Uchiha Kin's Tactics, The Other End of the Nerves—Nara Tama

Kakashi, Obito, and Rin all knew the importance of this mission and nodded in unison, "Understood, Sensei. We'll be careful." Obito, in particular, promised, "Don't worry, Sensei, I'll keep an eye on Kakashi and make sure he doesn't mess around."

Kakashi glanced at Obito, thinking, Are you kidding me? I'm talking about you. But after spending so much time together as teammates, he was used to it.

Minato smiled. Having Obito in the squad was indeed a good thing. In tense, stressful moments like these, a single word from him could lighten the atmosphere and ease the immense pressure. His confidence in the upcoming mission grew.

He looked in Uchiha Kin's direction. "Once Kin's group makes their move, we'll depart. For now, let's use this time to rest."

"What's he doing?" Obito asked curiously, then nudged Rin and Kakashi. "Kakashi, Rin, let's go take a look?"

Upon hearing this, the two were also intrigued. Seeing the three wanting to go, Minato followed along. After all, he was still young himself!

So, Team Minato collectively went over.

They saw a group of injured individuals practicing hand seals, performing familiar jutsu. Minato, being good friends with Fugaku, immediately recognized the hand seals for the Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. Obito also recognized it. "It's the Phoenix Sage Fire Technique! Why are they practicing this jutsu?"

Soon, someone succeeded. Each time someone mastered it, Uchiha Kin would nod in approval. "Once you've learned it, don't waste more chakra. Just familiarize yourself with the hand seals."

He also mocked those who failed. "Are you sure you're mature ninja? You can't even learn such a simple jutsu!"

Of course, those who learned slowly only needed three or four attempts before they could execute it. However, being newly learned, the power was rather underwhelming.

Uchiha Kin was satisfied. Being able to release it was enough. The power wasn't important; whether they could do it was.

"Assemble!"

Over three hundred people gathered.

Obito asked Minato, "Sensei, what is he going to do?" Kakashi also frowned, puzzled. "He's probably preparing to depart, right?"

Minato also frowned. "Learning Fire Style right before a mission won't make them combat-ready in time. Mastering a single jutsu takes at least several months to use effectively. What's the point of this?"

"I'll explain our mission. Before this mission begins, I will explain it to you in detail, to prevent anyone from acting rashly and sacrificing themselves unnecessarily.

"Everyone, remember this: our mission is 'Intercept the Rock Ninja Offensive.' Remember these six words, and understand clearly that our primary objective is to intercept the offensive. We must stop the Rock Ninja at the border, preventing them from advancing further.

"Remember, intercept the offensive! Intercept the offensive! Intercept the offensive! Not to kill the enemy... I don't want anyone getting overexcited and misunderstanding our mission.

"Your lives are precious. Every death reduces our strength. With less strength, our defense line might collapse, allowing the Rock Ninja to push through unimpeded—so, shake the cobwebs out of your heads.

"Don't do anything foolish, don't get your comrades killed, don't endanger the village because of yourselves. Understand my orders and always keep our mission clearly in mind.

"Death is easy. A moment of impulsivity can bring it. But to preserve your life and complete the mission, that is difficult."

Uchiha Kin's gaze swept over the three hundred-plus people. When he looked towards Team Minato, he nodded at Minato, Kakashi, Obito, and Rin, a silent greeting.

He deliberately paused for a moment, allowing the ninja to process his words, before continuing, "Next, we'll discuss tactics.

"The Rock Ninja primarily use Earth Style Ninjutsu. For individual combat, they favor Hardening Jutsu, and for ambushes, Earth Release: Subterranean Voyage. For group... Our tactic will be in teams of three, using the Phoenix Sage Fire Technique as our core. Two ninja will create an opportunity for one to release the Phoenix Sage Fire.

"That is, A and B will create an opportunity for C to release the Phoenix Sage Fire, and then they will rotate. C will then replace A or B in creating an opportunity for the next fire release.

"We must form wave attacks to break through the main Rock Ninja force and divide them into smaller units..."

It was a detailed and targeted strategy.

"Remember one thing: our principle is 'If the enemy doesn't move, I don't move. If the enemy moves, I move.' We seek not to inflict casualties, but only to impede the enemy. Division is key; engage in chaotic battles." With this final sentence, Uchiha Kin waved his hand. "Depart."

The group then departed in three large detachments, led by Yakushi Nonō, Daizō, and Chishiyama Yoshio.

Obito asked, "Sensei, what exactly is Kin's tactic?" He didn't quite understand.

"To divide the battlefield through wave-like fire jutsu attacks. To impede the Rock Ninja's advance. His idea... hmm, it's a bit unconventional for a ninja!" he thought. "But with this strategy, I feel more at ease here."

In the darkness of night, over three hundred people spread out across the battlefield in groups of three. Ninja with keen sensory abilities also dispersed, facilitating information transfer.

Uchiha Kin leaned against a tree, silently forming a hand seal. His shadow roamed freely in the darkness, covering a radius of ten kilometers. After circling a large portion, it suddenly stopped. The other end of the shadow led to a cave.

Inside the cave, a group of elderly and young war refugees were hiding. A boy with single eyelids opened his eyes and walked out of the cave.

He let out a light chuckle. "Kannagi Bridge, is it about to begin? Such a large bridge... it's quite a challenge."

From the shadows on the ground, a bundle of nerves suddenly emerged, leading to an eyeball at its end. The pupil was entirely white.

The Byakugan!

The boy reached out, and nerves also emerged from his palm, connecting with the eyeball and drawing it into his body.

The boy exclaimed, "I truly am a genius. Combining the principles of the Ninjutsu Body Flicker Technique, this Shadow Body Flicker Technique is excellent for transmitting things under the cover of darkness. And remembering to give me the Byakugan... With the Byakugan, my mission will be much easier."

If anyone from Konoha saw this boy, they would recognize him: he was from the Nara Clan.

And if anyone familiar with Uchiha Kin and Hyuga Ken from the same year saw him, they would definitely recognize him as their teammate—

Nara Tama.

Nara Tama's figure, accompanied by the disappearing shadow, extended all the way towards Kannagi Bridge. With the insight of the Byakugan, he avoided the sight of the Rock Ninja. His actions were not blind; he was searching—

The Rock Ninja knew Konoha would deal with Kannagi Bridge, so ambushes were always present.

He just needed to find the ambush points.

The rest was waiting!

Waiting for Team Minato to arrive.