Eastern Camp, Land of Fire.
Ever since the Mist Ninjas had vanished without a trace, the Konoha ninja had had almost nothing to do besides routine reconnaissance and patrol missions.
But today, a patrol squad had discovered the traces of a small group of Mist Ninjas, and Minato personally led a team to eliminate them.
Not long after Minato left, the medical ninja sent by the village arrived as well, though they looked to be in terrible condition.
Quite a few people gathered at the camp entrance. When Shikaku arrived, he found them all looking bedraggled, slumped on the ground and gasping for breath as though they had traveled for a long time.
He hurriedly asked, "What happened? Did you encounter enemies?"
Shikaku remembered that the list sent earlier by Ninja Hawk stated that the medical ninja squad dispatched this time should have contained twelve people, but only half had arrived.
"While resting at the Mist-Flow River on our way here, we encountered a squad of Mist Ninjas. Some of our companions died in battle, and Rin was captured by the enemy."
Rin...
Shikaku's heart lurched. There was only one Rin on the list: Nohara Rin, Minato's student.
"The Rin you mentioned... is her name Nohara Rin?"
A white-haired youth stepped out from the crowd. He wore a mask over his face, and his voice was hoarse and low.
"Yes," the medical ninja sitting on the ground responded.
"There were too many enemies. We could only flee first..."
Before he could finish, Kakashi dashed out of the crowd and sped toward the camp exit.
"Kakashi!" Shikaku called after him, but failed to stop him. He cursed under his breath, having expected this, and could only order, "Hayama's squad, follow him!"
After giving the order, Shikaku said to the medical ninja,