The two great ocular powers of Konoha are the Byakugan and the Sharingan.
Because its methods of attack are more complex, the Sharingan's abilities are generally seen as more unpredictable.
Comparing a three-tomoe Sharingan to a Byakugan, each has its strengths and weaknesses.
However, once you move beyond the three-tomoe stage, the Sharingan is fundamentally superior.
The Sharingan possesses a natural path of evolution that the Byakugan simply lacks.
But the Byakugan's utility isn't just about individual combat.
It is far more significant in reconnaissance; in large-scale warfare, it is a strategic weapon.
Only the Byakugan can map out enemy layouts and see through their latest movements instantly.
The trouble now is that a Byakugan has fallen into the hands of the Hidden Mist.
In group warfare, a single Byakugan can be more effective than a pair of Sharingan.
This is the general rule, excluding certain bug-level Sharingan outliers.
The Hokage's concern over losing the eye wasn't just about the Hyuga clan's feelings.
If the enemy obtains such a weapon, it means your own sword has been handed to your foe.
"Based on the mission the ambushed Hyuga squad was performing, we are certain of the location."
The Third Hokage's voice continued to echo in the room.
"The event took place at the ruins of the former Land of Whirlpools."
"Given that an elite Hyuga squad was wiped out with almost no resistance, we assume a large force."
"Or perhaps an elite squad belonging directly to the Kage's office."
"Because the Byakugan is vital to Konoha, we have diverted ninjas from Orochimaru's front."
"They are currently blockading the waters around the Land of Whirlpools."
"The enemy cannot leave the island without alerting us, but the pressure on the front lines is high."
"Orochimaru's forces cannot be spared for the retrieval, and sending non-elites would be meaningless."
The former Land of Whirlpools was just a small island, but blockading it wasn't easy.
Hagoromo wondered if Orochimaru had really pulled every single scout for this.
"Therefore, I have decided to form new squads from those present to retrieve the eye."
The Hokage didn't even need to explain why they were putting so much effort into one eye.
"The enemy is trapped on the island, but the terrain and environmental factors are difficult."
"Furthermore, the enemy is using a wide-range barrier jutsu to interfere with our senses."
"The Hyuga's long-range detection is limited here, so the search will mostly depend on you."
"The mission objective is simple: retrieve the Byakugan. Start immediately."
"There is no specific time limit for this mission."
In other words: don't come back until you have that eye.
It meant that anyone who wasn't a Hyuga but held a Byakugan would be hunted by Konoha.
The Hokage finished the briefing quickly, and the squads began to assemble.
To maintain efficiency in the search, the ninjas—all considered elites—were paired off.
"Yo!"
Hagoromo quickly spotted his partner for this operation.
White hair, a mask, young, and eyes that were already 70% dead fish—Hatake Kakashi.
"Kakashi, I remember you're a Chunin, right?"
In such a serious setting, Hagoromo still had the heart to mock Kakashi's signature look.
"Correct," Kakashi replied flatly.
"Didn't they say the enemy is strong and we need 'elite ninjas' for this?"
"The problem is, you're a Chunin and I'm a Chunin. So where is the elite in this squad?"
Kakashi didn't hesitate to point a finger directly at Hagoromo.
"Word is you've already completed an S-rank mission and refused promotion twice."
"Theoretically, only elite Jonin can finish S-ranks. The Hokage clearly counts you as Jonin-tier."
"Between the two of us, you are the captain."
Hagoromo: "..."
Why did their conversation contain zero sense of mission, gravity, or tension?
It was just their personalities; they understood the stakes, but their faces didn't have to show it.
Even with those dead-fish eyes, once the mission started, Kakashi would be deadly serious.
If Hagoromo went down, Kakashi would keep going until the job was finished.
"Where is Minato-senpai? Surely he'd be part of a mission like this."
"Minato-sensei is more efficient acting alone..."
True enough, Minato was nowhere to be seen. Given his speed, he was likely already there.
Hagoromo and Kakashi didn't just stand around talking; they were busy prepping.
They grabbed their mission supplies, gear, and topped off their ninja tools and medicine.
They had only one hour to prepare before they had to move out.
Since they needed to reach the site at top speed, those without special movement went in a group.
But those with fast travel methods could set off on their own!
Did Hagoromo have a special travel method? Yes.
He had a bird. He could fly.
He used the Summoning Jutsu, planning to fly straight to the Land of Whirlpools.
Given Yatagarasu's size, he could easily carry four other squads as well.
So, while the other ninjas were sprinting across the land, Hagoromo's group took flight.
Across mountains and oceans, over the crowds... the bird didn't stop flapping.
By dawn, flying at maximum speed, they had crossed half the Land of Fire.
Ten ninjas were dropped off at the outskirts of the Land of Whirlpools.
Hagoromo released the summon and took a moment to recover his chakra.
The five teams then split up into their assigned search sectors to act independently.
Hagoromo and Kakashi had to rely on their naked eyes for the search.
Kakashi wasn't a specialized scout, and Hagoromo's range was limited to his line of sight.
In an open environment like the sea, looking with your eyes was often the most effective way.
However, the wind and snow were definitely proving to be an obstacle.
But, whether they were lucky or cursed, they found an enemy remarkably quickly.
Approaching through the snow, Kakashi pulled out a manual to compare a photo with a face.
"Confirmed. He's a Hidden Mist ninja."
Now it was time for the captain, Hagoromo, to give the order.
And he did.
He looked at Kakashi and said:
"Get him!"
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