats think they can pull the wool over our eyes like this?"
A tall, stern-faced Iwagakure jonin stepped out of the shadows. He carried a jagged long blade, and his eyes were sharp as a hawk's. It was none other than Iwagakure jonin Mogera.
Iwagakure had clearly anticipated Konoha's attempt to destroy the bridge and had stationed a jonin at this key point.
"Full assault. Execute Plan B!"
Kakashi charged forward first. His right hand lit up with intense lightning, the sound of a thousand birds chirping filling the air.
His speed exploded. In the blink of an eye he was right in front of Mogera. His lightning-wreathed right hand clawed straight toward Mogera's heart.
At the last possible moment, Mogera twisted aside and barely avoided Kakashi's hand.
But the powerful electric current still grazed his body and sent him flying far away.
"There are Konoha people over here too!"
Shouts from Iwagakure rang out nearby. Kakashi knew they couldn't stay. He formed a hand seal with one hand and shouted, "Explode!"
The explosive tags he had thrown earlier detonated one after another. At the same time, Obito and Rin were also throwing tags in all directions to create even greater chaos.
"Move!"
Kakashi called out, grabbed Rin beside him, and shouted at Obito, who was still throwing tags.
The three of them immediately turned and sprinted at full speed toward the distant forest without looking back.
"Chase them! Don't let them get away—especially that silver-haired brat!"
Mogera roared as he climbed to his feet in a sorry state. His chest was burned black.
He had been careless. Truly careless. He never expected that kid's attack to be so fierce.
He had come within a hair's breadth of dying right there.
Mogera was still covered in cold sweat. After the shock came pure rage.
He personally led a small elite squad of three chunin and charged after Kakashi's team in the direction they had disappeared.
Not long after Mogera left, two more Iwagakure jonin arrived at the scene. After checking the area, they quickly followed the trail Mogera had left behind.
Once all three groups had departed, a figure slowly emerged from the shadow of a large tree near the bridge pier.
It was Black Zetsu, who had been hiding there the entire time. Unfortunately, no one had noticed his presence.
Less than five minutes later, the two groups of Iwa-nin met up first.
"Daishi, Hikaru—what are you two doing here? Shouldn't you still be guarding the bridge?"
Mogera asked in confusion. Compared to chasing a few fleeing Konoha shinobi, the bridge was obviously the top priority.
"The bridge still has ANBU guarding it. Personnel are sufficient. But you—I saw you got injured. Are you sure you can handle this alone?"
Daishi glanced at the burn on Mogera's chest, his tone carrying a hint of mockery.
Mogera was momentarily speechless. He wanted to say he had been careless, but the words wouldn't come out.
"Alright, enough chit-chat. Instead of wasting time, let's catch those three rats in front of us so we can go home earlier."
Hikaru played peacemaker while unconsciously quickening his pace.
Mogera thought about it and agreed—more people did mean more safety. He stopped talking and sped up to match Hikaru's stride.
Up ahead, among the three fleeing figures, Kakashi was the first to sense something wrong. He had trained in sensory ninjutsu under Minato. Although its range wasn't great, at this close distance he could still detect the approaching threat.
"Careful. The enemy is catching up—and their strength isn't right. There are three jonin and three chunin."
His words hit Obito and Rin like a depth charge, sending shockwaves through their hearts.
What had they done to warrant three jonin personally chasing them? Had they abandoned defending Kannabi Bridge entirely?
Before they could think further, the presence of the Iwa-nin behind them had already closed to a distance that even Obito and Rin could sense.
Kakashi no longer hesitated.
He pulled out several bundles of steel wire from his ninja tool pouch. One end of each wire was attached to a kunai, the other to an explosive tag.
Kakashi's hands moved rapidly, shooting the tags and kunai to both sides and stretching simple wire-triggered traps between the trees.
Obito and Rin followed his example, setting various small traps along the path they had to take. They didn't expect to kill the enemy, only to slow them down.
Boom!
With the first explosive tag detonation, Kakashi could clearly feel the enemy's speed decrease.
"Did they get blown up?"
Obito hadn't even finished speaking before the second explosion rang out.
"No. They just slowed down. They're still behind us."
Kakashi spoke calmly while unconsciously quickening his pace. He could feel the Iwa-nin's speed picking up again.
"If they catch up soon, I'm calling for backup. Three jonin are not something we can handle."
As he spoke, he took out the special kunai Taiichi had given them—the one meant for calling backup at the most critical moment.
Rin and Obito both saw Kakashi's action, but their reactions were completely different.
Rin nodded without hesitation. In her view, they had already completed their part of the mission. Now that they faced an unbeatable threat, survival should come first.
But Obito didn't see it that way.
"Wait, Kakashi."
His face flushed red with excitement and a fierce sense of pride. His single-tomoe Sharingan stared fixedly at the kunai in Kakashi's hand.
"Rin, Kakashi—we're not at the end of our rope yet! We haven't even seen those three jonin face to face and we're already calling for help. That's too embarrassing!"
He clenched his fists, eyes burning with unwillingness to lose.
"At the very least we should fight once and prove our worth!"
"Obito, have you lost your mind?!" Kakashi was both shocked and furious, glaring at him. "This isn't the time to play hero. You're going to get yourself killed!"