The Fate About to Begin
As the leaves bid farewell to the branches, taking away the last warmth of Natsuhi, the entire Land of Grass seemed to suddenly become a bit chilly.
The land, scarred and desolate, seemed to have completely lost its vitality, with only blood-red and withered flowers blooming, a scene of sorrow and tragedy.
The war between Stone Shinobi and Konoha has been going on for months, and almost everyone can predict that the war is about to end. However, which side will be the winner and how the war will end will determine the fate of the entire Shinobi World.
The winds and clouds are clear, sweeping across the vast plains. The further west you go, the more mountains there are in the Land of Grass.
The Stone Shinobi camp was bustling with activity and shouts.
The atmosphere was chaotic yet somber; there are no winners in war, and everyone felt deeply weary.
"Konoha should be making their move soon..."
Ōnoki hovered silently in mid-air above a distant mountain peak, overlooking the entire Stone Shinobi camp. However, his gaze was turned to the side, and a chilling wind swept across his face, carrying a hint of coldness.
That's the direction of Konoha's camp.
However, the Land of Grass did not seem to be sunny today. Gloomy clouds shrouded the boundless dome, like a huge curtain of a thousand pounds pressing down on everyone's heads. It was as if gloomy clouds also shrouded Ōnoki's heart. He couldn't help but take out the scroll in his arms again and again, and he hesitated.
The Stone Shinobi had mobilized all their regular forces for this war. Although it hadn't reached the point of shaking the entire village, it was impossible for them to retreat so hastily. Even though Ōnoki had been in charge of Iwagakure for many years, this incident would be a huge blow to his reputation.
"That Raikage is a bastard!"
The Mist Shinobi and the Cloud Shinobi made no progress, leaving Ōnoki frustrated and unable to vent his anger. The three-way alliance was held together by the Mist Shinobi.
Stone Shinobi had thought that by splitting the army into three groups, even if the other two villages were just feigning attacks to disperse Konoha's forces, the Iwa ninja would still be able to maintain a strong advantage over Konoha. However, he did not expect Konoha's forces to be so powerful. Ōnoki regretted not being more prepared and bringing the Sand Shinobi onto the battle line as well.
"Kitsuchi! Immediately select Elite Jonin from the team to form a special operations team to snipe Minato Namikaze and that damned Blue Asura!"
" For the Stone Shinobi to win, at least one of these two must die!"
"Yes!"
Wearing a somewhat worn Stone Shinobi vest, his Kitsuchi face showed worry, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.
"Father... what about the Cloud Shinobi...?"
"Don't count on those bastards from the Cloud Shinobi! They've been beaten up and are now so afraid of getting their hands on the Land of Fire!"
"No, Father, what I mean is, if we and Konoha are both severely weakened, the Cloud Shinobi will definitely not let it go. Last time we blocked the Cloud Shinobi's forces, but the Cloud Shinobi seems to have made no reaction. They are probably plotting something..."
"Cloud Shinobi? What kind of plan could a guy like the Third Raikage, who's all muscle in his head, possibly come up with?"
Although Ōnoki's tone was full of disdain for the Cloud Shinobi, a hint of doubt flickered in his eyes. There was indeed something strange about this matter, and it seemed that we had to be careful.
After a long pause, Ōnoki finally spoke slowly.
"Kitsuchi, you should also keep an eye on the Cloud Shinobi's movements lately..."
"Yes, Father!"
Ōnoki could perceive, Minato Namikaze could also perceive, but he understood even more clearly the key turning point of this war— Kannabi Bridge.
Once the Stone Shinobi's supply lines are destroyed, Stone Shinobi vanguard will be rendered unable to fight for a short time. Ōnoki will then face only two options: surrender or fight to the death. Knowing Ōnoki as he does, he would never choose to fight to the death...
Only...
Such a crucial location would certainly be heavily guarded, allowing only small groups to conduct operations behind enemy lines. All Konoha Ninja could only launch feint attacks for this small team's mission.
Looking at the three people in front of him, a hint of worry flickered in his eyes.
"Kakashi Hatake, Obito Uchiha, Rin... you should understand the importance of this mission..."
Whether the autumn leaves were beautiful or not, Minato Namikaze didn't know; the falling leaves whistling through the chilly wind only added to his melancholy.
"Yes!"
Kakashi Hatake, his eyes serious, glanced briefly at the energetic Obito Uchiha and the still somewhat naive Rin, and frowned slightly.
"If... if Xu were still here..." With a soft sigh, Minato Namikaze closed the mission scroll and solemnly handed it, along with a specially made Kunai, to Kakashi Hatake.
"When the teacher is not around, you must take good care of yourselves..."
"Don't worry, Minato-sensei! I'll definitely take good care of Rin!"
Obito Uchiha pulled down his goggles, his face becoming serious. He understood the danger of the mission, but he wanted to prove himself through this method rather than risk the danger.
"Hmph, take care of yourself first..."
Kakashi Hatake glanced at Obito Uchiha, as if he could see right through his thoughts, and ignored Obito Uchiha's resentful look. He then walked away alone with the mission scroll.
"Kakashi Hatake, you're the captain now, and I'll obey your orders, but I will never lose to you!"
"Idiot..."
A gentle breeze whistled past Obito Uchiha's ears, and he seemed to vaguely hear someone cursing at him. With a light step, he caught up with Kakashi Hatake.
"Hey! You bastard! Did you even hear what I said?!"
Seeing that Obito Uchiha and Kakashi Hatake seemed completely unfazed, Rin felt a strange unease creeping into her heart. She didn't know why, but she felt a sense of panic, as if something bad was about to happen.
She understood the danger of the mission and also had some idea of why they had been given a few days' leave beforehand. She pursed her lips slightly and looked at Minato Namikaze, who was still there.
"Minato-sensei... can I ask you a question?"
"Lin, when did you become so polite?"
Minato Namikaze smiled, patted Rin's head, and gently flicked her hair.
"Minato-sensei! Be gentler with the girls!"
Rin pouted slightly, but showed no dissatisfaction. Minato Namikaze's gentle smile eased some of her worries. Just like before, in times of crisis, Minato-sensei would always come to their rescue.
"Hahaha... Lin has grown up too..."
Lin simply stared at Minato Namikaze, her eyes showing a hint of uncertainty about how to begin.
"Minato-sensei... um, Osamu-kun, how is he now?"
"Obito Uchiha may seem indifferent, but I know he still cares about Oo-kun deep down. I..."
Although Minato Namikaze seemed somewhat oblivious to the subtle emotions between his disciples, he understood something at this moment. He glanced at Obito Uchiha and a slight smile appeared on his lips.
"Lin, Xu is doing well..."
He'll be fine...
The intermittent sunlight shone on Minato Namikaze's face, still so warm and reliable. Rin Nohara couldn't help but smile, her smile as beautiful as a brocade orchid amidst the slightly desolate forest.
"Yes, Minato-sensei!"