Sometimes, good luck arrives unexpectedly—just like when Uchiha Kai awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan, completely unprepared for its immense power.
This time was no different. Uchiha Kai's decisive actions had not only earned the recognition of Namikaze Minato, but for various reasons, he had also been integrated into Minato's team.
This team was the key to survival. In the original timeline, Kakashi Hatake stood alone under the ruins of the Kannabi Bridge, his lonely figure leaving a deep impression on Uchiha Kai. Likewise, Uchiha Kai vividly remembered the scene where Namikaze Minato stood on the bridge, watching over Kakashi.
This proved one thing: Minato Namikaze would arrive at the last moment to ensure the success of the mission.
With the protection of the future Fourth Hokage, the level of security Uchiha Kai felt was far greater than what Hyūga Aya and Imai Kenta imagined. However, just because Minato was there didn't mean they were completely safe. On the contrary, they would still encounter countless dangers along the way.
For now, Uchiha Kai had been given temporary command of the team. With this authority, he could minimize unnecessary risks and ensure the mission was completed as safely as possible.
Having command meant something crucial—if needed, Uchiha Kai could 'summon' Namikaze Minato using a Flying Thunder God kunai, even if the kunai wasn't in his possession.
Kakashi, as a shinobi, was obligated to obey his captain's orders. Even as the son of Sakumo Hatake and the direct disciple of Namikaze Minato, disobeying orders would have dire consequences.
As for why Uchiha Kai was given command, the reason became clear after some thought.
Minato Namikaze had emphasized that they were a "complete team." More importantly, he needed to ensure that Kakashi wouldn't act recklessly.
Despite Minato's wisdom, Kakashi's mental state remained fragile. His overwhelming guilt over Obito Uchiha's death made Minato worry that he might act irrationally or jeopardize the mission.
As a fellow Uchiha, Uchiha Kai could help alleviate some of Kakashi's guilt. Additionally, Uchiha Kai's team had saved both Kakashi and Nohara Rin's lives, creating a bond that ensured Kakashi wouldn't resist his authority.
Indeed, when Minato assigned command to Uchiha Kai, Kakashi didn't object at all.
Their mission was straightforward, aligning closely with Uchiha Kai's expectations. This made Hyūga Aya and Imai Kenta exchange glances—this guy had planned everything from the start.
He had orchestrated every step to ensure they ended up in the safest possible position.
This guy was terrifying!
If Uchiha Kai knew what they were thinking, he would probably smirk and ask: "Do you know Demiurge?"
With Uchiha Kai leading the team, Namikaze Minato departed for the frontlines, believing his presence was more critical in the battlefield's main conflict.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Kai prepared his team for departure. There wasn't much to adjust—he already understood Kakashi's capabilities well.
Nohara Rin, as a medical-nin, was not expected to fight. Uchiha Kai assigned Imai Kenta to protect her, knowing she was a high-priority target.
Although Uchiha Kai wanted to take on the role himself, he knew he couldn't avoid direct combat.
Kakashi and Hyūga Aya's abilities were too valuable to be wasted on bodyguard duty, so Imai Kenta, skilled in Taijutsu and possessing a degree of sensory ability, was given the task.
However, Uchiha Kai knew this wouldn't be easy. Once the enemy realized there was a medical-nin in their ranks, Imai Kenta would likely become the most targeted member of the group.
Moving swiftly through the dense forest, the team encountered several Iwagakure shinobi along the way.
Fortunately, Hyūga Aya's Byakugan allowed them to detect enemies from kilometers away, enabling them to avoid direct confrontations.
Additionally, the decoy team led by Yamanaka Masato played a crucial role, drawing away most of the enemy's attention.
Because of this, Uchiha Kai's team had the easiest time infiltrating the enemy's rear lines, avoiding unnecessary engagements.
However, after several days of travel, the pressure began to mount.
Although Iwa's rear defenses were thin, Aya's Byakugan revealed that their garrisons effectively blocked all viable routes.
Any apparent gaps were riddled with traps—particularly explosive tags cleverly concealed in unassuming places.
"This isn't going to work," Uchiha Kai thought as he sat in a concealed cave. He hadn't expected the enemy's rear defenses to be this tight.
"It's likely because we attacked their prison camp earlier. With several Iwa squads missing, they must have realized something was wrong."
Hyūga Aya, seated beside him, spoke in her usual calm tone.
"So what do we do now? While the number of Iwa shinobi here is low due to the ongoing frontline battle, judging by their chakra levels, none of them are pushovers."
Uchiha Kai glanced at her—she was stating the obvious.
If they were easy to deal with, Konoha would have wiped them out already.
With no distractions to draw the enemy's attention away, Uchiha Kai was left with an option he had hoped to avoid—direct confrontation.
"Can you determine which unit they belong to?" he asked after some thought.
Aya gave him a deadpan look. "Are you serious? Instead of asking me that, why don't you just capture an Iwa ninja and interrogate him? You have the Sharingan, don't you?"
Before Uchiha Kai could respond, Kakashi spoke up.
"Captain, I think we should move toward a less-guarded route."
Both Uchiha Kai and Hyūga Aya frowned.
Kakashi remained unfazed. "Of course, I know it might be a trap. They could be monitoring those areas, ready to send reinforcements the moment we show up."
Uchiha Kai raised an eyebrow. "Then why suggest it?"
Kakashi stood up and spoke calmly.
"Because I'll go alone."
His voice carried unwavering resolve.
"I can use a shadow clone as a decoy. Just like how the captain had others take on bait roles before—this time, I'll be the bait."