Crisis in Konoha Village

The Fourth Hokage smiled slightly, his gaze carrying a hint of admiration: "I didn't expect you all to run into that group, but I'm glad you're safe. Still, Kakashi, you truly did well. Eliminating the threat of those five ninja was a massive help this time."

"No, as for me..." Kakashi wanted to say something more.

The Fourth Hokage continued with a smile: "Pakkun told me everything. You did a great job as team leader this time, and of course, Obito, Rin, and Yang Xing did as well."

Minato Namikaze's gaze made Obito even more confused; he scratched his head, his brain clearly unable to keep up: "Wait, Fourth Hokage-sama, those people?"

"All five ninja were taken out, which prevented Konoha from being attacked. Well, that's all thanks to Kakashi." Facing Kakashi, the Fourth Hokage's smile was radiant, his eyes filled with not just admiration, but recognition.

This statement shocked Obito, who couldn't help but shout: "Kakashi, you bastard, when did you go out and do something like that? You didn't even tell us, you jerk!"

"I..." Kakashi had the words stuck in his throat, unable to get them out. Especially when he saw Yang Xing not far away, looking completely indifferent and messing around with members of another team, he let out a deep sigh and whispered: "Well, it's nothing."

He lowered his head, a bitter smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"How could this be nothing?" The Fourth Hokage, not understanding the underlying situation, remained unusually serious: "I know those five guys; even a Jonin would have a hard time stopping them. If they hadn't been intercepted, they would have certainly brought harm to Konoha. This was a huge help to us, and this mission could even be considered a quasi-S-rank mission."

"Fourth Hokage, surely you didn't call us here just for this?" This praise made Kakashi's face flush. He really didn't want to hear it, and since he couldn't explain, he had to change the subject.

"In any case, Kakashi's contribution this time was excellent. But let's set aside the credit for now; that's not why I wanted to talk to you." Minato Namikaze straightened his expression, adjusted his demeanor, and said again: "Actually, I wanted to talk about the situation in the neighboring villages."

Without waiting for them to answer, Minato Namikaze continued: "It wasn't just one place that was invaded at the border this time; other areas were breached as well. I fear there are quite a few of them. Just a moment ago, reports came in that several villages have suffered destruction."

Beside him, the female Jonin instructor leading Anko's team stepped forward and nodded: "Yes, the villages were severely damaged, and judging by their trajectory, their destination is likely Konoha."

Nodding, Minato Namikaze looked intently at Kakashi: "Therefore, I've brought you here because I want to form a special operations squad to carry out a very important mission."

Scanning the four of them, Minato Namikaze didn't wait for them to speak, a fleeting bitter smile crossing his lips.

"Kakashi, Obito, Rin, and Yang Xing, although I would like you all to get some proper rest, Konoha is currently in a critical period. The village needs people to guard it, and with the border being breached, a portion of our Chunin and Jonin are already on assignment. So, this isn't a mandatory order, but as your teacher, I am asking you: for the sake of Konoha, are you willing to lend a hand?"

"Yes, Fourth Hokage-sama, I'd be very happy to!" Obito agreed, full of enthusiasm.

The Fourth Hokage scanned Kakashi with an inquiring look, and Kakashi nodded, clearly looking listless.

"And what about Rin and Yang Xing?"

"I'm fine with it."

"Yes, I have no problem either."

"Very well, then it's decided. You will form a squad with these four. For any mission-related questions, ask this Jonin instructor. Also, I apologize, but I have other matters to attend to over the next two days and won't have time to instruct you. I am truly sorry." Looking at Minato Namikaze's haggard appearance, it seemed Konoha was truly in a state of unrest.

After giving some necessary instructions regarding the formation of this special squad, Minato Namikaze left without further small talk with Yang Xing and the others.

After being summoned by an Anbu ninja, he hurried off into the distance with a grave expression.

It seemed that he, the Fourth Hokage, was always incredibly busy.

With only the two teams left in the room, the silence was first broken by the more extroverted Anko.

She crossed her arms, narrowed her eyes, and walked straight over, sizing up the first person she saw: Kakashi. "Oh, so you're the guy who managed to wipe out five elites in one go. Looks like you must be the strongest in your group."

She swept a glance over them, and without waiting for Kakashi to speak, she waved her hand arrogantly: "Well, just don't drag our team down."

"Anko, greet them properly. These people are our teammates from now on." The female instructor's shout made Anko tone it down slightly.

"Yeah, yeah!" She walked up with an indifferent air and extended a hand toward one of them: "As a sign of friendship, since we're from different teams, let's shake hands."

"Me?" Yang Xing glanced to his side and realized she was indeed pointing at him.

However, there was a hint of cunning in the girl's eyes.

With everyone watching, Yang Xing had no choice but to extend a hand and grip her slender, delicate one. The hand wasn't large, but her grip was surprisingly strong.

Yang Xing didn't use any force, but Anko, who had gripped his hand, leaned in and whispered in a tone clearly meant only for the two of them, carrying a distinct threat: "Kid, looking at you, you must be the weakest one on your team. Don't say I didn't warn you—don't mess with me, or you'll regret it."

Yang Xing: "..."

"Well then, let's all get along from now on!" Anko's cheerful shout masked the tense atmosphere, leaving everyone around them unable to guess what the two had just discussed.

A bewildered Yang Xing could only scratch his head and treat her words as hot air.

The subsequent conversation was simple; the teams introduced themselves briefly before parting ways.

After all, they had just finished a mission, and even with Konoha in crisis, they needed to take some time to rest before the next mission began.

To recover from their fatigue, they agreed to meet at noon the next day and split up at the base of the Hokage Building.

Exhausted after a long day, Yang Xing just wanted to go home, lie on his bed, and sleep soundly, not wanting to deal with anything else. Unfortunately, just as he was about to leave, someone called out to him.

"Hey, Yang Xing, I have something I want to talk to you about." It was rare for Kakashi to take the initiative.

However, Yang Xing just glanced back, waved his hand, and didn't even stop walking: "Next time."

"Yang Xing!"

Watching Yang Xing leap onto the rooftops and quickly disappear into the distance, Kakashi looked helpless. He could only sigh and turn to leave.

Since Yang Xing didn't want to talk to him right now, there was truly nothing he could do.

It seemed that clearing up the Fourth Hokage's misunderstanding would definitely take some time.