Ninja mission rewards were only so much. If he did not take on some side work, how was he supposed to fatten his wallet?
As for working for someone else, Kiyohara felt that was impossible. He would never work for someone else in this lifetime.
Some poorer ninja took on odd jobs and did work meant for ordinary people.
But Kiyohara did not want to waste his time on such things.
Not long after the Third Shinobi World War ended, the Nine-Tails Incident would occur.
Whether Obito went dark or not, Kiyohara figured Uchiha Madara would find someone else to carry out his plans.
A crisis would come sooner or later.
"That makes some sense."
Genma Shiranui nodded.
Why had he never noticed that Kiyohara was so wise before?
While Kurenai Yuhi and Genma Shiranui were lost in thought, Kiyohara had already packed most of the items into his Sealing Scroll.
"Some of these are still new. They should fetch a good price."
Kiyohara thought to himself.
"What should we do now?"
Genma Shiranui also searched the corpses and tucked two Shuriken into his ninja tool pouch.
"Rest for a while, then attack the next outpost."
Kiyohara said.
If they repeated this a few times, they would definitely draw an Iwagakure Jonin to pursue them.
Then Kiyohara and the others could run.
A squad made up of one Genin and two Chunin had already done plenty if they could draw out a Jonin.
"It would be nice to get some rest."
Kurenai Yuhi nodded.
After gathering a few more items, they left the outpost.
The Iwagakure ninja might return for a second sweep, so there was no need to remain at the Iwagakure outpost.
They moved through the vast bamboo forest and found a relatively concealed place to rest for the time being.
"I wonder how Kakashi and the others are doing."
Kiyohara stroked his chin.
He felt that Uchiha Madara probably had more than just Obito in mind.
After all, if that boulder had landed even slightly off, it would have crushed Obito's entire head.
Kiyohara did not think Madara would take such a risk.
At most, Obito had happened to survive, and Madara had decided to choose him.
Uchiha Madara was likely using White Zetsu to monitor and observe the battle here.
"I remember he and Obito will have an argument."
Kiyohara stroked his chin.
For Kakashi, as a ninja, even if it meant sacrificing a companion, he had to complete the mission. That was the "rule."
If the mission failed, the war would drag on endlessly, and even more sacrifices might follow.
But Obito did not care about any of that. His love-struck mind held only Rin.
I hope we can get back soon.
Kiyohara thought to himself.
This mission was already more than halfway done.
They only needed to blow up the bridge to complete it.
Over the next day or two, Kiyohara led Kurenai Yuhi and Genma Shiranui in constant guerrilla attacks.
When the enemy retreated, they advanced.
When the enemy advanced, they retreated.
When the enemy tired, they harassed them.
That smooth little combo left Iwagakure utterly helpless.
"Damn it, their squad definitely has an outstanding sensory ninja!"
Sumashi, an Iwagakure ninja, roared in fury.
This Konoha ninja squad that had appeared out of nowhere simply had no regard for them.
"But Captain, we do not have enough manpower left."
Susuirei spoke up.
If they had enough men, they would have long formed a tightening encirclement around the Konoha ninja squad.
"The fighting on the front lines is intense. There is nothing we can do about that."
Sumashi frowned slightly.
"Regardless, make sure to strengthen security around the bridge. I suspect they may be bait."
"Yes, Captain."
His subordinate, Susuirei, quickly withdrew.
Elsewhere.
Kakashi's squad was confronting Iwagakure ninja.
"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"
Obito expelled an enormous fireball from his mouth. Carrying a scorching wave of heat, it shot forward.
"It did not hit anything."
Obito's expression darkened.
The enemy could use an invisibility jutsu!
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
Shuriken came flying through the air in a sneak attack.
Kakashi hurriedly raised his blade to parry, knocking all the Shuriken away.
"We'll take this child with us first."
The invisible Sumashi knocked Nohara Rin unconscious and prepared to take her away.
He exchanged a glance with Kakkō, an Iwagakure Jonin, and quickly vanished into the bamboo forest.
"Damn it!"
Seeing Nohara Rin captured, Obito was frantic with worry and wanted to rush after them.
"Wait! Don't chase them, Obito!"
Kakashi hesitated for a moment before calling out to stop him.
"Kiyohara and the others should still be helping us draw attention. The two of us need to continue the mission."
"Then what about Rin?"
Obito stared at Kakashi in shock, never expecting him to be so heartless.
"The enemy wants our intelligence, so they will not kill her immediately. Besides, once our information is leaked, they will strengthen the bridge's defenses at once. We have to complete the mission before that happens."
"Saving Rin is more urgent than the mission right now. Your claim that Rin will be fine is nothing but wishful thinking."
At that moment, Kakashi and Obito's conflict erupted.
"When you and I were injured, Rin was always the one who treated us."
Obito tried to persuade Kakashi.
"That was merely Rin's mission too."
Kakashi thought of his father's tragedy.
His father had possessed a reputation greater even than the Sannin and had even been expected to become the Fourth Hokage, yet he had been driven to suicide.
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had not stepped forward to stop the slanderous remarks. That showed that Konoha's leadership also believed Hatake Sakumo's mission failure had caused the Land of Fire tremendous losses.
"You're really hateful!"
At that moment, in Obito's heart—
Kakashi was a bastard even worse than Kiyohara.
"Those who do not value their comrades are trash among trash."
Obito did not want to say anything more to Kakashi and ran straight in the direction the Iwagakure ninja had gone.
Only Kakashi remained where he was, his face twisted with conflict.
Inside a dark underground cavern.
White Zetsu slowly emerged halfway from the wall.
"Lord Madara, the plan is already underway. Obito is about to reach the designated location."
White Zetsu's voice echoed through the underground cavern.
An aged old man, his face covered in wrinkles, slowly opened his eyes.
In contrast to his appearance, those scarlet eyes held not the slightest trace of murkiness. Instead, they gleamed with a sharp, intimidating light.
"Is that so?"
Uchiha Madara nodded.
"By the way, Lord Madara, there is a young ninja named Kiyohara who seems to be performing exceptionally well too."
White Zetsu brought this up because he felt Kiyohara might cause trouble.
"Kiyohara?"
Uchiha Madara had occasionally heard that name in the intelligence White Zetsu relayed back.
It was said that he possessed exceptional talent in sensory abilities.
"He is merely a civilian ninja."
Uchiha Madara shook his head.
If Kiyohara were a ninja of the Uchiha clan, he might have considered Kiyohara one of the backup candidates.
For now, he only needed to focus on Obito.
"Still, send someone to keep a closer watch. Do not let him ruin the plan."
Uchiha Madara spoke again.
"Yes, Lord Madara."
White Zetsu slowly sank back into the wall.
Before you continue